Prominent Jewish leaders have opted out of an international conference addressing antisemitism in Jerusalem, protesting against the attendance of far-right political figures from Europe. Notable absences included Israeli President Isaac Herzog and UK Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis. The conference, where Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned of rising antisemitism, was marred by controversy due to the participation of representatives from far-right parties such as France's National Rally, Spain's Vox, and Sweden Democrats.
Netanyahu emphasized the historical urgency of combating antisemitism, referencing his father's writings from 1933. However, the invitation extended to far-right politicians sparked backlash, with UK antisemitism advisor Lord Mann stating there was nothing to learn from such figures. Chief Rabbi Mirvis's decision to abstain was based on concerns regarding the attendance of populist politicians linked to controversial ideologies.
The event was organized by Amichai Chikli, Israel's Diaspora Affairs Minister, who defended the presence of these politicians, claiming they faced unjust slander in relation to Israel. Among the attendees was National Rally President Jordan Bardella, who was keen to distance his party from its past associations with antisemitism. His comments emphasized his party's role as a protector of Jewish interests in France, intertwining the fight against “Islamism” with the broader narrative of antisemitism.
The conference also provided a platform for discussions around topics such as "Anti-Israel Bias in International Institutions" and the alleged double standards faced by Israel in international legal matters, amidst ongoing tensions regarding the ICC's actions against Israeli leaders. The event underscored the complex relationship Israel has with European politics and the challenges faced in combating antisemitism both locally and globally.
