"Is Dialogue with an Antisemite Possible?" — Key Discussion at the "Protecting the Future" Conference

Moscow, October 30. During the "Protecting the Future" Conference, a session entitled "Modern Manifestations of Antisemitism, Racism, and Xenophobia" was held. The session was moderated by Éric Gozlan (France), Executive Director of the Union of Peoples for Peace, and Professor Mikhail Chlenov, Chairman of the Strategic Commission of the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress (EAJC).

Scholars from the United States and the United Kingdom, alongside social activists from the Balkan region and South Africa, endeavored to categorize current forms of antisemitism and xenophobia in accordance with regional specificities. Presentations were delivered by Professor Alvin Rosenfeld (USA), Brendan McGeever (UK), Jelena Đurović (Montenegro), Haya Singer (South Africa), Vladimir Mukomel (Russia), and Leonid Gozman (Russia).

Mikhail Chlenov drew the audience's attention to the existence of distinct types of antisemitism: those prevalent in the Western world, in the countries of the former socialist bloc, and within the CIS member states. These three phenomena are characterized by specific ideological frameworks and organizational structures, thereby requiring distinct policy responses.

The conference participants expressed shared concern over processes such as attempts to downplay the tragedy of the Holocaust, the rise of anti-Israel sentiment, and escalating interethnic tensions in European cities, driven by increasing migration and the growth of diaspora communities that do not subscribe to European values.

Leonid Gozman, President of the Perspektiva Foundation, raised the question: "Is dialogue with an antisemite possible?" The speaker answered in the affirmative, while clarifying that dialogue, as a framework of interaction, does not necessarily imply a constructive or amicable context. According to him, in Russia, for instance, antisemitic movements do not seek to force Jewish emigration or relegate Jews to reservations; rather, they require them to serve the role of the "other" and the "scapegoat."

The session participants noted that while many countries possess robust legislation to counter the incitement of ethnic hatred, and authorities consistently work to mitigate the threats of antisemitism and xenophobia, the danger posed by antisemitism has nevertheless escalated over the past 20 years.