Muslim Nations Protest Jerusalem
as Site for IFLA 2000
Librarians from Morocco, Iran, and the Palestinian Authority have lodged objections to Jerusalem as the site of the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions conference next August, a site selection IFLA made five years ago but which is drawing increased resistance from Muslim countries—including rumblings of a boycott—as the date draws near.
IFLA delegate Reza Ardalan of Iran voiced his objections at this year’s IFLA meeting in Bangkok, saying the Jerusalem conference would exclude many Muslims. IFLA Secretary General Ross Shimmon responded that “as far as Israel is concerned, there are no barriers to travel to Jerusalem,” adding that IFLA organizers “are aware that some delegates would face restrictions in their own countries.”
At an August 26 meeting with Palestinian representatives in Bangkok, IFLA President Christine Deschamps explained that IFLA’s professional mission did not conflict with the political realities of the region. She said satellite meetings are being scheduled in surrounding countries, including the Palestinian Authority—an option that is routinely part of IFLA conferences.
