Austria leads 47 nations in pledge at UNHRC to combat antisemitism

• Published date: 05 October 2021
• Author: TOVAH LAZAROFF
• 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.

It's the first time Austria has issued such a statement.

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"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 said on Monday.

"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 our attention from critical developments such as rising antisemitism, intolerance and hatred," Schallenberg said.

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

"This isn't a fight between antisemites and Jews. This fight is between antisemites and anyone who believes in the values of equality, justice and liberty," Schallenberg said.

Foreign Minister Yair Lapid thanked Schallenberg for the statement. Countries that signed the declaration included: Bosnia, Honduras, Israel, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Germany, Bulgaria, Australia, the United...