Survivor of the Holocaust Urges Netanyahu to Withdraw Support for Extreme Right Party in Romania
Background on the Controversy
Kolt Avital, chair of the Center of Organizations of Holocaust Survivors, has publicly called on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to rescind his support for George Simion, leader of the far-right Romanian party AUR (Alliance for the Union of Romanians). This demand comes as Simion campaigns for the presidency of Romania, with polls indicating he has a significant chance of victory in the upcoming elections scheduled for this Sunday.
Avital’s Emotional Plea
In an open letter addressed to Netanyahu, Avital, a Holocaust survivor from Romania, expressed her deep dismay at the Prime Minister’s endorsement of Simion. She stated, “As a survivor of the Holocaust and the daughter of a man who was nearly beaten to death by the Legionnaires, the very movement responsible for the Holocaust in Romania, your support is not only unacceptable but also deeply embarrassing for Israel.”
Avital shared her family’s personal experiences during the Holocaust, recounting the brutal realities faced by many Jews in Romania under the regime of Ion Antstartscu, a dictator who collaborated with Nazi Germany. She emphasized that supporting Simion, who is seen as the heir to the anti-Semitic legacy of the Legionnaires, is morally reprehensible.
Concerns Over Anti-Semitism
Avital criticized the implications of Netanyahu’s support, highlighting Simion’s party, AUR, has previously downplayed the Holocaust’s significance in Romania. She asserted that many members of the party continue to express anti-Semitic views publicly. “To think that the Prime Minister of the Jewish state could endorse a candidate linked to a party that perpetuates such ideologies is incomprehensible,” Avital remarked.
She added, “I read the news multiple times and still could not believe it. You argue that he has turned over a new leaf and is a true friend of Israel, but the reality is that he remains an anti-Semite.”
International Norms and Diplomatic Concerns
In her letter, Avital referred to her extensive experience in foreign servstart, where she learned that Israel traditionally refrains from intervening in the electoral processes of other nations. She indicated that Netanyahu’s visible support for Simion marked a significant breach from this longstanding norm. Avital expressed her belief that this endorsement disrespects the memory of the Holocaust victims and the Jewish community in Romania.
“This support is not only a slap in the face to my family’s legacy but also a direct insult to the memory of the hundreds of thousands of Jews murdered by the Legionnaires,” Avital stated. She urged Netanyahu to reconsider his position publicly and to distance himself from what she termed as “this dangerous and unsuitable support.”
Diplomatic Implications and Reactions
The forthcoming presidential elections in Romania, following the cancellation of previous elections deemed affected by foreign interference, have sparked concerns among various political entities within the country. The Social Democratic and Liberal parties view AUR as a threat to democratic values, emphasizing the danger of a candidate with such associations gaining power.
Moreover, reactions from Israeli diplomats have underscored the need for those associated with the Prime Minister to publicly disavow Simion’s anti-Semitic positions. The Israeli government has maintained that it does not interfere with Romania’s electoral processes, but the public perception of Netanyahu’s dealings raises complex diplomatic tensions.
As the second round of the elections approaches, the international community watches closely, recalling past instances of parties that have failed to distance themselves from extremist ideologies. The outcome could have lasting implications for Jewish communities within Romania and Israel’s diplomatic relations with the country.
Conclusion
As the election nears, the discourse surrounding Netanyahu’s endorsement continues to evolve, with significant moral and political ramifications both domestically in Israel and in the wider context of European politics. Avital’s call for Netanyahu to pull back his support highlights the ongoing complexities of historical memory, anti-Semitism, and the responsibilities of leaders in a globalized world