New approaches in fight against anti-Semitism focus of conference organized by OSCE Chair Slovakia

Exploring new opportunities and sharing best practices in the fight against anti-Semitism was the focus of the first conference organized by Slovakia as 2019 OSCE Chair, which concluded on 7 February 2019 in Bratislava.

The Conference on Combating Anti-Semitism in the OSCE Region brought together representatives from OSCE participating States and international organizations, as well as civil society, academia and the business sector, to discuss diverse and complementary approaches to addressing anti-Semitism. The Conference was a follow-up to the International Conference on the Responsibility of States, Institutions, and Individuals in the Fight against Anti-Semitism in the OSCE Region, organized by Italy, the 2018 OSCE Chair, in Rome last year.

Opening the meeting on 5 February, the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Miroslav Lajčák, Minister for Foreign and European Affairs of the Slovak Republic, highlighted the worrying trend of anti-Semitism and intolerance across the OSCE region. He particularly stressed the need for action against hate speech. “Throughout history, anti-Semitism has never stopped at words,” he warned. “Our generation has a duty to punish and prevent words of hate.”

Other high-level speakers at the opening session, including Austrian Minister for Foreign Affairs Karin Kneissl, OSCE Secretary General Thomas Greminger, the Director of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) Ingibörg Gísladóttir, the CEO of the World Jewish Congress Robert Singer, the President of the Central Union of Jewish Religious Communities in Slovakia, Igor Rintel, and the Chair’s Personal Representative on Combating Anti-Semitism Rabbi Andrew Baker, joined Mr. Lajčak in calling for action to promote tolerance and inclusion across the OSCE area.

The need to do more in reaching out to young people was a recurring theme of the conference. OSCE Secretary General Thomas Greminger advocated for the use of education as a tool in promoting tolerance and non-discrimination: “Tackling anti-Semitism requires a comprehensive approach and educational initiatives are essential for preventing all forms of intolerance and discrimination,” he said.

The CEO of the World Jewish Congress, Robert Singer, argued: “We must find new ways to reach young people, whatever their nationality or religion, so they will be able to learn the lessons of history’s greatest tragedy.”

Similarly, Foreign Minister Lajčák underlined the need to tell the stories of the Holocaust to young people – not only so they understand the risks of anti-Semitism, but also so they can help us to “detect the warning signs”.

Statements delivered by delegates of OSCE participating States focused attention on worrying trends, while advocating for urgent action. In interactive panel discussions, participants elaborated on various measures to mitigate adverse effects of anti-Semitic behaviour and hate speech on Jewish communities and also reflected on the historical context of anti-Semitism. The discussion centred on long-term approaches and strategies for combating intolerance and hatred towards Jewish communities and individuals, including through education, social media engagement, and partnerships with civil society networks, local communities, and religious leaders.