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13 MAY 2021
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CFI calls on Rabb to shun Durban IV
Marie blasts Hamas after BoD election win
Conservative Friends of Israel vice-chair Theresa Villiers MP has corresponded with Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab calling on the UK not to participate in Durban IV. The controversial 20th anniversary commemoration of the 2001 World Conference Against Racism is due to be held at the United Nations in September. Following up on an exchange in the House of Commons, the former Cabinet member welcomed Rabb stating that the UK would not support any “partisan or political attacks on Israel” and was “crystal clear” in our condemnation of antisemitism. Calling for a UK boycott of the event, Villiers said it was “incumbent upon the UK” to confront those who seek to espouse or endorse antisemitic views. In 2011, former Prime Minister David Cameron boycotted the Durban III conference to mark the 10th anniversary. The UK voted against the 31st December 2020 General Assembly resolution to convene Durban IV. The latest intervention came as the US, Canada and Australia confirmed they will not attend the conference. A US State Department spokesperson noted, “The United States stands with Israel and has always shared its concerns
BY ADAM MOSES
over the Durban process’s anti-Israel sentiment, use as a forum for antisemitism, and freedom of expression issues.” A Canadian government spokesperson added that Canada was concerned that the Durban process advocates an anti-Israel sentiment and a forum for antisemitism. Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison commented, “We will not associate Australia with one-sided and contentious language that singles out Israel or an event that champions such language”.
PHOTO: WIKIMEDIA
Theresa Villiers MP
Est. 1983
A.Cohen Jewellers
Re-elected Board of Deputies President Marie van der Zyl has blasted Hamas following its rocket attacks against Israeli civilian targets. Condemning Hamas for its “reprehensible and cynical barrage” of over 1200 rockets into civilian areas in Israel, Ms van der Zyl urged politicians and media to not inadvertently encourage Hamas by ignoring or downplaying its terrorist activities. The Board, JLC and UJIA subsequently issued a joint statement, noting, “We are deeply concerned and saddened by the escalation of violence and the seemingly unremittent rocket fire against Israeli civilians by Hamas in Gaza. These attacks are abhorrent and, despite the protection of the Iron Dome, have sadly already caused loss of life. Israel has the right to defend its citizens and it is the responsibility of Hamas to immediately halt all rocket fire from Gaza. “British Jews have family, friends and colleagues in Israel, and our thoughts and prayers are with them, and with all those, both Israeli and Palestinian, who are suffering. “We are working closely together to monitor the situation and provide whatever support we can to both the people of Israel and the UK Jewish community. The city of Jerusalem and its holy sites are sacred to Jews, Muslims and Christians around the world. Time and again we have seen how tensions in the Middle East play out here in the UK, affecting community cohesion and community confidence. It is vital that all those with
The Northern Ireland Assembly has adopted the International Definition of Antisemitism, despite Sinn Fein’s opposition to the Democratic Unionist Party’s proposal to adopt it. The DUP motion stressed a need to tackle the “scourge of antisemitism in every aspect of our society” and called on the Assembly to adopt the definition in full. Sinn Fein attempted to pass an amendment to remove the reference to the definition, but retained similar wording without the examples. A Campaign Against Antisemitism spokesperson welcomed the decision by
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public platforms in the UK use language responsibly to reduce rather than inflame tensions.” The announcement of Ms van der Zyl’s victory over Jonathan Neumann in the Triennial President elections by 161-125 votes came amidst growing tensions in Israel coinciding with Yom Yerushalayim. Following the announcement, she told delegates about improving plenaries, increasing deputy involvement and restoring collegiality before commenting on news from Israel. “This is a timely reminder that we are here foremost to act for our community and that includes our concern for the welfare of the State of Israel,” Ms van der Zyl said. Neumann received more votes than any unsuccessful Presidential candidate in the Board’s history. “The narrowness of the margin shows there is a strong appetite for change,” he said. Gary Mond, David Mendoza-Wolfson and Amanda Bowman were elected as Vice Presidents. Ben Crowne was elected unopposed as Treasurer.
Northern Ireland adopts IHRA definition
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the Assembly to adopt the IHRA definition but regretted Sinn Fein opposed the adoption resolution. “Its passage is a strong demonstration of solidarity with the Jewish community and a powerful expression of opposition to anti-Jewish racism, which has no place in Northern Ireland or any other part of the United Kingdom,” CAA noted. “We continue to call on local authorities, as well as universities and other public bodies, to adopt the definition and apply it in cases of antisemitism.” In the past, Belfast City Council rejected the adoption of the definition.
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