Barrage of criticism hits Irish U-turn on anti-Semitism resolution in UN

IRELAND’S U-turn, in the face of Arab pressure, on efforts to condemn anti-Semitism at the United Nations is drawing increasing criticism from Jewish groups worldwide.

Two weeks ago Ireland introduced a draft motion to the UN General Assembly on anti-Semitism.

The resolution condemned "all manifestations of anti-Semitism wherever they occur,", attacks on "synagogues and other religious places, sites and shrines," and all ethnically or religiously motivated "intolerance, incitement, harassment or violence."

The UN has passed motions that specifically condemn attacks and discrimination against Muslims; yet in its 58-year history it has never passed a motion condemning anti-Ssemitism.

At first glance, Ireland's decision to introduce such a motion appeared to be a bold moral statement in the face of a growing worldwide problem. It seemed European governments were willing to confront and shame those who insisted on continued silence.

Instead, the bold moral clarity lasted a couple of short weeks.

The expected Arab opposition materialised and Ireland withdrew its motion.

A spokesman for the Department of Foreign Affairs said that the number of amendments that the motion would encounter would have made it unmanageable to pass in the time left available in the current session of the General Assembly.

Critics immediately asked why the Irish government let a motion go forward knowing it would encounter opposition only to back down at the first hint of trouble.

In the Wall Street Journal, Anne Bayefsky, an adjunct professor at Columbia University Law School and a member of the International Association of Jewish Lawyers and Jurists, accused Ireland of assuming "the role of gatekeeper, slamming the door in the face of a resolution to protect Jewish victims.".

She wrote: "In plain language, to Ireland, Arab and Muslim opposition to condemning anti-Semitism meant . . . cut and run!

"Irish unwillingness or inability to stand up for principle at a time when it is assuming the Presidency of the European Union, does little to enhance the credibility of either the UN or the EU as honest brokers in the Middle East peace process."

Some Jewish groups had initially cautioned against introducing a separate resolution on anti-Semitism as they feared it would not be passed and may even be counterproductive if it was withdrawn under pressure.

Rabbi Abraham Cooper, associate dean of the Wiesenthal Centre, dedicated to combating anti-Semitism, said: "Our greatest fears have been borne out the international community has again agreed to de-couple the hatred of Jews from the universal condemnation of racism, thus setting the stage for Arab and Muslim nations to exercise a virtual veto against any resolution condemning anti-Semitism."

Cooper urged Ireland : "as it assumes the Presidency of the European Union, to immediately release the EU's own suppressed report on anti-Semitism and to take a public leadership role in combating the resurgence of anti-Jewish hate crimes and rhetoric throughout the EU."