ZOA Denounces US Presbyterians for Unfairly Singling Out Israel and Holding Israel to Double Standard
Contact: Morton A. Klein at 212-481-1500
The Zionist Organization of America (ZOA) criticized the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), the largest Presbyterian group in the United States, for unfairly singling out Israel for condemnation and holding Israel to a double standard at the Church’s 220th General Assembly in Pittsburgh last week. The General Assembly voted to boycott “all Israeli products coming from the occupied Palestinian Territories.”
The General Assembly considered two other anti-Israel measures which were voted down, but which should never have been under consideration in the first place: It voted against labeling Israeli policy toward the Palestinian Arabs as “apartheid.” And, by a very slim margin (a 333 to 331 vote), the General Assembly voted against a resolution calling for divestment from three companies that do business with Israel: Caterpillar, Hewlett-Packard and Motorola.
The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)’s decision to boycott “all Israeli products coming from the occupied Palestinian Territories” will do nothing to help the Palestinian Arab people or to further the cause of peace in the Middle East. The wording of the resolution itself, which refers to boycotting products from the so-called “occupied Palestinian Territories” — demonstrates that the Church has given credence to the falsehood that the lack of peace in the Middle East is due to Israel’s so-called “occupation” of Palestinian land.
The truth is that the so-called “occupation” is not the impediment to peace. There were no “occupation” and no “settlements” from 1948 to 1968 – the Arabs controlled the Golan Heights, East Jerusalem, and Judea and Samaria during those years – and yet Arab nations fought three wars against Israel during that period and engaged in constant terrorism against Israeli Jews. Arab terrorism against Jews was a problem even before the State of Israel was created in 1948, and according to Arab terrorist groups like Hamas, the terrorism will continue until the Jewish State is completely destroyed.
The Presbyterian Church has failed to recognize the real obstacle to peace: The Palestinian Authority’s refusal to negotiate with Israel, its refusal to accept Israel as a Jewish State, and its promotion and incitement of terrorism, by glorifying terrorists as heroes, naming streets, schools, and public squares after them, and indoctrinating the Palestinian Arab people to hate Israel and Jews through their media, in their schools, and even at their summer camps for children.
The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)’s General Assembly made the right decision in voting against labeling Israeli policy toward the Palestinian Arabs as “apartheid.” But the very fact that the Church considered applying this label to Israel, of all nations, shows both ignorance about the meaning of apartheid and a hateful bias against Israel. The fact is that Israel is the only true democracy in the Middle East. Arabs are afforded the same rights and liberties as Jewish, Christian and all other citizens in the State, including membership in the Israeli Parliament and on the Supreme Court. If anything comes close to resembling the apartheid system in South Africa, it is the Arabs’ demand that all Jews be expelled from Judea and Samaria, areas that are historically Jewish.
The Presbyterian Church’s decision not to divest from three companies that do business in Israel – Caterpillar, Hewlett Packard, and Motorola – was the right one. But the fact that this divestment proposal was rejected by such a narrow majority speaks volumes about the views of many members of the Church and about the anti-Israel divestment decisions the Church may make in the future.
In considering the divestment proposal, the Church seemingly paid little attention to the reality that thousands of Israelis have been maimed and murdered as the result of Arab terrorism. They have been killed or injured sitting in cafes, shopping in stores, walking along the street, riding in cars and buses, and even in the privacy of their own homes. No country would – or should – stand for such inhumane and barbaric behavior perpetrated against its citizens.
Products of Caterpillar, Hewlett Packard, and Motorola have helped keep the Israeli people safe from terrorism. As Jonathan Tobin recently pointed out in Commentary magazine, “Motorola and Hewlett-Packard produce devices that help the Israel Defense Forces monitor security checkpoints for terrorist explosives and other dangers. Caterpillar vehicles help construct Israel’s defense barrier that keeps out suicide bombers as well as demolish illegal construction and structures that shield terrorist activities.”
By even considering divesting from these companies, the Presbyterian Church has shown little concern for the terrorism that Israel has faced and continues to face. The Church is sending the message that Israel, unlike other countries, does not have the right and indeed the responsibility to protect its people from terrorist groups and nations that would like to harm Israel and even see the Jewish State destroyed.
If the Presbyterian Church were truly concerned about human rights and freedoms, then Israel of all nations would not be its focus. Where are the Church’s proposals responding to the flagrant human rights abuses committed by China? Why is the Church failing to focus on and condemn countries like Syria and Sudan where the ethnic cleansing of Christians is a real danger? The Presbyterians’ singular focus on Israel shows a hateful bias against Israel that crosses the line into anti-Semitism.
