Speaking of Unacceptable

Apparently, the Israeli ambassador to Australia, Naftali Tamir, recently told Ha'aretz that "[Israel and Australia] are white sisters amid the 'yellow race' of Asia."

"Israel and Australia are like sisters in Asia," Tamir said in an interview with Haaretz during a visit to Israel this week. "We are in Asia without the characteristics of Asians. We don't have yellow skin and slanted eyes. Asia is basically the yellow race. Australia and Israel are not - we are basically the white race. We are on the western side of Asia and they are on the southeastern side."

"Israel has not fully acknowledged the value of working together with Australia in Asia," Tamir said. "It's a way for us to cooperate with and enhance our position in the countries neighboring Australia."

In a meeting with Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni this week, Tamir emphasized the potential for developing trade and other links in Asia via Australia and the "necessity" that she visit Australia. [ . . . ]

"Israel has a past and present in Europe, but no future," said Tamir. "Israel is a part of Asia."

Yeah, I wouldn't be so sure about being welcomed as part of Asia, at this point.

/update, Sat 10/14

Kevin grabbed the original Ha'aretz article