FM Gideon Sa’ar says Israel facing ‘evil spirit of antisemitism’, especially after Gaza and Iran wars

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar attended the annual memorial ceremony for those who have died while in the foreign service, where he called out “the evil spirit of antisemitism” which is increasing in the world. 

The memorial ceremony for those who fell in the foreign service was held at the Foreign Ministry in the presence of the bereaved families, staff, as well as Guatemalan Ambassador Eva Atzum Arbelo de Moscoso. 

Before the ceremony, Sa'ar met with the families of the fallen at an exhibition in their memory. 

During the ceremony, Daniel Lischinsky, the father of Yaron Lischinsky, the Israel Embassy staffer killed outside the Capital Jewish Museum in May 2025, also lit a candle in memory of his son. Yaron was the brother of Hanan Lischinsky, the news desk manager for ALL ISRAEL NEWS. 

In his speech at the memorial ceremony, Sa'ar noted the complexity of the security and political challenges facing Israel's representatives around the world since the outbreak of the Oct. 7, 2023, Gaza War. 

"Those who represent Israel in the world are exposed to the evil spirit of antisemitism, which is rearing its head again in a worrying and ugly way,” Sa’ar said. “Since October 7, 2023, our diplomats have been on the front lines, more than ever.” 

Foreign Minister @gidonsaar: "Those representing Israel around the world are facing the toxic resurgence of antisemitism, reemerging in a troubling and ugly way." pic.twitter.com/397XswCchP

— Israel Foreign Ministry (@IsraelMFA) April 20, 2026

Sa’ar noted that employees and missions have been the focus of increased attacks since Oct. 7. 

“Over the past two and a half years, about 30 attacks and attempted attacks have been carried out against our embassies and diplomats around the world,” Sa’ar explained. “Since the beginning of Operation Roaring Lion, we have been dealing with this murky wave with greater intensity.” 

Sa'ar attributed most of the threats to the Iranian regime, which he said is working to spread terrorism and global chaos. 

“The Iranian terrorist regime has tried and is trying to harm Israel, as well as its representatives around the world. It is spreading chaos and terror throughout the world.” 

Sa’ar said that since the start of the war, the Iranian regime “made two attempts to harm our people” at the Israeli embassy in the United Arab Emirates, including one using an explosive drone. 

“In just the past few weeks, there has been an attack near the embassy in Turkey and a threat to the embassy in London, Great Britain,” he continued. “The wave of attacks and attempted attacks constitutes another escalation in the campaign being waged against us. It has no comparable scope in relation to any other conflict or war waged in the world between countries.” 

Alongside the security threat, the foreign minister addressed the political challenges Israel is facing. 

"Israel is not only the country most attacked militarily, it is also the country most attacked politically,” Sa’ar noted. “Modern antisemitism is carried by a virulent and toxic incitement that is being waged against Israel, the state of the Jewish people.” 

Sa’ar said the Foreign Ministry is responding with a form of political activism against this threat. 

“This year we also chose political activism,” Sa’ar continued. “We initiated groundbreaking political moves such as recognizing and establishing relations with Somaliland, opening 3 new embassies and expanding our ties around the world."

He also noted “a surge of declarations of Iran's Revolutionary Guards as a terrorist organization in 44 countries.”