Einat Wilf at the International Summit for a Future Beyond UNRWA

Summary

The speaker critiques the United Nations' historical support for the establishment of a Jewish state and argues that the UN and associated organizations have perpetuated the refugee status of Palestinians, fueling a narrative of 'right of return' that has led to ongoing conflict. They advocate for a shift in support towards those who renounce the notion of being refugees with a right of return, emphasizing the capability of Palestinians and the need for a change in priorities to achieve peace.

Takeaways

• 🌍 The establishment of a Jewish state was initially supported by the United Nations in 1947, but it is suggested that there has been an effort to retract this support over the years.
• 🤔 The speaker asserts that to understand HRA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees), one must recognize it as primarily a Palestinian organization rather than an international aid body.
• ✈️ The analogy of an airplane being hijacked is used to describe how HRA, which began with good intentions to aid Arab refugees, has been transformed to serve a singular cause against the Jewish state.
• 💼 The presence of Westerners in HRA is described as a facade to make it easier for donors to contribute funds, as it is seen as more palatable than giving directly to Palestinians with a different agenda.
• 💰 The speaker argues that for 75 years, funding and aid have been used to perpetuate the myth of the Palestinian refugee status and the belief in a 'right of return', which is seen as a threat to the Jewish state.
• 📜 October 7th is highlighted as a significant date, representing the realization of the Palestinian vision of 'return', which is described as not an innocent concept but one with violent and triumphalist overtones.
• 🚫 The speaker calls for a shift in funding, suggesting that aid should only be given to those who are no longer registered as refugees and do not claim a 'right of return'.
• 🏗️ The speaker advises donor countries to cease all contributions to HRA, especially in areas like Gaza, where the dominant ideology is perceived as hostile to the Jewish state.
• 🌟 October 7th is also presented as an opportunity to redefine the narrative of Palestinians as capable people, rather than as victims perpetually in need of aid.
• 🔄 The core message is to reverse the approach to support, focusing on peace-building and reconciliation rather than perpetuating conflict, by redirecting aid and support to those who renounce violence and the idea of liberating Palestine through conflict.

Q & A

What is the speaker's view on the establishment of a Jewish State in 1947?

The speaker suggests that the United Nations initially supported the establishment of a Jewish State, but has since tried to walk back on that support.

How does the speaker describe the evolution of the HRA?

The speaker describes HRA as initially being a well-intentioned organization aimed at settling Arab refugees, but it was 'hijacked' by the refugees themselves and turned into an organization focused on opposing the Jewish state.

What is the speaker's analogy for understanding HRA?

The speaker uses the analogy of an airplane, which is a useful machine until it is hijacked and used for destructive purposes, to illustrate how HRA started with good intentions but was later misused.

What does the speaker believe is the primary goal of the Palestinian organization?

The speaker believes the primary goal of the Palestinian organization is to ensure that the Jewish state does not have peace until it ceases to exist.

How does the speaker characterize the outer appearance of HRA?

The speaker describes HRA as having a thin layer of Italians and Swiss with well-cut suits who ask for money, suggesting a facade of respectability.

What does the speaker suggest is the perpetuation of the Palestinian refugee myth?

The speaker suggests that the myth of Palestinians being unique refugees from a war that ended 75 years ago is perpetuated by the funding and support they receive, which is tied to the belief in a right of return.

What is the speaker's stance on the concept of 'right of return'?

The speaker views the concept of 'right of return' as not an innocent idea but one that has always been tied to the goal of triumphalism over the Jewish state.

What should replace the HRA according to the speaker?

The speaker believes that what should replace the HRA is a mechanism that only provides support, money, and aid to those who are no longer registered as refugees and do not claim a right of return.

What message does the speaker have for donor countries?

The speaker advises donor countries to stop giving any support or aid to the HRA and to instead support those Palestinians who do not consider themselves refugees and do not aim to liberate Palestine from the river to the sea.

How does the speaker view the Palestinian people's capabilities?

The speaker views the Palestinian people as highly capable, but criticizes their priorities, stating that for a century they have focused on destroying the Jewish State rather than building something for themselves.

What is the speaker's final thought on the matter?

The speaker's final thought is that October 7th should mark the end of viewing Palestinians as a people in need of aid, and instead, it should be a call to support those who are ready to put the war behind them and work towards peace.