Israel’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, has launched a new international initiative aimed at combating the rise in antisemitism around the world, as the process of selecting the next UN Secretary-General gets underway.
Dozens of countries took part in the initiative, including the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Argentina and Slovakia. Participants will seek to develop practical measures to confront antisemitism and turn international condemnations into coordinated action.
Among those who addressed the initiative were Ambassador Jeff Bartos of the US Permanent Mission to the UN; Katharina von Schnurbein, the European Union Coordinator on Combating Antisemitism and Fostering Jewish Life; and Rabbi Mark Goldfeder, CEO and Director of the National Jewish Advocacy Center.
The initiative was launched against the backdrop of a reported 136% increase in antisemitism across the seven countries with the world’s largest Jewish communities compared with the period before the October 7 massacre.
Participating countries will work to identify emerging antisemitic threats, formulate practical policies and tools to address them, and coordinate diplomatic efforts.
As part of the initiative, Danon is calling for combating antisemitism to become a priority in the process of selecting the next UN Secretary-General. He also urged additional countries to join the task force and turn the fight against antisemitism into an international commitment.
“The words ‘Never Again’ were not meant to be a slogan. They were meant to be a commitment," Danon said.
“Words, declarations, and statements are not enough to fight the rising antisemitism on the streets, in synagogues, in universities, and even here at the United Nations. It is time for action."
Danon thanked the countries that have already joined the initiative, stressing that confronting antisemitism cannot be left solely to Israel and Jewish communities.
“We thank the countries who have already committed to joining us on this important mission. This mission is not the responsibility of Israel and the Jewish people alone. It is the responsibility of the entire international community."
Ambassador Jeff Bartos of the US Permanent Mission to the UN warned that antisemitism has become a worldwide phenomenon.
“We are facing a global pandemic of antisemitism. That is irrefutable," Bartos said.
“Here at the United Nations, special rapporteurs who represent this organization are staining its reputation, its dignity, and discrediting the important work of other UN workers."
Von Schnurbein emphasized the effect of rising antisemitism on the everyday lives of Jews around the world.
“It is fully unacceptable that Jews in many regions of the world look across their shoulder in public or even hide their identity," she said.
“There can be no excuse for antisemitism. It cannot be tolerated anytime or any place."