Over 30 Nations Join US in International Effort to Combat Antisemitism

In a significant move, over 30 countries, led by the United States, adopted "global guidelines for countering antisemitism" during a gathering of special envoys and representatives in Argentina on Wednesday. The announcement, made by Ambassador Deborah Lipstadt, the US special envoy to monitor and combat antisemitism, coincided with the 30th anniversary of the 1994 bombing of the Argentine Israelite Mutual Association (AMIA) Jewish community center in Buenos Aires.

“From the AMIA terrorist attack 30 years ago to the aftermath of Hamas’ massacre across southern Israel on October 7, the danger of antisemitism is clear. That’s why my colleagues and I recognize the urgent need to unite and spur international action against this evil,” Lipstadt stated.

These twelve guidelines, described as best practices, aim to provide "structure and guidance" to public authorities worldwide. Lipstadt urged other countries and institutions to endorse the framework, emphasizing its potential to shape the global response to antisemitism.

Her call comes on the heels of a disturbing report from the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) showing a 140 percent rise in antisemitic incidents in the US last year, largely after October 7 during the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza. Similar increases have been noted in several other countries, especially in Europe.

The US State Department released a document detailing the legally nonbinding guidelines and listing the endorsing countries. Notably, international bodies such as the European Commission and the Organization of American States have also adopted the framework.

A key element of the guidelines is the endorsement of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s (IHRA) definition of antisemitism. Adopted in 2016, this definition is recognized by over 40 UN member states and numerous global entities. It defines antisemitism as "a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews," and includes 11 specific examples of antisemitism in various spheres, including public life, media, schools, and religious contexts.

The guidelines advocate for immediate, clear, and unequivocal condemnation of antisemitism by governments and political leaders. They emphasize the need for governments to develop strategies and action plans in collaboration with Jewish organizations and experts, appoint national coordinators to counter antisemitism, and address the surge of antisemitism on social media.

The guidelines also highlight the importance of enhancing protection for Jewish communities, who are vulnerable to threats from both foreign and domestic sources. Additionally, they call for educational initiatives on the history and consequences of antisemitism and the enforcement of anti-discrimination laws to reduce anti-Jewish hatred in society.

This comprehensive framework represents a unified global effort to address and combat the persistent threat of antisemitism, aiming to foster a safer and more inclusive world.

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