Jerusalem anti-Semitism conference hit by wave of boycotts for inviting far-right European politicians

Beleaguered event comes as Israel's government faces ongoing criticism for ties to nationalist, anti-immigration western politicians

Leader of France's National Rally Jordan Bardella, left, shakes hands with Israel's Minister of Diaspora Affairs Amichai Chikli during a visit to a memorial for victims and hostages of the October 7 attacks, in southern Israel. EPAShow less

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A conference to fight anti-Semitism kicked off in Jerusalem on Thursday, tainted by heavy criticism of its guest list of far-right European politicians, which has led to high-profile boycotts from leading Jewish and Zionist groups and possibly even the president of Israel himself.

Organised by the Diaspora Affairs Ministry, the event was supposed to include the Chief Rabbi of the UK, French philosopher Bernard-Henri Levy, International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance heads and German officials in charge of fighting anti-Semitism, all of whom eventually withdrew in response to the attendance of far-right foreign politicians, some of whose parties have origins in the Nazi era.

These include Jordan Bardella, the head of France’s National Rally, whose co-founder Jean-Marie Le Pen worked alongside early officials that included members of the Waffen SS and militiamen belonging to the collaborationist Vichy regime. Other far-right Europeans will be attending from Spain, Sweden, Hungary and the Netherlands.

The event highlights the strained relationship between the Israel and traditionally staunchly supportive groups and allies abroad, who are increasingly uncomfortable at the direction of the country’s politics, which for more than two years has been defined by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s far-right coalition. The event comes as Jewish communities across the globe report an increase in anti-Semitism since the Gaza War began.

France's National Rally leader Jordan Bardella, centre, visit the Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial in Jerusalem. EPA

Diaspora Affairs Minister Amichai Chikli has defended the guest list, arguing that invitations were sent to a broad group of political parties and that the far-right European parties in question and their anti-immigration and anti-Islam policies protect Jews in Europe and have given Israel clear and consistent backing throughout the war in Gaza.

The justification did little to stem the exodus of attendees. At one point it appeared that Israeli President Isaac Herzog would entirely withdraw from the conference, despite originally being supposed to open it. Mr Herzog then said he would meet invited Jewish representatives at separate meetings. Mr Chikli’s Ministry issued a statement claiming that meeting was part of the wider conference. Mr Herzog’s photos still appear on the conference website.

The conference will included addresses from Mr Netanyahu, Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar and Mr Bardella.

A meeting at Israel’s parliament last week saw diaspora Jewish leaders criticising Mr Chikli for failing to consult global communities about the controversial guest list. President of the European Jewish Congress Dr Ariel Muzicant said that the conference “is stabbing Jews in the back”.