Jalil Dabdoub | Why Jamaica’s ‘bromance’ with Israel?

The Gleaner lead story on December 1, titled ‘Hill to die on’, reported that Cabinet Minister Aubyn Hill, at an event, ‘Pre Chanukah-celebration, in solidarity with Israel’, declared his wholehearted support for Israel in divisive Gaza conflict.

Given the Government’s recent action, it was no surprise that Minister Hill was in attendance in his official capacity. The event was promoted to “stand together in solidarity with Israel, offer prayers for the safe return of our hostages, and honour the memory of over 1,400 innocent Israelis tragically lost ….”.

It is rather ironic and thought-provoking that the organisers chose November 29 to hold this event, as that date is designated by the United Nations as The International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, which has been the date designated since 1978.

An event to show ‘solidarity’ with Israel is an event which supports the actions of the Israeli government. Actions which are in breach of international law, human rights and are war crimes. Certainly, the razing of Gaza which the world has seen are war crimes, given the number of men, women and children killed by Israeli airstrikes targeting homes, schools, hospitals, mosques and churches. “This is the world’s first televised genocide” which “offends every human sensibility”, said Mia Mottley, prime minster of Barbados.

Why does Jamaica have a minister of Government representing us in his official capacity at such an event while he pledges support and solidarity with an apartheid regime which commits war crimes? Certainly, this cannot be, and is not the position of well-thinking Jamaicans. Has Minister Hill and the Government he represents forgotten their own heritage and the struggles against apartheid and colonialism?

ABDICATED TRADITIONAL POSITION

On the Palestinian issue, this administration has clearly abdicated the principled and traditional Jamaican position against apartheid and oppression, a core part of our foreign policy. As a country which emerged from the shadows of slavery and colonialism, no less could be expected of us. Their voting record at the United Nations on the subject matter is clear evidence of that abdication.

The administration, through the prime minister and foreign minister, has tried to reassure the public that Jamaica’s position has not changed and that as a country, Jamaica still supports international law and human rights. Their actions betray their lip service.

Also quite alarming was the prime minister’s speech at the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) conference this past Sunday. The prime minister has consistently displayed an inability to value Palestinian lives and to show respect for international law. On October 7, he roundly condemned the actions of Hamas and defended Israel’s right to self-defence (a right which the ICJ has ruled Israel does not have).

It therefore smacks of hypocrisy when our Foreign Minister Kamina Johnson can issue a statement that “the Government of Jamaica remains firmly committed to the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity of States, as enshrined in the United Nations Charter. Jamaica fully supports the work of the ICJ and its ability to deliver justice where there is breach of the United Nations’ founding principles, in an impartial, transparent and independent manner”. It seems that under this morally bankrupt administration, Jamaica will follow international law and rulings at its own whim and fancy.

Neither the prime minister (PM) nor any member of his Government has ever had the moral clarity or humanity to condemn the actions of the Israeli government in Gaza. This contrasts with Opposition Leader Mark Golding, who repeatedly demonstrated strong leadership by condemning the actions of the Israeli government in Gaza.

Where is the human sensibility of this Government, particularly Minister Hill? Where is its commitment to equal rights and justice in the face of an apartheid Israeli regime. How can our Government take such a diametrically opposite position to other nations, particularly our CARICOM brothers and sisters; for example, Barbados and Belize. Is it that this administration believes that Palestinian lives are of no value?

MANY QUESTIONS

There have certainly been many questions raised on the new-found bromance between our PM, Andrew Holness, and Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu, who is facing corruption charges in Israel. To date, the Government has, despite repeated requests for clarity, never been transparent on the relationship. This failure of the present Government to be transparent with our citizens only raises more questions, concerns and suspicions as to what the motives are.

Regrettably, for reasons unknown to us, this administration continues to prevaricate. Whatever the reasons are, it certainly does not augur well for Jamaica’s national image, national integrity or our future under a political directorate clearly devoid of humanity, which clearly establishes their lack of even the minutest sense of morality.

When will our leaders develop the spinal fortitude to recalibrate Jamaica’s position to one of humanity, morality and, importantly, compliance with international law. Perhaps the prime minister may find the courage to take a cue from Mia Mottley whose spinal fortitude seems to have eclipsed his own. Notwithstanding, it is time the administration step up and do the right thing. The first step would be to disassociate itself from Minister Hill’s position.

The current JLP administration, particularly the PM, foreign minister and Mr Hill, seems to have forgotten the words of their own party anthem:

“Equal rights and justice

Stand up for your rights, when you hear the bell,

Stand up for justice,

Hear the freedom bell.”

It is more likely they, like their friends in Israel, do believe in equal rights and justice – unless you are Palestinian.

Jalil S. Dabdoub is an attorney-at-law. Send feedback to columns@gleanerjm.com.