2024-09-10 16:50:17
The anti-Semitism conference that begins today is more necessary than ever in times like these, emphasized National Council President Wolfgang Sobotka today in a joint press statement with the Speaker of the Israeli Knesset Amir Ohana. The effects of the conflict in the Middle East are more than clearly felt in Europe and the entire world. Sobotka and his Israeli counterpart met for a working meeting in the run-up to the international networking conference.
Sobotka: Parliamentarians should be confronted with the issue of anti-Semitism
Sobotka particularly addressed the increasing anti-Semitism in many European countries and the Western world. Jewish communities no longer feel safe, he said. It was therefore very important to him to bring representatives of the Jewish community together with parliamentarians for the first time. It was necessary to confront members of parliaments with the issue first hand. According to Sobotka, around 150 participants from 20 countries are expected, including parliamentary presidents. This shows that the topic is of interest and that Austria is valued internationally in the fight against anti-Semitism.
The President of the National Council also addressed the title of the conference, “Never again?”. Although speeches always emphasize that a “never again” is needed, in view of the events of October 7, 2023, this commitment has become questionable. It is the worst human rights crime since the Shoah, with far-reaching consequences. Hostages are still being held captive today, and Israel is still being bombed. However, the reporting in the world’s media does not correspond to the situation. Cause and effect are often ignored, and Hamas’ war crimes are not talked about enough. He hopes that the anti-Semitism conference can make a contribution to educating people and giving the Jewish population the feeling that they are part of society with a joint declaration, said Sobotka. Combating anti-Semitism must be a common concern of all democrats, because anti-Semitism is deeply anti-democratic, said the President of the National Council.
Ohana: Double threat of anti-Semitism and terrorism
The Speaker of the Israeli Knesset Amir Ohana emphasized that the participants of the conference in Vienna are coming together to defend life and freedom against the double threat of anti-Semitism and terrorism. “What happens in Israel does not end in Israel,” said Ohana, referring to the recent attack carried out by an Austrian near the Israeli Consulate General in Munich or the attack plans surrounding the Taylor Swift concerts in Vienna.
But the terrorists do not speak for Austria, said Ohana. Rather, the anti-Semitism conference that begins today and its goals demonstrate Austria’s moral values. The Israeli parliamentary speaker thanked his Austrian counterpart for his fight against terror and tragedy.
Working meeting between Sobotka and Ohana
The relations between Austria and Israel were also a particular topic in the working meeting between Sobotka and Ohana in parliament this afternoon. Austria stands by Israel’s side and is doing its utmost to support the country in this difficult time, Sobotka assured his counterpart. He particularly welcomed the large number of cooperation projects in the area of Holocaust remembrance and the excellent cooperation at the parliamentary level.
The Israeli parliamentary speaker is taking part in the international parliamentary anti-Semitism conference, which is taking place for the first time in Austria on 10 and 11 September. It is intended to serve the purpose of building a parliamentary alliance against anti-Semitism, with which anti-Semitic developments that pose a threat to democracies can be countered. (End) kar
A NOTICE: Photos from this press conference can be found in Parliament’s web portal. One Recording of the press event can be found in the Parliament’s Media Library.
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Table of Contents
- 1 Here’s a PAA (People Also Ask) related question tailored for the title “Combating Anti-Semitism: A Global Concern in Turbulent Times”:
- 2 What are the key objectives of the “Never Again?” anti-Semitism conference in Vienna, and how does it address the rising concerns of anti-Semitism in Europe and beyond?
Combating Anti-Semitism: A Global Concern in Turbulent Times
As the world grapples with the resurgence of anti-Semitism, a pressing global concern, Austria is taking a significant step forward by hosting an international parliamentary anti-Semitism conference on September 10-11, 2024. The conference, attended by around 150 participants from 20 countries, including parliamentary presidents, aims to build a parliamentary alliance against anti-Semitism, a threat to democracies worldwide.
The Dire Need for Action
The President of the National Council, Wolfgang Sobotka, emphasized the urgency of addressing anti-Semitism, which has seen a disturbing rise in many European countries and the Western world. Jewish communities no longer feel safe, and it is essential to confront parliamentarians with the issue firsthand. The conference’s title, “Never again?”, serves as a poignant reminder of the commitment to preventing another human rights crime like the Shoah, which has far-reaching consequences. The recent events of October 7, 2023, have made this commitment questionable, and it is crucial to educate people and give the Jewish population a sense of belonging.
