Israel Must “Stop Bulldozer Policy”

Local Palestine rights activists were in a fiesta mood today outside the Brazil embassy in Wellington. The Poneke Palestine Working group celebrated to support Brazil’s rejection of what they call Israel’s ‘occupation ambassador of destruction’ Dani Dayan.

Brazil has caused a diplomatic storm by rejecting the appointment of Dayan because of his role as envoy of the West Bank settlers’ Yesha Council.

Poneke Palestine spokesperson Kat Goodman said, “Dayan is an envoy promoting acts of military aggression, the theft of Palestinian land for illegal Israeli settlements in the West Bank.”

In 2004 The International Court of Justice determined that Israel’s seizing of Palestinian land for settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem violate international law.

Since then, Israel has continued to use bulldozers to take over Palestinian land for illegal settlements. Brazil and New Zealand both refer to the illegal settlements as obstacles to peace.

A large yellow model bulldozer was dangled outside the Brazil embassy today, with the message “Stop Dani Dayan, Israel’s ambassador of destruction”.

Poneke Palestine spokesperson Kat Goodman said

“Israel’s use of gigantic militarised bulldozers to steal Palestinian land violates international law. By the same token, Israel should stop using Bulldozer tactics to force a war criminal ambassador on Brazil.”

After the event, the Brazilian Embassy invited the delegation inside. Roberto Medeiros, Minister-Counsellor and Deputy Head of Mission of the Embassy of Brazil in Wellington, New Zealand received the delegation and thanked the group for its support. He informed them that he will report to Brasilia about the demonstration. The Poneke Palestine Working Group also presented the Embassy with a Palestinian flag.

Kat Goodman is also a member of Jews for Justice, Aotearoa.
“More and more Jews in New Zealand are coming out against the occupation, against the illegal settlements and against Jewish terrorist groups in the West Bank. We are horrified that anyone could do these things and we say ‘Not in our name’.” she said.

Activists performed a song entitled “Against Genocide and Ethnic Cleansing - Not In Our Name” outside the Brazil embassy today which was written by New Zealand Jews who are against Israel’s policies.

Kat Goodman also stated “Dani Dayan’s organisation, the Yesha Council, has funded Israeli settler attacks on Palestinians. While Dayan claims to be against violence, he has turned a blind eye to the violence his organisation has been funding.”

Brazil has recently refused a deal with Israeli armaments company, Elbit Systems. The New Zealand superannuation fund has also divested from Elbit Systems.

“Various countries are refusing to deal with Elbit Systems and the Israeli war machine. We need a a global two-way weapons boycott on Israel, like the boycotts which helped end Apartheid in South Africa” Goodman added.

“We hope Brazil will keep up the good work and that Brazil, New Zealand and other countries will continue to take increasing action to stand up for Palestinian human rights.”

ENDS

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