Israeli Ambassador to the United Nations Gilad Erdan has long protested the U.N. Security Council’s lack of sensitivity towards and understanding of Israeli security needs.
But even by U.N. standards, a line was crossed Tuesday, he said.
Russia, which holds the Security Council presidency this month, refused to change the date of Tuesday’s quarterly debate on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Tuesday is Yom Hazikaron, Israel’s day of remembrance for its fallen soldiers and victims of terror.
“Each time I set foot in this chamber for these debates, I mentally prepare myself for the bias, falsehoods and singling out of Israel—the only liberal democracy in the region,” said Erdan, opening his remarks. “Yet today’s debate has crossed all lines. Not only am I both appalled and outraged to the very depths of my soul, but I am sad—very, very, sad.”
Israel’s Memorial Day is sacred for Israelis. Despite my requests, the @UN Security Council met today on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. To honor their memories, I read the names of our fallen soldiers and victims of Palestinian terror since last year, lit a candle, and left. pic.twitter.com/bYbdP93K8f
— Ambassador Gilad Erdan גלעד ארדן (@giladerdan1) April 25, 2023
Yom Hazikaron, during which everyday life in Israel essentially grinds to halt, Erdan told the Security Council, “holds more sanctity to Israelis than almost any other day of the year.” He lashed out at the council, and Russia, in particular, for refusing to reschedule the debate for another day.
This year, we want to do more to bless Israel and the Jewish people.
We know that as we bless Israel this year, God will bless us, just as He promised in Genesis 12:3, “I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” Now is the time to bless Israel and the Jewish people.
