Special Envoys and Coordinators discuss new plans of action for combating antisemitism

19 November 2020 - During the online meeting of the Special Envoys and coordinators on combating antisemitism organised by the WJC Executive Vice-President and CEO, Maram Stern, and co-moderated by the Commission Coordinator on combating antisemitism and fostering Jewish life, Katharina von Schnurbein, new plans of action and strategies for preventing and fighting antisemitism were presented. 

The newly appointed Special Envoys of the UN and of the Council of Europe, H.E. Miguel Ángel Moratinos and Daniel Höltgen respectively, spoke about the main pillars of their mandate. From Karin Wallensteen, State Secretary of Sweden, Prime Minister’s Office, and Petra Mårselius, Head of Secretariat, Secretariat for the Malmö Forum, participants learnt about the envisaged outcome of the Malmö International Forum on Holocaust Remembrance and Combating Antisemitism that will take place on 13-14 October 2020. Raya Kalenova, CEO and Executive Vice-President, European Jewish Congress, stated that even though efforts were made politically, the main concern of the Jewish community remains their security.      

Representing the UAE Federal National Council, H.E. Dr. Ali Rashid Al Nuaimi, presented the agreement with Israel as based on common human rights values aimed to enhance the religious and cultural relations, promote peace globally and in the region, and create an open society.  

The participants had the occasion to discuss in breakout sessions the following topics:  Security Measures to Ensure Community Safety, Implementation of the IHRA Working Definition, Combating Online Hate Speech, Monitoring and Reporting of Hate Crime Data, Education, Holocaust Remembrance, Intercultural and Interfaith Relations, and Vocational Training and Integration Courses.