The United Nations has unveiled a major global initiative to combat rising antisemitism worldwide, amid growing concern over hate-fueled violence and discrimination. The new anti-antisemitism action plan marks a coordinated and comprehensive effort to tackle prejudice within the UN system and beyond.
Spearheaded by the UN Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) and the Office of the Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide, the plan is being rolled out in response to what UN officials describe as a dangerous resurgence of “insidious centuries-old myths” targeting Jewish communities.
These persistent stereotypes, often linked to conspiracy theories and disinformation, have re-emerged against the backdrop of global political polarization and conflict.
In a joint statement, Miguel Ángel Moratinos, High Representative for UNAOC, and Virginia Gamba, Acting Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide, reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to equality and human dignity, saying that the effort builds on previous initiatives while introducing systematic and scalable responses to identity-based hatred.
The action plan includes the development of an online training module, created in collaboration with the UN System Staff College. This learning tool is intended to help users recognize antisemitic narratives and equip them with the knowledge to respond effectively. It is part of a broader educational campaign aimed at enhancing the capacity of UN personnel and affiliates worldwide to counter hate speech and misinformation.
“The United Nations was created in the aftermath of the Holocaust. Our efforts to respond and combat antisemitism, as well as all other manifestations of extremism and incitement to any religious hatred and violence, remain unwavering and are needed more than ever before.”
Miguel Ángel Moratinos
Gamba stressed that combating antisemitism means not only recognizing but actively challenging the harmful myths that sustain it.
“Being able to better recognize manifestations of antisemitism and these harmful stereotypes, and to have more knowledge to counter it, will further strengthen the work of UN colleagues globally.”
Virginia Gamba
Surge In Antisemitism Has Sparked Alarm
According to the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA), antisemitism is defined as “a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews.” Though the term “antisemitism” was coined in the 19th century, its roots stretch far deeper, fed by centuries of exclusion and persecution.
The need for a robust anti-antisemitism action plan has become increasingly urgent. In 2024 alone, global incidents of antisemitism have surged by an alarming 340% compared to 2022.
The United States saw a 288% spike in incidents, including violent attacks and vandalism targeting Jewish communities. In the United Kingdom, antisemitism reached a record high, with a 147% increase in 2023 over the previous year.
Experts link these dramatic rises to geopolitical tensions, especially following the Hamas attack on Israel in October 2023. That event sparked a wave of antisemitic rhetoric and actions across multiple continents, underscoring the global scope of the issue.
The UN’s action plan comes at a time when antisemitic hate not only threatens the safety of Jewish people but also undermines democratic values and social cohesion. The UN warns that unchecked discrimination against any religious group can create ripple effects that endanger all communities.
“We must also never forget that intolerance, discrimination, and attacks against one religious community, lead to intolerance, discrimination, and attacks on others as well.”
Virginia Gamba
Through the plan, the UN hopes to foster a culture of empathy, tolerance, and informed dialogue.
As the UN strengthens its internal structures and educational tools to counter antisemitic narratives, the global community is being urged to do its part. Governments, civil societies, and individuals must take coordinated steps to halt the spread of hatred and protect the values of pluralism and human dignity.
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