We found 458 results for "Antisemitism"
Statement
Statement for the Record: “Every State is a Border State: Examining Secretary Mayorkas’ Border Crisis”
March 2, 2023
Statement for the Record of Human Rights First On House Committee on Homeland Security “Every State is a Border State: Examining Secretary Mayorkas’ Border Crisis” Human Rights First is…
Press
Human Rights First Denounces Extremism in Congressional Hearings
February 16, 2023
WASHINGTON, DC – After three Congressional hearings in three weeks where Members of Congress deliberately spread anti-immigrant and antisemitic sentiment, disinformation, and conspiracy theories —…
Statement
Statement for the Record of Human Rights First On House Committee on Oversight and Accountability “On The Front Lines of the Border Crisis: A Hearing with Chief Patrol Agents”
February 7, 2023
Human Rights First is alarmed at the scale and dangers presented by orchestrated rhetoric that paints migrants and people seeking asylum at the U.S. border…
Press
On Anniversary of January 6, Antidemocratic Extremism is Mainstream
January 6, 2023
WASHINGTON – On the second anniversary of the insurrection at the United States Capitol, Human Rights First reprised its call to bring those responsible for…
Press
January 6th Committee Report Renews Call for Criminal Accountability
December 22, 2022
WASHINGTON – With today’s publication of the final report of the House Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the United States Capitol…
Press
Report Exposes QAnon’s Exploitation of U.S. Military’s Reputation
December 12, 2022
WASHINGTON D.C. – Human Rights First today released “Digital Soldiers:” QAnon Extremists Exploit U.S. Military, Threaten Democracy, a report that examines how the extremist QAnon movement…
Letter
NDAA should address extremism and antisemitism
November 21, 2022
Dear Majority Leader Schumer, Minority Leader McConnell, Speaker Pelosi, Minority Leader McCarthy, Chairman Reed, Ranking Member Inhofe, Chairman Smith, Ranking Member Rogers: We at Human…
Letter
FY 2023 National Defense Authorization Act should include resources and policies to address extremism and antisemitism
November 21, 2022
Dear Majority Leader Schumer, Minority Leader McConnell, Speaker Pelosi, Minority Leader McCarthy, Chairman Reed, Ranking Member Inhofe, Chairman Smith, Ranking Member Rogers: We at Human…
Press
Human Rights First Challenges Surge of Antisemitism and Anti-Black Hate
November 8, 2022
For more than a month, bigoted and dangerous actions and comments from Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, have ignited a surge of antisemitic incidents…
Letter
Letter on “United We Stand” event
September 20, 2022
Dear Ambassador Rice, We applaud the administration’s efforts to address hate through the upcoming summit, United We Stand: Countering Hate-Fueled Violence Together. We believe that…
Press
With New Hires, Human Rights First Builds Out Program on Extremism
September 19, 2022
WASHINGTON – Human Rights First today announced the hiring of Erin E. Wilson as the Senior Director for Extremism and Human Rights and Elizabeth Yates,…
Press
Human Rights First to present Poland’s Grupa Granica with 2022 William D. Zabel Human Rights Award
September 19, 2022
NEW YORK — Human Rights First today announced that it will present Grupa Granica with the William D. Zabel Human Rights Award in recognition of…
Topics
ANTISEMITISM AND EXTREMISM
September 19, 2022
The U.S. government should lead internationally on combating antisemitism and extremism. Among human rights groups in the United States, we’ve led the effort to ensure…
Blog
Taking on Policies that Harm Human Rights Defenders at the Border
August 2, 2022
By Cora Wright, Legal Fellow, Refugee Protection and Refugee Representation A few weeks ago, a Mexican cartel in Nuevo Laredo kidnapped Baptist Pastor Lorenzo Ortiz,…
Testimony
Domestic Extremism in America: Examining White Supremacist Violence in the Wake of Recent Attacks
June 9, 2022
Elizabeth Yates, Ph.D. Senior Researcher, Antisemitism Human Rights First Before the United States Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs June 9, 2022 Chairman…
Press
Yates Testifies on Extremist Threat to Americans and Democracy
June 9, 2022
