Israel’s delegation to the conference of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), the largest inter-parliamentary organization in the world incorporating 179 parliaments including the Knesset, has this week held meetings in Morocco with parliamentary representatives from across the world on the subject of inter-religious dialogue.
MK Danny Danon (Likud) addressed the global gathering at the Moroccan Parliament. In his speech to IPU’s worldwide representatives MK Danny Danon urged religious tolerance amongst all countries. He noted that Israel is “a country that embodies diversity and multiculturalism,” and one that, “people of different faiths have found refuge and a homeland.”
He also stressed the dangers of antisemitism which led to the Holocaust and urged parliaments worldwide to recognize the persistent discrimination against Jews and adopt the globally recognized IHRA definition of antisemitism.
“Antisemitism, discrimination against Jews, has persisted for centuries,” Danon said. “In the aftermath of the Holocaust, the world recognized the need to remember, educate, and prevent such atrocities from happening again. This gave rise to the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA). I would like to take this opportunity to call and encourage all parliaments worldwide to adopt the IHRA definition.”
During Danon's speech, members of the Iranian delegation left the hall.
Danon responded to this provocation by stating: “Just a few hours ago you spoke loudly and publicly about the importance of religious tolerance. In practice, you and your government only export hatred and terror. The Iranian people deserve better leadership.”
Danon concluded his speech by reaffirming that the modern day state of Israel is a reminder of “the challenges that lie ahead in the pursuit of peace and coexistence.”
He spoke about hope for the future and referenced the Abraham Accords as representative of the “significant development in the pursuit of interreligious dialogue and peace in the Middle East” which “demonstrate that the pursuit of peace and reconciliation can transcend historical grievances and longstanding conflicts.”