In a poignant statement on Thursday, Israeli President Isaac Herzog strongly condemned the terrifying resurgence of anti-Semitism across the world, especially in the United States. Herzog stressed that even renowned institutions were affected by this wave of hatred, pointing to recent incidents on American college campuses.
This statement comes against a backdrop of rising solidarity actions towards Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, where the war between Israel and Hamas continues to spark heated debates in the United States. Recent protests have reignited the debate between free speech and accusations of anti-Semitism, highlighting growing tensions within the American academic community.
Herzog expressed horror at the glorification of violent attacks against Israel, including the bloody terrorist attack carried out by Hamas on October 7. He also denounced anti-Semitic speeches and incidents reported by Jewish students on certain American campuses, emphasizing the need to firmly tackle this form of discrimination.
In a gesture of solidarity with Jewish communities around the world, Herzog assured that the people of Israel support them and share their concerns in the face of this rise in anti-Semitism. He called for remaining strong and proud in the fight against hatred and intolerance, stressing that unity was essential to overcome these challenges.
Isaac Herzog also highlighted the importance of commemorating Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day, recalling that it is in the memory of the dark periods of the past that lies the miracle of the resurrection of the Jewish people. He called for collective reflection on history and the lessons to be learned from it to build a better future, marked by tolerance and mutual respect.
In conclusion, President Herzog called for concerted action to combat anti-Semitism in all its forms and to defend freedom and security for all Jews, wherever they are in the world. He stressed that only a united and resolute approach would make it possible to meet this challenge and build a more just and peaceful future for all.
