YNet News reports:
"Top EU official hurt in Bil'in protest
West Bank: Vice President of European Parliament Luisa Morgantini hurt by IDF tear gas Diplomatic incident in West Bank: Vice President of the European Parliament Luisa Morgantini and Irish Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Mairead Corrigan-Maguire were hurt Friday after inhaling tear gas during an anti-security fence protest in the West Bank village of Bil'in.
Later, Italian Judge Julio Toscano reportedly suffered head wounds after being hit by a tear gas grenade. The judge was taken to a Ramallah hospital for treatment.
According to protestors, dozens of the hundreds of demonstrators on hand were hurt by tear gas, while several were hit by gas canisters."
Read full article here
On Luisa Morgantini:
Israel on trial in Brussels: Iranian and Syrian Ambassadors give standing ovation to judges
""The Ambassadors of Lebanon, Syria and Iran, as well as the Vice President of the European Parliament, Luisa Morgantini, were among the 300 odd attendees who gave the judges a ten-minute standing ovation after the reading of the verdict", excerpt from an article "The "tribunal of conscience" harshly condemns Israel from Brussels" by Scarlett Haddad for L’Orient-Le Jour. Posted on Islam in Belgium, tag: the Empire of Evil"
Friday, 6 June 2008
Thursday, 5 June 2008
German Neo-Nazis for Israel
Eldad Beck reporting on a German neo-Nazi group purported support for Israel in YNet News
"Shall wolves dwell with lambs? Israel received an unexpected surprise for its 60th birthday in the form of a new group rooting for its prosperity. The twist? They are neo-Nazis.
On May 15, the Gregorian date in which the State of Israel was established, a group called National Socialists for Israel launched its online manifest.
"A strong nation is worthy of life; an ailing nation deserves death," it said, before detailing an ideology sporting the traditional Nazi concept of purity of the race on the one hand, and calling on National Socialists to let go of their hatred for Jews and support the Jewish people's right to their own homeland on the other.
"Deportations, pogroms and inquisitions were all understandable acts which were carried out by nations merely trying to defend themselves," said the website of past persecution of Jews.
"That is also the context in which the event called the 'Holocaust' must be viewed… This does not justify it. Instead of destroying the Jews we should have taken every measure possible to support the Zionist movement."
The group goes on to harshly criticize the Nazi regime as the cause of the "unnecessary rivalry" between Germany and its "brethren neighbors," and slams the current leaders of Germany's extreme right as "cowardly reactionaries."
"The Jewish people still exist. Their national movement, supported by brave warriors has been able to form a state and expel foreign elements… For 60 year now, an army of young men and women has defended Israel against all foes," said the site.
Further supportive messages called for the Nazi party to "stop spreading anti Semitic lies about a worldwide Jewish plot" and demanded of anti Semites to "show us proof of Jewish domination over Germany and the world."
The website also tells of a gathering which took place on May 25 and included panels on solidarity with Israel, anti Semitism, and how to counter "the growing Islamic presence in Germany and around the world."
The group's public relations department has begun distributing stickers in Berlin depicting Israeli soldiers carrying the Israeli flag with the slogan - "A 2000-year struggle for survival. Respect those who have earned it."
Social experts following Germany's extreme right are skeptical of the new group, with some saying it is the product of a radical Left-wing-led provocation. Others, however, believe it may be a genuine new movement."
"Shall wolves dwell with lambs? Israel received an unexpected surprise for its 60th birthday in the form of a new group rooting for its prosperity. The twist? They are neo-Nazis.
On May 15, the Gregorian date in which the State of Israel was established, a group called National Socialists for Israel launched its online manifest.
"A strong nation is worthy of life; an ailing nation deserves death," it said, before detailing an ideology sporting the traditional Nazi concept of purity of the race on the one hand, and calling on National Socialists to let go of their hatred for Jews and support the Jewish people's right to their own homeland on the other.
"Deportations, pogroms and inquisitions were all understandable acts which were carried out by nations merely trying to defend themselves," said the website of past persecution of Jews.
