Israeli diaspora affairs minister slams Western European leadership on antisemitism

The two-day event was being attended by lawmakers from 15 European countries.

By Etgar Lefkovits, JNS

Israel’s diaspora affairs and combating antisemitism minister on Tuesday blasted the “dangerously weak” leadership of Western European leaders in the face of the ongoing wave of global antisemitism across the continent.

“In too many Western European countries, we are seeing outrageous policies and dangerously weak leadership in the face of growing antisemitism,” Amichai Chikli told a gathering of European legislators meeting in Portugal via video address.

“Europe must act not only to protect its Jewish citizens, but to defend its own democratic values, freedoms, and societies against radical Islam.”

The conference of pro-Israel lawmakers gathered for the Israel Allies European Chairman’s Conference in Lisbon, coming amid the alarming rise of antisemitism following the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack on southern Israel, focused on the growing phenomenon of anti-Zionism as a contemporary form of antisemitism.

“It is a source of pride for Portugal to host an event of this nature at a time when Europe urgently needs clarity and moral courage in the face of rising antisemitism,” said Portuguese MP Pedro Frazão, chairman of the Portuguese Parliamentary Israel Allies Caucus.

The two-day event was being attended by lawmakers from 15 European countries, as well as the U.S. ambassador to Portugal, John Arrigo, the Israeli ambassador to Portugal, Oren Rozenblat, and representatives from Jewish and Christian communities.

“This conference represents our collective resolve that ‘Never Again’ must be more than just a slogan; it must be translated into concrete policy and legislative action,” said Josh Reinstein, president of the Washington, D.C.-based Israel Allies Foundation, which spearheads faith-based diplomacy in parliaments around the globe.

“By gathering lawmakers from across the continent with key leaders from Jewish and Christian communities, we are reinforcing the bonds of faith-based diplomacy and building a strong alliance of parliamentarians who recognize that supporting the State of Israel is inseparable from the fight against antisemitism in all its forms.”