In a notable display of dissent, several prominent Jewish leaders have opted out of the international conference on antisemitism in Jerusalem, citing the controversial participation of far-right European politicians. Among those absent were Israel’s President Isaac Herzog and Chief Rabbi of the UK, Sir Ephraim Mirvis.
Significant Jewish Leaders Withdraw from Israel Antisemitism Conference Amid Far-Right Controversy
Significant Jewish Leaders Withdraw from Israel Antisemitism Conference Amid Far-Right Controversy
Prominent Jewish figures, including Israel's president and UK Chief Rabbi, boycott an antisemitism event in Jerusalem protesting the presence of far-right politicians.
The conference featured Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who cautioned about the dangers of rising antisemitism in Europe, urging that free societies must combat this growing threat. Yet, the presence of representatives from far-right parties, such as France's National Rally and Spain's Vox, raised eyebrows among many Jewish leaders. The UK government's antisemitism advisor, Lord Mann, publicly rejected his invitation, stating there was nothing to learn from those figures.
Chief Rabbi Mirvis and President Herzog chose not to attend, with Herzog opting for a separate event with Jewish leaders instead. The event, organized by Diaspora Affairs Minister Amichai Chikli, aimed to facilitate dialogue with far-right groups, which Chikli defended as vital to combatting perceived injustices against Israel. The inclusion of figures like National Rally President Jordan Bardella, who has a controversial family history regarding antisemitism, further fueled the discontent among attendees. His speech acknowledged the importance of his visit to Israel while articulating positional pledges against contemporary threats.
Panel discussions at the conference focused on themes like "Anti-Israel Bias in International Institutions" and the impact of radical ideologies on antisemitism, reflecting Israel's ongoing struggle against international criticism. The conference unfolded amidst heightened tensions following an ICC arrest warrant against Israeli leaders over alleged war crimes, a development perceived by many in Israel as a reflection of antisemitic bias.
As this significant event unfolds, it illustrates the complex intersection of politics, identity, and the increasing need for Jewish leaders to voice their concerns over alliances with far-right politicians, emphasizing the urgent necessity to confront and combat antisemitism effectively.
Chief Rabbi Mirvis and President Herzog chose not to attend, with Herzog opting for a separate event with Jewish leaders instead. The event, organized by Diaspora Affairs Minister Amichai Chikli, aimed to facilitate dialogue with far-right groups, which Chikli defended as vital to combatting perceived injustices against Israel. The inclusion of figures like National Rally President Jordan Bardella, who has a controversial family history regarding antisemitism, further fueled the discontent among attendees. His speech acknowledged the importance of his visit to Israel while articulating positional pledges against contemporary threats.
Panel discussions at the conference focused on themes like "Anti-Israel Bias in International Institutions" and the impact of radical ideologies on antisemitism, reflecting Israel's ongoing struggle against international criticism. The conference unfolded amidst heightened tensions following an ICC arrest warrant against Israeli leaders over alleged war crimes, a development perceived by many in Israel as a reflection of antisemitic bias.
As this significant event unfolds, it illustrates the complex intersection of politics, identity, and the increasing need for Jewish leaders to voice their concerns over alliances with far-right politicians, emphasizing the urgent necessity to confront and combat antisemitism effectively.
