The final straw for the US was Unesco’s decision in July to declare the Tomb of the Patriachs in Hebron an “endangered Palestinian heritage site”, ignoring its historic and religious significance for Jews.
Nikki Haley, US Ambassador to the United Nations, said last week Unesco’s “extreme politicisation has become a chronic embarrassment. The Tomb of the Patriarchs decision was just the latest in a long line of foolish actions, which includes keeping Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad on a Unesco human rights committee even after his murderous crackdown on peaceful protestors.
“Just as we said in 1984 when President Reagan withdrew from Unesco, US taxpayers should no longer be on the hook to pay for policies that are hostile to our values and make a mockery of justice and common sense.”
Meanwhile, Ms Azoulay’s appointment will have to be ratified next month by a full conference of Unesco members.
Her father is Andre Azoulay, who has served as an adviser to the King of Morocco Mohammed VI as well as to his predecessor.
Her previous roles include deputy director-general of the French National Centre of Cinematography.
