(Courtesy of OJCC) The Committee on Foreign Affairs and Global Health on Capitol Hill, led by Congressman Chris Smith (R-NJ), recently took aim at the United Nations’ long-standing bias against Israel. The focal point of this gathering was the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) and its troubling promotion of antisemitism among Palestinian youth.
Representative Smith delivered a powerful message, highlighting the urgency of addressing this issue. He emphasized the need for the United States and the international community to hold the UN accountable for its actions and to demand an end to these biased practices. Smith pointed to recent genocidal atrocities committed by Hamas, including acts of terrorism and indiscriminate missile attacks, as a direct outcome of the unbridled antisemitism fomented and enabled by the United Nations. He also stressed that Israel has an absolute right to defend itself against such cowardly invasions and massacres.
The hearing featured distinguished House representatives, including Rep. Kathy Manning (D-NC), Rep. Joseph Markowitz (R-FL), Rep. Brad Schneider (D-IL), Rep. Susan Wild (D-PA), Rep. French Hill (R-AR), Rep. Mike James (R-MO) and Rep. Joe Wilson (R-SC). They sent a resounding message condemning the UN’s consistent singling out of Israel and calling for a shift in the international community’s perspective.
Witnesses who testified included Hillel Neuer, executive director of UN Watch, who called for the dismissal of Francesca Albanese, special rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Palestine. Smith called out at the hearing how “recently, Albanese made concerning statements about Israel’s right to self-defense. She argued that Israel has no such right, which is both absurd and dangerous.
During the hearing, attention was paid to the issue of UNRWA and children being exposed to antisemitic hate. It was highlighted that the United States, under President Joe Biden, contributed $1 billion allocated to UNRWA, despite the fact that the previous administration had halted this funding due to concerns about the prevalence of antisemitism within these institutions.
Manning pointed out how the UN’s anti-Israel bias undermines prospects for peace in the region and unfairly isolates the Jewish state. Other representatives voiced similar sentiments, stressing the need for fairness and justice in international forums. Schneider drew attention to the UN’s failure to take action on critical issues, such as the plight of hostages in Gaza, further highlighting the organization’s shortcomings.
Smith shed light on UNRWA’s role in perpetuating hatred against Jews among Palestinian youth. He referred to reports by UN Watch and IMPACT-SE that document the deliberate hiring of teachers by UNRWA who praise Hitler, glorify terrorist attacks against Israeli children, and spread antisemitic conspiracy theories.
The Orthodox Jewish Chamber of Commerce, represented by its Founder and CEO Duvi Honig, submitted testimony to the Committee on Foreign Affairs Hearing, underscoring the unjust treatment Israel receives at the hands of the UN. Honig highlighted how the UN’s original purpose, to promote global peace and security, has been increasingly undermined by its bias against Israel.
The appointment of Iran to head the UN Human Rights Committee, despite its own human rights violations, while simultaneously condemning Israel for its actions, raises questions about the UN’s commitment to justice, Honig asserted.
In this historic first-time hearing against the UN on behalf of Israel, the House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs and Global Health on Capitol Hill, led by Congressman Chris Smith, has taken a crucial stand against the United Nations’ long-standing bias against Israel. The hearing shed light on the need for the international community to hold the UN accountable for its promotion of antisemitism and to demand an end to its biased practices. “It is clear that the United States and its representatives are committed to addressing this issue and ensuring fairness and justice in international forums,” said Honig, “but we need to speak up.”
The recent gathering of the US Foreign Affairs & Human Rights committees holds great significance in the realm of the global war on terror, international relations and human rights advocacy. This united front by these committees represents a rare demonstration of bipartisan consensus in condemning the United Nations’ consistent singling out of Israel and calling for a shift in the international community’s perspective.
This Hearing highlights the importance of the United States taking a leadership role in advocating for the principles of fairness, justice and humanity on the global stage.
In conclusion, the significance of this gathering cannot be overstated. It marks a pivotal moment in the fight for true human rights and serves as a reminder of the United States’ unwavering commitment to promoting fairness and equality in international affairs. By doing so, the House is sending a strong message that the US and the international community must stand up for true human rights, denounce and withdraw funding for terrorist acts and treat all nations fairly and equally.
