Jerusalem, March 28, 2025 —
A high-profile international conference on antisemitism held in Jerusalem has stirred significant controversy, with prominent Jewish leaders and officials boycotting the event due to the participation of far-right European politicians.
Among those who chose not to attend were Israel’s President Isaac Herzog and UK Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis, both of whom voiced concern over the inclusion of political figures from France’s National Rally, Spain’s Vox party, and Sweden Democrats—groups historically linked to xenophobic or antisemitic ideologies.
In protest, President Herzog hosted a separate gathering with global Jewish leaders, while Rabbi Mirvis’s office issued a statement confirming his withdrawal after learning about the far-right participants. UK antisemitism advisor Lord John Mann also declined his invitation, saying there was “nothing to learn from some of these figures” when it comes to fighting antisemitism.
Despite the absences, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the summit, warning that Europe was risking a return to the “unchecked antisemitism” that preceded the Holocaust. He quoted his father’s 1933 writings, describing antisemitism as a societal poison and calling on free nations to stand firm against rising hate.
However, controversy surrounded speakers such as Jordan Bardella, president of France’s National Rally—originally founded by Jean-Marie Le Pen, a Holocaust denier. Bardella acknowledged the symbolic weight of his appearance, vowing that his party, under Marine Le Pen’s leadership, stood as a defender of French Jews. He also warned of “Islamism” as the 21st century’s totalitarian threat, echoing common rhetoric from the far-right.
The conference was organized by Amichai Chikli, Israel’s Diaspora Affairs Minister and a member of Netanyahu’s Likud party. Chikli, who has openly cultivated ties with European far-right leaders, defended their inclusion, accusing critics of spreading false narratives about Israel and its allies.
Panels at the summit addressed issues ranging from “anti-Israel bias in global institutions” to “radical Islam’s role in fuelling antisemitism”—further reflecting Israel’s ongoing efforts to reposition itself amid growing international criticism, including a recent ICC arrest warrant issued for Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.
The fallout from the event highlights growing tensions within the Jewish diaspora and Israel over how best to confront modern antisemitism—particularly when it comes to choosing allies. While some argue for pragmatism in forging partnerships, others see it as a dangerous compromise.
As ideological divides sharpen, the global battle against antisemitism finds itself entangled with deeper questions of political morality and legitimacy
