July 10, 2015

The B’nai B’rith Anti-Defamation Commission (ADC)  has commended the AmericanEpiscopal Church  for rejecting a resolution that promoted a divestment from Israeli businesses that conduct operations in the West Bank and a boycotts of  their  products manufactured there. The vote took place at the Church’s General Convention in Salt Lake City. The Episcopal Church in the United States has 1.8 million members.

Dr Dvir Abramovich, Chairman of the ADC, issued the following statement:

“We convey our heartfelt thanks to the  Episcopal Church Convention for its unmistakableprincipled stand and welcome this significant decision which sends a resounding message that The Episcopal Church will not support any campaign that singles out Israelis and punishes companies doing business with Israel.  The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is highly complex, and embracing economic vandalism and warfare against Israel will  not foster  genuine dialogue, cooperation and reconciliation between the two parties. Such hostile and discriminatory partisanship only fans the flame of division and hatred, and damages the healthy Christian-Jewish relationship we all wish to maintain. Religious leaders have a role to play in extending their outstretched hand to people on both sides of this tragic dispute and advocating for peace and justice.  We urge other churches and denominations  to follow suit and to  reject the vicious tactics of the BDS .”

For more information, please contact Dr. Dvir Abramovich on, 9272-5677.

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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