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This powerful narrative, with an incisive introduction by AJC's Simone Rodan Benzaquen, recounts in searing detail the experience of Jewish student advocates who attended the 2001 World Conference against Racism in Durban, South Africa and experienced first-hand the virulent hatred and demonization of Jews for which that conference has become notorious. Its vivid description of the force and impact on Jewish participants that resulted from the rampant antisemitic displays at the conference's NGO Forum make it a powerful story of the potential for left-wing antisemitism, if left unchecked, to corrupt and undermine interfaith and intergroup solidarity movements and efforts to promote respect for the human rights of vulnerable groups.

2021 Richard H. Adler Community Leadership Award Presented to Robyn Minter Smyers

honored American Jewish Committee (AJC) CEO David Harris today with one of the country’s most prestigious awards, the Grand Commander of the Order of Makarios III. Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades presented the medal to Harris during a ceremony at the residence of the Cypriot Ambassador to the United Nations in New York.

The hate narrative framed at Durban has spread, and it is now alive and well—including in the U.S. The decision of some twenty countries refusing to participate in the Durban anniversary conference is an important and welcome sign in the recognition that all forms of racism, including antisemitism, need to be fought.

20 years ago, the UN held a conference in Durban, South Africa. The stated goal was to promote effective and sustained action to eliminate all forms of racism and racial discrimination. Instead, the conference became a forum to attack and vilify Israel, and threaten Jewish groups in attendance. Watch American Jewish Committee's special program remembering this infamous conference and its enduring legacy.