UN Rights Chief Warns of Rampant Antisemitism and Calls for Global Vigilance

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Eighty years after the liberation of Auschwitz, antisemitism remains alarmingly pervasive, United Nations human rights chief Volker Turk warned on Friday. Marking International Holocaust Remembrance Day, Turk highlighted the ongoing threats faced by Jewish communities worldwide and decried growing attacks on diversity, coinciding with the rollback of inclusion measures under new U.S. President Donald Trump.  

 

In his statement, Turk reflected on the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, where approximately 7,000 survivors remained out of the 1.3 million people who had been deported to the camp. "Exhausted, emaciated, terrified, and sick, those 7,000 were all that remained," he said. The anniversary serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers of indifference and a call to reject intolerance in all its forms.  

 

“Today, hateful rhetoric is reverberating across much of our world,” Turk said. “Antisemitism is rampant, on our streets and online. Jews face increasing intimidation, threats, and physical violence.” He linked the recent surge in attacks on Jewish communities to the war in Gaza, which escalated after Hamas militants launched a deadly attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. This assault resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 individuals and the abduction of 251 hostages.  

 

The persistence of antisemitism was further underscored in a report by The Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany. Published ahead of the Auschwitz liberation anniversary, the study revealed that a significant number of people in seven Western nations believe another Holocaust is possible. Alarmingly, the report found that a majority of young adults in France — a country experiencing "historic highs" in antisemitic attacks — lack knowledge about the Holocaust.  

 

Turk emphasized that the remembrance of the Holocaust must serve as a wake-up call to the world. “Holocaust Remembrance Day is a stark reminder of our duty to stand against intolerance,” he said, urging nations to confront rising hatred and protect diversity.  

 

The warnings from the UN rights chief coincide with a troubling global climate where antisemitism continues to rise, underscoring the critical importance of vigilance and education to prevent history from repeating itself.

 

Based on a report by AFP | TOI 2025-01-27

 

 

[Homburg]

The statement "antisemitism is rampant" is rather rich coming from the UN, considering its involvement in supporting Hamas via UNRWA.

[koolkarl]

Jewish people have never said they want to knock off infidels or done it.  Why is most of the world so ignorant?

[Yagoda]

Bet this topic degenerates into the usual anti semitic hate we see here all the time.

[Rimmer]

A racist post has been removed also replies