Will global leaders, led by the U.S. and Israel, seize the moment to act decisively, or will hatred continue to spread unchecked?
This week, the world marks International Holocaust Remembrance Day, commemorating 80 years since the liberation of Auschwitz. This milestone, symbolizing the end of humanity’s darkest chapter, is observed this year with a sobering sense of alarm. After decades when antisemitism lingered on the fringes of society, the world now faces its resurgence. This wave of hate, sometimes cloaked in anti-Zionist rhetoric and other times expressed outright, paints Jews and Israel as global enemies.
In 2024, antisemitic incidents surged 340% globally compared to 2022. In France, 86% of Jews reported fearing violence, and 44% have removed mezuzahs from their front doors. In London, half of the Jewish community has expressed concerns about their future, and in Germany, nearly 48% of Jews have considered emigrating.
The United States, once a haven of Jewish equality, has also seen a sharp rise in antisemitic incidents on campuses, in synagogues, and in public spaces. Hate speech proliferates on digital platforms, with antisemitism becoming increasingly normalized in public discourse.
Israelis also face rising hostility abroad. In Brazil, a former IDF soldier who served in Gaza was forced to flee after his identity was revealed, fearing detention and threats. What was once a source of pride has become a liability for Israelis traveling or living abroad. Israeli soldiers, who courageously defend their homeland, should not have to conceal their identity. This troubling reality underscores the challenges facing Israel and the Jewish people worldwide.
Donald Trump, serving again as U.S. president, has consistently demonstrated strong support for Israel. During his previous term, his administration relocated the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem and recognized Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights.
However, his first term also coincided with a rise in extremist rhetoric in the U.S. public discourse, which became more permissive of hate speech and fueled antisemitic incidents in academic, religious, and online spaces.
Trump’s renewed promise to combat antisemitism globally and to strengthen U.S.-Israel ties is notable. But, while his rhetoric could bolster Israel’s international standing, the challenge lies in ensuring these initiatives translate into meaningful change without exacerbating social and cultural polarization.
The antisemitism of 2024 isn’t just a global issue, it’s a new front in the struggle for Jewish survival and the defense of democratic values. Israel must spearhead a comprehensive strategy to strengthen Jewish communities abroad, enhance security, and prepare emergency evacuation plans for communities at risk.
At the same time, Israel should leverage its relationship with the U.S. administration to lead global efforts against online hate, preserve Holocaust remembrance, and position education as a cornerstone of the fight against antisemitism.
Eighty years after the liberation of Auschwitz, the world faces a defining test. Will global leaders, led by the U.S. and Israel, seize the moment to act decisively, or will hatred continue to spread unchecked?
This is not just a Jewish issue; it’s a fight for the integrity of democratic values worldwide. Action must be swift to prevent a dangerous return to a history we vowed never to repeat.