The United Nations, a global intergovernmental organization aimed at promoting peace and security, is under fire after an upcoming report accused the UN of engaging in ‘blood libel’ against the state of Israel.
The report, released by a joint research team composed of representatives from the World Jewish Congress and the Institute for Zionist Strategies, accuses the UN of displaying an “ongoing pattern of bias against the Jewish State.”
At the heart of the report are accusations of UN officials issuing rhetoric and statements that equate Israel with historic acts of violence against Jews. In some instances, UN officials have been accused of using the term ‘blood libel’ when referring to Israel’s actions or policies.
The blood libel, which is commonly understood in the West to refer to anti-Semitic accusations of Jews manufacturing or selling the blood of Christian children, has historically been used to justify violence against Jews and to whip up false mob accusations of ritual murder.
According to the report, the UN has been accused of invoking the term, as well as similar expressions, in order to equate the actions of Israel with those of historic anti-Semitic perpetrators. The report further highlights how the organization has repeatedly demonized Israel’s actions through its efforts to spread sovereignty initiatives and anti-settlement resolutions.
Israel’s ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, has issued a statement condemning the report’s findings, calling the UN’s alleged behavior a “disgrace.”
“The UN should be a place of respect and impartiality towards all states, and this false bias against Israel must end. We call for an immediate investigation into the use of discriminatory rhetoric in the UN, and we will do everything in our power to ensure that Israel is treated fairly,” Danon said.
The accusations mark the latest in a long history of alleged bias against the country of Israel. The UN has long been criticized for its one-sided approach towards the Jewish state, with critics citing the organization’s disproportionate focus on condemning Israel’s actions while failing to take action on other, more severe cases of human rights abuse.
With the UN’s upcoming report, many are calling on UN officials to take action and combat this anti-Semitic sentiment and rhetoric. Until the UN takes a firm stance against its own officials, it is doubtful that the organization will be able to fulfill its mission of promoting peace and security.