Jewish NGOs Praise German Minister Meeting, Warn of Rising Antisemitism in Europe
Jewish advocacy groups met German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul on the UNGA sidelines, lauding Germany’s anti-antisemitism stance while noting tougher talks in other European capitals.
During the United Nations General Assembly, senior ADL official Marina Rosenberg met German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul and praised Berlin for recognizing the connection between anti-Israel bias and antisemitism and for actively combating anti-Zionism within the European Union. She explained that conversations with Spain, Norway and the Netherlands were more challenging, as those governments face political pressure while trying to maintain legitimate policies toward Israel.
American Jewish Committee CEO Ted Deutch described global campaigns aimed at weakening support for Israel and emphasized the need for allies to counteract division. B’nai B’rith International’s new chief Evan Bernstein, on his first diplomatic tour in Turtle Bay, warned that Europe’s far-left and far-right are converging on an antisemitic agenda, a “horseshoe effect” many leaders overlook. Bernstein urged leaders to pinpoint the sources of antisemitism and to engage directly with Jewish groups, noting the historic significance of sitting with senior officials such as Germany’s foreign minister. He highlighted the progress compared with earlier generations and called for continued dialogue.
Why it matters
The meetings show how Jewish groups are influencing European policy on antisemitism and Israel amid shifting political pressures.
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