An international conference on antisemitism held in Jerusalem faced notable boycotts from prominent Jewish figures, including Israel's president and the UK chief rabbi, due to the presence of far-right European politicians.
Prominent Jewish Leaders Opt Out of Antisemitism Conference Over Far-Right Participation
Prominent Jewish Leaders Opt Out of Antisemitism Conference Over Far-Right Participation
Leaders boycotting the Jerusalem event express concerns over the normalization of far-right politics in discussions on antisemitism.
In a significant protest, several eminent Jewish leaders notably declined invitations to attend a conference on antisemitism in Jerusalem. This boycott stemmed from concerns regarding the participation of far-right political figures from Europe, including representatives of France's National Rally and Spain's Vox party. Among those who chose not to attend were Israeli President Isaac Herzog and Chief Rabbi of the UK, Sir Ephraim Mirvis.
The conference, which aimed to address the rising tide of antisemitism globally, was addressed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who underscored the urgent need to combat this enduring threat, drawing parallels to the Holocaust. However, the inclusion of figures from far-right parties sparked controversy, leading to boycotts from key leaders who questioned the appropriateness of engaging with those associated with extremist ideologies.
UK government's antisemitism advisor, Lord Mann, and Chief Rabbi Mirvis expressed their discontent, highlighting that there was nothing to be gained from engaging with extremists. In an alternative gesture, President Herzog hosted a separate gathering with Jewish leaders, emphasizing the complex dynamics of Jewish safety and representation in political discussions.
The conference was organized by Amichai Chikli, Israel's Diaspora Affairs Minister and member of the right-wing Likud party. Chikli defended the presence of far-right representatives, arguing they were unfairly maligned when it came to their stance on Israel.
The attendance of Jordan Bardella, President of the National Rally, raised eyebrows due to his party's controversial history with antisemitism. He attempted to reshape the narrative stating that under Marine Le Pen, the National Rally would serve as a protective force for French Jews. Bardella's remarks and earlier visit to locations impacted by recent violence in Israel also stoked further debate about the intersection of political rhetoric and antisemitism in current European politics.
The discussions at the conference heavily focused on Israel's perceived external threats, alongside topics addressing biases against Israel in international institutions and the perceived links between radical Islam and antisemitism. These dialogues reflect ongoing tensions within both Israel and the global Jewish community surrounding the balance of safety, political engagement, and historical accountability.
The conference, which aimed to address the rising tide of antisemitism globally, was addressed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who underscored the urgent need to combat this enduring threat, drawing parallels to the Holocaust. However, the inclusion of figures from far-right parties sparked controversy, leading to boycotts from key leaders who questioned the appropriateness of engaging with those associated with extremist ideologies.
UK government's antisemitism advisor, Lord Mann, and Chief Rabbi Mirvis expressed their discontent, highlighting that there was nothing to be gained from engaging with extremists. In an alternative gesture, President Herzog hosted a separate gathering with Jewish leaders, emphasizing the complex dynamics of Jewish safety and representation in political discussions.
The conference was organized by Amichai Chikli, Israel's Diaspora Affairs Minister and member of the right-wing Likud party. Chikli defended the presence of far-right representatives, arguing they were unfairly maligned when it came to their stance on Israel.
The attendance of Jordan Bardella, President of the National Rally, raised eyebrows due to his party's controversial history with antisemitism. He attempted to reshape the narrative stating that under Marine Le Pen, the National Rally would serve as a protective force for French Jews. Bardella's remarks and earlier visit to locations impacted by recent violence in Israel also stoked further debate about the intersection of political rhetoric and antisemitism in current European politics.
The discussions at the conference heavily focused on Israel's perceived external threats, alongside topics addressing biases against Israel in international institutions and the perceived links between radical Islam and antisemitism. These dialogues reflect ongoing tensions within both Israel and the global Jewish community surrounding the balance of safety, political engagement, and historical accountability.
