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JERUSALEM (Press Release)–“Despite what people might think, anti-Semitism does not strengthen our ties with Jews overseas” said Minister of Jerusalem & Diaspora affairs, Naftali Bennett, before presenting the annual report on the subject to the Israeli government in Jerusalem on Sunday, Jan. 26. “For every Jew who makes Aliya as a result of anti-Semitism, many others cut ties with Judaism and the Jewish way of life.” Bennett continued. The Minister was referring to the findings in the report which shows a direct correlation between anti-Semitism and assimilation.
A FRA (European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights) poll featured in the report shows that Jews across Europe feel constantly threatened and are afraid to go out in public wearing items relating to Jewish identity. A dramatic statistic in the poll shows that Jews on the continent have lost trust in the local authorities tasked to protect citizens from racist attacks, both violent and non-violent alike.
The report also points to a new trend in global politics showing anti-Semitism as a common denominator for both the extreme left and extreme right. While the extreme right takes the nationalist and xenophobic positions, the extreme left who supposedly support human rights, animal rights etc. have been extremely vocal in their objections towards key parts of Jewish tradition such as circumcision and kosher slaughter of animals.
Minister Bennett will also brief the government on another key finding in that there is no correlation between the Israel’s actions and the rise of anti-Semitism. “Anti-Semitism is gaining momentum at a regular pace over the past few years and have no connection with regional developments or our policies” said Bennett. Anti-Semitism is on the rise, despite intense efforts to reach a peace agreement with the Palestinians and relative quiet on the security front.
Minister Bennett said that “Like the efforts to delegitimize Israel, anti-Semitism is both a disgrace and a blot on every society. Trying to understand their “causes” legitimizes them. There is no reason or justification for anti-Semitism.”
To try and stem the tide of anti-Semitism, the report points to a demand for increased diplomatic efforts, in conjunction with the local Jewish communities, both publicly and behind the scenes. Efforts to increase personal and community security must also be bolstered through the various funds and resources dealing with the matter.
Finally, the Ministry for Jerusalem and Diaspora Affairs is working on a long term plan to strengthen Jewish identity and ties with Israel for all Jews living overseas. Partnering with the Jewish communities from around the world, the Ministry is designing the initiative to face the challenges facing Jewish continuity today.
The annual report on anti-Semitism is presented to the Israeli government one day before the world marks International Holocaust Remembrance Day.
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Preceding provided by the Israel Ministry of Jerusalem and Diaspora Affairs