“Why do the nations rage, And the people plot a vain thing? The kings of the earth set themselves, And the rulers take counsel together, Against the LORD and against His Anointed, saying, “Let us break Their bonds in pieces And cast away Their cords from us.” (Psalm 2:1-3)

Quite a few opinion articles and news this week about the upcoming Durban II Conference, links below:

“The Conference of Presidents calls on Delegates to Durban 2 to Be Absent When Ahmadinejad Speaks Leaders of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations called on all delegations to the upcoming Durban 2 conference to absent themselves or walk out when Iran’s radical president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, addresses the conference. “Rather than address racism, bigotry and xenophobia as was intended, the conference has been hijacked by those seeking to use it as a platform for their extremist views. The presence of President Ahmadinejad underscores the wisdom of the decision of the United States…not to participate. It is our hope that other democratic states will pull out.”

“While Israel is marking a solemn day of Holocaust remembrance next Monday, the United Nations will convene in Geneva for its second global anti-racism conference to endorse the outcomes of the anti-Semitic hate-fest that took place in the South African city of Durban on the eve of the 9/11 terror attacks in September 2001. 
   Even now it is unclear whether the US will participate or not. Formally, the administration has indicated it won’t attend, but there is a widespread campaign from prominent human rights groups and governments across the world to persuade President Obama to change his mind. While the motives of some of those pushing for US involvement are noble, there is no question that a clear majority of the nations attending intend to hijack the conference to demonize Israel as an ‘Apartheid State’. We need to make sure that as Christians we are not silent at this time and that we let our President know that we support his decision to Boycott Durban II.”(link to petition) … Read the whole thing and see the other articles

Dismantling the myth that Israel is an Apartheid state from ICEJ USA on Vimeo.

“Daily Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary General. High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay today welcomed the release of a revised draft outcome document for next weeks anti-racism Durban Review Conference. The new text has been presented to States currently participating in the Conferences final Preparatory Committee meeting. Addressing that meeting today, Pillay urged delegates to transcend their differences and find consensus. She also told them that the future and hope of countless victims of racism rest in their hands. The new 17-page document is a revision of the rolling text that was published last month by the working group charged with negotiating the Conferences outcome. The chair of that working group has expressed hope that the new version, based on extensive consultations with States, will meet the concerns of all delegations and can be adopted by consensus”  .. and live webcast link for preparatory conference session April 15-17 – Durban Review Conference Preparatory Committee Third substantive session

     “… This Sunday in Geneva, 19 April 2009 Global Webcast to Draw Worldwide Participation in Human Rights Summit on Eve of U.N. Racism Conference … SOS Racisme, Freedom House, Ibuka, UN Watch and 30 other human rights and anti-racism NGOs from around the world are joining hands to bring leading human rights figures from Burma, Iran, Egypt, Cuba, Darfur, Venezuela, and many other countries known for severe violations, including discrimination on the basis of religion, belief, gender and sexual orientation. Hundreds of human rights NGO activists are expected to attend in person in Geneva.
   Viewers worldwide can watch the live webcast on Sunday at www.genevasummit.org – and pose questions to the panel via e-mail throughout the day. Prior registration is no longer required.” Read further “About the Summit“, including a list of invited speakers..