
Israeli President Isaac Herzog delivers a scathing critique of the UN’s response to anti-Semitism on Holocaust Remembrance Day, questioning the organization’s moral integrity.
At a Glance
- Herzog accuses UN of moral bankruptcy in combating global jihadist terror
- President criticizes international courts for hypocrisy in treatment of Israel
- Herzog emphasizes ongoing threat of antisemitism and terrorism
- UN Secretary-General stresses need to combat rising antisemitism
- Herzog urges global unity against misuse of international institutions
Herzog’s Blistering Critique of UN and International Bodies
On Holocaust Remembrance Day, Israeli President Isaac Herzog delivered a powerful rebuke to the United Nations and other international institutions, accusing them of moral bankruptcy and hypocrisy in their treatment of Israel. Speaking at the UN General Assembly, Herzog highlighted what he perceives as a failure to effectively combat global jihadist terrorism and a distorted approach to dealing with instances of anti-Semitic violence.
Herzog’s address was a passionate appeal for the international community to reinforce its commitment to combating anti-Semitism and ensuring that the grave lessons from the Holocaust are not forgotten or ignored in today’s geopolitical climate. The Israeli President’s criticism extended to international courts, particularly the International Criminal Court (ICC), which he accused of creating a false equivalence between victims and perpetrators.
Recounting October 7th and the Hostage Crisis
A significant portion of Herzog’s speech focused on the October 7th, 2023 attack by Hamas on Israeli civilians. He recounted the horrific events of that day, which involved murder, rape, and the kidnapping of Israeli citizens. The President wore a “Hostages Pin” during his address, symbolizing hope and calling for the return of Israelis still held captive by Hamas.
“God Almighty. Listen to the voice of our weeping and the sigh of our hearts. Our loved ones, women and children, fathers and mothers, brothers and sisters, have been torn from our midst. Be You – Almighty God – the guardian of all the captives, protect them from all trouble and distress, give them strength to endure torment and grant them life, so they may merit return to their families. Amen,” Herzog recited, quoting Rabbi Klonymus Kalman Shapira.
Herzog urged UN member states to assist in securing the release of the hostages, emphasizing their inhumane conditions in captivity. He shared the story of Omer Neutra, an Israeli-American citizen and descendant of Holocaust survivors, who was killed by Hamas during the October 7th attack.
Challenging the UN’s Moral Standing
Herzog’s critique of the UN was particularly pointed, as he questioned the organization’s ability to uphold its foundational ideals. He accused the UN General Assembly of exhibiting moral bankruptcy in its response to global terrorism and its treatment of Israel.
“Rather than fulfilling its purpose and fighting courageously against a global epidemic of jihadists, murderers, and abhorrent terror, time and again this assembly has exhibited moral bankruptcy,” Herzog said.
The Israeli President also highlighted what he sees as a dangerous trend of antisemitic views flourishing unchecked within international institutions. He expressed dismay at the distortion of the term “genocide” being used against Israel and the Jewish people, a phenomenon he referred to as “reversing the Holocaust.”
A Call for Unity and Remembrance
Despite his harsh criticism, Herzog’s address also included a message of hope and a call for unity. He emphasized Israel’s commitment to peace, democracy, and international law, expressing hope for future peace in the Middle East and the importance of partnership between nations.
“If I knew that tomorrow was the end of the world, I would plant a tree today. I would plant it with tears, but I would plant a tree,” Herzog quoted Holocaust survivor Eva Arben, concluding his speech with a message of resilience and hope.