NEW YORK (Press Release)– The Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations called on Thursday for countries to vote against a 10th anniversary commemoration of the infamous World Conference against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance held in Durban in September 2001. That conference, which began with lofty goals, deteriorated into an orgy of hatred, bigotry and racism against America and the West, and launched a concerted international campaign to undermine Israel.
The proposed “Durban III” would be held during the high-level meetings at the opening of the UN General Assembly in September 2011. The General Assembly will vote on December 20th on the resolution to convene the commemorative session in New York in September 2011. As the U.S. pointed out, that vote will occur just days after the solemn 10th anniversary of 9/11. It will be an especially sensitive time for the people of New York and a repeat of the vitriol sadly experienced at past Durban-related events would not only compound the outrage, but also risk undermining the U.S. relationship with the U.N., a relationship the U.S. has worked hard to strengthen the past few years.
“We recognize that there is an automatic majority in the U.N. to support anything that reflects anti-Israel sentiment, regardless of how inappropriate or unjustified,” said Conference of Presidents chairman Alan P. Solow and executive vice chairman Malcolm Hoenlein. “Now, however, there is an opportunity for countries to show moral courage. In the U.N. Third Committee, the U.S. was joined by 18 other states in rejecting the resolution and 35 countries abstained. Celebrating Durban I will further undermines the standing of the United Nations and compromises its principles. Suggesting that a Durban III conference be held during the high-level opening of the UN General Assembly in 2011 to elevate its status makes it all the more imperative that this proposal be defeated now in the General Assembly,” they added.
“Should this resolution pass, it is imperative that every country that values freedom and democracy and truly opposes xenophobia, racism and bigotry announce they will not participate. We applaud Canada for its decision not to be part of this thinly veiled charade whose true purpose is clear and must be rejected,” Mr. Solow and Mr. Hoenlein said.
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Preceding provided by Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations