GENEVA – The
World Jewish Congress (WJC) co-hosted two training sessions on antisemitism and
Holocaust remembrance for diplomats at United Nations in Geneva and UNESCO in
Paris, from February 14 to 19.
The first event,
held on Friday, was organized jointly by the WJC, the Representative Council of
Jews of France (CRIF), UNESCO, as well as the Permanent Delegations to UNESCO of
France, Germany, and the United States, at the Mémorial de la Shoah. Some
thirty five Ambassadors and diplomats learned from leading organizations in the
fight against Holocaust denial, distortion, and antisemitism, including
Fondation Jean Jaurès, DILCRAH, the French Ministry of Education, UNESCO, and
CRIF. These engagements provided invaluable insights into strategies for
countering misinformation, promoting historical accuracy, and fostering
inclusive policies at national and international levels.
As part of their
itinerary, the diplomats toured the memorial’s archives and exhibitions,
gaining firsthand insight into the extensive documentation of Nazi crimes and
the stories of Jewish resistance. The discussions centered on the continued
relevance of Holocaust education in contemporary global policy and the
responsibilities of states in upholding human rights frameworks.
Delivering
opening remarks was Shoah Memorial Director Jacques Fredj, German
Ambassador Kerstin Pürschel; U.S. Ambassador Jean Manes; and Acting
Permanent Delegate of France to UNESCO Isabelle Desvignes.
The conversation then turned to Jean-Yves
Camus from the Jean Jaurès Foundation, who emphasized the urgency of
resolving challenges that currently threaten the Jewish world in the aftermath
of the October 7 terror attacks on Israel. Following that, the delegates
heard from Yann Jurovics, a lecturer at the University of Évry, who
shared his legal expertise to clarify key terminology related to crimes of mass
violence, such as ‘genocide’ and ‘crimes against humanity.’
The second event,
which took place at the Maison
d’Izieu on Wednesday, was co-organized by WJC with the UN Missions in Geneva of
France, Germany, Israel, and the European Union. Fifty UN ambassadors and
diplomats gathered for a seminar dedicated to history, justice, and memory, which
provided an opportunity to reflect on the past while addressing contemporary
challenges in the fight against antisemitism.
The Maison d’Izieu became infamous during
World War II when, on April 6, 1944, the Gestapo, under the command of SS
officer Klaus Barbie, raided the home, which served as a refuge for Jewish
children. Forty-four children and their seven caretakers were arrested and
deported to Nazi concentration camps, where all but one caretaker was murdered.
Today, the site stands as a memorial and educational center dedicated to
remembering Jewish children persecuted in the Holocaust, and to the promotion of
human rights.
The delegation was welcomed by French
Ambassador for Human Rights, Isabelle Rome, who emphasized the importance
of remembrance, noting that “without a past, our humanity is mutilated.” German Ambassador of the Permanent Mission to the United Nations in Geneva, Nikola Gillhoff, spoke of Germany’s commitment to remembrance. WJC’s Representative to the UN in Geneva and UNESCO, Leon Saltiel, and Director of the Maison d’Izieu Alexandre Nugues-Bourchat also addressed the participants, setting the stage for a day of reflection and dialogue.
A highlight of the seminar was the session entitled
“The Trial of Klaus Barbie (Lyon, 1987), Challenges and Aftermath,” presented
by legal experts Alain Jakubowicz and Richard Zelmati, both of
whom were lawyers representing the Jewish victims in the trial against Barbie.
They explored the trial’s historical significance and its lasting implications
for justice and accountability.
Participants then took part in a guided visit
of the Maison d’Izieu, where they gained a better understanding of the lives of
the Jewish children who found refuge there before their tragic deportation.
Through letters, photographs, and personal accounts, the delegation learned
about the children’s seemingly happy daily routines, their friendships, and
their relationships with the local community. In the permanent exhibition,
participants learned about the testimonies presented against Klaus Barbie,
including those of survivors, witnesses who played a crucial role in
documenting his crimes.
The event concluded with a panel discussion,
“Facing Antisemitism,” featuring Isabelle Rome, Leon Saltiel, Alain Jakubowicz,
and Richard Zelmati, moderated by Alexandre Nugues-Bourchat. The conversation
underscored the urgent need for international cooperation in combating
Holocaust denial and distortion while reinforcing educational and policy efforts
to prevent antisemitism.
Leon Saltiel emphasized the importance of
addressing antisemitism not just as a European issue but as a global challenge,
stressing that everyone must be on board in the fight against antisemitism.
Isabelle Rome firmly reminded the audience that “what’s prohibited prohibition
cannot be contextualized” – there is no justification or excuse for
antisemitism in any form. Meanwhile, Richard Zelmati highlighted the alarming
rise in antisemitic incidents, referencing the 2024 CRIF report, which recorded 1,570 antisemitic acts in
France, with a disturbing 65.2% targeting individuals. These figures
underscored the pressing need for stronger action to combat rising hatred and
ensure the protection of Jewish communities worldwide.
