The conference featured speakers from far-right parties such as France's National Rally (led by Jordan Bardella), Spain's Vox, and the Sweden Democrats.
Notable figures boycotting the event included Israel's President Isaac Herzog, UK Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis, UK antisemitism advisor Lord Mann, and the CEO of the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), Jonathan Greenblatt.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the conference, warning of a global rise in antisemitism comparable to the pre-Holocaust era and linking it to "radical Islam" and the "ultra-progressive left."
Organizers defended the invitations, suggesting these parties are allies against modern antisemitism and face unfair criticism. Minister Chikli has actively courted ties with these European parties.
Why this matters: The event highlights a growing, complex alignment between parts of the Israeli political establishment and European far-right movements, often based on shared opposition to Islamism. This shift strains relationships with traditional allies and mainstream Jewish diaspora organizations wary of the far-right's historical association with antisemitism and xenophobia.
The controversy stems largely from the history of the invited parties. France's National Rally, for instance, was founded by Jean-Marie Le Pen, who was convicted for Holocaust denial. Although the party, now led by Marine Le Pen and Jordan Bardella, has worked to distance itself from its past and focus on anti-immigration and anti-Islamist platforms, critics remain skeptical. Bardella visited Israel's Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial and sites of the October 7th Hamas attacks before speaking at the conference, positioning his party as a "shield" for French Jews against Islamism.
The conference organizer, Minister Amichai Chikli, a member of Netanyahu's Likud party, explicitly defended the inclusion of these figures, framing criticism against them as linked to anti-Israel sentiment. This reflects a broader trend where segments of the Israeli right view European nationalist parties as potential allies, particularly given increasing criticism of Israeli policies from parts of the Western political left and international bodies like the International Criminal Court (ICC), which recently issued an arrest warrant application for Netanyahu.
However, this strategy is divisive. Critics, including former Israeli diplomats and mainstream Jewish leaders, argue that associating with parties founded by Nazi collaborators or those with persistent links to xenophobia undermines the fight against antisemitism and betrays Jewish communities in Europe who largely distrust these movements. They caution against overlooking historical antisemitism on the right in favour of focusing solely on threats perceived from the left or Islamism. The boycotts by figures like President Herzog and Chief Rabbi Mirvis underscore this deep unease.
Q: Why did prominent figures boycott the conference?
A: They protested the inclusion of politicians from European far-right parties, some of which were founded by individuals with records of antisemitism or Holocaust denial, and are still viewed with distrust by many Jewish communities.
Q: Why did the Israeli organizers invite these politicians?
A: Organizers, led by Diaspora Affairs Minister Amichai Chikli, view these parties as increasingly important allies against contemporary antisemitism, particularly anti-Israel sentiment, radical Islam, and criticism from the political left.
Q: What was the main focus of the conference discussions?
A: Discussions focused on the perceived rise of global antisemitism, often linking it to radical Islam, left-wing anti-Zionism, and bias against Israel in international institutions and media. There was less focus on right-wing sources of antisemitism.
The global fight against antisemitism involves complex debates about strategy and alliances, including whether to engage with controversial political groups.
Israel's political landscape is evolving, with some leaders forging ties with European far-right parties based on shared geopolitical views, particularly regarding Islamism and criticism from the left.
This event reveals tensions between the Israeli government's approach and the perspectives of many diaspora Jewish communities and leaders who remain wary of the far-right's history and ideology.
What are your thoughts on Israel engaging with European far-right parties to combat antisemitism? Let us know in the comments!
Share this article with others who need to stay informed on shifting political alliances and the global fight against antisemitism!
AP News (Associated Press)
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