43 nations led by Austria pledge to combat antisemitism at UNHRC

• Author: TOVAH LAZAROFF
• Published date: 04 October 2021
• Publication title: Jerusalem Post, The: Web Edition Articles (Israel)

"We will remain steadfast in our pledge, never again," said Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg as he issued a special video statement in which spoke about the danger of antisemitism.

"Even 75 years after the end of World War II it is a tragic reality that antisemitism is not a thing of the past," Schallenberg stead.

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"This venom still exists, right in the midst of our societies. This is why today we declare our unequivocal solidarity in the face of hatred," he added.

"We restate our commitment to combating antisemitism and all forms of racism, prejudice and discrimination anywhere, at any time,"

The statement was the work of the Slavkov Format, under which Austria, the Czech Republic and Slovakia work on joint issues. The statement was coordinated with the World Jewish Congress.

It was read out at the start of a debate on racism, antisemitism and the growing threat from hate speech and the glorification of Nazism.

"The COVID-19 pandemic has overshadowed many crises and has diverted out attention from critical development such as rising antisemitism, intolerance and hatred," Schallenberg said.

Such hatred, he said, is "toxic" to a...