António Guterres Pledges to Fight anti-Semitism
Reiterating his commitment to fighting anti-Semitism, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday that he is committed to protecting Israel and its right to exist.
On his first visit to Israel since taking office at the beginning of this year, according to a UN report, the Secretary-General met with Prime Minister Netanyahu and other Israeli leaders in Jerusalem.
“I understand the security concerns of Israel, and I repeat that the idea or the intention or the will to destroy the State of Israel is something totally unacceptable from my perspective,” he said.
Calling himself an impartial “honest broker” and a “messenger of peace,” Mr. Guterres noted that Members of the UN are sovereign countries with their own interests, values and convictions.
He added that he has expressed his opposition to the settlement activity in the region, but also noted the terrorism, violence and incitement, as well as the difficulties created by the separation between the West Bank and Gaza.
Mr. Guterres visited Israel’s official memorial to the victims of the Holocaust, where he reiterated his commitment to fighting anti-Semitism in all its expressions.
Mr. Guterres said that he had been “shocked” when a few days ago he listened to the chanting of a neo Nazi group in a developed country (U.S.) chanting the slogan of the Nazis – “blood and soil.”
He added that his commitment to fighting anti-Semitism is as great as his commitment to fight racism, xenophobia, anti-Muslim hatred and all other forms of bigotry.
Photo courtesy: UN
