Jewish year 5779 went out on a high note at the United Nations, where special rapporteur on freedom of religion and belief Ahmed Shaheed released the advance copy of his report on global anti-Semitism. The organization that once equated Zionism with racism, published the ugly Goldstone report, and remains home to the ironically named Human Rights Council (where Israel is regularly condemned, while nations like Venezuela are praised) appears to be shifting in a new, more hopeful direction.
This new report is not exhaustive, likely due at least in part to space constraints. It also feels most forceful and detailed when describing anti-Semitism from the right, which may reflect the nature of available research (this report draws on existing surveys of trends in anti-Semitism). However, it is also informed by interviews with Jewish individuals and organizations, as well as subject area experts, in nine nations. (Interestingly, only 19 countries responded to the special rapporteur’s own survey on this subject.)
