Abraham Foxman, head of the United States-based Anti Defamation League, spoke at the Facing Tomorrow Conference in Jerusalem last week. In his speech Foxman, whose group is dedicated to fighting anti-Semitism and other forms of racism, told his audience that anti-Semitism is irrational and cannot be eradicated through positive publicity.

Jews should try to combat defamation, he said, but should not believe that their own words or actions will change the reality of hatred of Jews. Anti-Semitism is “a disease,” he said. Foxman blamed anti-Semitism in part on jealousy of Jewish accomplishments.