Israeli FM Sa'ar warns contemporary antisemitism seeks 'destruction of the Jewish state'

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar warned that the “new antisemitism targets the State of Israel” and ultimately seeks the destruction of the Jewish state. His remarks were given during the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) Conference in Jerusalem.

“Denying the Jewish people their right to self-determination – by claiming the existence of the State of Israel is a racist endeavor,” Sa’ar stated, referring to the IHRA’s official definition of antisemitism.

He praised the IHRA and stressed its importance in “safeguarding and passing on the stories and lessons of the Holocaust to future generations.” Sa'ar also addressed the recent murder of Israeli embassy staff members, Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim in Washington, D.C.

“This young couple, about to be engaged, was added to the longest list in the world: the list of victims of antisemitism."

The Israeli foreign minister blasted international leaders who called for imposing an arms embargo on the Jewish state “when everyone around wants to eliminate it.” The Iranian ayatollah regime and its regional terror proxies – Hamas, Hezbollah and the Houthis – openly call for the destruction of the State of Israel.

Sa’ar warned that the Jewish people would face a potential second Holocaust if it was not able to defend itself and repel genocidal aggression against Israel’s very existence.

“If these initiatives will be successful – Israel will simply be eliminated,” Sa’ar said. “There will be another Holocaust – this time on the soil of the Land of Israel,” he stressed.

Recognizing the importance of allies against antisemitism, Sa’ar urged friendly countries to cooperate in creating “an effective battle against antisemitism.”

The number of antisemitic incidents worldwide have increased dramatically following the Hamas Oct. 7, 2023, massacre of 1,200 Israelis and kidnapping of 251 people.

Antisemitism, which has often been described as the world’s oldest hatred, has existed for over 2,000 years and is believed to have its origin in Greek-dominated ancient Egypt.

Sa'ar warned that “the ancient desire to eliminate the Jewish people has become stronger. It has become a plan of action for our enemies.”

During a recent meeting of 20 Arab and European nations in the Spanish capital of Madrid, the current Spanish government, which is becoming increasingly hostile towards Israel, called for sanctions against Israel for defending itself against Hamas.

Spain openly accuses Israel of committing “massacres” and “genocide” in Gaza despite the fact that these claims are not supported by credible evidence on the ground. At the same time, Spain and other governments have ignored Hamas’ and the Iranian regime’s real genocidal intent towards the Jewish nation.

Many critics of Israel argue that it should be possible to voice criticism without being accused of antisemitism. In response to this ongoing debate, Sa’ar referenced Natan Sharansky’s “Three D’s” framework for identifying antisemitism: demonization, delegitimization, and double standards.

Sharansky, who experienced antisemitism in the Soviet Union, developed the model to help distinguish between legitimate criticism of Israel and antisemitism. According to the framework, criticism crosses the line when Israel is treated differently than other countries. “Removing Israel’s right and ability to defend itself can only mean one thing: a second Holocaust,” Sa’ar said.

The foreign minister concluded by quoting the late prominent Rabbi Jonathan Sacks who warned that antisemitism ultimately threatens freedom for all of humanity.

“Those who seek to eliminate Jews seek to eliminate freedom. Antisemitism is a sickness that destroys all who harbor it. Hate harms the hated, but it destroys the hater. There is no exception.”