The World Jewish Congress hosted a UN Human Rights Council side event, “Fighting Antisemitism through Peer-to-Peer Learning," on 24 September.

The event is showcased peer-to-peer programs and featured remarks by young adults from Germany, Norway, and Switzerland who are active in local initiatives to promote intercultural dialogue, dismantle stereotypes, and celebrate Jewish culture and history while effectively combating antisemitism.

The event was supported by the UN Missions of the three countries.

Emma Hallali, president of the European Union of Jewish Students, delivered opening remarks, stating, “It is through showcasing the diversity of our traditions and creating spaces for genuine intercultural dialogue that we can foster greater understanding and cohesion.”

Hallali further argued that these initiatives play a “pivotal role” in creating opportunities for people from different backgrounds to connect with Jewish youth. Whether through open discussions or visits to culturally significant sites, these programs offer a safe and welcoming space for fostering curiosity about Judaism, promoting dialogue, and breaking down misconceptions.

Rev. Dr Kuzipa Nalwamba, WCC programme director for Unity, Mission, and Ecumenical Formation said: “The World Council of Churches’ inter-religious work contributes by offering context-sensitive, theologically grounded, intellectually accountable, and (self) critical focus on transformative dialogue and cooperation that contributes to building inter-religious solidarity in a world that is ambivalent about the role of religion in the society.”

Prof. Dr Angeliki Ziaka, WCC programme executive for Interreligious Dialogue and Cooperation said that modern anti-Semitism, unlike pre-modern religious Judeophobia, is rooted primarily in racial and cultural prejudice. “Whereas pre-modern Judeophobia centred on religious doctrines and theological conflicts, modern antisemitism, like Islamophobia, is based on racist and pseudo-scientific claims, often woven into broader conspiracy theories,” she said. “This shift from religious to ethno-racial hostility is a hallmark of the modern era. Addressing these issues is vital to understanding global communities and promoting human rights at the grassroots level.”

UN special rapporteur on minorities Prof. Nicolas Levrat delivered concluding remarks on the importance of a “bottom-up approach” in addressing minority issues, adding that “we will not solve these issues through generally normative action at the international level.”

He praised the peer-to-peer model, calling it a “horizontal approach” that fosters mutual understanding, not just between communities but between individuals. The speaker also delved into the complexity of identity, recognizing it as central to minority issues and emphasizing its multi-layered nature. He expressed concern over the growing tendency in some nations to equate national identity with the identity of the dominant group.