World Jewish Congress President: ‘Antisemitism Is Really Anti-Judeo-Christian’
World Jewish Congress President Ronald S. Lauder delivered a powerful address at the Jerusalem Post Washington Conference, declaring that rising antisemitism in the West represents a significant threat to democracy and the safety of Jewish communities. He urged both Jews and Christians to unite against this escalating hatred, emphasizing that antisemitism is not an isolated issue but a broader assault on Judeo-Christian values. Lauder called for urgent action, including accountability for educational institutions and a collective fight against misinformation, stressing the importance of solidarity among all groups facing persecution. Looking ahead, he highlighted the need for a robust coalition to combat extremist ideologies and promote an inclusive, truth-driven understanding of history.
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Lauder stated that antisemitism has dramatically surged in the past two years, citing violent incidents against Jews in the U.S. and Europe, including a couple connected to the Israeli Embassy being murdered and a woman burned alive at a pro-Israel event in Boulder, Colorado.
He criticized the normalization of antisemitic rhetoric among political leaders and activists, drawing parallels to the propaganda used by Nazi Germany, which led to widespread violence against Jews during Kristallnacht.
Lauder highlighted the coordinated efforts to spread anti-Israel sentiment through social media, emphasizing that billions are spent to propagate falsehoods, which he believes have a significant impact on public opinion, especially among younger generations.
He pointed out the historical decline of Christian communities in the Middle East, noting that Bethlehem's Christian population has plummeted from 86% in 1950 to about 10% today, illustrating the broader persecution faced by Christians globally.
Lauder commended the Trump administration for its strong stance against antisemitism in higher education and called for the use of civil rights laws to hold universities accountable for allowing anti-Jewish sentiments to proliferate on campuses.
He asserted that the struggle against antisemitism is intertwined with a broader defense of Judeo-Christian values, advocating for a unified response from both Jewish and Christian communities to uphold democracy and human rights.
Lauder concluded with a call to action, urging individuals to build a coalition to combat extremism and ensure future generations inherit a world characterized by humanity rather than hatred.