Gil Kapen, Executive Director of the American Jewish International Relations Institute (AJIRI), stands at the forefront of an essential mission—to reverse the United Nations’ ongoing funding and narrative that unfairly vilifies Israel.
What motivates Gil in his tireless pursuit of rectifying this situation? A peak into his family history uncovers a rich legacy of Zionism—a legacy that has deeply shaped his values and fuelled his unwavering commitment.
Gil’s story is tied to his resilient grandparents, who faced the harrowing pogroms and antisemitic discrimination that plagued Europe. Both on his paternal and maternal sides, they made the courageous decision to flee their ancestral homeland of Lithuania, seeking refuge from the rising tide of an ever-present Jew hatred.
Gil’s mother was born and raised in Israel where she was fortunate to come of age in the land her parents returned to rebuild their lives and cultivate the homeland—a homeland that would eventually be recognized as the nation of Israel. The passion and devotion to the land were instilled in her, a flame that burned brightly within her heart.
On Gil’s paternal side, circumstances led his family to find solace in the United States. However, his father, driven by an unyielding connection to their ancestral roots, embarked on a journey to Israel—a pilgrimage aimed at connecting with the land and immersing himself in its language and culture. It was during this time that fate (or Providence) intervened, bringing Gil’s parents together in Israel, where their love blossomed, culminating in marriage. Gil and one of his brothers were born in Israel. Their household pulsated with a proud and resolute Zionist spirit.
The family moved to the United States during Gil’s early years. Yet, his parents ensured that the flame of their heritage continued to burn brightly within their home. Speaking only Hebrew at home, the language of their ancestors, and attending Jewish schools, the family preserved their roots. Their unwavering commitment to the Zionist cause enveloped Gil, nurturing his deep connection to the land, his people, and the ongoing pursuit of truth and justice.
Today, Gil Kapen stands as a beacon of hope—a symbol of unwavering dedication. Through his work, he strives to challenge prevailing narratives, dismantling unfair scrutiny and fostering a more balanced understanding of Israel’s role in the world. His path is not merely a career choice; it is an embodiment of his very essence—a living testament to the power of heritage, identity, and the relentless pursuit of a just and equitable world.
Gil explains that The United Nations (UN) occupies a unique position in the global landscape, operating under its own set of rules and creating its version of reality. Working with AJIRI, Gil employs diplomacy, education, and diverse channels to engage with delegates and dignitaries from all corners of the world. The objective is to expose the flawed and irrational foundations upon which three of the UN’s heavily funded committees operate—committees that single out Israel, even ignoring nations with actual evident human rights abuses.
For decades, these committees have wielded significant influence, shaping the narrative and legitimizing anti-Zionism within a multitude of global institutions, including educational institutions, media outlets, and public opinion at large. By delegitimizing Israel’s existence and unfairly criticizing its policies and actions, the public is presented with a seemingly credible source on which to base their anti-Israel sentiments. The consequences of such a skewed depiction are becoming increasingly apparent: the rising tide of violence and antisemitic hostility, engulfing Jews wherever they may be found.
While notable progress has been made in reducing the number of affirmative votes by UN members during committee renewals and funding decisions, a concerning trend has emerged since October 7, 2023. The very same antisemitic sentiments prevalent on the streets and college campuses have made their way into the most recent voting patterns within the UN. It is a disheartening reflection of the surging tide of hatred faced by the Jewish community worldwide, especially in the wake of October 7’s
Join us in this important conversation as we delve deeper into the systemic and perilous legacy of anti-Israel rhetoric and activities, generously funded by the United Nations and supported by democratic member states. We aim to equip you with the information necessary to take action, to pray on, and to share with others. By understanding the insidious nature of this issue, we can collectively work towards rectifying the injustices imposed upon Israel and combating the rising tide of antisemitism at the highest levels of international agencies.
Gil will shed light on the dangerous dynamics at play, empowering you to effect change in your spheres of influence. Together, let us dismantle the prevailing narrative, promote understanding, and stand against the injustices perpetuated by the UN’s flawed and biased approach. The fight for truth and justice begins with awareness, and it is through education and open dialogue that we can forge a path toward truth and ensure deception is unveiled.
Am Israel Chai
Click here to learn more about the UN Committees, and voting patterns, that exist solely to undermine Israel’s security and economy and delegitimize the Jewish state:
- UN Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People (CEIRPP),
- The Division for Palestinian Rights (DPR),
- The Special Committee to Investigate Israeli Practices Affecting the Human Rights of the Palestinian People and Other Arabs of the Occupied Territories (SCIIHRP) (Up for vote in the general assembly December 2023)
To Read the US Congressional Press Release calling for “no” votes in the next round of funding