The Antisemitism Summit: Can We Accept Yes for an Answer

When is an antisemite no longer an antisemite?  And when is an antisemitic party no longer antisemitic?

I was thinking about this as I attended the recent Global Summit Against Antisemitism sponsored by Israel’s Ministry of Diaspora Affairs and organized by Diaspora Affairs Minister Amichai Chikli.  Combatting antisemitism, what should be a source of agreement and unification evoked controversy, as some who were invited declined to participate due to the inclusion of representatives of right-wing European parties.

Not knowing what to expect, I was pleasantly surprised to hear unequivocal denunciations of Jew hatred from leaders of political parties whose origins were tainted by Holocaust denial.  The leader of France’s New Republic party, Jordan Bardella renounced the past sins of Jean Marie-LePen, the founder of the party.  He went out of his way to disassociate himself from them.  He spoke of the realignment taking place in France today, in that antisemitism is found primarily in the extreme left which has aligned itself with radical Islam, who often use Nazi symbols.  After October 7 and antisemitic attacks in France, his party was the one that marched in solidarity with the Jewish community in opposition to the hatred emanating from fundamentalist Islamic quarters.

Arno Klarsfeld, whose parents Serge and Beate Klarsfeld dedicated their lives to hunting Nazis and bringing them to justice stated that antisemitism is a virus which mutates and changes form.  To prove his point, he commented that in World War I Germans saved Jews from Russian pogroms, and in World War II Russia saved Jews from German pogroms.

In addition to the international speakers, there were sessions on the need to reform academia, to do more to tell our narrative and story more effectively, as well as combatting bias in the media and on social media platforms.  A familiar lament is that we have the best product, but the worst marketing.

I admit that I do not know about the purity, pedigree or policies and positions of all the speakers and participants.  I do know though, that I heard clear expressions of the need to fight antisemitism and of solidarity with Israel, along with the recognition that denying Israel the right to defend itself is complicity in terrorism.

It is unfortunate that some chose not to attend, as they wanted to have more progressive voices represented.  While that sentiment is shared by all, too often we are like an abused lover, returning to those who scorn us, seeking the approval and friendship of those who have not shown sympathy towards us, especially after 10-7, only to receive more rejection and abuse.

At a time when Israel is isolated and antisemitism is growing and coming at us in many directions, it is comforting to have allies who stand with us.

Rabbi Stuart Weinblatt