WASHINGTON D.C. – This morning, Human Rights First’s Senior Researcher on Antisemitism, Dr. Liz Yates, testified before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee…
Press
With New Hires, Human Rights First Builds Out Program on Extremism
May 24, 2022
WASHINGTON – Human Rights First today announced the hiring of Erin E. Wilson as the Senior Director for Extremism and Human Rights and Elizabeth Yates,…
Press
Deadly Racist Extremism is Fostered Online, Buffalo Shooting Makes Clear
May 15, 2022
WASHINGTON D.C. -- Another act of domestic terrorism was perpetrated yesterday at a Buffalo market by a mass shooter who had been radicalized into racism…
Press
Charlottesville Verdict a Win for Human Rights
November 23, 2021
WASHINGTON D.C. –– This afternoon’s verdicts in the civil case against the people and organizations that marshaled the deadly 2017 Charlottesville rally is a significant…
Press
Human Rights First to Present Philippines Organization Karapatan with William D. Zabel Human Rights Award
May 5, 2021
NEW YORK — Human Rights First today announced that it will present Karapatan Alliance for the Advancement of People’s Rights with its annual William D. Zabel…
Press
Human Rights First to Present Saudi Organization ALQST with Prestigious William D. Zabel Human Rights Award
October 6, 2020
The annual award will honor ALQST for their work exposing human rights abuses by the Saudi regime NEW YORK — Human Rights First today announced that…
Press
Human Rights First Calls for Nominations for 29th Annual Roger N. Baldwin Medal of Liberty Award
May 18, 2020
WASHINGTON – Human Rights First today announced that nominations are now open for the 2020 Roger N. Baldwin Medal of Liberty Award. Nominations for the…
Press
Human Rights First Calls for Accountability for Governments Which Encourage Hate
January 29, 2020
As House Examines Rise of Anti-Semitism in Europe, Human Rights First Calls for Practical Policy Solutions to Create Accountability for Governments Which Encourage Hate WASHINGTON…
Testimony
Testimony of Ira N. Forman for the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Europe, Eurasia, Energy, and the Environment hearing on Resisting Anti-Semitism and Xenophobia in Europe
January 28, 2020
Testimony of Ira N. Forman Senior Advisor for Combating Antisemitism Human Rights First HOUSE FOREIGN AFFAIRS SUBCOMMITTEE ON EUROPE, EURASIA, ENERGY, AND THE ENVIRONMENT Resisting…
Press
Human Rights First Statement on Antisemitic Attack in New York
December 30, 2019
Human Rights First’s Senior Advisor for Combatting Antisemitism, Ira Forman, issued the following statement in the aftermath of the deadly attack on a rabbi’s home in…
Press
Human Rights First Statement on Day of Action Against Anti-Semitism
October 25, 2019
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Friday, October 25, 2019 MEDIA CONTACT Meredith MacKenzie, [email protected], (202) 412-4270 WASHINGTON – Human Rights First’s senior advisor for combating anti-Semitism and former U.S. special…
Press
Hungary Must Reverse Its Support of Memorial to Antisemitic Politician
September 6, 2019
Washington, D.C.—In response to leading Hungarian government officials unveiling a statue to a virulently antisemitic World War Two era political leader, Gyula Kornis, Human Rights…
Press
Bipartisan Resolution Addresses Eroding Democracy in Hungary
May 28, 2019
Washington, D.C.—Human Rights First today applauded introduction of new bipartisan legislation expressing deep concern over the Government of Hungary weakening democratic institutions, undermine free elections, and…
Press
Trump Should Confront, not Accommodate, During Orban White House Visit
May 10, 2019
Washington, D.C—In advance of Monday’s White House meeting between President Trump and Prime Minister Viktor Orban of Hungary, Human Rights First calls on the Trump…
Press
Pompeo Urged to Raise Threats to Rule of Law, Strategic Partnership on Hungary Trip
February 8, 2019
Washington, D.C.—In advance of Secretary of State Mike Pompeo’s two-day trip to Budapest, Hungary beginning February 11, Human Rights First urges the secretary to raise the Hungarian government’s efforts to…
Press
New State Department Envoy to Combat Antisemitism Will Face Tough Challenges
February 5, 2019
Washington, D.C.—Human Rights First today welcomed the appointment of Elan Carr to the position of special envoy to monitor and combat anti-Semitism at the Department…
