Neuer speaking at UIA

HILLEL Neuer, lawyer, writer and perennial warrior against widespread anti-Israel bias at the United Nations, will be the keynote speaker at United Israel Appeal (UIA) NSW’s annual general meeting next month.

Neuer – executive director of UN Watch, an NGO holding the UN to its charter – will speak on “The battle for Israel at the UN”.

The online event will also see the launch of UIA NSW’s campaign for next year.

“While this year has thrown us its fair share of challenges, it has also enabled many opportunities and driven innovation. UIA has become a leader in connecting our community to Israel and the Jewish world in virtual and other tangible ways,” UIA CEO Yair Miller said.

“Join us to hear about the incredible year that has passed and our exciting plans for the future.”

Speaking to The AJN last year, Neuer stated, “Reality at the UN is depressing, but I believe there is a way to fight back and make a difference.

“Writing to Members of Parliament, lobbying one’s foreign minister, and spreading the truth online can get results,” he said.

He recalled a rally outside the Geneva headquarters of the UN Human Rights Council, and attended by MPs from across Europe.

“An online petition was signed by thousands, including many in Australia. When the voting took place later that week, several countries responded by voting to support Israel in different resolutions – including Britain, Denmark, Japan and Brazil,” he noted.

UN Watch presents its case to international news media countering the anti-Israel message of international bodies, and advocating for Israel on social media.

Neuer has been fascinated by law and politics since childhood, joining rallies for Soviet Jewry. At McGill University in Montreal, he studied law with acclaimed human-rights lawyer Irwin Cotler.

Looking forward to meeting Australia’s Jewish community, he told The AJN, “I will assure them that UN Watch will continue to be ‘your voice at the United Nations’.”

The UIA NSW AGM will be held via Zoom on Tuesday, November 16 from 7.30pm. To register, visit bit.ly/UIANSWAGM2021.