NEW YORK -- Reacting to antisemitic statements and attitudes by members of the United Nations Human Rights Council’s Commission of Inquiry against Israel, World Jewish Congress President Ronald S. Lauder issued the following statement calling for their dismissal:
“Any United Nations investigation must be carried out by individuals of the highest moral standing. Unfortunately, this past week has shown us that the members of the Commission of Inquiry are unfit to carry out their sensitive duties.
“The statements made by Miloon Kothari during a recent interview in which he claimed Jews control social media and questioned Israel’s standing at a UN member, shine a light on his antisemitic views that will undoubtedly impact the course and results of the Commission. Compounding the issue, and raising further questions, the head of the Inquiry, Ms. Navi Pillay, doubled down on Mr. Kothari’s comments by rejecting all criticism.
“This issue is too important to allow politics to drive the conversation. I echo the call made by Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid for Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to recognize that a one-sided Commission of Inquiry composed of openly antisemitic individuals is further proof of the brazen anti-Israel bias at the UN. It’s time to disband the investigation. I thank those members – Austria, Australia, Canada, Czechia, France, Germany, Great Britain, Hungary, Italy, the Netherlands, the United States and the European Union – who have offered their support of this issue.”
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