Published: 25 March 2025
Last updated: 25 March 2025
Several global Jewish leaders have withdrawn from a conference on combating antisemitism organised by the Israeli government, after discovering that far-right European figures were also invited.
Jordan Bardella, leader of France’s National Rally, is the most high-ranking member of the far-right delegation expected to attend the Jerusalem conference, scheduled for March 26-27.
Marion Maréchal, granddaughter of National Front founder and Holocaust denier Jean-Marie Le Pen, is also expected. Maréchal is considered even more extreme than Bardella. Unlike her aunt, Marine Le Pen, Maréchal—currently a member of the European Parliament—has never disavowed her grandfather's unabashed antisemitism.
In an invitation letter, the Israeli government stated that “This major conference will bring together political leaders, international organisations, special envoys, and prominent figures from around the world to discuss and address the global threat of modern antisemitism.” Israel is also planning “special visits” for the two MEPs to Israel’s southern and northern borders “to better understand the geopolitical landscape.” Other far-right attendees include Hermann Tertsch (Spain’s Vox) and Charlie Andreas Weimers of the Sweden Democrats, a nationalist party with historical ties to neo-Nazi organisations.
Argentinian President Javier Milei initially accepted but later cancelled due to domestic issues. All were invited by Israeli Diaspora Affairs Minister Amichai Chikli, whose ministry—tasked with fostering ties between Israel and the Jewish diaspora—did not publish the full list of invitees.
Amichai Chikli is pushing back against the fierce and widespread criticism. "Attempts to demonise and delegitimise some of the participants will not deter us," Chikli wrote in a WhatsApp message distributed to reporters covering his ministry. "There is no force in the world that can overcome the truth," Haaretz reported.
