March 14, 2000
7 Adar II, 5760
Jerusalem

"Say No To Haiderism"

The First Public Demonstration in Israel Against Haiderism

A public demonstration against the phenomenon of "Haiderism" will take place in Jerusalem on Wednesday 15 March. This will be the first mass demonstration which will take place in the Israeli capital, organized by the World Zionist Organization and Jewish Agency for Israel after a series of demonstrations which have taken place in capitals throughout the world.

This demonstration is part of an overall campaign, which was initiated in Israel and throughout the world by the World Zionist Organization and the Jewish Agency against racism, Antisemitism and "Haiderism", with the inclusion of the extreme right-wing Austrian Freedom Party, headed by Joerg Haider, in the Austrian Government coalition. The demonstration will consist of two parts.

At 17:30 at Yad Vashem at the Valley of the Lost Communities, a ceremony against racism and Antisemitism will take place. Participating will be the Chairman of the Yad Vashem Council Professor Szewach Weiss, himself a holocaust survivor, the Mayor of Givatayim, Mr. Effie Schtanzler, and the Chairman of the Jewish Agency’s Education Committee, Mr. Amos Hermon, and 400 members of Zionist Youth Movements from Israel and abroad. Torches in memory of those who perished in the Holocaust will be kindled and Red Warning Lights will be lit symbolizing a warning light against the phenomenon of Antisemitism and racism.

At 19:00 at the Binyanei Haooma Jerusalem International Convention Center in the Usishkin Hall, a mass gathering of 3,000 Israeli youth, students, pupils and members of youth movements from the whole country as well as representatives from women and volunteer organizations will take place. The Chairman of the Jewish Agency, Sallai Meridor; the Jewish Agency Treasurer, Chaim Chesler; The Minister for Israeli Society and World Jewish Community, Rabbi Michael Melchior; and the Secretary General of the World Jewish Congress, Dr. Israel Singer will address the gathering. Similarly a film will be shown which deals with the dangers of Antisemitism and racism which includes statements by world leaders against racism and Antisemitism. The renowned Israeli pop star Aviv Gefen will perform live and there will a Laser Show.

The gathering is organized by the World Zionist Organization and Jewish Agency for Israel in cooperation with the Israeli Council of Youth Movements, the Council of World Zionist Youth Movements, the Israeli Council of High School Pupils, the Israeli Zionist Youth Council, the World Union of Jewish Students, the National Union of Israeli Students, Na'amat and other women and volunteer organizations.

For further information contact:

Michael Jankelowitz
Liaison to Foreign Press and Media, JAFI
Tel: 972-2-6202780
Fax: 972-2-6202708
Mobile: 972-51-601706