Knesset Speaker Ohana Condemns 'Abhorrent Lie' of Genocide Accusations at European Council

By יוסי בן עטר

Translated & summarized from Srugim by baba

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Hebrew · 8 newsrooms covering

Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana strongly criticized European accusations of genocide against Israel during a Council of Europe meeting in Rome. He presented a book containing the word "Jew" six million times to illustrate the scale of the Holocaust and stated that Israel is not committing genocide. Ohana urged European leaders to stand with Israel against extremism and fundamentalism, framing the conflict as a global battle for freedom and democracy.

The story in 5 lines · by baba

Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana rejected genocide accusations against Israel at a European Council meeting in Rome.
Ohana stated that Israel is not committing genocide and condemned the "abhorrent lie" during his speech.
He presented a book with "Jew" printed six million times to illustrate the scale of the Holocaust.
Ohana called the current conflict a global confrontation between civilization and extremism.
He urged European leaders to stand on the "right side of history" with Israel.

Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana delivered a forceful speech to parliamentary leaders in Rome on Thursday, during a Council of Europe session that addressed Israel and the Middle East conflict. His address was met with applause from the attendees, and the President of the Parliamentary Assembly, Petra Bayer of Austria, thanked him in Hebrew.

Ohana began by criticizing European nations that accuse Israel of "genocide," calling their motives into question. "Today we face a severe crisis of a lack of international courage," he stated. He argued that many world leaders espouse noble values but fail to defend them when it matters, even resorting to deliberate lies and cynical propaganda for temporary electoral gain and superficial peace.

"Everyone in this room knows the truth. Israel is not committing genocide, enough of this abhorrent lie," Ohana declared. He referenced the October 7th attacks, noting that it was the deadliest day for Jews since the Holocaust. He emphasized that the atrocities committed by terrorists that day, including murder and rape, were not "collateral damage" but deliberate targeting of innocent civilians, including babies.

During his speech, Ohana held up a copy of the book "And Every Single One Was Someone" by Phil Chernovsky, which contains the word "Jew" printed six million times. He explained that the book, which he keeps on his desk, serves as a constant reminder of the immense loss suffered by the Jewish people and illustrates the true meaning of genocide. He stated that Israel's responsibility since October 7th is to prevent genocide and ensure that those who call for the murder of Jews can never again gain the power to do so.

Ohana concluded by urging the parliamentary leaders to unite and stand on the right side of history, framing the current conflict as a global confrontation between civilization and extremism. He appealed to countries with dark historical chapters to stand with Israel, emphasizing that the fight is against forces of darkness, extremism, and fundamentalism, and in favor of freedom and democracy.