"That is also the context in which the event called the 'Holocaust' must be viewed… This does not justify it. Instead of destroying the Jews we should have taken every measure possible to support the Zionist movement."
The group goes on to harshly criticize the Nazi regime as the cause of the "unnecessary rivalry" between Germany and its "brethren neighbors," and slams the current leaders of Germany's extreme right as "cowardly reactionaries."
"The Jewish people still exist. Their national movement, supported by brave warriors has been able to form a state and expel foreign elements… For 60 year now, an army of young men and women has defended Israel against all foes," said the site.
Further supportive messages called for the Nazi party to "stop spreading anti Semitic lies about a worldwide Jewish plot" and demanded of anti Semites to "show us proof of Jewish domination over Germany and the world."
The website also tells of a gathering which took place on May 25 and included panels on solidarity with Israel, anti Semitism, and how to counter "the growing Islamic presence in Germany and around the world."
The group's public relations department has begun distributing stickers in Berlin depicting Israeli soldiers carrying the Israeli flag with the slogan - "A 2000-year struggle for survival. Respect those who have earned it."
Social experts following Germany's extreme right are skeptical of the new group, with some saying it is the product of a radical Left-wing-led provocation. Others, however, believe it may be a genuine new movement."
Belgium: former minister André Flahaut files libel suite against Jewish leader
From the EJF:
"A former Belgian minister has filed a libel suit against the head of CCOJB, the umbrella group of Belgian Jewish organizations, who reported anti-Jewish comments made by the politician during a pro-Palestinian demonstration.
Socialist MP André Flahaut, who was Defense Minister in the previous Belgian government, sparked the ire of the Jewish community after reportedly comparing Israel’s policy towards the Palestinians to the fate of the Jews during World War II.
He later denied having made anti-Jewish or anti-Israeli declarations during the gathering organized end May in the city of Nivelles by a group called “Just Peace in the Middle East” to commemorate the expulsion of Palestinians after the creation of Israel in 1948.
Images of the gathering and of Flahaut’s speech were later aired on You Tube by the CCOJB, the umbrella group of Belgian Jewish organizations.
Flahaut said he had been heckled by Joel Rubinfeld, the CCOJB president, “before he had the opportunity to speak at the meeting”. He also blamed the Jewish leader for having publicly threatened him with a "retort from the Jewish community."
In a press release, Flahaut said he has "never stopped fighting against all demonstrations of racism, anti-Semitism and xenophobia.”
He said that his declarations have been "abbreviated" and asked the court to view all videos taken during the demonstration on the market place of Nivelles which also featured a staged repression of Palestinians by people disguised in Israeli soldiers.
The Israeli embassy in Belgium protested against the organization of the demonstration which, it said, "trivializes and simplifies the Mideast situation” and “manipulates the public."
Reacting on Flahaut’s decision to sue him and the CCOJB, Rubinfeld said he hoped the court proceedings "will give the opportunity to finally open a large debate over how anti-Semitism has developed through attacks against Israel."
"Anti-Zionism is hiding shameful anti-Semitism," he said."I am serene because there are European rules prohibiting anti-Semitic remarks," he added.
Elected at the head of the Belgian Jewish group last year after a disputed battle, the 39-year-old Rubinfeld is seen as a "more pro-Israel militant" than his predecessor.
He recently called on Belgian King Albert II to make a statement recognizing the responsibility of state officials in the deportation of Jews from Belgium to Nazi death camps during WWII, like former French president Jacques Chirac did several years ago."
Related:
Wiesenthal Centre denounces bogus 'Israeli' assault on Arabs subliminal Jew-hatred inculcation
Former Belgian Minister sparks ire of Jewish community with remarks on Israel, EJP
"A former Belgian minister has filed a libel suit against the head of CCOJB, the umbrella group of Belgian Jewish organizations, who reported anti-Jewish comments made by the politician during a pro-Palestinian demonstration.
Socialist MP André Flahaut, who was Defense Minister in the previous Belgian government, sparked the ire of the Jewish community after reportedly comparing Israel’s policy towards the Palestinians to the fate of the Jews during World War II.
