Despite the challenges faced in 2023, including a rise in antisemitism following the October 7th Hamas terrorist attack on Israel, there were notable positive developments.
Positive trends included the Biden administration's introduction of the first-ever U.S. National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism in May 2023, the global support for Israel after the October 7th attack, and international efforts to combat antisemitism.
World Stand United with Israel in Face of Israel-Hamas War
In the wake of the October 7th terrorist attack, global leaders stood in unwavering solidarity with Israel. In a poignant display of unity, numerous world leaders, among them United States President Joe Biden, visited Israel and emphasized Israel's right to self-defense.
World Jewish Congress President Ronald S. Lauder expressed his gratitude in two full-page advertisements in The New York Times and The Washington Post to thank President Biden and the congressional leadership of both political parties for their support.
President Lauder wrote: “As President of the World Jewish Congress, and on behalf of millions of Jews across the United States and throughout the Diaspora, I want to thank you for your steadfast support in this moment of profound crisis for Israel. These traumatic events have shaken the Jewish world to its core. Each day brings new horrors, carried out by a terror organization bereft of humanity.”
In a testament to the global interconnectedness of Jewish communities, a resounding wave of solidarity emanated from Jewish populations worldwide, standing firmly united with Israel during its time of adversity.
Hostage awareness campaigns served as powerful expressions of unity and resilience worldwide. Initiatives like Paris' "Empty Stroller" operation and Sydney's Bondi Beach event, which featured a vacant Shabbat table with 200 places set, have inspired countless other commemorations staged worldwide, using posters of those kidnapped with symbolic tokens such as balloons and shoes.
These actions, organized by active Jewish communities, emphasized the urgency of addressing the hostage crisis and combatting terrorism, and underscored the strength and cohesion within these communities on a global scale.
United States Releases National Strategy to Combat Antisemitism
Under the leadership of President Biden, the U.S. took a decisive stance against rising antisemitism, developing the first comprehensive plan across various U.S. agencies to foster Jewish life and address the escalating issue of Jewish hatred. The President's unprecedented directive to coordinate and mobilize the vast federal government to protect Jewish Americans is essential in the ongoing fight against anti-Jewish hate.
WJC President Ronald S. Lauder expressed appreciation for the plan, stating, "The World Jewish Congress is appreciative that the White House has incorporated specific points for which we advocated, and we commend the administration for elevating the voices of Jewish students, a WJC priority."
Amb. Lauder went on to say, "The United States now joins a growing number of European governments in releasing strategies to support Jewish communities. The next step will be to thoroughly execute those plans, and the World Jewish Congress will work to support the U.S. strategy in its next phase. We must have concrete action, not just words."
President Lauder also stated, "However, the inclusion of a secondary definition in addition to the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism is an unnecessary distraction from the real work that needs to be done."
International Community Takes Stride to Combat Antisemitism
While certain elements within the international community may fall short in the ongoing struggle against antisemitism, several countries are stepping up their efforts to combat this issue in all its forms. Notably, a historic coalition of 62 nations, led by the Czech Republic, Austria, and Slovakia, issued a statement addressing antisemitism, racism, and intolerance in sports at the United Nations Human Rights Council. This statement, supported and crafted with substantial input from the World Jewish Congress, was presented by Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský.
The statement brings attention to the existence of antisemitism and bigotry in sports events and platforms, including stadiums and social media. Furthermore, it acknowledges sports as a unifying force that transcends diverse populations, promoting essential values and emphasizing its capacity to instill principles of respect, dignity, and tolerance.
In addition, amidst a growing debate about the IHRA working definition of antisemitism, WJC joined forces with over 160 Jewish communities and organizations across the globe to call on the United Nations, who were in the midst of developing their own national action plan to combat antisemitism, to make use of the IHRA definition in its forthcoming action plan to counter antisemitism.
In the letter to Secretary-General United Nations H.E. António Guterres and High Representative for the UN Alliance of Civilizations United Nations H.E. Miguel Ángel Moratinos, the Jewish communities wrote, “It is our collective view that the non-legally binding IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism is an indispensable tool to understand and fight antisemitism, and one that can be used entirely consistently with fundamental human rights standards. Indeed, any UN Action Plan must acknowledge the importance of the IHRA Working Definition to the vast majority of Jewish individuals, organizations, and communities who are the primary targets of antisemitic hatred, discrimination, and violence; are the Action Plan’s primary intended beneficiaries; and are best placed to identify manifestations of hatred and bias directed against us.”
Thirty-eight countries have adopted the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s working definition of antisemitism; in 2023, that list expanded when Croatia, Latvia, and Panama each adopted the definition.
Outside of the United Nations, several countries took steps to ensure antisemitism would be combatted. Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Latvia, and Luxembourg each adopted standalone national action plans to combat antisemitism, while Slovakia adopted a national action to combat forms of bigotry that included antisemitism.
