May 31, 2015
The B’nai B’rith Anti-Defamation Commission (ADC) has praised Pope Francis for stating in an interview with Portuguese reporter Henrique Cymerman that “anyone who does not recognise the Jewish people and the State of Israel—and their right to exist—is guilty of anti-Semitism.” The Pope also noted in the interview that “…we must distinguish between the Jewish people and the state of Israel – and their right to exist – and the current governments of each state. Whoever does not accept the first two is guilty of anti-Semitism.”
ADC Chairman, Dr Dvir Abramovich, issued the following statement:
“We applaud Pope Francis for seeing through the guise of the anti-Semites who seek to hide their true intentions under the mask of anti-Zionism. It has been widely recognised by various governments and organisations, including The European Forum on Anti-Semitism and The US State Department that, “Denying the Jewish people their right to self-determination, and denying Israel the right to exist” is a form of anti-Semitism. Most recently, President Obama in an interview with Jeffrey Goldberg drew a link between anti-Semitism and anti-Zionism when discussing those who question Israel’s right to exist.
We are also reminded of French Prime Minister Manuel Valls, who as Interior Minister stated that “Criticism of Israel that is based on anti-Zionism — that’s anti-Semitism today, this is the refuge of those who do not accept the State of Israel.” As the ADC has noted time and again, those who claim that Jews do not have a right to sovereignty and self-determination like all other people on earth, who delegitimize Israel by undermining its right to exist as a Jewish state, who promote boycotts, divestments and sanctions, and who want to see Israel destroyed, should be treated as haters and bigots.
This is an important statement by Pope Francis that will further reinforce the strong bond of friendship that the Church, Israel and the Jewish people have enjoyed, and which underscores the vigorous role Pope Francis has played in improving Jewish-Catholic relations.”
The Anti-Defamation Commission, founded in 1979, is Australia’s leading organization fighting anti-Semitism through educational programs that combat bigotry, prejudice and all forms of hatred.
For further information please contact Dr Dvir Abramovich on (03) 9272 5677
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