A Yad Vashem exhibition on modern antisemitism went on
display in the Prime Minister's Office on Sunday.
The exhibition, whose opening was scheduled to coincide with
International Holocaust Remembrance Day, presents
manifestations of antisemitism in the European media and
society, such as grave caricatures and remarks against the
Jewish people and reports of violence against Jewish
institutions, individuals and symbols.
This week's cabinet meeting opened with a tour of the exhibit
by PM Ehud Olmert guided by Yad Vashem Chairman Avner Shalev.
"Today, the day Auschwitz was liberated by the Red Army, has
turned into an international memorial for the struggle
against antisemitism and a memorial for those who perished in
the Holocaust, and is noted around the world and in the
United Nations Assembly," said Olmert. "This small exhibition
shows rising antisemitism in various countries around the
world. These motifs have encouraged hatred toward Jews
throughout the generations and this is part of the ongoing
campaign against the Jewish people. The State of Israel will
not allow the world to avoid a confrontation with Iran, whose
leaders' remarks are reminiscent of the darkest days of human
history and call for the destruction of Israel. We will not
let the world forget once again, through indifference and
silence, the existential threat to the Jewish people."
Vice Prime Minister Shimon Peres said, "Antisemitism is a
disease among non-Jews and not our problem. They have to
fight against it. As long as there is antisemitism in the
world, the world will be diseased. This is a worldwide
struggle, and fortunately there are decisions on the matter
in the United Nations Assembly and a united campaign by
Christian congregations around the world."
Yad Vashem Chairman Avner Shalev said following the Holocaust
denial conference in Teheran there has been a shift against
this phenomenon in the international community. "The world is
more alert to the danger and is trying to halt such extreme
ideological processes, whether in the United Nations or
various European systems."
