Letters by Pablo Nankin, MD: UN useful body of antisemitism

Pablo Nankin

UN delegates walking out when PM Netanyahu speaks at UNGA. Image created via AI

It is an incredibly sad moment when a meeting takes place at the United Nations, an institution that was created and intended to represent all the nations of the world, but was unable to do so.  Its purpose was meant for all, whether, as in this case, they dislike Israel, oppose Israel, or contribute to the growing problem of antisemitism. Rather, its purpose is to provide an opportunity for discussion and is open to opinions of all nations.

Yet, on Sept.24, just as the address by the Prime Minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu, was to begin, numerous ambassadors and delegations walked out of the General Assembly.

The United Nations was created as a place where nations listen to one another, especially when the subject is as serious and painful as the terrorism and antisemitism aimed at Israel, and the war in the Middle East. Walking out before hearing the other side does not demonstrate an interest in truth. It demonstrates that the conclusion was reached before the conversation even began. Listening is not agreement or surrender.

I understand that some countries may have profound disagreements with Israel. That is their right. But I do not understand how any representative of a nation can refuse even to listen. If you disagree with what someone is saying, listen first, learn what they are saying, then argue against it. That is what adults are supposed to do. The United Nations is meant to be the center of international diplomacy.

Why not listen to Netanyahu? Why not hear what Israel has to say? Why not then visit Israel, speak with Israelis, speak with Arabs living there, and see the reality for yourselves? If you believe Israel is wrong, then investigate it. Ask questions. Examine the evidence. But do not simply walk away.

This same problem appears in the way certain films and productions about Israel are received. Serious accusations are presented, people applaud, awards are given, and suddenly a story is accepted as truth simply because it has been put on screen. The camera does not establish the truth. Real evidence should be presented, whether the storyline supports or criticizes Israel. The constant, repetitive false rhetoric by protestors and, in particular, by celebrities eventually becomes considered to be the only truth, Baardeen Ruffalo, serious antisemites

We have entered a dangerous period in which the presentation of a story can sometimes matter more than the evidence behind it. And when people applaud and award such productions without demanding credible evidence, they are not helping us discover the truth. They are helping create another version of reality.

Antisemitism is rising around the world, and we should not pretend otherwise.

One country that deeply troubles me is Qatar. It has provided enormous financial support to our universities and organizations, and there have been continuing concerns about the direction and influence of that money with their obvious hostility toward Israel. At the same time, the international community continues to treat Qatar as an important diplomatic player.

In my opinion, President Trump should never have accepted a luxury aircraft from Qatar. I remain deeply troubled by the subsequent pressure placed on Israel to apologize for killing the biggest terrorist in modern times.

What good has all of this produced?  Qatar walked out hand in hand with a “peace” partner, Egypt.  So the UN causes more damage, more division, more hostility, more accusations, and most tragically…more antisemitism.

In reference again to the United Nations, I believe that if you are an ambassador representing a nation at the United Nations, you should have enough respect for diplomacy—and enough confidence in your own convictions—to sit down and listen. Hear the argument, examine the evidence, then if you must, disagree. That is diplomacy.