SATISH SHARMA - not just Rotigraphy.: Israeli Lawmakers Ban Member of Knesset from American Trip Funded by Jewish Voice for Peace

For Immediate Release

Wednesday, March 14, 2018 - 1:15pm

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Contact:

Sonya E Meyerson-Knox | sonya@jvp.org

MK Jabareen invited for series of talks about deterioration of democracy in Israel

WASHINGTON - The Israeli Knesset yesterday barred Knesset member Yousef Jabareen from traveling to the U.S. for a lecture series funded by Jewish Voice for Peace, the first time an MK has been banned from international travel.

MK Jabareen was invited by Jewish Voice for Peace for a planned week-long speaking tour at universities, think tanks and public events across the East Coast, including a proposed briefing on Capitol Hill, where he was to speak about the deterioration of democracy in Israel, including the latest discriminatory laws against Palestinians in Israel, starting April 24th.

The Knesset Ethics Committee announced Tuesday that MK Jabareen’s request to partake in the lecture series was refused, as Jewish Voice for Peace is listed by the Israeli Ministry of Strategic Affairs as supporting the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions Movement.

“We are deeply disappointed that MK Yousef Jabareen won’t be able to join us in the U.S. due to the Knesset decision to effectively block his travel,” stated Jewish Voice for Peace Executive Director Rebecca Vilkomerson. “We were very much looking forward to learning from his experience as an MK and his leadership on issues of democracy and equality in Israel. This decision is sad evidence of the further deterioration of Israeli democratic standards.”

Jewish Voice for Peace members are inspired by Jewish tradition to work together for peace, social justice, equality, human rights, respect for international law, and a U.S. foreign policy based on these ideals.

JVP opposes anti-Jewish, anti-Muslim, and anti-Arab bigotry and oppression. JVP seeks an end to the Israeli occupation of the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and East Jerusalem; security and self-determination for Israelis and Palestinians; a just solution for Palestinian refugees based on principles established in international law; an end to violence against civilians; and peace and justice for all peoples of the Middle East.