Fighting Antisemitism

GENEVA – In response to the alarming surge and normalization of antisemitism following the events of October 7, the World Jewish Congress hosted a Human Rights Council side event on Tuesday.  The event highlighted a range of peer-to-peer learning initiatives, such as "Pathfinders," "Likrat," and "Meet a Jew," designed to foster mutual respect and tolerance among communities, showcasing innovative approaches to promoting dialogue and understanding across diverse groups. It was supported by the UN Missions of Germany, Norway, and Switzerland. 

The event was moderated by Dr. Leon Saltiel, Director of Diplomacy and Representative at the UN in Geneva for the World Jewish Congress, who emphasized the important contribution of peer-to-peer initiatives that create opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds to engage in meaningful discussions about Judaism. Saltiel further stated, “Open dialogue is an important element to push back against the threatening rise of antisemitism,” expressing his hope that more countries would adopt similar initiatives to promote inclusive and cohesive societies. 

Emma Hallali, President of the European Union of Jewish Students (EUJS), delivered opening remarks stating, “It is through showcasing the diversity of our traditions and creating spaces for genuine intercultural dialogue that we can foster greater understanding and cohesion.” Hallali further argued that these initiatives play a “pivotal role” in creating opportunities for people from different backgrounds to connect with Jewish youth. Whether through open discussions or visits to culturally significant sites, these programs offer a safe and welcoming space for fostering curiosity about Judaism, promoting dialogue, and breaking down misconceptions. 

Daniel Divon and Talia Deborah Dubowski offered personal testimonies about their involvement with Pathfinders in Norway, highlighting the gaps in knowledge about Jewish history and culture among Norwegians. In a country of 5 million people and less than 2,000 Jews, they shared that it is rare for Norwegians to meet Jews. Their work, they explained, helps provide an understanding of Jewish diversity, bridging gaps and tackling prejudices. In a society where the word “Jew” is still used as an insult in many Norwegian schools, they emphasized that their efforts contribute to reducing the use of this derogatory term by “putting a face to the word ‘Jew.’” 

Benjamin Unger, a volunteer at Likrat since 2018, provided insight into the history of the initiative, which was born out of a wave of antisemitism in Switzerland in the 1990s. Unger shared that, in response to this climate, Swiss schools requested that the Swiss Federation of Jewish Communities send representatives into classrooms. By 2002, the success of these efforts inspired to establish Likrat, a peer-to-peer initiative where Jewish teenagers—rather than adults—engage with their peers in schools. This approach focuses on fostering understanding through casual conversations rather than formal presentations, allowing students to experience firsthand how Jewish youth live in Switzerland. Since then, the format has remained largely unchanged, successfully bridging cultural gaps, and combating prejudice through dialogue. 

Emilia Taran, from Meet a Jew, a project launched in 2020 by the Central Council of Jews in Germany explained that its primary aim is to dismantle stereotypes and foster open dialogue between Jewish volunteers and people from diverse backgrounds in Germany. Following the events of October 7th, she noted a significant rise in demand for these encounters, with participation increasing by 50%. Despite the escalating tensions and the rise of antisemitism, Taran shared that volunteers feel more determined than ever to advocate for their community and values. 

She also reflected on how her involvement with Meet a Jew has profoundly impacted her personally. When asked if she openly wears her Star of David, she admitted that she is usually cautious. However, during one encounter, a participant urged her, saying, “No, don’t hide. Don’t let them bring you down. Wear your Star of David with pride.” Taran explained that this moment shifted her perspective on her Jewish identity in Germany, empowering her to embrace her heritage with pride and fight for her place in society.

Ambassador Michèle Taylor, the U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations Human Rights Council, commented on the significance of the panel discussion as a critical step in addressing the rise of antisemitism and exploring diverse approaches to combat it. Ambassador Taylor stressed the value of dialogue. “It’s easy to hate an idea, but very hard to hate a person,” she stated, commending efforts that foster direct conversations between individuals rather than perpetuating division. She emphasized that when people engage directly, they find more common ground than differences but warned that problems arise when concepts of “othering” become the norm. Representatives of Israel, Germany, Norway, Greece, Croatia, Montenegro, and Portugal also took the floor during the discussion.

After a comprehensive Q&A session, Prof. Nicolas Levrat, Special Rapporteur on Minority Issues to the United Nations, remarked on the importance of a “bottom-up approach” in addressing minority issues, adding that “we will not solve these issues through generally normative action at the international level.” He praised the peer-to-peer model, calling it a “horizontal approach” that fosters mutual understanding, not just between communities but between individuals. The speaker also delved into the complexity of identity, recognizing it as central to minority issues and emphasizing its multi-layered nature. He expressed concern over the growing tendency in some nations to equate national identity with the identity of the dominant group.