Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1533084
13 NEWS maltatoday | SUNDAY • 9 MARCH 2025 CAREER OPPORTUNITIES Submit your application DIRECTOR (CIVIL COURTS & TRIBUNALS) Aġenzija għas-Ser vizzi tal-Qrati Prospective candidates must be in possession of: • a recognised Master's qualification at MQF Level 7 (subject to a minimum of 90 ECTS/ECVET credits or equivalent) plus five (5) years' relevant work experience, one (1) of which in a management position; or • a recognised Bachelor's degree at MQF Level 6 (subject to a minimum of 180 ECTS/ECVET credits or equivalent) in Management or Administration or Law or a comparable professional qualification plus eight (8) years' relevant work experience, three (3) of which in a management position. Candidates must also have an in-depth knowledge of the laws and procedures governing the Civil Courts and Civil Tribunals and must have good management skills, including a good sense of judgement and decision-making abilities. Candidates must be of conduct which is appropriate to the post. The basic salary for this position at 2025 rates, is equivalent to €42,283 per annum. This position attracts also a yearly all-inclusive Transport Allowance, an Expense Allowance, a Communication Allowance, a Monitoring Allowance, a Training Allowance and Annual Performance Bonus up to a maximum of 15% of the basic salary, subject to satisfactory performance. The position of Director is on a full-time three- year definite contract (renewable) and is subject to a probationary period of one year. Candidates are to submit their letter of application, their qualifications and experience in a Europass Curriculum Vitae Format, a copy of their relevant scanned certificates and a valid Certificate of Conduct by e-mail on recruitment.courts@courtservices.mt. Further information and a comprehensive description of duties can be obtained by contacting the Court Services Agency on recruitment.courts@courtservices.mt. Applications will be received till Friday 21st March 2024 at 13:00 hrs. Eligibility JobsPlus Permit No. 168/2025 Palestinian activists urge Malta to boycott Israeli products, cultural events THE Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement is urging Malta to take a stronger stance in supporting Palestinian rights by ending economic and cultural ties with Israel. The BDS movement, launched in 2005 by Palestini- an civil society, seeks to pres- sure Israel into complying with international law by urging individuals, businesses, and governments to cut ties with Israeli institutions complicit in human rights abuses. In an interview with Malta- Today, Fiona Ben Chekroun, the Europe Coordinator for the Palestinian BDS movement, and Saleh Hijazi, the Apart- heid-Free Policy Coordina- tor, discussed the movement's goals, and the effectiveness of boycotts. "We are witnessing an in- crease of apartheid policies, where Palestinian lives are devalued and their rights dis- regarded," Fiona said, adding that countries like Malta have a crucial role to play in "resisting complicity and standing on the right side of history". The campaign has gained popularity globally, with prov- en successes in persuading companies and artists to cut relationships with Israel. However, it has also faced significant backlash, particu- larly from Israeli authorities and pro-Israel groups who claim the movement fosters anti-Semitism. Saleh refuted these accusa- tions. Linking criticism of Isra- el with anti-Semitism is a tactic to invalidate Palestinian advo- cacy, he said. "BDS stands firmly against all forms of racism, including an- ti-Semitism. Our campaign is not against Jewish people but against the policies of the Is- raeli government that oppress Palestinians. Labelling any cri- tique of Israel as anti-Semitic is a means to silence dissent," he countered. Cultural boycotts have also been part of the BDS strategy, with international artists facing pressure to cancel performanc- es in Israel. The movement had called for a boycott of the Eu- rovision Song Contest last year due to Israel's participation, ar- guing that its inclusion white- washes the country's actions in Gaza and the West Bank. "We saw it with South Africa during apartheid – sports and cultural boycotts helped iso- late the regime," Fiona pointed out. "Eurovision is no different. Israel uses it to present a false image of normalcy while com- mitting war crimes." They both highlighted the role of European nations, including Malta, in either enabling or re- sisting Israel's policies. "Countries like Malta need to take a principled stance. Par- ticipation in events like Euro- vision, which allow Israel to present itself as a normal, dem- ocratic State while continuing its occupation, is deeply prob- lematic. We urge the Maltese public to be aware of the impli- cations of cultural complicity." The movement's call for an apartheid-free policy also ex- tends to political and corpo- rate ties. Saleh pointed out that European governments and companies are often directly or indirectly supporting Israeli policies through trade agree- ments and military coopera- tion. The movement provides de- tailed resources online, includ- ing updated lists of companies and campaigns urging con- sumers to boycott brands due to their ties to Israeli policies, "Every purchase is a political statement," Fiona added. "Even small acts of resistance, like choosing an alternative brand, can contribute to the move- ment." JULIANA ZAMMIT jzammit@mediatoday.com.mt Fiona Ben Chekroun (left) and Saleh Hijazi (Photos: James Bianchi/MaltaToday)