Entry dated: 03/04/2024 – 10:00am
Update: 04/04/2024 – 10:27am

In the wake of recent controversies sparked by the statement of the Israeli ambassador to Poland, Yaakov Livne, regarding the tragic attack on the World Central Kitchen humanitarian convoy in the Gaza Strip, the international community and Polish public opinion have been deeply moved and concerned.

The ambassador’s post, which accused critics of the attack of antisemitism, has been widely criticised both in Poland and abroad, reflecting the seriousness of the situation and the emotions accompanying this discussion.

Ambassador Livne, referring to the tragic events, decided to attack those expressing opposition to the actions of the Israeli army, accusing them of antisemitism. Such an approach not only escalates tensions but also ignores the fundamental values that should guide us in international dialogue – respect for human rights and life.

In response to the ambassador’s comments, a wide range of commentators – from journalists and lawyers to political figures – expressed their outrage, emphasising the inadequacy of such rhetoric for the position held. This criticism focuses primarily on the attempt to downplay the crime committed against volunteers providing humanitarian aid, which is not only inappropriate but also harmful to the process of building mutual understanding and peaceful international relations. It’s worth recalling the historical role that Poles played during World War II, saving Jews from extermination. Generalisations or accusations of antisemitism against Poles, especially in light of the heroic actions of many, are not only unfair but also hurtful. Poland, being the place where the most citizens have been honoured as Righteous Among the Nations, has proven that despite inhuman terror, human solidarity and courage can cross the darkest borders.

Organisations such as the Guardians of Polish & Christian Heritage, striving to remind us of these positive aspects of our history, play a key role in educating society and promoting values such as empathy. In the face of the challenges of the modern world, the mission of these organisations, focusing on defending human rights and supporting individual freedom, is more relevant than ever.

In summary, the statements of the Israeli ambassador, rather than helping to clarify and calm the situation, introduced additional tensions, serving as a caution for all participants in international dialogue. Memory of our shared experiences, respect for victims, and building a future based on mutual understanding and respect, should form the foundation of our actions. It is precisely these values that are reminded by organisations such as the Guardians of Polish & Christian Heritage, which stand guard over dialogue, education, and historical memory.

Any decent person must not remain silent and must call facts by their names. The actions in Israel demonstrate a civilisation of crime, an anti-human civilisation devoid of any traits known to humankind. The Israeli ambassador should be immediately expelled from Poland, and Poland should sever all relations with Israel. It’s impossible to maintain relations with an entity that poses a threat to human life on Earth. Based on the facts illustrating genocide, the entire world can see that the cry of “Antisemitism!” is in fact a war cry for committing further crimes, and this cry should always alarm the international community that it is the Jews committing crimes, not that crimes are being committed against Jews.

The Guardians of Polish & Christian Heritage organisation also points out that in addition to the Polish citizen Damian Sobol, aged 35, three British humanitarian workers were killed in the Israeli attack in the Gaza Strip. John Chapman, aged 57, James Henderson, aged 33, and James Kirby, aged 47, were part of the World Central Kitchen (WCK) group that died in Monday’s attack. The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Rishi Sunak, expressed outrage over these deaths. Israel stated that the death of the Pole and Britons was the result of an “unintended strike”. All vehicles in the convoy were hit by an Israeli airstrike while leaving a warehouse in Deir al-Balah, south of Gaza City. The attack killed seven aid workers, in addition to the Pole and three Britons, also citizens of Australia, Palestine, and a citizen holding US and Canadian citizenship. Following the death of humanitarian workers, Britain summoned the Israeli ambassador for the first time in 12 years, and Prime Minister Sunak demanded an investigation in a conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Sunak emphasised that

“too many humanitarian workers and ordinary civilians have lost their lives in Gaza,” which is a situation “increasingly unbearable.”

This situation prompted Lord Peter Ricketts to comment on BBC that the United Kingdom should immediately cease the sale of arms to Israel, which would be a strong political signal.

What has the Polish government, Polish politicians, Prime Minister Donald Tusk or President Andrzej Duda, and others done in this matter?

The tragic attack on @WCKitchen‘s convoy in Gaza killed humanitarian workers, including a Pole & Britons. The world’s reaction is unequivocal. Is it time to rethink relations with Israel? #PolishHeritage #WCK #HumanitarianCrisis #Dialogue #HumanRightshttps://t.co/RssBcYhzvQ

— Strażnicy Polskiego&Chrześcijańskiego Dziedzictwa (@SPiCDPL) April 3, 2024

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