ZOA National President Morton A. Klein criticized the Presbyterian Church for its actions at its 220th General Assembly last week, stating: “The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)’s actions in unfairly singling out Israel and holding Israel to a double standard will foment anti-Semitism and hatred of Israel. These actions are an insult to the Jewish community. Sadly, the Presbyterian Church has a long history of hostility toward Israel. It’s thus no real surprise that the Church has shown such anti-Israel animus at its General Assembly. The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) should retract the call for a boycott against Israeli companies and publicly apologize for the damage that the Church is causing to relations with the Jewish community.”
Shy Guy Said:
Some of those who call themselves “Christians” are not genuine (Example the Presbyterians etc. who are anti-Semites). Genuine Christians who frequently read the Bible and pray are for and stand with Jews and Israel. I can for sure say they are one of the best friends of Israel.
Teshuvah Said:
When are you christians going to get it through your head that Jews view any jesus and gospel believers as christians. You want to call them heretics? Fine. We Jews have no problem looking at them as heretical christians. To Jews, any flavah o’ da’ day in jesus belief is still christianity.
@ Teshuvah:
The Church of England has basically done the same as the Presbyterians.
Church of England Supports Anti-Israel Group
After Vatican II, the Church of England leadership submitted the church to the Pope who is Catholic, not Christian. The Church of England has fallen away and is no longer Christian, although it continues to do stupid things like this and bring shame on the name “Christian.” Melanie Phillips say the Church of England is wrong about this, too, here: — I cannot get that link to load.
yamit82 Said:
These Presbyterians are not true Christians. The Presbyterian Church, along with the Methodists and Lutherans, signed agreements with the Vatican after Vatican II submitting themselves to the Pope, rather than to Yeshua as the original Christians did. Millions of Christians have died through the centuries because they would not submit to the Pope. Now whole denominations are deceived and do so. The Bible says in the end times that the Christian Church would “fall away” from the truth and believe “damnable heresies.” Those submitting themselves to the Pope have believed damnable heresies and fallen away. They are no longer Christians, no matter what they call themselves. The essence of being a Christian is to “obey Him” (aka Shema) and if one chooses to obey the world instead, God will cut that one off and say, “I never knew you….ye workers of iniquity (Antinomians).” See, The Antinomians_are_Coming! The Catholic Church isn’t Christian. It is a descendant of pagan religions including Baal worship and Mithracism.
I will also add that there is a trait in the American character transplanted from the Germans that carries everything to the extreme. One example is the christ killer label. This is not so much that Americans are Christians but that so many Americans are of German heritage.
I am pro American but I detest your elites be they in the military, govt or in corporate America. They are the personification of evil. And for this reason America will be another Spain, Portugal, Italia or France where the people are zombies with 1) no real future unless they were born into a family possessing property they can rent and 2) no knowledge of their country’s glorious past, their mal-treatment of Jews, other Europeans, Gypsies, Serbs,Africans and the indigenous natives of the New World.
America is all that is sanding between us and the muslims. But I am pissed at the USA because they are blowing it. Big time. 10 years in Afghanistunk? Iraq? Just bomb them back to the stone age, which should not be too difficult and leave.
I am aware that Americans do not want to hear these facts but it is time to hear the truth. American elites and muslims are both very evil. Both are terrorists adn their aim is to control the West.
Perpetual growth at the expense of poor Americans and non Americans will not last. It is immoral. Sorry Mr. Kudlow.
Many Americans are tired of having to support Israel or at least being told that they have to support Israel. I do not blame them. Israeli leaders who are very corrupt and are chosen from closed groups and stay in politics forever ( or so it seems ) despite their constant errors and put Israel locked in a war mode, I believe to their own financial gains.
You are correct re: Canada and Harper.
I am sorry if you do not like it, but the trend is to be anti Israel on the part of Americans. It is not the role of America to be Israel’s big brother nor is it the role of America to bring muslims into the 21st century re: Afghanistan and Iraq.
Americans will have to refrain from getting involved in foreign issues over time. The people are demanding it and American finances are a disaster.
http://www.usdebtclock.org Check it out yourself. If pointing out that your dollar will ultimately fall and best not to have any is anti Americanism, so be it.
If the Americans are not willing to examine the facts, the history of the Fed, the mind blowing costs of their govts, military, healthcare,,, well I am here to help them.
America is becoming anti Israel as is the UK. Your politicians, CPAs and MBAs are willing to sell out the USA and Israel any time for arab muslim money.
The Americans knowingly voted for this muslim POTUS. I did not. They will most likely elect him again based on his record.
