Jewish solidarity group urges Canadian gov’t to reverse decision to boycott Durban Review Conference

GENEVA, Switzerland, Oct. 15 – Appearing before the Preparatory Committee for the Durban Review Conference (Durban II), Independent Jewish Voices’ Coordinator Diana Ralph expressed her group’s strong support for the Durban process.”Our organization, which represents 18 Jewish groups across Canada, unconditionally endorses the World Conference Against Racism Review and urges the government of Canada to reverse its decision to boycott these crucial proceedings,” Ralph declared.

In her statement before the Committee, Ralph explained that “Historically, Jews have actively participated in struggles against Apartheid and other forms of discrimination. Because we take anti-Semitism seriously, we object to those who characterize legitimate criticism of Israel’s discriminatory policies as anti-Semitic.”

The 2001 World Conference Against Racism, known as Durban I, focused on a racist policies and practices around the world, including the plight of Aboriginal people, migrants, refugees, asylum seekers, slavery, human trafficking, and more. It called for action against the underlying causes of racism: poverty, war, and global inequality.

“The Durban Declaration and Programme of Action that was issued after Durban I devoted fewer than 250 words to issues specifically addressing matters involving Jews and Palestinians. It carefully balanced recognition of the rights of Jews and Israel with those of Palestinians. There was no anti-Semitic content in that report,” Ralph emphasized.

“The fact is that a handful of participants at the NGO conference held in conjunction with Durban I engaged in a few, isolated instances of anti-Semitic behaviour,” Ralph stressed. “We unconditionally condemn these and all other manifestations of bigotry, which was also overwhelmingly rejected by the other NGOs and delegations that participated in Durban I,” she underscored.

“Unfortunately, there has a systematic attempt to portray Durban I was an ‘anti-Semitic hate-fest’,” Ralph pointed out. “This stems from the fact that at Durban some NGO participants and governments challenged Israel’s racist policies. Instead of addressing the substance of these charges, the government of Israel and those who back it unconditionally chose to brand those who levelled criticism of Israel at Durban as ‘anti-Semitic’,” she noted.

“As Jews, we assert that it is entirely legitimate, not anti-Semitic, to criticize Israeli policies that discriminate against Palestinians – not to mention occupying, torturing, assassinating, and collectively punishing them. Those who have been so critical of the Review appear intent upon discrediting criticism of racist Israeli policies and practices – and to prevent the governments of the US, Canada, and EU countries from being pressured to redress historic and ongoing racist practices,” Ralph continued.

“It is our position that Jews of conscience must stand in solidarity with all victims of racism. Our Basis of Unity states that there is no justification for any form of racism, including anti-Semitism, anti-Arab racism, or Islamophobia, under any circumstances and that the vital battle against anti-Semitism is threatened whenever opposition to Israeli government policies is automatically branded as anti-Semitic,” Ralph concluded.

For further information: Sid Shniad, Independent Jewish Voices, (604) 314-5589 (cell), ijv@magma.ca, www.independentjewishvoices.ca