The long-standing dispute between Israel’s embassy here and the German-Israeli Association (Deutsche-Israelische Gesellschaft or “DIG”) over statements and actions by DIG officials which were deemed hostile to Israel, has been settled. At its annual meeting in Bonn earlier this month, by an overwhelming majority of 212-40, DIG’s members endorsed a statement of principles committing the body to a firmly pro-Israel course.
The settlement of the row is regarded as a personal triumph for Ambassador Yohanan Meroz, who at the time of his arrival in November, 1974 conducted a quiet, behind-the-scenes campaign to oust left-wingers apparently intent on making DIG a “pro-Arab” or “anti-Israel” instrument. Meroz also played a key part in drafting the statement of principles.
CRITICISM OF ISRAEL RULED OUT
Two key clauses in the “guidelines” are a requirement that DIG parties visiting Israel should seek out “representative” organizations for political talks, and a statement that “official Israeli policies are not to be the subject of critical public statements” by the DIG or its various executive organs.
The statement reaffirms DIG’s main task as “the creation of solidarity with Israel and its people.” The “starting point” for the organization’s activities is “the knowledge of the crimes which Germans committed against the Jews in the years 1933-1945.” Meroz told the gathering that despite “differences of opinion” between DIG and the Embassy, “the question was never asked, whether the DIG is necessary or desirable.” But the organization could only perform effectively if there was “maximum cooperation” with the representatives of Israel.
The meeting formally absolved DIG’s organizing secretary, Reiner Bernstein from allegations of pro-Arab leanings. Nevertheless, Bernstein “voluntarily” relinquished his post after disclosures that a DIG secretary had misappropriated $21,000 of DIG funds. Erik Blumenthal, an opposition (Christian Democrat) member of Parliament, was voted DIG president, replacing Heinz Westphal, a Social Democrat.
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