Kikar HaShabbatPolitics17:34

Knesset Speaker Confronts Europeans on Gaza Conflict, Receives Applause

By כיכר השבת

Translated & summarized from Kikar HaShabbat by baba

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Hebrew · 8 newsrooms covering

Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana delivered a forceful speech to European parliament leaders in Rome, condemning accusations of genocide against Israel and detailing the October 7th attacks. The address, delivered at the Council of Europe, was met with applause. Ohana presented a book symbolizing the six million Jewish victims of the Holocaust and urged European leaders to support Israel. He also held bilateral meetings with several European parliamentary delegations.

The story in 6 lines · by baba

Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana strongly condemned European accusations of genocide against Israel in a speech to European parliament leaders.
Ohana described the October 7th attacks as a deliberate massacre of civilians, not collateral damage.
He presented a book with "Jew" printed six million times to symbolize Holocaust victims and the need to prevent genocide.
Ohana urged European leaders to stand on the "right side of history" and support Israel.
The speech, delivered at the Council of Europe in Rome, was met with applause.
Ohana held meetings with parliamentary leaders from Germany, Italy, Ukraine, and other European nations.

Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana delivered a strong speech to European parliament leaders in Rome on Thursday, addressing the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and Israel's position. The address, delivered during a session of the Council of Europe, was met with applause from attendees. Petra Bayer, President of the Parliamentary Assembly, thanked Ohana in Hebrew.

Ohana began by criticizing European countries that accuse Israel of "genocide," calling it hypocrisy and questioning the motives of their leaders. He stated that many world leaders claim to value principles but are unwilling to defend them, and some even resort to 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 despicable lie," Ohana declared.

Referencing the October 7th attacks, Ohana described the events as a massacre by thousands of terrorists who targeted civilians, including women, children, and infants, in an act of "medieval cruelty." He emphasized that October 7th, the deadliest day for Jews since the Holocaust, was not characterized by "collateral damage" but by deliberate targeting of innocent civilians.

During his speech, Ohana presented a copy of the book "And Every Single One Was Someone" by Phil Chernovsky, which contains the word "Jew" printed six million times in small print. 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, particularly in Europe, and the imperative to prevent genocide. "This is what true genocide looks like!" he exclaimed.

Ohana urged the parliamentary leaders to stand on the "right side of history" in what he described as a global confrontation between civilization and extremism, freedom and fundamentalism. He called on them to join forces with Israel in this struggle. While in Rome, Ohana also held bilateral meetings with parliamentary leaders from Germany, Italy, Ukraine, Hungary, Romania, Lithuania, Montenegro, Cyprus, and Croatia to strengthen ties and present Israel's perspectives.