Jerusalem – U.S. and Israeli officials on Wednesday slammed remarks by the Palestinian president about the causes of 20th century anti-Semitism in Europe.
Subscribe to our Daily Roundup Email
In rambling remarks that were part of a lengthy speech to the PLO parliament on Monday, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said it was the Jews’ “social function,” including money-lending, that caused animosity toward them in Europe, citing what he said were books by Jewish authors. He also portrayed the creation of Israel as a European colonial project, saying “history tells us there is no basis for the Jewish homeland.”
On Wednesday, the U.S. ambassador to Israel, as well as Israel’s prime minister, lashed out at Abbas over his remarks.
“Abu Mazen has reached a new low,” Ambassador David Friedman tweeted early Wednesday, referring to Abbas by his nickname. “To all those who think Israel is the reason that we don’t have peace, think again.”
President Donald Trump’s special envoy for international negotiations Jason Greenblatt also responded to the remarks, calling them “very distressing and terribly disheartening.”
The rhetoric reflects the escalating tensions between the Palestinians and the Trump administration. Ties have been strained since Trump recognized Jerusalem as Israel’s capital last year, prompting the Palestinians to suspend contacts with the administration. Friedman and Abbas have sparred before. In March, Abbas called Friedman a “son of a dog” in an angry rant. Friedman suggested the remark was anti-Semitic.
In a statement, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the remarks were “the pinnacle of ignorance” and that the Palestinian leader was “again reciting the most disgraceful anti-Semitic slogans.”
Abbas’ office declined to comment.
“Rambling remarks ” ???? More like a wolf in sheep’s clothing !!!!
Why the outrage? Abbas opens his dirty mouth often, and spews this kind of rubbish. He just proves to the world again and again how low and full of hate he is. He was never a partner for peace. His rejection of US efforts is no surprise. He fears greatly that US will have an impact, and that the Palis, for the first time in history, will be pressured to make concessions, such as abandoning terror. he wouldn’t stand for that, the predator and savage that he is. May he, and every single supporter of his, be stricken with torturous diseases and afflictions.
He only stated the truth. Israel has NO right to exist as a Jewish homeland. It violated the oath of Hashem. He can ramble on till yesteryear and it doesnt matter. Eretz yisroel “will be” a Jewish land with the coming of Mashiach. Till then his words have merit.
And may the Zionist stop with their anti semitism rant cuz they’ the REAL anti semites. Bibi is the antithesis of anything a Jew shld hold dear. So just being born Jewish doesnt yet give him the right of claiming to reperesent the Jews and screaming antisemitism where he wishes to.
Number 3 Eretz Yisrael is the Jewish homeland whether you like it or not. I agree what you said about not Jews were suppose to wait for Moshiach, but their was always Jews there since and after the destruction of the Beis Hamigdash. What abbas said is he is just trying to rile up the Arabs so he can get more money from Europe and the Arab states. He is farrakhan’s associates in hell
Looks like its sicko Satmarer yeshiva boys like #3 who hate Israel and Jews, and support terrorist PLO, hamas, hezbollah. Disgusting on every level.
Sorry all Zionists posting here. #3 has stated the obvious. I doubt he has any agenda of yiddn being slaughtered anywhere. Hes just stating that EY is not ours. Calm down all.
Sorry to say , but heiliger ren yolish was a yochid and halacha is from the rabim and we cant establish halacha from a medrish .He also predicted the end of his medina in 50 years and it’s growing stronger every day bli ayin harah. Nachshon ben aminadav also jumped ahead of the others and entered the waterfirst.
The fake news AP writes, “the rhetoric reflects the escalating tensions between the Palestinians and the Trump administration….!” Huh?! They are trying to justify his anti Semitic rant as being caused by his anger at Trump because of the embassy move?! Anyone who doesn’t see the absolute bias against Trump and against Israel by the fake news media is simply dishonest and/or naive and stupid.