Israel today reaffirmed its pledge to support the “legitimate aspirations” of subject people seeking to throw off the yoke of colonialism, “particularly the peoples of Africa, victims of persecution and racial discrimination like the Jews.”
A statement deploring the fact that “more than 40 territories have not yet succeeded in gaining their independence” was made by Ambassador Ovadia Soffer at a session of the General Assembly this morning where implementation of the “Declaration on the granting of independence to colonial countries and peoples” was the subject of debate.
A first draft resolution introduced yesterday reaffirmed that continued colonialism posed a threat to international peace and security and urged all states, specialized agencies and UN bodies to provide moral and material assistance to peoples struggling for independence in the colonial territories.
COLONIALISM AN AFFRONT TO AFRICA
“The persistence of colonialism constitutes an anachronism and affront to Africa and to the spirit of our times,” Soffer said. He quoted from the book “Altneuland” by Theodor Herzl, founder of the Zionist movement, who observed at the close of the 19th century that “There is still one problem of racial misfortune unsolved. Only a Jew can fathom the depths of this problem in all its horror. I refer to the African problem….Now that I have lived to see the restoration of the Jews I should like to pave the way for the restoration of the Black people.”
The Israeli Ambassador also quoted the Black nationalist leaders, William E.B. du Bois and George Padmore who drew parallels between the Pan-African movement and Zionism. Soffer noted that “The cooperation between Israel and the developing countries started from the first days of their independence, particularly with those of the African continent.”
He said, “I reaffirm here in the name of the Israeli delegation our profound desire to witness the acceleration of the process of decolonization….Israel, faithful to its national and spiritual heritage will continue–as in the past–in the United Nations and elsewhere to give all support for the accomplishment of the legitimate aspirations of the peoples of Africa to attain political liberty and human dignity.”
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