Britain's Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis announced his withdrawal from an Israeli government-backed conference on anti-Semitism due to the invitation extended to far-right European politicians. The event, sponsored by Israel's Diaspora Affairs Ministry, was originally scheduled to take place in Jerusalem on March 26 and 27. This decision highlights the sensitivity surrounding alliances with political groups that hold controversial views on historical events and minority rights.
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03-25, 2025It is understood that the conference's invitees included Jordan Bardella, president of France's right-wing National Rally party, founded by Holocaust denier Jean-Marie Le Pen. In addition, politicians from other far-right European parties such as the Sweden Democrats and Hungary's Fidesz were also invited. These invitations sparked considerable backlash, given the historical and ideological baggage associated with these parties.
Chief Rabbi Mirvis's office stated that he had "learned that a number of far-right populist politicians would be present" and therefore decided "no longer to participate." Mirvis is known in the UK for his support of Israel's war in Gaza and lobbied the London Metropolitan Police at the end of last year to prevent pro-Palestinian marches. His withdrawal underscores the ethical considerations involved in associating with figures whose views may contradict fundamental values.
Previously, the UK government's independent adviser on anti-Semitism, Lord John Mann, Germany's anti-Semitism commissioner Felix Klein, and French pro-Israel writer Bernard-Henri Lévy, who was scheduled to be a keynote speaker, also announced they would not attend the conference. A spokesperson for the Israeli Diaspora Affairs Ministry told The Times of Israel: "Our goal is to invite friends of Israel from across the political spectrum." They added: "The way to engage with people who hold different views than you is to meet them and discuss your differences, not to shut them out."
As the controversy widened and more figures withdrew, even Israeli President Isaac Herzog is expected to avoid attending the conference, despite having been scheduled to deliver the opening address. This controversy comes as the Israeli government seeks to deepen ties with far-right parties across Europe. Following the formation of the "European Patriots" group in the European Parliament by several far-right parties, Israel's ruling Likud party joined the group as an observer in February of this year.
