Prominent Jewish figures boycott Israel antisemitism event

An international conference on anti-Semitism was held in Jerusalem, but many prominent figures, including several Jewish leaders, chose to boycott it in protest of the invitation of political figures from across Europe associated with the far-right. The participation of these individuals sparked widespread controversy, leading some key figures to refuse to attend. This boycott highlights the deep divisions surrounding the issue of how to combat anti-Semitism.

Those who chose not to attend the conference included the President of Israel and Britain’s Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis. Lord Mann, the UK government's adviser on anti-Semitism, also declined the invitation, stating that he could not learn how to combat anti-Semitism from these far-right figures. Chief Rabbi Mirvis's office issued a statement last week saying he refused to participate due to "learning of the presence of certain far-right populist politicians." These absences underscore the ethical considerations involved in partnering with certain political groups.

At the conference, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned about the rise of anti-Semitism. He stated that Europe could repeat its mistakes by ignoring anti-Semitism, as it did in the years leading up to the Nazi Holocaust. Netanyahu quoted his father's words from 1933, stating: "Racial anti-Semitism is inciting a global war against the Jewish people as a race, and this war is poisoning human society." He added: "Today, we issue a similar warning. The fate of free societies is intertwined with the willingness to confront the scourge of anti-Semitism." Netanyahu's remarks emphasized the urgency and severity of the issue.

The conference was organized by Israeli Diaspora Affairs Minister Amichai Chikli, an outspoken member of Netanyahu's right-wing Likud party. Chikli has been building ties with far-right parties across Europe in recent months. He defended the invitation of European far-right politicians, saying they face "lies that defame the State of Israel." Chikli's actions reflect a strategic approach to building international alliances.

The presence of Jordan Bardella, President of the French National Rally, also caused some unease. Bardella addressed the conference, acknowledging that his invitation to visit Israel had "significant symbolic meaning." He stated that the National Rally and its leader, Marine Le Pen, are "the best shield for French Jews." He also warned: "Islamism is the totalitarianism of the 21st century, and it threatens to destroy everything that is different from it." Bardella had previously visited some of the sites of the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, and the Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial in Israel. Bardella's participation illustrates the shifting political landscape and the alliances being forged.

The conference also served as a reminder that Israel believes it is under attack by certain segments of the international community. Panel discussion topics at the conference included "Addressing anti-Israel bias in international institutions," "How does radical Islam fuel anti-Semitism in the West?" and "Double standards, from the battlefield to the International Criminal Court." The International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, accusing them of war crimes against Palestinians. This move sparked strong protests in Israel, with Israel accusing the ICC of being driven by anti-Semitism itself. These accusations highlight the complex and contentious nature of international relations and justice.