Amid the challenges, the year closed with a positive development as, after WJC urging, the European Council included an item condemning antisemitism and vowing to fight the hatred.
Tree of Life Shooter Receives Guilty Verdict
In July, the individual who killed 11 Jewish worshippers in October 2018 at the Tree of Life Synagogue was found guilty of 63 charges. Following his sentencing in August, Amb. Ronald S. Lauder said that it “represents a measure of justice,” adding that “Nothing can ever bring back the people killed in the attack, the deadliest act of antisemitism in the history of the United States.”
“The jury’s decision is a stark reminder to remain vigilant about countering antisemitism, wherever it may hide. I call on American leaders to amplify their efforts to protect Jewish communities across the country so that such a tragedy never again takes place.
“May the survivors of the attack and the victims’ families find some comfort from the jury’s decision, and may the memory of the 11 people killed be for a blessing,” he said.
#WeRemember campaign hits new heights, preserves memory of Holocaust and genocide remembrance
The World Jewish Congress annual #WeRemember campaign culminated with the illumination of more than 50 sites with the words amplifying #WeRemember in more than a dozen countries and a live-streaming exhibition at the Auschwitz-Birkenau death camp memorial site.
In Israel, images of Holocaust survivors illuminate the walls of Jerusalem’s Old City, and in Tel Aviv the skyscrapers of Azrieli Center brightened the skies with the campaign’s message. The national airline El-Al began sharing Holocaust-related resources, via QR codes, with its passengers in connection to the #WeRemember initiative.
In New York City, home to the largest Jewish community outside Israel, Mayor Eric Adams for City Hall and other buildings to be lit up in yellow, and Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine held a press conference to call for the removal of the Canyon of Heroes plaques that honor Nazi collaborators. Digital display boards throughout the city were constructed to showcase facts about the Holocaust, The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey the George Washington Bridge, and One World Trade Center, bathed in yellow light, illuminated the New York skyline as well.
Additional displays appeared across Canada, Latin America, and European capitals including Athens, Stockholm, Prague, and Zagreb. A remembrance ceremony took place at the NATO Headquarters in Brussels, together with the World Jewish Congress.
During the week-long campaign, the World Jewish Congress worked with Meta and TikTok to ensure that users see verified information about the Holocaust by directing them to www.AboutHolocaust.org, a comprehensive resource developed by WJC and UNESCO. More than 3 million users have visited the page this year alone.
In addition to Holocaust remembrance, WJC took steps to preserve the memory of other genocides. Led by WJC General Counsel Emeritus Menachem Rosensaft, WJC Jewish Diplomatic Corps Members visited Bosnia and Herzegovina for the anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide. Rosensaft addressed the formal commemoration ceremony where he spoke about the dangers of not addressing hatred.
While 2023 saw some positive trends, such as international efforts to combat antisemitism, multiple areas both new and old challenged the Jewish community, especially in the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war.
Hamas Launches Deadly October 7th attack on Israel
In the early morning hours on the Jewish holiday of Simchat Torah, a day that marked joy and celebration, Israel was invaded by land, sea, and air and brutally attacked by Hamas terrorists. This unprovoked, bloodthirsty assault against both Israeli civilians and military has resulted more than 1200 hundred fatalities, thousands of critical injuries, and the abduction of dozens of 200 innocent hostages into Gaza. The attacks are considered the bloodiest in Israel's history and the deadliest for Jews since the Holocaust.
Following the deadly attack, World Jewish Congress President Ronald S. Lauder called for unity, stating, "The entire Jewish diaspora stands in unwavering support of Israel and its valiant security forces."
The World Jewish Congress has undertaken a multifaceted and comprehensive approach to the conflict, strategically deploying a range of diplomatic, advocacy, community engagement, and communication strategies. WJC President Lauder met with world leaders, including Pope Francis ,appealing to him to continue to leverage his moral authority to urge for the safe return of Israeli hostages, and Qatari officials in which he sought the influential intervention of Arab leaders to secure their unconditional release. WJC also organized meetings with families of hostages and the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, and the United Nations Secretary General, which underscored the urgency for immediate action.
At an emergency session of the World Jewish Congress Executive Committee in Zagreb on October 16–17, Jewish leaders from more than 40 nations weighed their next steps in responding to the Hamas terrorist attack on Israel and expressed solidarity with the people of the Jewish State. WJC officials also presented participants with an action plan to bolster support for Israel and hamper Hamas’ ability to carry out further atrocities. Separately, the National Community Directors’ Forum met in Rome to address the uncertainties of the Israel-Hamas war and emphasize the need for solidarity and proactive engagement in these trying times.
