At a recent seminar in Geneva, Acting Deputy Chief of Mission Mireille Zieseniss addressed the issue of antisemitism and racism within the United Nations system. The event was co-hosted by Ambassador Meron and featured panelists Dr. Harris, Dr. Lafitte, and Dr. Troy.
Zieseniss referenced UN General Assembly Resolution 3379, which equated Zionism with racism. She described it as “a symbolic assault on the Jewish people and the legitimacy of the State of Israel,” adding that its adoption undermined the founding principles of the UN. Quoting former U.S. Ambassador Daniel Patrick Moynihan, she said: “A great evil has been loosed upon the world.” Although Resolution 3379 was revoked in 1991, Zieseniss noted that its effects continue to influence anti-Israel sentiment within various UN bodies.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s words were also cited: “There can be no compromise with antisemitism.” Zieseniss argued that antisemitism persists at the UN under different forms, including through commissions and reports that disproportionately focus on Israel.
She stated: “This distortion of legitimate discourse must be confronted head-on.” According to Zieseniss, allowing antisemitism within UN institutions undermines efforts to combat all forms of racism.
The United States’ response includes policy actions such as withdrawing from and defunding the Human Rights Council and imposing sanctions on Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese. The U.S., a founding member of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA), supports its working definition of antisemitism and leads a coalition behind new global guidelines for countering antisemitism—recently endorsed by Switzerland and Panama.
Zieseniss highlighted ongoing American efforts to promote peace in the Middle East through initiatives like the President’s 20-Point Peace Plan and advocacy for the Abraham Accords.
She concluded her remarks by emphasizing collective responsibility: “As we reflect today on the consequences of Resolution 3379, let us recommit to the principles of equality and justice that the UN was founded to uphold. Let us ensure that the words ‘Never Again’ are not merely a slogan but a call to action against hatred in all its forms.”
The full seminar is available for viewing online at Confronting Antisemitism and Racism at the UN.