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June 23, 2008, 01:58 PM ET
Unicef Shuns Gifts From Israeli Billionaire
The United Nations Children’s Fund has decided not to accept donations from an Israeli billionaire on grounds that his company may be building settlements in occupied territory, reports Reuters.
Lev Leviev, a real-estate and diamond tycoon, is chairman of Africa Israel Investments, a conglomerate that owns Danya Cebus, a company that has been accused of building within the occupied West Bank. Mr. Leviev has contributed directly to Unicef and sponsored at least one fund-raising event for the organization.
The Arab-rights advocacy group Adalah-NY came to Unicef with its concerns that Mr. Leviev’s network of companies was engaged in settlement construction, an act considered illegal by the United Nations.
Upon reviewing the group’s charges, Unicef decided to cease its relationship with Mr. Leviev.
Chris de Bono, a senior adviser to the executive director of Unicef, said, “I can confirm that Unicef has advised Adalah in New York that it will not be entering into any partnerships or accepting financial contributions from Lev Leviev or his corporate people.”
Mr. Leviev was not available to comment to the news service on the Unicef decision, Reuters said.
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