The World Jewish Congress co-hosted two separate workshops at the Jewish Museum of Greece in Athens, earlier this week to ensure that Athens-based Ambassadors and key liaisons for all Greek Ministries involved in formulating and executing the National Action Plan against antisemitism are well-versed in the diverse facets of antisemitism, the Jewish heritage of Greece, and the dark history of the Holocaust.
Ambassadors and diplomats from 12 countries participated in the first workshop, and representatives of 13 government ministries and agencies participated in the second, including the Vice Minister for Social Solidarity and the General Secretary for Religious Affairs of the Ministry of Education.
Leon Saltiel, WJC’s Director of Diplomacy, led a comprehensive discussion about contemporary forms of antisemitism and its history, shedding light on the evolving nature of Jew-hatred and its impact on modern society. The group also benefited from insights shared by two experts from the Jewish Museum, delving into the Jewish presence in Greece and the profound impact of the Holocaust on the country, offering a deeper understanding of this pivotal historical chapter.
The workshops were organized through a collaborative effort with the Embassy of Croatia in Greece, representing the Croatian IHRA Chair 2023-24, along with support from the Ministry of Education and Religious Affairs, the Central Board of Jewish Communities in Greece, the Jewish Museum of Greece, and the World Jewish Congress. Representatives of all these institutions delivered remarks, including the Ambassador of Croatia in Greece, Aleksandar Sunko, the Special Envoy of Greece for Combating Antisemitism, Ambassador Chryssoula Aliferi, and the Head of the Greek Delegation to the IHRA, George Polydorakis, who highlighted the significance of such education initiatives in promoting tolerance and combating bigotry.
For several years, the World Jewish Congress has been hosting these initiatives for lawmakers and diplomats around the world, aiming to educate them specifically on antisemitism and the history of the Jewish people. These efforts are geared towards fostering greater understanding and awareness among policymakers and other stakeholders globally.