He later denied having made anti-Jewish or anti-Israeli declarations during the gathering organized end May in the city of Nivelles by a group called “Just Peace in the Middle East” to commemorate the expulsion of Palestinians after the creation of Israel in 1948.
Images of the gathering and of Flahaut’s speech were later aired on You Tube by the CCOJB, the umbrella group of Belgian Jewish organizations.
Flahaut said he had been heckled by Joel Rubinfeld, the CCOJB president, “before he had the opportunity to speak at the meeting”. He also blamed the Jewish leader for having publicly threatened him with a "retort from the Jewish community."
In a press release, Flahaut said he has "never stopped fighting against all demonstrations of racism, anti-Semitism and xenophobia.”
He said that his declarations have been "abbreviated" and asked the court to view all videos taken during the demonstration on the market place of Nivelles which also featured a staged repression of Palestinians by people disguised in Israeli soldiers.
The Israeli embassy in Belgium protested against the organization of the demonstration which, it said, "trivializes and simplifies the Mideast situation” and “manipulates the public."
Reacting on Flahaut’s decision to sue him and the CCOJB, Rubinfeld said he hoped the court proceedings "will give the opportunity to finally open a large debate over how anti-Semitism has developed through attacks against Israel."
"Anti-Zionism is hiding shameful anti-Semitism," he said."I am serene because there are European rules prohibiting anti-Semitic remarks," he added.
Elected at the head of the Belgian Jewish group last year after a disputed battle, the 39-year-old Rubinfeld is seen as a "more pro-Israel militant" than his predecessor.
He recently called on Belgian King Albert II to make a statement recognizing the responsibility of state officials in the deportation of Jews from Belgium to Nazi death camps during WWII, like former French president Jacques Chirac did several years ago."
Related:
Wiesenthal Centre denounces bogus 'Israeli' assault on Arabs subliminal Jew-hatred inculcation
Former Belgian Minister sparks ire of Jewish community with remarks on Israel, EJP
Wednesday, 4 June 2008
Antisemitism in the UK: The Academic Union [UCU] is Back at it Again, by Deborah Lipstadt
Posted by Deborah Lipstadt on her blog:
"The union of academics and professors in the UK, the UCU, which last year tried to initiate a boycott of Israeli academics but was prevented from doing so by its own lawyers which told it that it was illegal, is trying to do the same thing again but in a trickier mode.
On May 28th it pas Motion 25 which called for a number of boycott initiatives. Anthony Julius, my solicitor and someone who has done a tremendous amount to fight UK antisemitism, is representing a number of members of the UCU who consider Motion 25 to be both a boycott motion and to be antisemitic.
His excellent [no surprise here], reasoned [ditto], and well argued [ditto] letter to the UCU can be found here.
Anyone who is concerned about this issue and who doesn't understand why these actions by groups such as the UCU are not just virulently anti-Israel but actually antisemitic should read this letter."
"The union of academics and professors in the UK, the UCU, which last year tried to initiate a boycott of Israeli academics but was prevented from doing so by its own lawyers which told it that it was illegal, is trying to do the same thing again but in a trickier mode.
On May 28th it pas Motion 25 which called for a number of boycott initiatives. Anthony Julius, my solicitor and someone who has done a tremendous amount to fight UK antisemitism, is representing a number of members of the UCU who consider Motion 25 to be both a boycott motion and to be antisemitic.
His excellent [no surprise here], reasoned [ditto], and well argued [ditto] letter to the UCU can be found here.
Anyone who is concerned about this issue and who doesn't understand why these actions by groups such as the UCU are not just virulently anti-Israel but actually antisemitic should read this letter."
"In opinion polls Americans express overwhelming support for Israel", Gerard Baker
From an article by Gerard Baker in The Times:
"If Jews wield little direct electoral clout, the reason for the power of the Israel lobby, say its critics, must be that it uses the financial and political muscle of American Jews to exercise a stranglehold on foreign policy debate. It requires politicians to commit America to uncritical support for Israel, irrespective of other US interests in the region.
