TURNING WORDS INTO ACTION TO ADDRESS ANTISEMITISM | Page 8

Alfiaz Vaiya (Coordinator of the European Parliament Anti-Racism Diversity Intergroup)
made a speech on behalf of Afzal Khan MEP. He explained that the European Parliament
Anti-Racism and Diversity Intergroup exists to promote racial equality, counter racism, and
educate about non-discrimination in the work of the European Parliament. It is composed of 8
Members from 5 political parties. He explained that the concept of coalition building is
important for ARDI Members who firmly believe in it. He underlined that communities must
not fragment but unite and come together to combat racism, anti-Semitism and other forms of
discrimination and intolerance. He pointed out that media played a role in exacerbating
hatred, while politicians often use inflammatory rhetoric. He shared his personal story of
facing multiple forms of discrimination in the UK but also highlighted that the LGBTI and
feminist groups helped his parents settle to a new life, when they arrived in the UK from
Uganda in the 1970s.
Brando Benifei MEP (Member of the European Parliament Anti-Racism Diversity
Intergroup) opened his speech by stating that building alliances was of paramount
importance. He pointed to the public discourse and the ferocity with which xenophobia is
expressed on social media. He stated that it was a problem of education. If mildly offensive
discourse is allowed for, it can lead to discrimination. He noted that legislative, institutional
and cultural initiatives were needed to tackle the problem. The fight against such discourse
must be a priority, otherwise people may feel that institutions are not interested in the
problem. He also noted that according priority to issues of discrimination should not be shortlived and contingent upon an event (i.e. Roma week or an incident). He also highlighted the
role of youth in shaping society, as opposed to older generations whose prejudices were
deeply rooted. He also indicated that culture and education should be the focus of coalition
building. The MEP further stressed the importance of allocating sufficient resources and the
necessity to increase civil society support in the process of the EU budget revision.
Soraya Post MEP (Co-President of the European Parliament Anti-Racism Diversity
Intergroup) expressed appreciation for the Seminar and noted that far-right and extremist
groups were strategic and co-operated together, so everyone who opposes them should use
similar strategies. Ms. Post pointed out that Europe has a history of xenophobia and the tools
currently utilized are the spread of fear, lies and invoking negative emotions. She also pointed
out the shift in terminology - what was unacceptable 4 years ago, now has become the norm.
She also said that all groups and communities (LGBTI, feminist, Roma, Jewish etc.) must
come together despite having their own agendas, as there is a common “enemy” who will
attack all of these groups. Some of these groups may be targeted for multiple reasons. The
MEP also said that in the process of coalition building the actors involved should not be
afraid to “call each other out”, work towards stronger awareness raising campaigns but also
reach out to various business actors (such as Ikea, for example). Ms. Post also noted that she
does not experience fear but is aware of hatred directed towards her due to her convictions.
She concluded by saying that there was no more time to waste to come together and tackle
these pressing issues.

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