Istibsyaroh to Be Hauled Up for Calling on President of Israel

One member of the MUI, Istibsyaroh, poses during her visit and meets with Israeli President Reuven Rivlin -.mfa.gov.il photo.

Jakarta, 24 Rabiul Akhir 1438/23 January 2017 (MINA) – The Ulama Council of Indonesia (MUI) will act against its Women, Youth and Family Committee chairman, Istibsyaroh for making a courtesy call on the President of Israel, Reuven Rivlin, in Tel Aviv last week.

Its deputy chairman, Zainut Tauhid was quoted by Bernama as saying Istibsyaroh may be reprimanded or stripped of her post because her act was against MUI’s stand and that of the Indonesian government.

He said that MUI will hold a meeting on Tuesday to discuss action against Istibsyaroh since they prohibit all committee members from attending or accepting any invitation from the Israeli government.

“The prohibition applies without conditions. If there is a violation, MUI will assess the committee members and if proven guilty, they will be punished.”

Local media revealed that seven Muslims from Indonesia including Istibsyaroh called on Rivlin at his official residence in Tel Aviv on Jan 18.

Indonesia, like other Muslim countries, do not have diplomatic ties with Israel and condemned the regime for illegal occupation of Palestine.

Zainut said the MUI was not bound by talks between Istibsyaroh and the President of Israel and was not responsible for the meeting.

“MUI remains committed to helping the Palestinians break free from Israel and become an independent and sovereign state,” he added.

Meanwhile, Istibsyaroh said her visit to Israel was in her personal capacity and was arranged by an old friend and manager of Australia/Israel and Jewish Affairs Council (AIJAC).

They left on Jan 11 and visited Aqsa Mosque before entering Israel but did not know about the courtesy call on the President of Israel.

The group’s courtesy call on the President of Israel was published on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Israel (www.mfa.gov.il).

Istibsyaroh is dean (Ilmu Tafsir) of Universitas Islam Negeri Sunan Ampel Surabaya. (T/RS05/RS01)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)