The World Conference Against Racism (WCAR) opened today in Durban, South Africa, where Israeli representatives are saying that racism is definitely in the atmosphere - against them. Prime Minister Ariel Sharon decided last night to send a low-level delegation to the conference, comprised of Foreign Ministry clerks and students, while Deputy Minister Rabbi Michael Melchior, who had made extensive preparations to head the delegation, was ordered to stay home. The United States, too, sent a low-level representation. Melchior attempted, in vain, to convince Sharon that his participation is crucial in light of the anti-Israel campaign expected to be waged there.
Israel\'s Ambassador in South Africa, Tova Herzl, said that the Arab nations and Iran are leading a comprehensive campaign against Israel, and \"are trying to sneak in through the back door all sorts of resolutions that are reminiscent of the old UN \'Zionism is racism\' vote [which was later rescinded].\"
UN Secretary-General Kofi Anan opened the conference today by saying that the Palestinians suffer from \"conquest, expulsion, and assassinations without trial.\" He told the members, \"The Jews fell victim to anti-Semitism in Europe and during the Holocaust, and this must be taken into account when accusing them of racism… At the same time, we can\'t expect the Palestinians to take this as a reason to ignore their plight... An exchange of accusations is not the purpose of this forum.\" Israeli student leader Peleg Reshef, heading a Jewish students delegation in Durban, told Ynet, \"The Palestinians here have a very strong propaganda network, and the Jews are facing racism and anti-Semitism…\"
Israel\'s Ambassador in South Africa, Tova Herzl, said that the Arab nations and Iran are leading a comprehensive campaign against Israel, and \"are trying to sneak in through the back door all sorts of resolutions that are reminiscent of the old UN \'Zionism is racism\' vote [which was later rescinded].\"
UN Secretary-General Kofi Anan opened the conference today by saying that the Palestinians suffer from \"conquest, expulsion, and assassinations without trial.\" He told the members, \"The Jews fell victim to anti-Semitism in Europe and during the Holocaust, and this must be taken into account when accusing them of racism… At the same time, we can\'t expect the Palestinians to take this as a reason to ignore their plight... An exchange of accusations is not the purpose of this forum.\" Israeli student leader Peleg Reshef, heading a Jewish students delegation in Durban, told Ynet, \"The Palestinians here have a very strong propaganda network, and the Jews are facing racism and anti-Semitism…\"