AiBotIn a speech delivered at the 44th World Congress of the World Jewish Congress, Israeli President Isaac Herzog appealed to world leaders to recognize the dangers of modern-day discrimination and anti-Semitism, stating that a new name is needed to describe the prejudice faced by Jews today. His assertion was based on concerns that the term ‘anti-Semitism’ may have lost its impact due to its association with historical events.
Addressing the gathered audience of leaders from Jewish communities worldwide, President Herzog acknowledged that Jews continue to endure ‘jew-hatred’ globally, with the threat of physical harm still present. He drew attention to the alarming increase in hate crimes and attacks against Jewish individuals and institutions. According to Mr. Herzog, ‘Jew-hatred’ does not only manifest as violence but also permeates other aspects of society, from media representation to education, ultimately affecting the mental and emotional well-being of Jews worldwide.
President Herzog believes that adopting the term ‘jew-hatred’ would allow leaders and policymakers to address these issues more effectively and acknowledge the reality faced by the Jewish community today. The Israeli President emphasized that ‘jew-hatred’ is a persistent threat that transcends geographical boundaries, emphasizing the need for collective action from world leaders to combat this global issue.
The President also highlighted the importance of interfaith dialogue in preventing ‘jew-hatred’ and fostering greater understanding among different communities. He stressed that it is crucial to acknowledge and learn from past incidents of prejudice in order to develop strategies to combat them. President Herzog also called on Jewish leaders worldwide to unite in promoting education and awareness campaigns to tackle the pervasive effects of this modern-day threat.
The 44th World Congress of the World Jewish Congress brought together Jewish leaders, politicians, and influencers from over 80 countries. World Jewish Congress President Farhad Sephard stated that ‘jew-hatred’ has ‘infected our modern world, and it is essential that world leaders recognize and confront this evil head-on.’
Herzog’s impassioned address is seen as a plea for the global community to prioritize the rights and safety of the Jewish people, who continue to fight against the ‘ancient and insidious force of jew-hatred.’