Key Jewish leaders have chosen to boycott an international conference on antisemitism in Jerusalem, protesting the presence of far-right European politicians. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu warned about the global rise in antisemitism while criticism mounts over the participation of controversial guests.
Jewish Leaders Walk Out on Antisemitism Conference Amid Controversy Over Far-Right Guests
Jewish Leaders Walk Out on Antisemitism Conference Amid Controversy Over Far-Right Guests
Prominent Jewish figures, including Israel's president and the UK's chief rabbi, skip Jerusalem event protesting the inclusion of far-right politicians.
In a significant display of dissent, numerous prominent Jewish figures opted out of an international conference addressing antisemitism, held in Jerusalem. Their boycott was primarily a response to the inclusion of politicians linked to the far-right from various European countries, raising serious concerns about their impact on the discourse surrounding antisemitism.
Notable absentees included Israel's President Isaac Herzog and the United Kingdom’s chief rabbi, Sir Ephraim Mirvis. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in his speech at the conference, voiced alarm over the escalating antisemitism worldwide, cautioning that Europe risks permitting the resurgence of antisemitic sentiments similar to those seen prior to the Holocaust. He referenced his father’s warnings from 1933 regarding the dangers of racial antisemitism and stated, "The fate of free societies is tied to their willingness to combat antisemitism."
The event's organization drew ire due to the participation of far-right political figures from parties like France's National Rally, Spain's Vox, and Sweden Democrats. UK antisemitism advisor Lord Mann rejected his invitation, asserting that these politicians have little to offer in combating antisemitism. Chief Rabbi Mirvis also declined participation, having learned of the controversial attendance list.
In response to the backlash, Israel's Diaspora Affairs Minister Amichai Chikli defended the invitation to right-wing politicians, asserting that they have faced unjust attacks against Israel on the global stage. Among the attendees, National Rally President Jordan Bardella addressed the audience and emphasized the significance of his invitation, despite his party's checkered history concerning antisemitism. Bardella positioned the National Rally, under Marine Le Pen's leadership, as a strong ally for the Jewish community against what he termed the "totalitarianism of the 21st century."
The conference, which also served as a platform to discuss perceived anti-Israel bias in international forums, highlighted Israel's belief in its increasing isolation internationally. Discussions included themes such as the connections between radical Islam and increased antisemitism in Western societies, alongside debates around the International Criminal Court's role in alleged Israeli war crimes. The ICC's recent warrant for Netanyahu and a former defense official has intensified claims of bias and antisemitism within international legal frameworks, further complicating Israel's standing on the global stage.
