Albania’s Foreign Minister warns of rising antisemitism at UN Assembly

Albania’s Foreign Minister warns of rising antisemitism at UN Assembly

Photo: Igli Hasani

Albania’s Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Igli Hasani, warned of the rising threat of antisemitism during the UN General Assembly, urging global action against hate speech and misinformation. Speaking at a high-level event on combating antisemitism, Hasani condemned narratives that distort the reality of crimes committed, particularly in the context of the Middle East conflict.

Why is it significant

Antisemitism is on the rise globally with serious consequences for Jewish communities and societies in general. Albania, a key advocate in this fight, has taken a strong stance against hate speech and discrimination. It adopted the IHRA definition of antisemitism in 2020 and has participated actively in international efforts to counter hate speech, misinformation, and discrimination.

Context

The meeting, organized by France, brought together global leaders to address the alarming increase in antisemitic incidents, exacerbated by recent developments in the Middle East. Hasani stressed the role of misinformation in amplifying antisemitic sentiments, both online and offline.

  • “What we see today is simply unacceptable. We express serious concern about narratives that deny or distort the crimes committed,” Hasani said, directly condemning misleading narratives surrounding Hamas.

Between the lines

The Foreign Minister’s call for vigilance and international cooperation is a reminder that the fight against antisemitism requires a united and proactive approach. Rising antisemitism threatens stability, and countries need to show greater vigilance and action to counter hate-fueled misinformation. 


Go deeper