The B’nai B’rith Anti-Defamation Commission (ADC), Australia’s leading civil and human rights organisation fighting anti-Semitism and hatred in all its forms, has welcomed the convening of the “High Level Forum on Global anti-Semitism” at the United Nations headquarters in New York that brought together leading academics, diplomats experts, NGOs, and social media companies to discuss the growing phenomenon of anti-Semitism. The forum was hosted by the diplomatic missions of Canada, Israel, the United States, and the Delegation of the European Union to the United Nations. UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon opened the forum, declaring that anti-Semitism is “one of today’s greatest threats.” Additionally, U.S. Ambassador to the U.N Samantha Power observed that, “Time and again throughout history, we have seen that when the human rights of Jews are violated, the rights of others are not far behind. In addition to being profoundly alarming in and of itself, this growing antisemitism has gone hand in hand with rising xenophobia and other forms of bigotry.”
Dr. Abramovich, Chairman of the ADC, issued the following statement:
“We very much welcome the convening of this very important gathering to tackle the disturbing disease of Jewish-hatred and its proliferation online. Clearly, the U.N has a vital stake and role in countering the dramatic escalation in anti-Jewish incitement and vilification which has resulted in violent attacks and murders around the world. We hope that by bringing together leading experts in the field, the forum can devise effective measures and steps to combat the scourge of anti-Jewish bigotry, Holocaust denial, and the demonisation and defamation of Israel so prevalent on the internet and on social media. Every tool and legislative mechanism must be utilized by governments to raise awareness of this urgent issue. Only then, will Jewish communities that have been subjected to frightening levels of violent assaults, harassment and other forms of discrimination, begin to feel more secure. It is our hope that this important forum will result in the forging of clear and concrete path to be adopted and acted upon by moral and responsible countries that are members of the United Nations so as to counter this evil that has plagued our world for millennia. We fully concur with the sentiments expressed by U.N Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon, who said, “I am appalled by those who fan the flames of religious bigotry for political gain. Such intolerance and opportunism does more than poisoning young minds and hearts, it poisons all of society. Time and again, history has shown that those who attack one minority today, will target another tomorrow.”
The Anti-Defamation Commission, founded in 1979, is Australia’s leading organization fighting anti-Semitism through educational programs that combat bigotry, prejudice and all forms of hatred.
For further information please contact Dr Dvir Abramovich on (03) 9272 5677.