Operation Cast Lead and its repercussions in Venezuela

Transcription

1 Operation Cast Lead and its repercussions in Venezuela From 12/27/2008 to 01/16/2009

2 Information as shown on government media Since Operation Cast Lead started, the media sponsored by the Government have increased the number of articles and programmes dealing with this issue. Statements combine the State of Israel, Zionism and Judaism in their comments. with a marked pro Hamas bias. Hindú Anderi led a series of activities, and participated in state-owned radio and tv station programs. Anderi led a demonstration in front of the Israeli Embassy 12/29/

3 As of , Chávez pushed Venezuela out of its traditional neutrality. While campaigning, Chávez decried: It is sad that Israel continues to act as the executioner of the US Government ; he accused Israel of the murder of thousands of innocent people calling it an assassin and genocidal government. He further added: The world should speak up. The United Nations, the governments.. He is sure that Arafat was murdered. He thinks that this was planned by the CIA this was the first step toward weakening... When they killed Arafat, the strategists of imperialism knew what would follow They knew that the Palestinian people would elect Hamas. He has been consistently repeating and intensifying these arguments, as do those around him with even greater virulence. Comics in Diario VEA 3

4 Chávez challenged Venezuela s Jewish Community During the opening of a children s hospital Chávez exclaimed: Think of the many suffering Palestinian children. Bombed night and day. They are great cowards, bombing innocent people. Great soldiers, they are. What a brave army, the Israeli army! He went on to call on the people of Israel to raise their voice,and to demand and look at their children. He then challenged: I wish the Venezuelan Jewish Community would speak out against this barbaric situation: Go ahead! Do you not forcefully reject any persecution?. Are Jews not against the Holocaust? And what is it we are witnessing? Go ahead, look into your heart. Be fair! Hospital s director wearing a Kefia 4

5 Venezuelan government takes a stand 01/06/2009 The Venezuelan Foreign Relations Ministry issued a Communiqué notifying the expulsion of the ambassador and part of the staff of the Embassy of Israel in Venezuela. Palestinian flag at national assembly During its first plenary session, the National Assembly unanimously adopted an Agreement to firmly condemn the massacre of the Palestinian people by the Zionist government of Israel. 5

6 Act of solidarity with the Palestinian people at the Caracas Mosque -01/06/2009 Int. & Justice Minister El Assami Bandera palestina en el palacio legislativo Foreign Minister Maduro 6

7 The Jewish community bids farewell to Israel s ambassador - 01/08/2009 With massive attendance, including renowned representatives of various walks of Venezuelan life, the Jewish community gathered in Hebraica s community center in response to the expulsion of the Ambassador by the government. During his speech, Shlomo Cohén stated: We do not feel hatred or resentment; on the contrary, we are very fond of the Venezuelan people, and pleased of the work done We made many friends and I hope to come back as a regular citizen. 7

8 Demonstrators in front of the Israeli Embassy Caracas, 01/08/2009 8

9 Demonstrators in other cities Maracaibo Yaracuy Barquisimeto 9

10 Graffitti on Tiferet Israel temple 01/08/2009 Palestine Resists Islam: belongs to all. For Allah Bolivar present in rebel Palestine Outer wall graffiti 10

11 Graffitti on Caracas Streets I shit on the Star of David Vatican Fascists Zion, go back to the ghetto 11

12 Venezuela severs ties with Israel - 01-/14/2009 Communniqué by the Foreign Ministry: Caracas, 01/14/2009 The repulsive cruelty against the civilian population is a clear example of the repeated use of state terrorism by Israel, affecting mostly the weakest and most innocent beings: children, women and the elderly. 12

13 CAIV reacts with a Communniqué 01/16/2009 The Confederation of Venezuelan Jewish Associations rejects the decision of the Venezuelan Government to sever diplomatic relations with the State of Israel. This action in no way contributes to find solutions to the longstanding and difficult conflict in the Middle East, nor does it open paths leading to better understanding and coexistence between peoples. On the contrary, opinions voiced by the government spokespersons aim at delegitimizing the State of Israel, challenging its very right to exist and to exercise its duty of protecting its citizens who leave in constant fear and permanent terrorist attacks. This decision underscores the bias favoring Hamas, an organization whose Constitutional Charter enshrines the clear intention to destroy the State of Israel and the Jewish people, and which does not represent all of the Palestinian people. 13

14 CAIV reacts with a Communniqué 01/16/2009 History shows that inflamed speeches and extre-me positions adopted by of governments may lead to violence against minorities and institutions. Hence, we are deeply concerned by the atmosphere of hatred against Israel and the Jewish people, unleashed in recent weeks in our country. It is the government s responsibility to guarantee the safety of all citizens as well as the rights set forth in our Constitution. We urge the authorities to promote a climate conducive to peace and tranquility allowing for the harmonious coexistence among the different communities living and contributing the development of our country. We share the pain caused by the tragic loss of human lives due to the conflict and hope for a prompt cessation of hostilities conducive to an enduring peace in the region, recognizing the legitimate right of the State of Israel to exist as well the establishment of a Palestinian State. Caracas, January 16,

15 Ads displaying government policy The peoples of the world, are incensed by the imperialistic arrogance of Zionism and the murderous greed of the entrepreneurs of war. 15

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