Why Aren't Netanyahu And Peres Going To Johannesburg For Mandela's Memorial?
Bibi says its the expense, Peres says its a flu he cant kick. More likely its two other reasons: Israels past and present.
By Larry Derfner |Published December 9, 2013
Nelson Mandelas death brought up some inconvenient memories for Israel and the Diaspora Jewish establishment: Israels extremely fruitful alliance with apartheid South Africa until the very, very end; the anti-Mandela stance of right-wing Zionists because of his support for Arafat and the PLO (as well as for Gadhafi); and mainstream South African Jewrys comfort with the apartheid regime (notwithstanding the brave opposition by a greatly disproportionate number of the countrys Jews). Then theres the present-day, ongoing inconvenience of the similarity between apartheid and the occupation, and the awkwardness of having to praise a man who chose violence over submission while vilifying Palestinians who make the same choice.
It seemed, though, that this embarrassment over the Israel-South African apartheid alliance was going to blow over; official Israel and its supporters obviously were stonewalling the subject, it was just a few pain-in-the-ass leftists who kept harping on it; in another day or two theyd get tired.
But now this embarrassment has been shoved into the spotlight by none other than Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Shimon Peres. Theyre doing what no national leader in his right mind would dare do: Theyre snubbing Mandelas memorial service in Johannesburg.
Since Mandelas funeral in his rural birthplace next Sunday is going to be a more intimate affair with no foreign VIPs invited, Tuesdays memorial service, because of Mandelas uniquely exalted stature, is going to be the most prestigious event since I dont remember when. Presumably every head of state in the world will be there except Israels.
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http://972mag.com/why-arent-netanyahu-and-peres-going-to-johannesburg-for-mandelas-memorial/83366/