There is a lot wrong with this idea. In a country as diverse as America, candidates are constantly trying to ensure that they are in the good graces of people of almost all faiths and traditions. (...)
But there is a bigger reason to object to the familiar characterisation of the Jewish lobby. AIPAC is undoubtedly one of the most effective lobbying organisations in Washington. But it succeeds because very large numbers of Americans share its aims, not because it somehow strongarms politicians into supporting it. Candidates want AIPAC's approval because they know that being seen as pro-Israel is central to their foreign policy credentials.
In opinion polls Americans express overwhelming support for Israel. They see it in kindred terms - a thriving democracy forged in an inhospitable climate. For Barack Obama in particular, dispelling doubts about his pro-Israel credentials is essential to winning the votes of most Americans."
"If Jews wield little direct electoral clout, the reason for the power of the Israel lobby, say its critics, must be that it uses the financial and political muscle of American Jews to exercise a stranglehold on foreign policy debate. It requires politicians to commit America to uncritical support for Israel, irrespective of other US interests in the region.
There is a lot wrong with this idea. In a country as diverse as America, candidates are constantly trying to ensure that they are in the good graces of people of almost all faiths and traditions. (...)
But there is a bigger reason to object to the familiar characterisation of the Jewish lobby. AIPAC is undoubtedly one of the most effective lobbying organisations in Washington. But it succeeds because very large numbers of Americans share its aims, not because it somehow strongarms politicians into supporting it. Candidates want AIPAC's approval because they know that being seen as pro-Israel is central to their foreign policy credentials.
In opinion polls Americans express overwhelming support for Israel. They see it in kindred terms - a thriving democracy forged in an inhospitable climate. For Barack Obama in particular, dispelling doubts about his pro-Israel credentials is essential to winning the votes of most Americans."
Tuesday, 3 June 2008
Don’t count on Europe, by Zalman Shoval
From YNet News:
Israel must continue to rely on America, realize Europe cannot replace it
"The great crowd that filled the Presidential Conference’s venue in Jerusalem stood up and cheered for the presidents and prime ministers who made their way from Asia, Africa, and Eastern Europe in order to honor the State of Israel on its 60th Birthday. Yet who wasn’t there? Not even one head of state from Western Europe: Not from Britain, not from France, not from Germany, not from Holland, Belgium or Luxemburg, not from Scandinavia, not from Greece, Italy or Ireland, not from Austria or Switzerland, and not from Portugal and Spain. Spanish Foreign Minister Miguel Moratinos did come – but he’s a frequent flyer to our country in any case.
Let us not fool ourselves that this blatant absence was coincidental – and even if no official boycott on Israel’s celebrations was declared, the result was the same: The Western Europeans did not come. It therefore appears that many European foreign ministries still possess a “special” attitude to the Jewish State, and not in the positive sense of the word. It also turns out that anti-Semitism and anti-Israel sentiments, which are two sides of the same coin, have an influence not only in European public opinion and the media tone, but also in the corridors of the foreign ministries there.
European states indeed did not follow the example of United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, who sent a special message to the Palestinians on the occasion of “Naqba Day,” that is, the day marking the “disaster” of the State of Israel’s establishment and Arab defeat in their war against it, yet the absence of their leaders conveyed in practice a similar message.
Foreign Minister Livni, and not only she, likes to talk about the “other Europe” – that is, no longer the almost-automatic adoption of anti-Israel positions, and no more hypocritical declarations such as the ones during the tenure of Chancellor Schmidt, that the Palestinians should receive an apology because the Holocaust of European Jewry seemingly prompted the establishment of the State of Israel.
Indeed, there has been a certain change for the better, and this change may be reinforced in the wake of the election of Berlusconi in Italy and Sarkozy in France – and even though we felt a little betrayed, and certainly disappointed, in light of reports that a French diplomat engaged in “talks” with Hamas, we should be praising the French president, as well as Chancellor Merkel, Berlusconi, and the British Brown for the tough positions they recently adopted vis-à-vis Iran.
