But the presence of VOIS is not something KEPA, or Juusola, or Bistrom had counted on. The VOIS member who spoke with Lappalainen noted his discomfort with the group’s presence and questions. He also had to notice their distribution of materials, which included a leaflet explaining why boycotts of Israel are destructive, divisive and undermines hopes for peace.
And, in a move that is always hoped for, but doesn’t always happen, the Israeli diplomatic corps fought back.
When the Embassy protested, the Finnish government claimed it was a private event over which the Foreign Ministry had no control. Well, maybe not control, but the FM provides funds for the festival. Maybe there should be some strings attached to the funds it distributes, or it deserves to be criticized for banning an Israeli-focused organization.
The Israeli Ambassador to Finland Dan Ashbel was livid. Noting that the WVF is funded by Finnish public funds, he pointed out that the organizers of the event aren’t happy with that a Jewish state exists in the Middle East. He charged them with deciding “to believe the general accusations of people who oppose the very existence of the state of Israel, and to get rid of the bother.”
Ashbel then raised the question of whether “such a scandalous decision fits with values such as environmental development, fairness, tolerance and the desire for peace.” Finally, he asked whether “other organisations participating in the festival were requested to meet this same standard. It is insufficent that the organisers announced they would agree to host the Jewish community, as there is no difference between anti-Zionism and anti-Semitism.”
The pro-Israel presence in Finland did not respond to the anti-Israel insult with sheepish acceptance. They spoke out and they took action. It’s a beginning.
Watch the head of VOIS, Felix NoiBar, speak at the VOIS booth, outside of Finland’s World Village Festival.