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of Kostas Constantinos, IN.GR, 15.7.2021
In Jerusalem from 13 to 15.7.2021 hundreds of personalities from all over the world, representing countries, political tendencies and different religions, were there to definitively answer the question "what is anti-Semitism" in our time
From its most traditional focus, the Far Right, to the extreme Left, but also the fruit of the era, the conspiracy theorists, anti-Semitism is currently recording an unprecedented increase worldwide, at least since the Holocaust.
Hatred against Jewish identity, overt or covert, leads to a rapid increase in attacks, physical as well as verbal, against people of Jewish origin to the point that many times, even in the "liberal West" or rather mainly there, many Jews are forced, for the first time in decades, to conceal symbols and other identifying features when in public view. It is not only the people, it is also the places of worship of the Jewish communities, even the Holocaust memorials and the Jewish cemeteries, that are being desecrated, something that we have unfortunately experienced quite strongly in Greece in recent years.
Here in Jerusalem, on 13.7.2021, the most important international event for all those fighting the growing hatred against the Jews began. The 7th World Forum to Combat Anti-Semitism, which is held every two or three years, this year attracts an impressive number of speakers from around the world, aspiring to unite voices and forces across religious, political and national divides.
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"Tackling anti-Semitism through education", with this theme the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) organized, in collaboration with UNESCO, an online conference on 26 & 27.4.21, for educators, policy makers, representatives of Jewish communities and social actors.
Participants discussed the use of OSCE / ODIHR and UNESCO publications Addressing Anti-Semitism though Education. Guidelines for Policymakers (2018) and Addressing Anti-Semitism in Schools: Training Curricula (2020). These are two valuable and useful tools for creating effective educational programs, but also for training teachers themselves in handling and dealing with anti-Semitism in the classroom.
More: OSCE – ODIHR: CONFERENCE ON TACKLING ANTI-SEMITISM THROUGH EDUCATION
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It was released today "Handbook on the practical application of the IHRA Definition of Anti-Semitism" (Handbook for the practical use of the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism). The book presents the non-legally binding Definition of Anti-Semitism as adopted by the IHRA, together with the illustrative examples it includes, relating them to 22 actual incidents and crimes of anti-Semitism, which have occurred in various European countries in recent years. In addition, the handbook lists 35 examples of 'good practice' adopted by law enforcement, the judiciary, education, government initiatives, the world of sport and civil society, where the implementation of the Definition has paid off positively.More: HANDBOOK ON PRACTICAL IMPLEMENTATION OF THE IHRA DEFINITION OF ANTI-SEMITISM
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The European Commission welcomes today's unanimous approval of the Council of Europe's Declaration on mainstreaming anti-Semitism into all policy areas. The vice-president of the European Commission for the Promotion of the European Way of Life, Mr. Margaritis Schinas, made the following statement:
"Europe stands firmly against any form of anti-Semitism. Jewish life is and always will be part of European societies, as well as our way of life. Today's commitment of the member countries once again confirms this fact. I welcome this Declaration, which aims to raise awareness across the political spectrum to prevent and address anti-Semitism.
Today's Council Declaration acknowledges, with great interest, the increase in threats against the Jewish people, both online and offline, and highlights the need for more drastic measures. It also reiterates that member states have an obligation to ensure the security of Jewish communities and institutions. It also recognizes the importance of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of anti-Semitism as a guiding tool for better identifying and addressing this scourge. I call on Member States to follow up on this commitment with concrete actions.
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The 4-volume edition titled Addressing Anti-Semitism in Schools: Training Curricula was created by the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) of the OSCE and UNESCO, in collaboration with the Holocaust Education Center of University College London. The series is aimed at teachers and offers them helpful tools to prevent or deal with anti-Semitic incidents in the school. The books provide practical advice and material for teachers and school leaders to manage antisemitism and prejudice through education, while promoting human rights and equality. The four volumes concern: 1. Primary School Teachers 2. Secondary Education Teachers 3. Vocational High School Teachers and 4. School Directors.
These publications are part of the ODIHR program to combat anti-Semitism "Turning Words into Action to Address Anti-Semitism" and UNESCO's educational program "Global Citizenship Education" to educate the citizen to respect human rights. View and download the four versions here.
Source: website OSCE-ODIHR, 17.11.2020, “Addressing Anti-Semitism in Schools: Training Curricula”