GENEVA – The World Jewish Congress (WJC) co-hosted two training sessions on antisemitism and Holocaust remembrance for diplomats at United Nations in Geneva and UNESCO in Paris, from February 14 to 19.
The first event, held on Friday, was organized jointly by the WJC, the Representative Council of Jews of France (CRIF), UNESCO, as well as the Permanent Delegations to UNESCO of France, Germany, and the United States, at the Mémorial de la Shoah. Some thirty five Ambassadors and diplomats learned from leading organizations in the fight against Holocaust denial, distortion, and antisemitism, including Fondation Jean Jaurès, DILCRAH, the French Ministry of Education, UNESCO, and CRIF. These engagements provided invaluable insights into strategies for countering misinformation, promoting historical accuracy, and fostering inclusive policies at national and international levels.
As part of their itinerary, the diplomats toured the memorial’s archives and exhibitions, gaining firsthand insight into the extensive documentation of Nazi crimes and the stories of Jewish resistance. The discussions centered on the continued relevance of Holocaust education in contemporary global policy and the responsibilities of states in upholding human rights frameworks.
Delivering opening remarks was Shoah Memorial Director Jacques Fredj, German Ambassador Kerstin Pürschel; U.S. Ambassador Jean Manes; and Acting Permanent Delegate of France to UNESCO Isabelle Desvignes.
The conversation then turned to Jean-Yves Camus from the Jean Jaurès Foundation, who emphasized the urgency of resolving challenges that currently threaten the Jewish world in the aftermath of the October 7 terror attacks on Israel. Following that, the delegates heard from Yann Jurovics, a lecturer at the University of Évry, who shared his legal expertise to clarify key terminology related to crimes of mass violence, such as ‘genocide’ and ‘crimes against humanity.’
The second event, which took place at the Maison d’Izieu on Wednesday, was co-organized by WJC with the UN Missions in Geneva of France, Germany, Israel, and the European Union. Fifty UN ambassadors and diplomats gathered for a seminar dedicated to history, justice, and memory, which provided an opportunity to reflect on the past while addressing contemporary challenges in the fight against antisemitism.
The Maison d’Izieu became infamous during World War II when, on April 6, 1944, the Gestapo, under the command of SS officer Klaus Barbie, raided the home, which served as a refuge for Jewish children. Forty-four children and their seven caretakers were arrested and deported to Nazi concentration camps, where all but one caretaker was murdered. Today, the site stands as a memorial and educational center dedicated to remembering Jewish children persecuted in the Holocaust, and to the promotion of human rights.
The delegation was welcomed by French Ambassador for Human Rights, Isabelle Rome, who emphasized the importance of remembrance, noting that “without a past, our humanity is mutilated.” German Ambassador of the Permanent Mission to the United Nations in Geneva, Nikola Gillhoff, spoke of Germany’s commitment to remembrance. WJC’s Representative to the UN in Geneva and UNESCO, Leon Saltiel, and Director of the Maison d’Izieu Alexandre Nugues-Bourchat also addressed the participants, setting the stage for a day of reflection and dialogue.
A highlight of the seminar was the session entitled “The Trial of Klaus Barbie (Lyon, 1987), Challenges and Aftermath,” presented by legal experts Alain Jakubowicz and Richard Zelmati, both of whom were lawyers representing the Jewish victims in the trial against Barbie. They explored the trial’s historical significance and its lasting implications for justice and accountability.
Participants then took part in a guided visit of the Maison d’Izieu, where they gained a better understanding of the lives of the Jewish children who found refuge there before their tragic deportation. Through letters, photographs, and personal accounts, the delegation learned about the children’s seemingly happy daily routines, their friendships, and their relationships with the local community. In the permanent exhibition, participants learned about the testimonies presented against Klaus Barbie, including those of survivors, witnesses who played a crucial role in documenting his crimes.
The event concluded with a panel discussion, “Facing Antisemitism,” featuring Isabelle Rome, Leon Saltiel, Alain Jakubowicz, and Richard Zelmati, moderated by Alexandre Nugues-Bourchat. The conversation underscored the urgent need for international cooperation in combating Holocaust denial and distortion while reinforcing educational and policy efforts to prevent antisemitism.
Leon Saltiel emphasized the importance of addressing antisemitism not just as a European issue but as a global challenge, stressing that everyone must be on board in the fight against antisemitism. Isabelle Rome firmly reminded the audience that “what’s prohibited prohibition cannot be contextualized” - there is no justification or excuse for antisemitism in any form. Meanwhile, Richard Zelmati highlighted the alarming rise in antisemitic incidents, referencing the 2024 CRIF report, which recorded 1,570 antisemitic acts in France, with a disturbing 65.2% targeting individuals. These figures underscored the pressing need for stronger action to combat rising hatred and ensure the protection of Jewish communities worldwide.
