Trending Topics
|
Source: https://www.gatestoneinstitute.org/16258/indigenous-rights-jews-israel
The Indigenous Rights of the Jewish People and the 2007 UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People
(Gatestone Institute) Amb. Alan Baker and Michel Calvo - On September 13, 2007, the UN General Assembly adopted the "UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples." While Israel has never endorsed the declaration, the Jewish People is undoubtedly one of the most ancient of indigenous peoples still inhabiting its ancient homeland. From time immemorial up to the present day, there has been continuous Jewish presence in this area, as documented in ample historic and archeological records. In fact, the Qur'an, the Jewish Bible and the New Testament all recognize the very basic linkage of the Jewish People to this land. Palestinian claims that they are the indigenous descendants of the Canaanites is a canard that has no basis in fact or history, especially in light of the fact that the entry of Islam into the area occurred only in the seventh century CE. Amb. Alan Baker, former legal adviser to the Israeli Foreign Ministry, heads the international law program at the Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs. Michel Calvo, an expert in international law, was a member of the International Court of Arbitration representing Israel.