Bezalel Smotrich, Israel’s Finance Minister and the leader of the Religious Zionism Party, has time and time again proven himself to be bigoted, cruel, and unfit for public office. On top of his history of racist and homophobic comments, his response to the horrifying settler pogrom in Huwara last month — he said that Israel should “wipe out” the Palestinian village — was disgusting and dangerous. Now, Smotrich has been handed sweeping powers over the administration of the West Bank, a terrifying step toward permanent annexation.
Yet some American Jewish organizations continue to welcome Smotrich with open arms. The Israel Bonds organization has invited Smotrich to speak at a gala event this month in Washington DC.
Just as our colleagues and friends are demonstrating in Israel, we won’t let Smotrich’s behavior be treated as business as usual.
Join Ameinu and the Progressive Israel Network on Sunday, March 12 at 6:30pm, outside the Grand Hyatt Hotel (1000 H Street NW, near Metro Center station).
We’re saying No to Smotrich, No to Hate!
The human rights of both Israelis and Palestinians must be protected, and that will only happen with democracy, equal treatment under the law, and an end to the occupation. Smotrich and the other far-right extremists in Netanyahu’s government do not speak for us.
I hope you can make it on March 12.
