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B’nai B’rith International has issued the following statement:

B’nai B’rith International condemns the rote resolution passed by the World Health Organization (WHO) that singles out Israel with the perverse implication that Israel is the world’s worst health rights violator rather than a leader in medical ingenuity and compassion. It was the only such resolution targeting a specific country.

The resolution passed by a 104-4 vote, with 6 abstentions and 65 members absent. B’nai B’rith strongly commends Canada, Australia and the United States for standing with Israel against the motion. Armenia, Colombia, Fiji, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and Paraguay were the countries abstaining. The vote by European countries in favor of the resolution was especially shameful.

The WHO’s annual assembly was typical of those of many United Nations agencies in that it was filled with false testimony by some of the worst human rights violators in the world. Syria was among those in the parade of Israel-bashers, speaking as the country’s regime is again facing allegations of chemical weapons use against its own civilian population, along with innumerous atrocities wrought during the country’s ongoing civil war.

Lost amid the long list of baseless and biased accusations was the fact that Israel has constantly used its medical resources to help Syrian, Palestinian and other civilians who are victims of their own leaders’ brutal and reckless policies. These people are welcomed across Israel’s borders for treatment—a generous, humane action that would never be reciprocated by Israel’s adversaries. Israel is also home to multiple non-profit organizations providing life-saving medical care to those in need in the region and around the world.

Unfortunately, the WHO’s political attack not only undermines the body’s credibility, but also weakens hope for badly needed reconciliation between Israel and its neighbors.

B’nai B’rith will directly convey its outrage to World Health Organization Director-General Dr. Margaret Chan over this latest injustice.