Italy’s Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi has had what appears to be a great trip to Israel. His comments at Yad Vashem and the Knesset show that Italy is a friend of Israel and can be a great partner for years to come.
After a visit to Yad Vashem, Berlusconi said that seeing everything the Jews went through during World War II, partially facilitated by Italy, was “like being punched in the stomach,” according to YNet. He went on to write in the Yad Vashem guest book: “Our soul screams out – ‘This cannot be’. Then it jolts and bellows – Never again!’”
He said on the same day that he has a great desire to see Israel admitted to the European Union. Membership in that trade bloc could have wonderful long term economic benefits, not to mention the political benefit of being part of the most influential international body outside of the United Nations.
In a speech at a special Knesset session, Berlusconi said that the Goldstone report was simply a tool to criminalize Israel for actions that were legitimate and necessary.
The only cold moment came when Berlusconi compared Operation Cast Lead to the Holocaust. At a meeting with PA dictatorPresident Mahmoud Abbas “So just as it’s right to cry for the victims of the Shoah, it’s right to show pain for what happened in Gaza.” Comparing a defensive military operation to the murder of 6 million innocent people is not going to score Italy any points.
In all, it was a positive trip for both Italy and Israel. I hope to see this relationship grow in the future.
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