UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) Chief Audrey Azoulay last week announced the body deeply regrets Israel’s decision to withdraw from the organization, effective Dec. 31 2018.
“It is inside UNESCO and not outside it” that countries can overcome their differences, she said.
“A Member of UNESCO since 1949, Israel has a rightful place inside the United Nations agency that is dedicated to education, culture and science,” Azoulay said in a statement. “Inside an institution committed to the defense of freedom of expression, the prevention of all forms of anti-Semitism and racism, which has developed a unique program of education about the Holocaust and the prevention of genocide. Inside an institution that is among the most active in promoting dialogue among cultures, fighting violent extremism and conserving heritage affected, notably, by the destructive acts of terrorist organizations.”
As per instructions from Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, UNESCO received official notification of Israel’s decision, to leave the UN-affiliated body following recent anti-Israel resolutions. One resolution denies Israel historical claim to holy sites in Yerushalayim, including the Kosel and Har Habayis.
In addition, it listed the Ma’aras HaMachpelah in Hebron as being located in the State of Palestine.
Israel’s decision came on the heels of the United States announcing its withdrawal from UNESCO over similar allegations of anti-Israel bias at the agency, where the Jewish state and its allies are far outnumbered by Arab countries and their supporters.
As the United States prepared to exit, the Chief US Envoy to UNESCO, Chris Hegadorn spoke of the “anti-Israel bias and opaque bureaucracy” and the need for reforms.
Israel previously said it intended to leave the Paris-based agency, citing “systematic attacks on the Jewish state.”
(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
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3 Responses
UNESCAM regrets it? Yeah because they’ll have to get their money from elsewhere.
#TheyRuseless
The bias in UNESCO predates this UN Chief. But it is endemic to the agency. It is a charade, serving as a voice for the Muslim, anti-Israel medinos. It has no other redeeming value. Why contribute time and money to efforts that not only yield no benefit, but cause untold levels of dishonest harm? US was smart in leaving this agency, and Israel even smarter. May UNESCO implode and cease to exist.
why do you regret you must be very happy now that you got the jews out is’nt that you wanted all along you and your good muslims brothers good luck