Arthur Stark, Chairman, William Daroff, CEO, and Malcolm Hoenlein, Vice Chairman of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, issued the following statement:
“We are outraged by the report released today by the UN Human Rights Office, which contains a blacklist of more than 100 business entities operating in the West Bank. The creation of this list is an attempt to punish companies simply for doing business in contested territory and only fans the flames of controversy by providing Israel’s detractors with new targets. The listing of food suppliers and other companies that provide basic needs punishes both Palestinian and Jewish residents living in the territories.
The Jewish people have a long history of being targeted by discriminatory blacklists, and we unequivocally reject this tactic.
In announcing the report, High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet readily admitted that this issue is highly contentious. This is an unnecessary provocation that is particularly counterproductive given its release at a time when renewed efforts are being made to build bridges between Israel and the Palestinians.
The UN Human Rights Council, which requested that this report be produced, has once again demonstrated its blatant anti-Israel bias and has reaffirmed its role as an accomplice to the BDS movement. By needlessly inserting itself into the conflict, the UNHRC can only drive the two parties farther apart. We urge the rejection of this defamatory report during the UNHRC’s next session later this month.”
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