Double Threat of Anti-Semitism and Terrorism
The Speaker of the Israeli Knesset, Amir Ohana, highlighted the dual threat of anti-Semitism and terrorism, which requires a unified response. He stressed that the consequences of these phenomena do not end in Israel, citing recent attacks in Munich and Vienna as examples. Ohana commended Austria’s moral values, demonstrated by the anti-Semitism conference, and thanked his Austrian counterpart for combating terror and tragedy.
International Cooperation and Solidarity
The working meeting between Sobotka and Ohana underscored the strong relations between Austria and Israel, with Austria reaffirming its support for Israel in these challenging times. The cooperation projects in Holocaust remembrance and parliamentary level cooperation were particularly welcomed. This conference marks an essential step towards building a global alliance against anti-Semitism, echoing the sentiments of the Combat Antisemitism Movement [[1]], which engages over 700 partner organizations and three million people worldwide.
Recording Incidents and Ownership: Key to Addressing Anti-Semitism
Efforts to combat anti-Semitism necessitate national governments’ ownership and proper recording of antisemitic incidents, as emphasized by the Antisemitism: Face It, Fight It movement [[2]]. This data-driven approach will enable effective measures to counter anti-Semitic activities. The ADL: Never Is Now summit [[3]], the world’s largest gathering on anti-Semitism and hate, also underscores the importance of collective action against this menace.
the international parliamentary anti-Semitism conference in Austria is a vital step towards forging a global response to the alarming rise of anti-Semitism. It is crucial that governments, parliamentarians, and civil society organizations work together to combat this deeply anti-democratic phenomenon, ensuring that the atrocities of the past are not repeated.
What are the key objectives of the “Never Again?” anti-Semitism conference in Vienna, and how does it address the rising concerns of anti-Semitism in Europe and beyond?
Combating Anti-Semitism: A Global Concern
Today, the world witnesses the launch of a crucial anti-Semitism conference, an event that has become more necessary than ever in the current times. National Council President Wolfgang Sobotka and Speaker of the Israeli Knesset Amir Ohana emphasized the importance of this conference in a joint press statement, highlighting the alarming rise of anti-Semitism in Europe and the Western world.
Growing Concerns of Anti-Semitism
Sobotka expressed his concerns about the increasing anti-Semitism in many European countries, stating that Jewish communities no longer feel safe. He emphasized the need to bring together Jewish community representatives and parliamentarians to confront the issue firsthand. The conference, themed “Never Again?”, aims to educate people and provide the Jewish population with a sense of belonging in society through a joint declaration.
Ohana, on the other hand, emphasized the double threat of anti-Semitism and terrorism, stating that the conference participants are coming together to defend life and freedom against these menaces. He highlighted the recent attacks in Austria and the attack plans surrounding the Taylor Swift concerts in Vienna, emphasizing that the terrorists do not speak for Austria. Instead, the anti-Semitism conference demonstrates Austria’s moral values.
Combatting Anti-Semitism: A Global Effort
This conference is not an isolated event. Globally, there are several initiatives and conferences dedicated to combatting anti-Semitism. For instance, the Antisemitism: Face It, Fight It Conference [[1]]in Ottawa, Canada, provides a platform for Jewish leaders, students, community advocates, and others to come together and discuss ways to combat anti-Semitism. Similarly, the Antisemitism Conference 2020 [[2]]organized by the US State Department aims to raise awareness about the growing threat of anti-Semitism and promote global cooperation to combat it.
The Combat Antisemitism Movement [[3]]is another significant initiative that brings together individuals and organizations from around the world to combat anti-Semitism. Their South Carolina Summit, for example, focused on tackling rising anti-Semitism on college campuses, featuring a “Voices for Humanity” campaign that highlights Muslim American women standing against anti-Semitism.
Conclusion
The anti-Semitism conference in Vienna and similar initiatives around the world serve as a beacon of hope in the fight against anti-Semitism. By raising awareness, promoting education, and encouraging global cooperation, we can work together to combat this deeply anti-democratic phenomenon. As Sobotka aptly put it, “Combating anti-Semitism must be a common concern of all democrats.” Let us join hands to create a world where Jewish communities can feel safe and valued members of society.
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