Please join the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) for a virtual hearing on the endangerment of Jews in Europe, Central Asia, Australia and beyond. 

Antisemitism is not a new challenge, as Jews have faced hostility and targeted attacks around the world for centuries. However, more recently Jews are experiencing an escalation in the frequency and severity of such incidents, which constitute a violation of freedom of religion or belief. While in some countries governments have promptly responded to these attacks, elsewhere, governments have tolerated or even perpetrated violence against Jewish communities and enabled environments that endangered Jewish communities. Such attacks on Jewish life target individuals, synagogues, educational institutions, cemeteries, and cultural spaces.

Witnesses will address the scope of challenges facing Jews in the above-listed regions and beyond, share personal stories, and identify policy recommendations by which U.S. policy can address antisemitism abroad.

Opening Remarks

• Vicky Hartzler, Chair, USCIRF
• Asif Mahmood, Vice Chair, USCIRF

Congressional Remarks

• Senator James Lankford (R-OK)
  Recorded Remarks

• Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV)
  Recorded Remarks

Panel

• Ernest Herzog, Executive Director of Operations, World Jewish Congress
• Anne-Sophie Sebban-Bécache, Vice President Europe, American Jewish Committee
• Emma Günsberger, Vice President, Czech Federation of Jewish Communities
• Alex Ryvchin, Co-Chief Executive Officer, Executive Council of Australian Jewry
• Marcos Peckel, Executive Director, Confederation of Jewish Communities of Colombia
• Elliott Benjamin, Vice President, Iranian American Jewish Federation of Los Angeles
• David Saperstein, Former Ambassador at Large for International Religious Freedom

This hearing is open to Members of Congress, congressional staff, the public, and the media. For any additional questions or to schedule an interview, please email [email protected].