Remarks by Danny Danon, Permanent Representative of Israel to the United Nations, on the Task Force to Combat Anti-Semitism - Security Council Media Stakeout.
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Good morning. First, I would like to thank my colleagues for joining us today for this important meeting. The words "Never again" were not meant to be a slogan. They were meant to be a commitment. Today, we are issuing a warning. Antisemitism is up 137% since before October 7th in the seven countries with the biggest Jewish communities. This has become an international problem. This demands an international response. Every nation must stand against anti-Semitism. That is why today we are taking action. We are launching the Task Force on Combating Anti-Semitism, a coalition of UN member states that will confront anti-Semitism in all its forms. Today, we will hold the first meeting of the task force. It is time for action, because words, declarations, and statements are not enough to fight the rising anti-Semitism on the streets, in synagogues, in universities, and even here at the United Nations. This task force will identify emerging threats, develop policies and tools, and coordinate diplomatic action, actions that will ensure that Jews around the world feel safe. We thank the countries who have already committed to joining us on this important mission. We are launching an initiative that will provide a tangible and measurable steps for governments and international organizations to counter anti-Semitism. It is also time for the UN to focus on anti-Semitism. With the upcoming Secretary-General elections, the UN must address anti-Semitism globally and right here within these walls. Our message today is clear. Now is the time to join forces, share your knowledge, coordinate your efforts, and most importantly, take action. Elie Wiesel, of blessed memory, a survivor of Auschwitz and Buchenwald, warned us about the consequences of being a bystander. He said, and I quote, "The opposite of love is not hate. It is indifference." So today, we have a choice. We can watch history repeat itself, or we can stand together and change its course. The promise of never again is not a memorial. It is a responsibility. Today, we are fulfilling it. Thank you.
Ambassador, Pamela Falk from U.S. News and World Report, thank you very much. On this subject, Do you think there is a way with your program to lessen anti-Semitism at the UN, or is it structural? And then, since you're here, is there any progress on the IAEA referring and the referring Iran to the Security Council? Thank you.
So I will address only the anti-Semitism issue. We believe in a change. That's why we are here today. And also, I think it's a great opportunity when we're going to have a new leadership at the UN to change. Even if you structural issues in the institution, we can reform it. And we believe and we hope that the new Secretary General will adopt the recommendations that we'll bring him. We are in the process of putting it together, and hopefully we will see a change also here at the UN. And.
Just a quick one of the candidates for Secretary General is Jewish. Do you see that as progress?
I will not refer to that. I think every one of us will look at the candidates, the background, the capabilities, and mainly the character to lead the change.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Ambassador, you are well known for not having the best relationship with the Secretary General. Do you believe that you're going to get the support from the UN for this initiative?
I think it will take us a few weeks to come up with recommendations, but we look ahead. We look for the new Secretary General, for the new leadership of the UN, and I believe that we will get the support for that.
Have you already formed a coalition from within the institution of the UN that are willing to help?
This is the initial step. We're going to talk today. We're going to listen to member states, and together we're going to come up with a roadmap. Thank you very much. Thank you. Thank you.
Have you or your delegation talked to Mayor Mondale's office about the upcoming UNGA?
Absolutely not.
Has he you asked.
Thank you for the question.