At the same time, it appears that the spirit of appeasement in parts of European policy-making and diplomatic strongholds has not completely evaporated – and when we mention Chamberlain, it would be good to remember that he had a French partner called Daladier.
There have been some people around here recently who argued that Israel should rely less on America, among other reasons because in their view it won’t be the world’s only superpower in the future, once Europe becomes equal to it in the near future. Yet there is no greater mistake.
Not only does, in factual terms, Europe not compare and will not compare to America in the diplomatic and security sphere, Europe’s leaders are consciously not even aiming for this. Of course, any effort to improve and deepen our ties with various parts of the world, including Europe, is appropriate and important. Yet Europe, either old or new, cannot be a replacement for the US for us, not now and not in the future, and certainly not in diplomatic and security terms.
Even if the next American president would be a candidate whose declarations sometimes arouse concern around here, he will continue, in general lines, the traditional friendly ties with Israel with the backing of a massive majority in both houses of Congress, and that’s what really matters."
Zalman Shoval is a former Israeli ambassador to Washington
Israel must continue to rely on America, realize Europe cannot replace it
"The great crowd that filled the Presidential Conference’s venue in Jerusalem stood up and cheered for the presidents and prime ministers who made their way from Asia, Africa, and Eastern Europe in order to honor the State of Israel on its 60th Birthday. Yet who wasn’t there? Not even one head of state from Western Europe: Not from Britain, not from France, not from Germany, not from Holland, Belgium or Luxemburg, not from Scandinavia, not from Greece, Italy or Ireland, not from Austria or Switzerland, and not from Portugal and Spain. Spanish Foreign Minister Miguel Moratinos did come – but he’s a frequent flyer to our country in any case.
Let us not fool ourselves that this blatant absence was coincidental – and even if no official boycott on Israel’s celebrations was declared, the result was the same: The Western Europeans did not come. It therefore appears that many European foreign ministries still possess a “special” attitude to the Jewish State, and not in the positive sense of the word. It also turns out that anti-Semitism and anti-Israel sentiments, which are two sides of the same coin, have an influence not only in European public opinion and the media tone, but also in the corridors of the foreign ministries there.
European states indeed did not follow the example of United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, who sent a special message to the Palestinians on the occasion of “Naqba Day,” that is, the day marking the “disaster” of the State of Israel’s establishment and Arab defeat in their war against it, yet the absence of their leaders conveyed in practice a similar message.
Foreign Minister Livni, and not only she, likes to talk about the “other Europe” – that is, no longer the almost-automatic adoption of anti-Israel positions, and no more hypocritical declarations such as the ones during the tenure of Chancellor Schmidt, that the Palestinians should receive an apology because the Holocaust of European Jewry seemingly prompted the establishment of the State of Israel.
Indeed, there has been a certain change for the better, and this change may be reinforced in the wake of the election of Berlusconi in Italy and Sarkozy in France – and even though we felt a little betrayed, and certainly disappointed, in light of reports that a French diplomat engaged in “talks” with Hamas, we should be praising the French president, as well as Chancellor Merkel, Berlusconi, and the British Brown for the tough positions they recently adopted vis-à-vis Iran.
At the same time, it appears that the spirit of appeasement in parts of European policy-making and diplomatic strongholds has not completely evaporated – and when we mention Chamberlain, it would be good to remember that he had a French partner called Daladier.
There have been some people around here recently who argued that Israel should rely less on America, among other reasons because in their view it won’t be the world’s only superpower in the future, once Europe becomes equal to it in the near future. Yet there is no greater mistake.
Not only does, in factual terms, Europe not compare and will not compare to America in the diplomatic and security sphere, Europe’s leaders are consciously not even aiming for this. Of course, any effort to improve and deepen our ties with various parts of the world, including Europe, is appropriate and important. Yet Europe, either old or new, cannot be a replacement for the US for us, not now and not in the future, and certainly not in diplomatic and security terms.
Even if the next American president would be a candidate whose declarations sometimes arouse concern around here, he will continue, in general lines, the traditional friendly ties with Israel with the backing of a massive majority in both houses of Congress, and that’s what really matters."
