Resolution Condemning International Agencies And Their Discrimination Against Israel in Response to October 7
Whereas on October 7, Hamas, an international terrorist organization, broke the long-standing de facto ceasefire launching a horrific large-scale terrorist attack against Israel, torturously murdering innocent Israelis as well as people from all over the world who were in Israel, raping and violently sexually abusing people including children, and indiscriminately kidnapping babies to senior citizens; and
Whereas in the weeks and months following the Oct 7 attack, international bodies, particularly the United Nations (UN) and its committees and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), have failed to fully believe and support Israel and Israelis, whether through silence on reports of rape and extreme sexual violence used by Hamas on Oct 7 or by lackluster efforts to access and treat hostages held by Hamas; and
Whereas the Rabbinical Assembly was one of 59 organizations to collectively call on the United Nations (UN) to conduct an independent, unbiased investigation into the reports and documented evidence of Hamas’ rape, mutilation, gender-based violence and murder of Israeli women and girls and prosecute these war crimes to the fullest extent; and
Whereas the UN finally conducted an investigation[1], albeit after months of pressure, and found that the perpetration of sexual violence did occur, but did not act on its findings or formally accuse any specific groups of complicity; and
Whereas employees of UNRWA participated in the terror of October 7, held a young Israeli boy prisoner in their home, and have repeatedly taught curricula that glorifies Jew-hatred and deny Israel's right to exist.
Whereas the International Committee of the Red Cross failed Jews and American Prisoners of War during the Holocaust and continues to fail the hostages held by Hamas and their families even telling the families of hostages to “think about the Palestinian side” while their loved ones were being abused and starved in Gaza; and[2]
Whereas the ICRC issues biased statements against Israel, that never refer to Hamas as a terrorist organization while claiming to be “neutral”; and[3]
Whereas the Rabbinical Assembly has strongly and repeatedly advocated for the release of Israel’s hostages;[4]
Therefore be it resolved we call for an immediate release of all the hostages held by Hamas and its affiliated terrorist organizations; and
Be it further resolved that we call on governments around the world to hold accountable Hamas and its affiliates who aided, sanctioned, and perpetuated murder, kidnapping, and sexual violence as a weapon of terrorism and hold them accountable to the furthest extent of the law in their countries; and
Be it further resolved we reiterate the AJCs call for the UN to create new procedures for the screening of UN staff engaged in assisting the Palestinian population, particularly in the educational sector, to prohibit connection with terror organizations listed as such by donor countries, ensuring that curricula taught in Palestinian schools are in line with UNESCO standards, do not promote hatred or incitement, and rather promote peaceful coexistence, and ending UNRWA’s policy of perpetuating the Palestinian refugee problem and replace it with a new policy designed to help resettle refugees; and
Be it further resolved we call on the ICRC to unconditionally increase their focus on aide and support of the hostages with or without any cessation of hostilities; and
Be it further resolved that we continue our unwavering efforts until all the hostages are returned and we commend our colleagues for all of their advocacy for Am Yisrael.
[1] “Following visit to Israel and the occupied West Bank, UN Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict, Ms. Pramila Patten, finds sexual violence occurred on 7 October, and against hostages and calls for a fully-fledged investigation – United Nations Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict” and Ron Kampeas, “UN report validates ‘clear and convincing’ allegations of Hamas sexual violence.” The Jewish Telegraphic Agency. March 4, 2024, and Hadassah Press Release from March 4, 2024.
[2] The Jerusalem Post Staff, “Red Cross Reprimands Israeli Families: “Think about the Palestinians.” The Jerusalem Post. December 9, 2023.
[3] A statement on Gaza and Israel from the president of the ICRC | A statement on Gaza and Israel from the president of the ICRC, Jerusalem Post Staff, “Red Cross shows clear anti-Israel bias, Jerusalem Institute of Justice claims” The Jerusalem Post. November 25, 2023 and Frederic Eger, “UN Watch Report: Red Cross Statements ‘Overwhelmingly’ Biased Against Israel” February 14, 2024.
[4] Resolution on Gilad Shalit 2010 and Resolution on the Safe Return of Israeli MIAs 2007.