French Prime Minister, Edouard Philippe, expressed concern about the manifestation of anti-Semitism in Europe. He stated that it has deep roots and dons ‘new masks’. The Israeli-Jewish Congress called for effective ways to combat it.
French Prime Minister’s Public Statement
After the attacks on Jews emerged throughout Europe after the president of the United States had recognized Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, the French Prime Minister made a public statement. He condemned all the displays of anti-Semitism that stormed many European cities. Protesters in Lyon and Paris burned Israeli flags and called for the release of Palestinians who are in Israeli prisons. The politician shared his point of view during one of his speeches in front of the French Jewish community.
Supporters of anti-Semitic actions
He said that supporters of anti-Semitic actions are always trying to justify their aggressive behavior with new and new pretexts. Edouard Philippe admits that anti-Semitism in France has quite long roots in history. This terrifying phenomenon is not new it is ancient. And due to the current state, it is relevant as never before. Anti-Semitism is usually hidden behind a mask, as people try to justify it for various reasons. But it is impossible to hide that this ideology of total hatred exists. Edouard Philippe said that it is still present in the lives of many French people. This forces some French Jews to make Aliyah, which means immigration (repatriation) of Jews to their historic homeland, Israel in Hebrew.
Anti-Semitic attacks in France
Also during his speech, the French Prime Minister reported that anti-Semitic attacks in France dropped by about 20 percent in 2016. But in the period from January to October 2017. There were about 216 incidents in total which is still a big number. Such incidents need to be solved. We need to treat the root of the problem and take action.
We all should remember that we were born the same way: as humans, and therefore deserve the same acceptance and rights. In our world, there is no place for any disclosures of racism, discrimination, and hatred. We should condemn all kinds of xenophobia and anti-Semitism. No disagreements, not even over the Jerusalem status, can justify such actions.
The Israeli-Jewish Congress offered ways to combat intolerance and anti-Semitism
Mikhail Peleg Vladimir Sloutsker and Mikhail Peleg, the co-founders of the Israeli Jewish Congress, made a public statement and condemned the acts of violence that early ran across Europe. They on behalf of Congress called for effective ways to combat intolerance and anti-Semitism in the modern world. They stated that intolerance is a huge and obvious problem. If people all over the world do not admit that then we can hardly fight it. The realization and acceptance of a problem is a very important step in resolving it.
All representatives and regular participants of the Congress are fully committed to opposing the manifestations of anti-Semitism and hatred in Europe. Mr. Peleg says that an effective way to eliminate national intolerance on religious or ethnic grounds is to admit and give a specific definition to the existing problem. Then you need to take all possible ways out of this situation and take action.
He emphasizes that the main aspect of the Congress activity is to build universal awareness and defend the rights and freedoms of Jews. Modern society should leave prejudices, xenophobia, and hostility in the past. And all such acts should be treated very severely we cannot allow them to grow roots in our society.
Besides, Congress expressed a strong opinion that special attention should be focused on educating the younger generation. We all should make an effort and use all ways to inform today’s youth and grow a tolerant and understanding nation. Mikhail Peleg said a wise quote that is important to remember the peaceful future of our children depends only on us.
