A new initiative to combat antisemitism was launched on Wednesday by Israeli United Nations Ambassador Danny Danon ahead of the upcoming UN secretary-general election.
“The words ‘Never Again’ were not meant to be a slogan,” said Danon. “They were meant to be a commitment. 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.”
The move, which comes as antisemitism rises around the world, aims to explore ways to turn statements and condemnations into coordinated international action.
The initiative involved the identification of emerging antisemitic threats, as well as the development of tools and policies to combat the threats. Participating countries will coordinate diplomatic efforts to achieve these goals.
“It is time for action,” Danon declared. “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.”
Danon pushes for prioritization of fight against antisemitism
Danon called for the prioritization of the fight against antisemitism when the international body chooses its next secretary-general, further requesting that more countries join the initiative.
US Ambassador to the UN Jeff Bartos also spoke at the initiative’s announcement event, saying the world is “facing a global pandemic of antisemitism.”
“That is irrefutable,” he emphasized. “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”.
Also speaking at the event, EU Coordinator on Combating Antisemitism Katharina von Schnurbein described the fact that many Jews feel the need to hide their identities as Jews as “fully unacceptable.”
“There can be no excuse for antisemitism,” she said. “It cannot be tolerated anytime or any place.”
