Director General of the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress, Dr. Haim Ben Yakov, took part in the special meeting of the parliamentary commission on Aliyah, Integration, and Diaspora. The discussion on Monday, May 15, was devoted to the report of the Minister of Diaspora Affairs, Amichai Chikli.

During the meeting, Minister pointed out the growth of anti-Semitism in the world: in the first quarter of 2023, an increase of 22% occurred more than in the same period last year. Furthermore, the number of incidents where violence accompanied anti-Semitic manifestations increased by 48%. In addition, 68% of anti-Semitic statements in social networks, such as delegitimizing and demonizing the State of Israel, were classified as “new anti-Semitism”.

Minister of Diaspora Affairs Amichai Chikli said: “Our rule of thumb in the Ministry is that we react to anti-Semitism wherever it occurs around the world. We have to pay close attention to the development of the new anti-Semitism in the world, which is the delegitimization of the State of Israel.”

“The problem of anti-Semitism in the world requires careful consideration, harsh reaction, and vigorous action to prevent intolerance. Techniques, however, should be adapted to every region’s conditions, especially considering the rapidly changing situation. Therefore, we are ready to start systematic professional work with the Ministry in all aspects of Jewish life in the Euro-Asian region, which is going through a severe humanitarian and political crisis. These very days we are carrying out extensive counseling between the EAJC and the Ministry of Diaspora Affairs”, Dr. Ben Yakov said.

Avi Cohen Skalie, Director General of the Ministry for Diaspora Affairs, referred to the aid that the Ministry provides to the Jews of Ukraine during the war: “We allocate a significant budget that goes to the needs of physical protection of the communal facilities. Beyond that, we are allocating a budget of about 12 million shekels to strengthen the community and mental resilience of the Jews in Ukraine and arrange summer camps for refugees.”