Anti-Israel elements around the world appear to have succeeded in arranging Israel Apartheid Week events in no less than 40 cities around the world. According to the Sixth Annual Israel Apartheid Week website, the event takes place now, March 1st to 14th, around the world.

From the organization’s website:

“Since it was first launched in 2005, IAW has grown to become one of the most important global events in the Palestine solidarity calendar. Last year, more than 40 cities around the world participated in the week’s activities, which took place in the wake of Israel’s brutal assault against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. IAW continues to grow with new cities joining this year.

“IAW 2010 takes place following a year of incredible successes for the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement on the global level. Lectures, films, and actions will highlight some of theses successes along with the many injustices that continue to make BDS so crucial in the battle to end Israeli Apartheid. Speakers and full programs for each city will be available soon.

“BNC Statement in support of Israeli Apartheid Week

“If you are planning to organize IAW in your city in 2010, please contact: [email protected]

“Congratulations to Nidal El Khairy for winning the first international Israeli Apartheid Week poster competition.”

Most of the events are focused on university campuses, with organizers explaining they are working to reveal the true face of Israel. They are also working against “colonialism” and the removal of the partition fences around PA (Palestinian Authority) areas.

Fortunately, there are many opposed to the events, including Canadian MP Peter Shurman, whose motion attracted worldwide media attention. He and others call the name “hateful” expressing his adamant opposition to the inclusion of the word “apartheid”. The Ontario District Legislature voted unanimously in its release of a statement condemning the event.

Some pro-Israel organizations plan to host activities to counter the anti-Israel events.

The first Apartheid Week was hosted in Toronto, spreading to other cities around the world.

It appears that Israel Foreign Ministry officials are opting to play down the event, not wishing to add notoriety, and therefore, there will be no official government opposition in participating cities.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)