World & National briefs

By JTA

article created on: 2009-01-01T00:00:00

Jewish institutions warned on security

WASHINGTON (JTA)—A group coordinating security for American Jewish institutions urged member organizations to review their security procedures in the wake of Israel’s operation in Gaza. The Secure Community Network sent a memo this weekend to its dozens of member organizations, including Jewish federations around the country, advising them to take a close look at their security infrastructure, keep in close touch with local law enforcement officials and be aware of possible demonstrations in their area. Paul Goldenberg, national director of SCN, said the organization does not have any information that a threat to American Jewish organizations is “imminent,” but past experience shows that increased vigilance is warranted. Goldenberg said SCN is scheduled to hold a conference call Monday afternoon with security directors from its member groups and law enforcement officials to provide additional guidance.

U.S. blames Hamas

WASHINGTON (JTA)—The Bush administration blamed Hamas for the escalation of violence on the Israel-Gaza Strip border and noted the humanitarian needs of Gazans. “The United States strongly condemns the repeated rocket and mortar attacks against Israel and holds Hamas responsible for breaking the ceasefire and for the renewal of violence in Gaza. The ceasefire should be restored immediately,” the U.S. State Department said. “The United States calls on all concerned to address the urgent humanitarian needs of the innocent people of Gaza.”

German-Jewish leaders criticize politicians

BERLIN (JTA)—Jewish leaders criticized German politicians for condemning Israel’s Gaza operation, while the country’s chancellor called for a political solution. German politicians failed to respond to months of Hamas rocket attacks, but jumped at the chance to condemn Israel’s response, Stephan Kramer, secretary general of the Central Council of Jews in Germany, said in a statement Dec. 29. “There are obviously first- and second-class human rights, when the national interests of the German do-gooders are concerned.” While pointing out that Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas and some Arab League states have blamed the violence on Hamas, “Not a single German politician has up to now been in the position to publicly condemn the vicious dealings of Hamas,” Kramer added. The German-Israel Society, said in a statement that “Israel has just as much right as any other country to defend itself and its citizens.” Society President Johannes Gerster noted that Israel—despite its withdrawal from Gaza— “has been and continues to be shot at from there, also during this so-called truce.” With constant threats coming from Islamic fundamentalists, including Hamas, “Israel has a right to expect solidarity in its struggle against terrorism,” Gerster said. Germany, the European Union and the United Nations “must counter one-sided, untrue and unfair assignment of guilt to Israel. The key for an end to violence is in the hands of Hamas,” Gerster said. “When the Arabs lay down their arms, there will be peace. When Israel puts down its arms, there will be no more Israel.”

Arab protesters bring Sydney to standstill

SYDNEY, Australia (JTA)—Angry Arabs brought downtown Sydney to a standstill as they protested Israel’s bombing of the Gaza Strip. More than 1,000 Arab Australians marched on the U.S. Consulate Dec. 30 in an anti-Israel, anti-U.S. rally, according to the Australian Associated Press. The demonstration came after Acting Prime Minister Julia Gillard backed Israel’s operation in Gaza, stating that Hamas had initiated the conflict with Israel. Leading the protesters in Sydney was former Guantanamo Bay inmate Mamdouh Habib, who has family in Gaza. Among the speakers was the controversial Sheikh Tajeddin Al-Hilali, who has previously lauded suicide bombers. Smaller protests were held in other capital cities in Australia.

Anti-Jewish vandalism in Paris linked to Gaza

PARIS (JTA)—Two anti-Jewish acts in Paris have been linked to Israel’s operation in Gaza. The crimes were reported by the Bureau of Vigilance Against Anti-Semitism, as pro-Palestinian rallies were held across France. The bureau said in a statement that a rabbi’s car was vandalized, and anti-Jewish graffiti was drawn on the wall of a shopping center Dec. 29, in response to the Israeli raid in Gaza. Pro-Palestinian rallies have been held in several French cities since Israel began bombing Gaza. The AFP reported that between 200 and 500 protestors on average have gathered in Paris, Lyon, Montpellier, Toulouse, Bordeaux and Nancy, in sporadic protests since Dec. 27.

Protesters, police clash at London embassy

LONDON (JTA)—Protesters clashed with police during a demonstration near the Israeli Embassy in London. Seven activists were arrested at the Dec. 29 demonstration as they tried to break down barriers placed by police to keep them away from the embassy compound. About 400 people took part in the demonstration, much smaller than a violent demonstration held the day before. However, police were more prepared as about 140 officers, some of them on horses, prevented demonstrators from getting close to the embassy. Demonstrators also blocked a main London road during the demonstration. The demonstrators promised to return every day until hostilities end

Israel, Hitler compared

ATHENS (JTA)—The leader of a far-right political party in Greece compared Israel’s actions in Gaza to Hitler. The statements Dec. 29 by George Karatzaferis, the leader of the far right LAOS party, came a day after a daily newspaper in Greece blamed Jews for the world financial crisis and the Israeli operation in Gaza. Karatzaferis released a statement that read, in part, “Someone has to pull the ear of the darling child of the West, Israel. Its aggressiveness and malice against non-combatants, whose only precedent can be found during Hitler’s time, cannot leave the international community indifferent.” Meanwhile, the Avriani newspaper led its front page with anti-Semitic accusations for the second time in several weeks. Its Dec.28 headline read: “After the American Jews acquired once again the world’s wealth and plunged the planet into an unprecedented financial crisis, they started rehearsing for WW III.” Avriani also blames President-elect Barack Obama for “playing dead” in the present crisis by not saying anything against the Jews,

World leaders call for halt to airstrikes

NEW YORK (JTA)—Governments around the world called on Israel to halt its airstrikes on the Gaza Strip. French President Nicolas Sarkozy and the European Union called for an immediate halt to Israeli bombing in Gaza, and to Hamas rocket fire on Israel. An E.U. statement called for a halt to violence on both sides and encouraged neighboring countries, such as Egypt, to help broker a peace deal. British Foreign Secretary David Miliband called for “an urgent cease-fire and immediate halt to all violence.” Meanwhile, the Vatican urged Israelis and Palestinians to seek a peaceful way to settle their conflict.