ASIATODAY.ID, JAKARTA – The Singapore government issued a strong warning and asked the Israeli Embassy in Singapore to delete controversial posts on the Facebook platform regarding Palestine.
Singapore’s Minister of Law and Home Affairs, K Shanmugram, said the Israeli Embassy’s post was completely unacceptable.
Previously on Sunday, March 24, the official Facebook account of the Israeli Embassy published a post containing a claim comparing the mention of Israel and Palestine in the Qur’an.
“Israel is mentioned 43 times in the Qur’an. On the other hand, Palestine is not mentioned once. Every archaeological piece of evidence – maps, documents, coins, links the land of Israel to the Jewish people as the original inhabitants of that land,” the post read.
After protests, the upload was immediately deleted.
Shanmugam said he was very disappointed when he found out about the post.
The Ministry of Home Affairs has also asked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to warn the Israeli Embassy that the post must be removed immediately.
“The post is wrong in many ways. First, it is insensitive and inappropriate. This risks undermining safety, security and harmony in Singapore,” said Shanmugam as quoted by CNA, Tuesday, March 26 2024.
He continued, the government maintains the security of everyone in Singapore, both the majority and minorities, including people of the Jewish and Muslim faiths.
According to him, Jews in Singapore have very little concern for their safety and security. The controversial posts could inflame tensions and could put the Jewish community here at risk.
“The anger from these posts risks spilling over into the physical realm,” he said.
Israeli Embassy response
On Monday, March 25, a spokesperson for the Israeli Embassy said that the post was made without consent and the person responsible had been punished.
“The Israeli Embassy respects religious and racial harmony in Singapore. We have taken action against the person concerned,” said the spokesperson.
The embassy did not reveal the name or position of the person concerned for security reasons.
“However, we assure you that the social media posts that have been circulating were made without the necessary approval and the person responsible has been severely punished and will face internal disciplinary action,” the spokesperson said.
Speaking at an iftar session at the Khalid Mosque in Joo Chiat on Monday evening, Shanmugam said that the Israeli embassy had said that the post was made without permission.
“They don’t know about it, someone posted it, and they will take strong action against the person who posted it,” he concluded. (CNA)
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