Zalman Shoval is a former Israeli ambassador to Washington
Sunday, 1 June 2008
Ex-EU official condemns UK academic boycott call, by Jonny Paul
In TJP:
"A former director of the European Community, the supranational economic body that is part of the European Union, has written to the president of the European Commission calling for strong action in response to the decision by a UK union to reintroduce a boycott of Israeli academia.
Paul Goldschmidt, former director of the EU, has written to José Manuel Barroso, president of the European Commission, as well as six EU commissioners, asking for the European body to "unequivocally and rapidly" condemn the University and College Union (UCU) decision.
"I wish to draw your attention on the vote by the UCU of a motion calling for the reintroduction of the boycott of Israeli academia," he said.
"The position taken by the UCU is totally incompatible with the EU Financial Regulation covering the basic conditions for disbursing further community funds," he continued.
Goldschmidt said he hoped a strong EU position would help repeal the "incriminated" motion, and that normal academic relations could "again be pursued in all serenity." Goldschmidt cited the motion passed by the Board of Governors of Ben-Gurion University in the Negev in the immediate aftermath of the UCU vote that underlined the "UCU's blatant violation of the Statutes of the International Council of Sciences."
Meanwhile on Friday, Education Minister of State Bill Rammell called on university lecturers not to boycott Israeli academics.
Speaking on the final day of the UCU annual congress in Manchester, Rammell said: "Let me be clear, you are entitled to decide your policy. But I have to tell you I profoundly disagree with cutting links with Israeli academics." ...
Labor MP John Mann, chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group against anti-Semitism, responded to the boycott motion by saying, "Boycotts do nothing to bring about peace and reconciliation in the Middle East but leave Jewish students, academics and their associates isolated and victimized on UK university campuses. The All-Party Group is determined to work with all right-minded groups and individuals to defeat this attack on academic freedom.""
Related:
Esprit d’escalier: reminiscences of a silent observer of the UCU conference , bu Robert Fine, Engage
Responses to the UCU decision, Engage
Why I've resigned from the UCU, by Shalom Lappin, Norm Blog
"A former director of the European Community, the supranational economic body that is part of the European Union, has written to the president of the European Commission calling for strong action in response to the decision by a UK union to reintroduce a boycott of Israeli academia.
Paul Goldschmidt, former director of the EU, has written to José Manuel Barroso, president of the European Commission, as well as six EU commissioners, asking for the European body to "unequivocally and rapidly" condemn the University and College Union (UCU) decision.
"I wish to draw your attention on the vote by the UCU of a motion calling for the reintroduction of the boycott of Israeli academia," he said.
"The position taken by the UCU is totally incompatible with the EU Financial Regulation covering the basic conditions for disbursing further community funds," he continued.
Goldschmidt said he hoped a strong EU position would help repeal the "incriminated" motion, and that normal academic relations could "again be pursued in all serenity." Goldschmidt cited the motion passed by the Board of Governors of Ben-Gurion University in the Negev in the immediate aftermath of the UCU vote that underlined the "UCU's blatant violation of the Statutes of the International Council of Sciences."
Meanwhile on Friday, Education Minister of State Bill Rammell called on university lecturers not to boycott Israeli academics.
Speaking on the final day of the UCU annual congress in Manchester, Rammell said: "Let me be clear, you are entitled to decide your policy. But I have to tell you I profoundly disagree with cutting links with Israeli academics." ...
Labor MP John Mann, chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group against anti-Semitism, responded to the boycott motion by saying, "Boycotts do nothing to bring about peace and reconciliation in the Middle East but leave Jewish students, academics and their associates isolated and victimized on UK university campuses. The All-Party Group is determined to work with all right-minded groups and individuals to defeat this attack on academic freedom.""
Related:
Esprit d’escalier: reminiscences of a silent observer of the UCU conference , bu Robert Fine, Engage
Responses to the UCU decision, Engage
Why I've resigned from the UCU, by Shalom Lappin, Norm Blog
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