There is a difference between classic anti-Semitism and anti-Zionism or anti-Israel trend. This was stated by the Israeli diplomat Alon Liel during a panel discussion at the Kyiv Jewish Forum 2020,
“Based on my personal story, I distinguish between these concepts coming from different sources. I have spent many years abroad as a diplomat. I have never been called a “damn Jew” in my life, and I have never come across with the classic anti-Semitism in my life, but at the same time I have faced many anti-Israel sentiments,” he said.
According to Liel, the anti-Semitism faced by Jews comes from various political flanks abroad, especially from the far right, the neo-Nazis.
“I see that these concepts have different origins. We must fight against each of them with various methods. I think we should be very careful not to take the initiative and fight local anti-Semitism in another country under the Israeli flag or in the name of the Israeli embassy or the Israeli government,” he stressed.
Kyiv Jewish Forum 2020 was held online on September 8-9. You can follow the progress of the forum on the website: https://kyivjewishforum.com.
Earlier, in his opening speech at KJF 2020, President of the Jewish Confederation of Ukraine Boris Lozhkin spoke about the revival of the Jewish life in Ukraine.