Center for Jewish History Cancels 2 Anti-Israel Programs, but Pro-BDS Agenda Continues, Say Zionist Groups

Despite the Center for Jewish History’s cancellation of two anti-Israel programs, due to pressure, the anti-Israel agenda continues, say several Zionist groups, protesting the appointment of a BDS supporter as president.

Based in New York City, the Center for Jewish History (CJH) – “the largest and most comprehensive archive of the modern Jewish experience outside of Israel,” its website explains – has canceled two anti-Israel programs following protests from Jewish Zionist organizations.

Several weeks ago, CJH appointed a new president and CEO, David N. Meyers, who is known to legitimize the anti-Israel Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement (BDS).

In a press release, Zionist Organization of America (ZOA) President Morton A. Klein said his organization was “pleased that the CJH is now canceling two of its “scheduled extreme anti-Israel programs, co-sponsored with the disgraceful Israel boycott promoter ‘Jewish Voice for Peace’ (JVP), and featuring JVP leaders.”

According to Klein, “Even the leftwing Anti-Defamation League (ADL) named JVP as one of the ‘Top 10 anti-Israel groups; the worst of the worst.’”

One of the canceled programs was a condemnation of the Balfour Declaration that was “comprised of JVP coordinator Robert Herbst and co-founder of the Sabeel Ecumenical Liberation Theology Center, Jonathan Kuttab.  The Sabeel Center seeks to replace all of Israel with a Palestinian Arab state, and specializes in working to turn Christians against Jews and Israel.  Like JVP, Sabeel is also listed among ADL’s ‘Top 10 anti-Israel groups; the worst of the worst,’” Klein explained.

The Balfour Declaration, a letter penned by British Foreign Secretary Arthur James Balfour to prominent Jewish community leader Lord Walter Rothschild in 1917, confirmed British support for the establishment of a Jewish state in the Land of Israel.

In July 2016, in a new tactic aiming to delegitimize the Jewish state, Palestinian Authority Foreign Minister Riyad al-Malki asked the Arab League for support in filing a lawsuit against the UK government for publishing the Declaration. The British government rejected the PA initiative, stating, “The Balfour Declaration is an historic statement for which HMG (Her Majesty’s Government) does not intend to apologize. We are proud of our role in creating the State of Israel. The task now is to encourage moves towards peace.”

‘A Small Victory’ but ‘Much More Work to Do’

“CJH’s cancellation announcement is a small victory, likely resulting from efforts by bi-partisan pro-Israel activists, including the ZOA; JCC-Watch founder and activist Richard Allen; liberal Democratic political consultant Hank Sheinkopf; public relations executive Ronn Torossian; international political consultant George Birnbaum; Shillman Journalism fellow Daniel Greenfield; and many others,” Klein said.

However, Klein continues, there is “much more work to do here” as long as Myers remains head of CJH. Its “still-scheduled events promote a far-left agenda, and do not include even a single pro-Israel program, or a single program about the rampant radical Islamist attacks on Jews.”

Anyone who sits in a position of leadership for the New Israel Fund, Jewish Voices of Peace, and If Not Now, clearly anti-Israel organizations, is not a fit candidate for any position of Jewish leadership,” said Richard Allen, Founder of JCCWatch.Org.

Helen Freedman and Judy Freedman Kadish, co-executive directors of Americans For a Safe Israel stated, “We cannot stand by while the institutions that embody our Jewish community are co-opted by those who are clearly anti-Israel.

However, Klein continues, there is “much more work to do here” as long as Myers remains head of CJH. Its “still-scheduled events promote a far-left agenda, and do not include even a single pro-Israel program, or a single program about the rampant radical Islamist attacks on Jews.”

By: Terri Nir, United with Israel Staff

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