IHRA Chair’s statement on recent antisemitic violence and hate speech supported by the Athen’s Plenary

Athen’s Plenary decision to support Chair’s statement on recent antisemitic violence and hate speech

In the context of the Athen’s Plenary proceedings, the following statement was agreed upon unanimously:

In light of the grave acts of antisemitic violence that have occurred in many places worldwide, the IHRA Plenary condemns the illegal hate speech which constitutes incitement to discrimination, hostility and violence, and supports the statement issued by the IHRA Chair, Ambassador Chris J. Lazaris, on 14 May:

IHRA Chair, Ambassador Chris Lazaris, states: “We strongly condemn the antisemitic violence and hate speech that has taken place in response to the recent escalation of violence in the Middle East. While freedoms of speech and protest are essential pillars of all democracies, nothing can justify hate speech. We must unequivocally oppose all attacks targeting Jewish places of worship as well as antisemitic rhetoric, including holding Jews collectively responsible for events now developing in the Middle East. In a world where antisemitism is on the rise, we must stand together and clearly denounce this as an attack on the cornerstones of a free and democratic society.

We call on the relevant authorities to ensure the protection of Jews and of Jewish places of worship against violence and hate speech.”