WJC at UNHRC │ Antisemitism Is Not Activism, It Is Hate

Amid a global surge in antisemitic violence and rhetoric following the October 7 Hamas attacks, Reuven Rennert, speaking on behalf of the World Jewish Congress, condemned the growing tolerance for antisemitism disguised as political expression and warned that excusing acts of terror undermines the principles the UN Human Rights Council was created to uphold.

Read full statement 

Mr. President, 

The World Jewish Congress, the International Association of Jewish Lawyers and Jurists, and the European Union of Jewish Students address this Council with deep concern.  

Antisemitism has surged alarmingly since October 7, 2023, manifesting in increasingly visible and violent ways across many societies.  

Synagogues have been attacked. Jewish children are no longer safe in schools. Hatred against members of our community is too often excused as political expression. It is not. It is vile antisemitism. We have consistently brought this to your attention, in the hope of galvanizing meaningful and unified action. An urgent and coordinated response is needed now. 

Let us be clear: antisemitism is not activism. It is hatred – pure and simple. It threatens Jewish communities and undermines the foundations of democracy and human rights. 

We must also reject, unequivocally, any attempt to suggest that the atrocities of October 7 require “context.” There is no context – none whatsoever – that excuses the massacre of civilians – what has been done to women and children – or the execution of youth at a music festival. These were acts of terror. Framing them otherwise betrays this Council’s moral responsibility and purpose. 

The safety and dignity of Jewish communities is not negotiable. They must be defended – through the uncompromising prosecution of hate crimes, the credible rejection of all forms of antisemitism, and a firm stance against those who glorify anti-Jewish violence. 

Madame Rapporteur, what urgent measures do you recommend to confront this resurgence of antisemitism? 

Thank you.