UN General Assembly, Third Committee
November 23, 2010
Explanation of Vote on A/C.3/65/L.60

Global efforts for the total elimination of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance and the comprehensive implementation of and follow-up to the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action

ISRAEL:  Mr. Chairman, in light of my people's unique history in the face of racism and anti-Semitism, Israel has always been a strong advocate in the fight against racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance and would be willing to work with others to this end.  Nine years ago, Israel joined many other countries from around the world that were gathering together with high expectations for cooperation against the plague of racism.  These hopes, however, were quickly dashed in the face of the unabashed hatred and hostility displayed at the World Conference Against Racism, which was played out in the streets of Durban.
The conference had clearly deviated from it's original, stated purpose of shaping constructive and innovative solutions to contemporary problems of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance and was instead highjacked with the purpose of demonizing Israel.  
The current High Commission of Human Rights as virulent anti-Semitic behavior and called this a betrayal of the core principles of the Durban Conference.  Mr. Chairman, when the General Assembly decided to convene the Durban Review Conference, Israel reserved judgment.  We chose to give the process the opportunity to rectify the wrongs of 2001.  Yet our hope was misplaced.  Throughout the preparatory process it had become increasingly clear both to Israel, as well as to many other delegations, that the conference would not renounce the poisonous rhetoric that marred the original conference.  
While Israel recognizes that the Review Conference contained certain important elements, it nevertheless missed the opportunity to rectify the genuine wrongs as it chose to reaffirm the flawed and politicized outcome of 2001.  
Mr. Chairman, today's resolution contains some elements that would have been positive in their own right.  Unfortunately, the Durban Conference underlines this resolution and neither we nor the entire membership of the United Nations have forgotten what transpired there.  We are also concerned that the commemorative meeting to mark the 10th anniversary of the Durban Conference being called for in this resolution will become derailed yet again for political purposes, rather than addressing manifestations of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance around the world.  
For these purposes -- for these reasons -- sorry -- Israel had called for a vote on this resolution and will vote against it.  We urge all other delegations that are generally concerned about the cause of fighting racism in all its forms and manifestations to voice their concern as well.  Thank you.