WJC-sponsored Knesset Forum on International Relations relaunched in Jerusalem
The Israeli parliament and the World Jewish Congress have relaunched the Knesset Forum on International Relations with a resolution embracing the democratic spirit driving the Arab Spring. At the public hearing on ‘Democracy and Peace in the Middle East’ keynote speaker Jewish Agency Chairman Natan Sharansky – a world-renowned champion of democracy and outspoken advocate of embracing the Arab Spring Movement – said: “We need to see now if the free world will be smart enough to encourage the democratic elements in Arab society and turn them into their allies.”
World Jewish Congress Secretary General Dan Diker saw great significance in the forum’s relaunch. “The World Jewish Congress, under the leadership of Ronald Lauder, is delighted to work closely with the Knesset Forum on International Relations to build bridges with parliaments and policy-makers across the world. The forum is a critical venue that provides the necessary tools to Israel’s lawmakers to export Israel’s message of freedom and democracy.” Forum Executive Director Michael Gribov said: “This is an historic opportunity to support democratic movements in the Middle East, and speak out against the manipulation of popular hope by extremists.”
The Knesset Forum on International Relations is the only body in the Knesset headed by both the coalition and opposition, under the combined chairmanship of MK Ophir Akunis from Likud and MK Shai Hermesh from Kadima and sponsored by the World Jewish Congress. Hermesh emphasized the spirit of collaboration guiding the initiative. “When dealing with international relations, there is no difference according to partisanship. Working together, there is no limit to the important work we can achieve in the international community.”
Akunis said the Forum also had deep strategic implications for the state of Israel and its current battle against deligitmization. “The history being written in the Middle East today will have long term implications for the entire international community. Through this Forum, we will provide support for our representatives with answers to the challenges facing Israel’s legitimacy throughout the world.”
The event also featured Minister of Public Diplomacy and Diaspora Affairs Yuli Edelstein, Dore Gold, president of JCPA and former Israeli ambassador to the UN, and Eran Lerman, deputy chief of the Israeli National Security Council. They addressed concerns about the possibility of a unilateral declaration of a Palestinian State in the midst of a chaotic Middle East environment.“Israel’s biggest challenge is not Islamic radicals nor ultra-left wing activists spouting propaganda, but ignorance,” explained Edelstein, adding: “Ignorance allows these movements to prosper. Through this forum, we can share with the world one of Israel’s greatest achievements… its democracy.”
