Israel Matzav

US, EU boycotting Jerusalem Day

The United States announced this morning that Ambassador Richard Jones will not participate in ceremonies celebrating the 40th Jerusalem day Tuesday evening and Wednesday of this week. The US thus joins the European Union, led by Germany in boycotting the ceremony.

Germany's ambassador in Israel, speaking for all EU countries, rejected Israel's invitation to participate in the event due to the conflict over east Jerusalem's position as part of Israel's capital.

Minister of Jerusalem Affairs Yaacov Edri said he was surprised it was particularly Germany that was urging other the countries not to participate.

He said that the EU countries had no obligation to come, but expressed hope that at least some of the countries would make an effort to send representatives to the Knesset ceremony.

That's what happens when you keep telling the world it's not yours anyway. For those who are not familiar with Jerusalem Day, you can find out all about it here.

Update 4:05 PM

This is getting nasty:

Kadima MK Yoel Hasson criticized the EU's decision, announced earlier Sunday morning, to boycott the special ceremony marking 40 years since the capital's unification, laying primary responsibility for the move on Germany.

Germany's ambassador in Israel, Dr. Harald Kindermann, speaking for all EU countries, rejected Israel's invitation to participate in the event due to the conflict over east Jerusalem's position as part of Israel's capital.

Hasson told Israel Radio that Kindermann's rejection was "chutzpa," and added that if the ambassador could not honor the united capital of the Jewish nation, he could return to Berlin.

Hasson said that he had written a letter to the ambassador to express his feelings.

I agree with his sentiment. But I'm surprised to hear it coming from a Kadima Achora MK given some of the positions that his party leadership has taken.

Labels: European Union, Germany, Hasson, Jerusalem Day, US-Israel relationship

posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 2:52 PM