Claude Grégoire, founding member and spokesperson of the Committee for Just Peace in the Middle East (CPJPO), joined RTL Radio on Monday morning to discuss the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.
He described the events in the region as unfathomable, with 15,000 people, including more than 6,200 children, having died on a territory seven times as small as the Grand Duchy. He went on to say that 10,000 are injured and 7,000 still buried under the rubble of war while no more aid is getting to those in need.
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Grégoire explained that war times tend to be more polarising than periods of peace, which is why there is a greater danger of racist statements, including both antisemitic and Islamophobic ones. The CPJPO therefore tries to delete such messages on social media or reports them to the cybersecurity initiative BEE SECURE.
According to Grégoire, Committee members have also received death threats. He went on to say that during a recent campaign in the capital where pictures of Israeli hostages were posted, pictures of CPJPO members were added with a note saying that they support Hamas and terrorism.
The Peace Committee filed a complaint with the police following the incident, announced the spokesperson.
Grégoire underlined the importance of creating an independent body to monitor racism in the country. He equally stressed that nuance is needed, noting that war-crime accusations against Israel should not be equated with condemnation of all Jewish citizens.
In that regard, the CPJPO seeks to draw attention to the Jews around the world who do not agree with Israeli policies and who take to the streets chanting ‘Not in my name’.
According to Grégoire, the CPJPO was surprised to hear of the cancelled invitation for the Israeli stand at the Bazar International, which came about due to security concerns. Nevertheless, they showed understanding for the decision and did not criticise it. For years, the CPJPO has also tried getting a Palestinian stand added to the convention.
Grégoire finally expressed hopes that by next year, peace will have returned to the region.
