Facing hate - WZO holds international protests against antisemitism

Chief Rabbi of Israel David Lau called for a special day in which demonstrations will be held around the world against the growing wave of antisemitism.

By HAGAY HACOHEN
Youth taking part in the Hate Stops Here day of protests (photo credit: ELAD KARMI)
Youth taking part in the Hate Stops Here day of protests
(photo credit: ELAD KARMI)

The World Zionist Organization [WZO] held a special protest on Sunday in Jerusalem to mark the launching of their “No Hate Campaign.”

The campaign was initiated by Chief Rabbi of Israel David Lau, who spoke at the event. Demonstrations will be held in 60 countries around the globe including the US, South Africa, Italy and Poland today at different times.

Vice Chairman of WZO Yaakov Hagoel and Arab-Israeli IDF veteran Youssef Haddad, who is an anti-BDS activist, called for "unity" and "standing together against antisemitism." 

Hate Stops Here protesters in Uruguay / Courtesy
Hate Stops Here protesters in Uruguay / Courtesy
"The recent events are not a warning sign at this point," Hagoel said. "But a wake-up call to the rest of the world, including Jews and non-Jews."
He called on world leaders to place the war on antisemitism at the top of their agenda and to eradicate it in their respective countries.
WZO chairman Avraham Duvdevani said that "in past generations there was nothing we could have done because we were persecuted and submissive."
"Today the State of Israel exists," he added, "and it's up to us to stop this hate."
Adding that he would "enjoy seeing all the Jewish people around the world building their home in Israel," while Lau said that "we do not accept the idea that antisemitism derives only from hate."
Hate Stops Here protesters in Mexico / Courtesy
Hate Stops Here protesters in Mexico / Courtesy

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Jewish Agency secretary-general Josh Schwartz said that "the world must wake up," and complained it is "impossible" that Jews do not feel they enjoy the freedom "to walk the street or wear a skullcap."        

Haddad suffered severe injuries during his active service in the Golani brigade and suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder. Today, he is active in the organization Reservists on Duty, Ynet reported in April.