Global Antisemitism Conference: A Controversial Gathering in Jerusalem

The second International Conference on Combating Antisemitism, held in Jerusalem from January 26 to 27, 2026, gathered leaders, lawmakers, and diplomats from around the world to address the rising tide of antisemitism. The event, organized by Israel's Minister for Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism, Amichai Chikli, coincided with International Holocaust Remembrance Day. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu opened the conference with a stark warning about a "world war Jew" ideology targeting Jews and the West.

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The conference featured a range of speakers, primarily from far-right political parties in Europe, who emphasized the role of radical Islam in antisemitism. They criticized European policies that they believe have failed to address this issue effectively. Chikli framed the rise in global antisemitism as a civilizational struggle against "Jihadist Islam," asserting that the West is under threat from ideological forces that do not share its democratic values.

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Several speakers, including Brazilian congressman Eduardo Bolsonaro and Hungarian Minister for EU Affairs János Bóka, called for aggressive legislative measures against Islamist movements and the designation of groups like the Muslim Brotherhood as terrorist organizations. They argued that antisemitism is increasingly ideological, rooted in Islamist movements rather than traditional far-right extremism.

At Knesset antisemitism event, European lawmakers blame Islamism, policy failures

The conference has faced significant backlash for its association with far-right figures and parties, some of which have historical ties to Nazism. Critics argue that aligning with such groups undermines the fight against antisemitism and could harm Jewish communities in the diaspora. Gady Gronich, Director General of the Conference of European Rabbis, expressed concern over a disconnect between Israeli policymakers and Jewish community leaders in Europe, warning that uncoordinated engagement with far-right parties could lead to long-term damage.

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Netanyahu's remarks at the conference highlighted the perceived existential threat posed by antisemitism, stating, "They want to destroy the West as we know it." He emphasized the need for moral clarity in combating antisemitism, linking it to a broader struggle for Western civilization. Chikli echoed this sentiment, declaring, "This is not just the struggle of the Jewish people. This is the struggle of the free world against the imperialism and tyranny of radical Islam."

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• “They want to destroy the West as we know it. And they agree on one thing. What is the thing that they agree on? World War Jew. To conduct a world war, first against the Jews and against the Jewish state,” — Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister of Israel

Netanyahu sounds alarm on antisemitism at Holocaust Remembrance Day gathering

• “This conference seeks to banish political correctness… and to mobilize all essential forces in the ideological and physical fight against the modern heirs of the Nazi,” — Amichai Chikli, Minister for Diaspora Affairs

Netanyahu sounds alarm on antisemitism at Holocaust Remembrance Day gathering

• “an assault on the moral architecture of humanity itself.” — Edi Rama, Prime Minister of Albania

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While the conference aimed to unite various factions against antisemitism, there are conflicting views on the effectiveness of such alliances. Some Jewish organizations have distanced themselves from the event due to its controversial guest list, while others argue that pragmatic alliances are necessary to combat a common enemy. The debate continues over whether the focus should be on radical Islam, far-right extremism, or a balanced approach addressing both.

Israel is teaming up with the far right to fight global antisemitism

The International Conference on Combating Antisemitism in Jerusalem has sparked significant debate about the nature of antisemitism today and the strategies employed to combat it. As antisemitism remains a pressing issue globally, the conference's approach—particularly its alliances with far-right groups—raises questions about the long-term implications for Jewish communities and the broader fight against hatred and intolerance.

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