Amid pressure, Yesha Council chief drops out of Haaretz conference

• Author: Arutz Sheva Staff
• Date: 01 March 2021
• Published date: 01 March 2021
• Publication title: Israel National News (Israel)

Elhayani's announcement came amid pressure from the Choosing Life Forum of Bereaved Families and the Wounded IDF Veterans Forum that called on Elhayani not to participate in a conference sponsored by groups that harm IDF soldiers.

B'Tselem and Breaking the Silence have faced sharp criticism in Israel due to their activities against IDF soldiers and Israel, which are largely funded by donations from European governments. Last month, B'Tselem launched an international campaign accusing Israel of being an apartheid state.

"I agreed to participate in the Haaretz conference in order to make the important voice of the communities [in Judea and Samaria] heard and to represent a sane voice on that day," said Elhayani. "At the same time, I can't help but recognize the pain of bereaved families and terror victims that see these organizations as partners in activities against IDF soldiers and that see my participation as adding to their pain."

Elhayani continued: "Therefore, I announced that I am canceling my participation and ask that my friend Oded Revivi, head of the...