The world is suffering financially because of the millions invested by the American banksters in our pathetic education system and worthless media to hypnotize us.Our elites are all paid off ultimately by the American banksters.
Your country already is down but Americans are still asleep. I will never accept US dollars as payment from my clients. I prefer to take toilet paper. At least it will be useful as long as it exists.
I am pro America despite this. I am very anti elitism. Sorry if it offends you.
As far as the future of American influence ( and Western influence ) is concerned, I am sorry for you, but it is fading.
You should educate yourself.
http://www.brotherjohnf.com, http://www.goldsilver.com, http://www.silverdoctors.com are good start plus there are many good videos on http://www.youtube.com.
1) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SMqb_WrnVTc History of the banking cartels
2) anything by Bill Still
American elites are aware of this. They would agree with everything I say.
@ James B – Canada:
Wishful thinking on your part. Even Obama as much as he tries, won’t bring this country down.
I’m growing tired of your anti-Americanism and your attacks on the American people. Considering you are from Canada, which with the exception of the Harper government, is anti-Israel, you ought to refrain from accusations that this country hates Jews and Israel. The American people are far more pro-Israel than the Canadian people. And Canadian governments prior to Harper have had policies that were anti-Israel. I love Stephen Harper, but he is an exception to the rule in Canada.
@ yamit82:
And don’t forget, as you know from “that book” you recommended, the Jewish roots of the (Presbyterian) Reformation in Scotland.
@ James B – Canada:
And as I mentioned in another thread, it all started with Constantine (and his mother Helen) at Nicea. Read James Carroll’s book “Constantine’s Sword”; you’ll be shaking your head constantly.
I would be concerned if this were the 1980s. American influence and American financial power is fading or riding off into the sunset.
I am much more concerned with the actions of the TRUE financial powers and the future financial powers.
Americans refuse to realize that their “economy” is living on life support. Many non Americans know this. Americans have been hypnotized and are asleep while wealth is moving East.
The real powers have invested hundreds of millions to hypnotize the West into believing that it is wealthy. The Eastern powers know this.
I do not take this too seriously but sadly millions and millions of people have been so well brainwashed that they are too stupid to realize that there will be a massive transfer of wealth or a real creation of wealth in the not to distant future.
Most likely hyperinflation after the big Bernanke print. Gold and Silver will have to recalibrate or be re-valued to enormous highs.
Presbyterians and ignorant Christians can take their dollars and put it where the sun don’t shine.
They seek the knowledge and wisdom of the ancient Jews but refuse to even consider converting to Judaism. It is deep rooted anti semetism. They have no idea what David, Samson, Saul, Deborah, Noah,,, mean. They were never Christians and have nothing to do with Jesus who preached genuine Judaism. The Euros distorted and ruined everything about Jesus. They took their twisted ideas to the New World. And here we are.
I fully agree with this statement. Israel has a lot of friends among evangelicals in USA. The best thing to do is to confront the liberal Presbyterians who are Christians in name only directly and through Israeli friends (including churches) within and outside of USA. They do not even follow biblical Christianity. It is far better if they call themselves radical secularists instead of a church.
There are many non Christians in these organizations called “Presbyterians”–and many ignorant individuals and fools on both sides, Christian and non Christian!
Genuine Christians who know the Torah and Tanakh–love and support Israel!
As for liberal churches–liberalsim, i.e., Marxism in various forms–is antithetical with a Biblical lifestyle–for Christian or Jew alike!
It appears there are two Presbyterian church organizations – a liberal one and a conservative one.
http://www.redeemerpresbyterian.org/home/i-ve-wondered-/what-s-the-difference-between-the-pca-your-denomination-and-the-pcusa-
The PCUSA is the liberal one and is the one discussed in this article.
Here is a position paper condemning anti-Semitism from a PCA website:
http://www.pcahistory.org/documents/anti-semitism.html
This is a PC Jewish knee-jerk response by ZOA. Mort Klein is getting timid in is old age.
The Presbyterians are for the most part Jew haters second to none among Christian denominations. I was once engaged to a Presbyterian whose parents were active in their church.
They are using Israel as a cover to hide their Jew hatred and should be confronted directly as Classical Jew haters, not that it will change anything but why give them a pass?
Israel should inform them that due to the boycott of Jewish products made by Jewish Industries, they will will fire 25,000 Pali workers and employ Asians and East Europeans in their place. Israel will reduce purchases of America goods thereby adding to American deficit and negative trade bal as well as additional unemployment in America. All Presbyterian property in Israel will be taxed to the fullest and failure of payment will result in confiscation by the tax authorities. All Presbyterian known leaders will be barred from entering Israel or the territories from Israel.