TheFridayReport: Iran Laughing All the Way to the Bank
04/09/21: Who could argue with the notion that Iran is one of the most evil and brutal regimes of our day. It incarcerates its own people. Brutally suppresses dissent. Murders its athletes. Supports international terrorism. Shoots down civilian planes. And now, its reinvigorated itself by working to redevelop its nuclear program.
In today's National Post, one of Canada's major dailies, I argue that "Even while the Middle East is giving up on hating Israel, in the West, radical leftists just cannot get off the bus. They keep trying to throw Israel under the bus, as they ride along to the next cocktail party. In this case, the party is being hosted in beautiful Vienna to discuss America’s grovelling return to the JCPOA and giving in to the Islamic Republic of Iran".
You can find the link to the full article at the bottom of this report (I try and promote the National Post with online traffic as much as possible. It's an important voice for these views in our country). Having said that, I am completely disappointed in the Biden administration's grovelling to Iran. Yes, I am eternally hopeful that things will change - especially after Obama's $1.7 billion fiasco that enabled Iran to expand its terror activity.
But as I write in my column today, the Biden administration seems to be showering Iran and Israel's enemies with love, despite the fact the regime is flaunting the fact it is resuming its production of nuclear material - and in fact is accelerating its effort. It also recently negotiated a $400 billion investment agreement with China - thereby completely snubbing its nose at the West.
For anyone who is on one hand denouncing antisemitism and marking Holocaust remembrance while negotiating with Iran - they need to have a re-think about their morals and ethics. Iran is the leading sponsor of Holocaust denial and has pledged to "wipe Israel off the map". Deeds speak and we judge by action, not words.
Negotiations with Iran are endangering the world.
In times past, America had greater moral values. One of its long-held beliefs was to never negotiate with terrorists. In the 1980s, it even refused to negotiate with Hezbollah over the kidnapping of its citizens in Lebanon. Yet today, it seeks out a return to the negotiating table with a regime that has promised to annihilate the Jewish nation.
In this shadow, the climate around the world against antisemitism, hate and intolerance is changing ever so slowly. More countries and institutions are lining up in support of the IHRA definition of antisemitism, pushing back against the radical left wing that wants to deny Jewish right to freedom in Israel.
I was pleased to see that on the eve of Yom Hashoah, even the Vatican issued a statement reaffirming 'Nostra aetate' - a ground breaking document about the church's commitment to fighting antisemitism. According to the statement: "The Holy See's Secretary for Relations with States emphasizes the importance of open and respectful dialogue as a key element to combat antisemitism on our path towards a climate of peace and fraternity".
As most of my readers will know, my staunch belief is that humanity will advance when we can cooperate and collaborate in friendship, no matter our differences. That collaboration must rest upon universal values found in the principles of the declaration for human rights. In a world where technology seems to be bringing us closer, I hold on to the belief that peace is attainable.
Shabbat Shalom,
Avi
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Link to National Post Article: https://nationalpost.com/opinion/avi-benlolo-u-s-preparing-to-throw-israel-under-the-bus-with-iran-nuclear-deal
ABOUT: Avi Abraham Benlolo has been described as the nation's most prominent and noted expert in Holocaust studies, in countering Antisemitism and promoting human rights. He has dedicated nearly three decades in executive capacities in the Jewish community and as a leading voice in Canada. His academic research, graduate degree, Ph.D. coursework and nearly three decades of professional work has focused on these arenas in addition to peace and security in the Middle East. He has published hundreds of articles in these areas. In recognition of his national and international leadership in this area, he has received numerous awards including an Honorary Doctorate from a prestigious Israeli university for his work in Holocaust studies and combating antisemitism; an Order of Vaughan for his distinguished contribution to anti-racism, equity and diversity; the Queens Diamond Jubilee Award for his contributions to Canada and a race relations award for best practice, based on distinguished service in promoting human rights.
As a supporter of Israel, he is proud to have established "The Avi Benlolo Scholarship Fund in National Security" at Haifa University.
