Israel's loneliness is impossible to ignore: Lessons from University of Haifa conference – opinion

The University of Haifa recently hosted a major conference on antisemitism, bringing together 220 speakers and 500 participants from 20 countries. Key figures included Deborah Lipstadt, Dina Porat, and Cochav Elkayam-Levy. The conference addressed the global surge in anti-Jewish hatred since October 7, focusing on anti-Zionism in international organizations, social media's role, and AI's effects. The closing address emphasized that the battle against antisemitism is not lost, highlighting allies among various religious and political groups. The speaker recounted successfully challenging anti-Israel narratives on US campuses by presenting Israel as a decolonized nation with equal civil rights, and refuting claims of apartheid or genocide. Despite these arguments, Israeli attendees expressed a profound sense of injustice and betrayal by democratic nations, feeling isolated and boycotted. The speaker noted a pervasive feeling of "sadness" among Israelis, reflecting their perceived abandonment amid shifting global political landscapes.