Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), Co-Chair of the House Task Force for Combating Antisemitism, today condemned the United Nations’ passage of a resolution—by a vote of 90 to 30 with 47 abstentions—that called the foundation of the State of Israel a “catastrophe”:

            “This week’s egregious vote by the United Nations General Assembly condemning the founding of Israel as a ‘catastrophe,’ or Nakba, is a display of hatred for Israel and callousness towards its citizens and comes at an especially chilling time with antisemitism surging around the world.

            “As we approach the upcoming 75^th anniversary of the founding of Israel in May, the establishment of the Jewish state and great US ally should be celebrated, not condemned.

            “Israel is the only true democracy in the Middle East, a place where Muslims and Christians can hold citizenship and can even serve in Israel’s parliament—the Knesset—along with the majority of Israelis who are Jews.

            “Unlike its neighbors, Israel protects religious freedom and upholds diversity of creed. To hate Israel is to hate democracy and freedom.

            “The entrenched prejudice against Israel at the United Nations, which has been the topic of congressional hearings I have previously chaired, will continue to receive serious scrutiny in the new Congress.”

            Smith noted that the timing of the UN vote coincided with this week’s anniversary of the UN decision to partition Palestinian Mandate territory into two states—including Israel—on November 29, 1947. Immediately after its founding in 1948, Israel was attacked by Arab neighboring states and had to fight for its existence. 

###