Way back in 2013 a meeting was held between World Vision representatives including CEO Tim Costello and representatives of Shurat HaDin. World Vision claim to be a humanitarian and aid organisation accepting funding from Australian Government. Shurat HaDin pursue those involved in terrorism and undermining the State of Israel, to justice through the legal system. At this meeting evidence was presented showing World Vision in a less than glamorous light, using Australian Taxpayer Funds to support various aid initiatives in Gaza, that had links to Hamas and other terrorist organisations operating in Gaza. With the same regard that BDS protestors show for others property, the claims were denied and brushed aside.
Fast forward to 2017 and the full seriousness of the accusations against World Vision are becoming harder to ignore. The Israeli Security Agency has confirmed claims first made by Andrew Hamilton back in 2013. Full details available here
I always thought as an Australian taxpayer I was paying my taxes to support a bloated inefficient political class in Canberra however in reality I am an unwitting financier of terrorism. I don;t feel so average now.
I hope that World Vision use this opportunity to cease, desist and renounce any involvement in funding terrorism. I am betting that they will deny the allegations and try and find a way to soften the blow. In the meantime I urge everyone to stop any donations or involvement with World Vision. If you feel like writing to the Australian Foreign Ministers office the email details are Chief of staff – Murray.Hansen@dfat.gov.au and Julie Bishop – Julie.Bishop.MP@aph.gov.au