The European Union delegation to Israel pointed out that the new directive was actually intended to prevent an all out boycott of Israel, and to enable the Jewish state to remain part of the cooperation programs of the EU, as well as receive the relevant financial funding.
“We want to make sure that Israel’s participation is never put in queation and that it will be able to benefit from all the opportunities being offered by the new economic framework for the years 2014-2010,” a statement released by the EU delegation said.
Aren’t they nice to us? The question is, do they really believe they’re doing Israel a huge favor by humiliating its government into choosing between money—a lot of money at that—and its remaining shreds of dignity.
Even I, who have supported Jewish life in all of Israel most of my adult life, find it difficult to imagine the true extent of this evil move. This goes beyond any bullying on the part of the EU regarding internal Israeli affairs. This is a brazen effort on the part of Israel’s Left and its European anti-Zionist allies to go behind the backs of the vast majority of Jewish voters in Israel and enforce here policies that are clearly against the broadest consensus, like our sovereignty over East Jerusalem.
One fast and clear way to respond—give a proper Zionist response—to this bullying, is for the Knesset to pass, this week, if possible, before Friday, the proposed bill of MK Ayelet Shaked from Jewish Home and Yisrael Beiteinu’s MK Robert Iltov to limit foreign entities’ NGO donations. Under the proposed new bill, an organization will not be permitted to receive donations from a foreign political entity more than NIS 20 thousand (roughly $5,500) in one year, if said entity rejects the right of Israel to exist as a Jewish and democratic state, calls for a boycott of Israel, or promotes the prosecution of IDF soldiers abroad.
Fight back, for heaven’s sake.