Buenos Aires, Argentina, July 16, 2024 ... Ahead of the 30th anniversary of the AMIA bombing in Buenos Aires, the J7 Task Force Against Antisemitism convened to address common challenges, develop coordinated strategies, and share best practices in response to the recent surge in antisemitism worldwide.
Jonathan A. Greenblatt, CEO and National Director of ADL, delivered opening remarks the J7 press conference today: “Jews are in the crosshairs worldwide. We have experienced this every day since October 7, with Jews and our institutions being threatened and targeted. In another iteration, just this last weekend, immediately following the assassination attempt on former President Trump, online speculation took off with conspiracy theories about Jews, Israel, the Deep State and more. Let me be clear: there is no place in a democracy for political violence, period. There is also no place for senseless, hateful antisemitism. None of this should be normalized.”
The task force’s recent discussions focused on the alarming rise in antisemitism across all seven countries following Hamas’s October 7 attack on Israel. This occurred against the backdrop of the upcoming anniversary of the AMIA bombing and the ongoing influence of the Islamic Republic of Iran on global terrorism and antisemitism. The J7 Task Force includes leaders from top Jewish advocacy organizations in Argentina, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, the UK, and the U.S.
Leaders of the J7 Task Force communities shared their perspectives on this troubling global surge of anti-Jewish hate in their countries post-October 7:
Argentina - Jorge Knoblovits, President, DAIA: “For DAIA, representing the Argentine Jewish community, it is of utmost importance to welcome the distinguished delegations and committees of the J7 Task Force to the city of Buenos Aires. The global fight against antisemitism, as well as the continuous exchange of knowledge and experiences facilitated by the J7, will undoubtedly contribute significantly to improving the outcomes in the battle against this scourge.”
Australia – Carly Shamgar, Chief Operating Officer, Executive Council of Australian Jewry: “Following the October 7 massacre in Israel, antisemitic incidents in Australia rose 738%. From Jihadi flags and flares on the steps of our iconic Opera House to vandalism of a Jewish Member of Parliament office, concern in the Australian Jewish community remains heightened. We welcome the government’s recent announcement of Australia’s first Antisemitism Envoy, former President of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, Jillian Segal who has called for a national strategy to combat antisemitism and will report directly to the Prime Minister.”
Canada – Shimon Fogel, President and CEO, CIJA: “The battle in which we are engaged is about more than the alarming level of hate directed against the Jewish people and the Jewish state. At its core, it is about the protection of the liberal democratic values that serve as the foundation of western society. Antisemitism is simply the “early warning system” for that global threat. And we ignore it at our collective peril.”
France – Robert J. Ejnes, Executive Director, CRIF: “Antisemitism has surged alarmingly in France since October 7, 2023. As home to the largest Jewish community in Europe, the country has witnessed a disturbing increase in violent acts targeting Jews of all ages. Moreover, an insidious "antisemitism of atmosphere" has permeated French society, making daily life increasingly intolerable for our Jewish fellow-citizens. We must stand in solidarity against this rising tide of hate. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that every citizen, regardless of their background, can live without fear. The situation in France is a stark reminder of the need for vigilance and action to protect the rights and safety of all communities.”
Germany – Daniel Botmann, CEO, Central Council of Jews in Germany: "At J7, we are joining forces and knowledge. Together, we want to fight antisemitism and hate in its most abhorrent forms, which we have seen since October 7th. In Germany, we are currently aiming to close the legal loophole regarding the call to eradicate states - a direct line must lead from 'From the river to the sea' to the courtroom."
UK – Michael Wegier, Chief Executive, Board of Deputies of British Jews: “The Jewish community is deeply concerned at the massive rise in antisemitism since October 7 which peaked even before Israel responded. We are a strong resilient community which will not allow antisemitism to define our identity as British Jews. We also recognise that non-Jewish allies are essential in helping us combat the waves of Jew hatred in the UK and globally. Our commitment to Israel is resolute as we work to promote its security, peace, societal fairness, and economic prosperity.”
U.S. - William C. Daroff, CEO, Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations: “In the wake of October 7, the heartbeats of global Jewry became synchronized as one. As we face unthinkable levels of antisemitic harassment and violence, we turn to each other for support and resources. American Jews take seriously our responsibility as the largest diaspora community and stand resolutely by our brethren around the world."
The J7, the Large Communities’ Task Force Against Antisemitism, was formed in response to increasing rates of antisemitism around the world and comprises major Jewish organizations in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Argentina and Australia. In addition to top-level consultations, the J7 leads working groups comprised of subject matter experts from each community to develop strategies and action plans within areas such as policy and advocacy, tech policy, security, extremism and education against antisemitism.