The controversial honour that U.S. President Barack Obama bestowed Wednesday on former Irish leader Mary Robinson, a fierce critic of Israel, elicited strongly-worded condemnations from European Jewish institutions, with the European Jewish Congress saying the move encouraged hate.
“Today’s honour will provide additional fodder for those who choose to hate,” said Dr. Moshe Kantor, president of the EJC, of Obama’s decision to award Robinson the American Presidential Medal of Freedom. Kantor cited Robinson’s role in the United Nations’ World Conference against Racism in Durban in 2001, over which she presided as UN High Commissioner for Human Rights…