The Global Forum for Combating Antisemitism (GFCA) is the premier biennial gathering for assessing the state of Antisemitism globally, and formulating effective forms of societal and governmental response. The GFCA is an active coalition of public figures, political leaders, heads of civil society, clergy, journalists, diplomats, educators and concerned citizens dedicated to the advance of tolerance towards the other in public life and the defeat of Antisemitism and other forms of racial and ethnic hatred. The Forum serves as an important meeting place for exchange of knowledge and for formulating the global work plan for combatting Antisemitism.

The Global Forum this year will focus on two main themes:
   
•    The Oldest Hatred in the Newest Vessels: Confronting Antisemitism and Hate Speech on the Internet and in Social Media

The information highway has proven an unprecedented tool for accessibility to knowledge, and the advance of free expression and global interconnectedness; but it also presents unique challenges to human dignity - in the form of unfiltered cyberhate, both antisemitic and other forms of severe hate speech, delivered ubiquitously to every multimedia device. How can we increase the decency of the web without harming its essential freedom?

•    The Rise of Antisemtism in Europe's Cities Today: Means of Response

The summer of 2014 saw an eruption of mass anti-Jewish protests and attacks in major European capitals not seen in decades. Many Jews today feel limited in their freedom to identify openly as Jews in their manner of dress or political expression. In parts of Europe, Jewish religious practice is under legislative attack, and the return of Jihadi fighters with EU citizenship marks a security crisis, for Jewish communities first and foremost.  Why is this happening today in Europe? Is there a structural threat to Jewish life? What steps can be taken by European leadership to defeat the new wave of Antisemitism in Europe?


The concluding day is devoted to the work of the twelve working groups, and preparing and updating the Action Plan for Combatting Antisemitism 2015 and Beyond. The working groups are organized around the following topics and can be joined by any of the Forum
participants:

• Antisemitism in the Muslim and Arab World
• Antisemitism in Latin America
• Antisemitism in the Former Soviet Union and Eastern Europe Region
• Antisemitism in the EU and Western Europe Region
• Antisemitism in the Guise of Delegitimization and Anti-Zionism
• Antisemitism on the Internet and in the Media
• Law, Legislation and Enforcement in Combatting Antisemitism
• Interfaith Dialogue as a Means for Mitigating Antisemitism
• Protecting Jewish Religious Practice
• Antisemitism on Campus and Education for Tolerance and Mutual Respect
• The Role of International Organizations in Combating Antisemitism
• Combatting Holocaust Denial and Distortion

The 5th Global Forum will take place in the International Convention Center in Jerusalem, and will open at 6pm on May 12th with addresses by world leaders. For further information, please contact: global.forum@mfa.gov.il