Only 14 of the 27 European Union’s member states have national strategies against antisemitism. At the same time, support for fighting antisemitism is at its highest point ever in Germany. Yet, antisemitism is rising, too. In 2021 more than 3,000 criminal offences with antisemitic background were recorded. It is estimated that only about 20 percent of incidents are reported.
Too few people speak out against antisemitic conspiracy theories and stereotypes which spread easily in social networks. In the cultural sphere, too, antisemitism is a pervasive issue – the scandal surrounding Documenta 15 is only the tip of the iceberg of this phenomenon. Criticism of Israel often acts as a vehicle that allows antisemites to give their views the semblance of legitimacy.
All of this shows that a common international effort against antisemitism is needed. Therefore, ELNET-Germany is organizing the International Antisemitism Summit in Berlin on March 28th. Christian Wulff, former President of Germany, is this year’s patron. The conference will provide leading international decision-makers from political, civil service, cultural, and research backgrounds to meet and exchange knowledge as well as strategies. Panels, workshops, and keynotes will provide an overview of existing efforts on the European as well as member state level. At the same time, participants will share best practice examples and come up with common policy recommendations for a coordinated effort against antisemitism.
The conference will be held in English.