In late October, the World Jewish Congress also convened the Special Envoys and Coordinators Combating Antisemitism (SECCA) Forum to address some of the key challenges in addressing the rise in antisemitism, particularly considering Hamas’ appalling attack on Israel. Separately, a meeting of the International Council of Jewish Parliamentarians (ICJP) took place in Washington, D.C. from November 13-15 to address the October 7 attack on Israel and its aftermath.
Antisemitism Surges to Unprecedented Levels, Especially in Light of October 7th attack
Antisemitism soared to new following the October 7th terrorist attack as Jewish communities continued to face serious threats to their existence and well-being and require significant support to ensure their ability to conduct communal activities and safeguard the physical security of their members over much of the year. Reports from Austria, France, Germany, Ireland, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, the United States, and other countries highlighted this concerning trend.
To further understand the state of online antisemitism, WJC published an report exposing Hamas’ use of internet and social media platforms to encourage a surge of antisemitic hate speech on online platforms since October 7th. The report highlighted deficiencies in platforms’ content moderation and monitoring strategies, which also revealed critical trust and safety concerns. In addition, it documented the influence of non-moderated platforms on the spread of violent and banned content.
In the aftermath of the terrorist attacks on October 7th, a distressing manifestation of antisemitism emerged on college campuses, with Jewish students facing targeted hostility from their peers and professors.This expression of antisemitism is not confined to online platforms but has spilled over into physical spaces on college campuses, where individuals openly celebrate the Hamas attacks, minimize Jewish pain, and question Israel’s right to defend itself and exist. Shockingly, university administrators, entrusted with ensuring a secure and inclusive academic environment, have failed to unequivocally stand up for Jewish students.
This hostile atmosphere not only jeopardizes the well-being of Jewish students but also underscores the imperative for addressing antisemitism on college campuses through robust educational and awareness initiatives. To fight back against this trend, WJC established a webpage that highlights some of the worst incidents of antisemitism at universities both in the United States and Europe, as well as a button to send letters to university administrators, voicing concern about the rising antisemitism.
In September, Before the surge, WJC and Jewish on Campus released the findings of a national survey conducted by Ipsos, of Jewish and non-Jewish students measuring their perceptions of and experiences with antisemitism. Among the most notable findings, 57% of Jewish students surveyed reported witnessing or experiencing an antisemitic incident, whether on campus and across society at-large. But the past several months has shown that the scale of this hate is off the charts.
Amid these unprecedented challenges, WJC Elevate members have emerged as vocal advocates for Israel through various channels, and its network of dedicated leaders spans the globe. In the days after the attack. Elevate members authored dozens of editorials and arranged media appearances to address the situation in Israel, promote support for the State of Israel, condemn Hamas, and advocate for the safety and wellbeing of the Jewish communities around the world.
Judicial Reform Prospal Divides Israel
Before the Israel-Hamas war, hundreds of thousands of Israelis took part in weekly demonstrations against the government's proposed judicial reform. In July, the government enacted the initial phase of its planned legislative reforms through the passage of a "reasonableness" bill. This legislation marked a significant shift by removing the Supreme Court and lower courts of their authority to nullify government decisions on the grounds of being deemed "extremely unreasonable."
Following the passage, WJC President Ronald S. Lauder published in The New York Times other major U.S. and Israeli publications a message emphasizing the need for national unity and calling on leaders like Benjamin Netanyahu, Yair Lapid, and Benny Gantz to set aside differences and form a strong emergency government.
“But Israel also faces an unprecedented internal threat comprising three dimensions. The judicial reform instigated by Justice Minister Yariv Levin, which has received a passing vote in the Knesset, heightening the tension, is perceived by the Right as essential and by the Left as an assault on Israel’s liberal democracy. The coalition’s dependence on Ultra-Orthodox and Ultra-Nationalist parties hinders Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu from implementing his moderate-conservative worldview," wrote President Lauder.
"And the internal fissure alienates Israel’s tribes from one another and accelerates the discord between them.”
In a prophetic statement that would regrettably be substantiated President Lauder warned “Israel is in jeopardy. The unprecedented events of 2023 are eroding the social compact and endangering national security.”
Bias continues against State of Israel at the UN
At the United Nations, an enduring bias within the international community and international institutions persists against the State of Israel. Special sessions, especially in light of the Israel-war, condemn the Middle East's sole democracy, exemplified by the relentless pursuit of an anti-Israel agenda under Item 7.
This pattern reveals a continuous and pronounced bias, indicating that the UN platform is not neutral but rather fosters a one-sided narrative against Israel. Such practices raise concerns about the organization's commitment to fair representation and its role in promoting an unbiased discourse on international affairs.
The WJC has been actively engaged for many years with the UN and its affiliated agencies, both in Geneva and New York, and has been an outspoken critic of the Council’s discriminatory actions. Since 2015, the World Jewish Congress has delivered over 100 statements at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, advocating for human rights, emphasizing the importance of the Council's role in addressing antisemitism, and urging the removal of its biased and anti-Israel agenda item 7.