Press
Honoring International Holocaust Remembrance Day by Preserving Memory, Combating Hatred
January 25, 2019
New York City—To commemorate International Holocaust Remembrance Day, which falls on January 27th and marks the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau and honors the six…
Blog
Invest in Human Rights
December 31, 2018
We’re deeply grateful for your support in our mission to foster American leadership on human rights. This mission is grounded in the simple fact that…
Press
Coalition Urges Congressional Leadership to Pass Legislation Combating Antisemitism
November 29, 2018
Washington, D.C.—Human Rights First, in partnership with the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) and a coalition of local and national organizations, today called on congressional leadership to pass two…
Press
Statement on the 80th Anniversary of Kristallnacht, the Night of Broken Glass
November 9, 2018
Washington, D.C.—In commemoration of the 80th anniversary of Kristallnacht, Ira Forman, senior advisor for combatting antisemitism at Human Rights First, and the former U.S. special envoy to monitor…
Blog
One Week After Pittsburgh: A Former Auschwitz Museum Employee’s Perspective
November 6, 2018
By Hannah Sattler The Shabbat morning prayers begin with these two words: Sh’ma Yisrael. The Shema prayers serve to awaken the individual and the community for…
Statement on Shooting at Tree of Life Synagogue
October 27, 2018
Washington, D.C.—In response to today’s tragic shooting at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh, Human Rights First released the following statement: Today we mourn…
Press
Former Top U.S. Antisemitism Official Joins Human Rights First as Senior Advisor for Combating Antisemitism
September 26, 2018
Washington, D.C.—Human Rights First today announced that Ira Forman, former U.S. special envoy to monitor and combat anti-semitism, has joined Human Rights First as senior…
Press
Human Rights First to Rename Annual Award after William D. Zabel
September 24, 2018
New York City—Human Rights First today announced that it will rename its annual award honoring frontline activists after its board co-chair Bill Zabel. The William…
Blog
Charlottesville One Year Reunion: Act Against Hate, Don’t Talk About It
August 11, 2018
One year ago, Americans looked on in horror as tiki torch-carrying white nationalists chanted “Jew will not replace us” (sic) as they marched through the…
Blog
Race or Religion: Louisiana Judge Looks to History on Jewish Discrimination in the Workplace
August 7, 2018
By Isaiah Affron On July 16, after hearing Bonadona v. Louisiana College, a magistrate judge in Louisiana ruled in favor of Joshua Bonadona, a football coach…
Press
Human Rights First and ADL Release Scorecard on Hate Crime Reporting in 57 OSCE Nations
July 25, 2018
New York City—Against a backdrop of rising reports of hate crimes, Human Rights First and the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today released their annual analysis of hate crime reporting by…
Press
Democracy in Europe Working Group Calls on NATO to Protect Democratic Institutions Ahead of Summit
July 6, 2018
Washington, D.C.—As part of a bipartisan group of more than 60 foreign policy experts, former U.S. government officials, and former members of Congress, Human Rights First today called on North Atlantic…
Blog
120 Members of Bipartisan Taskforce Urge Pompeo to Fill Anti-Semitism Special Envoy Position
May 31, 2018
By Susan Corke and Mazarine Lestienne Over the past 16 months, members of Congress, civil society, former senior government officials, Jewish and other religious leaders,…
Press
Bipartisan Coalition Urges Pompeo to Appoint Antisemitism Envoy
May 23, 2018
Washington, D.C.—Human Rights First and the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), in partnership with a bipartisan coalition of organizations and individuals, today called on Secretary of State…
Letter
Letter to Secretary Pompeo Calling for Appointment of Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism
May 23, 2018
The Honorable Michael Pompeo Secretary of State U.S. Department of State 2201 C Street NW Washington, DC 20520 Dear Mr. Secretary: Now that you have…
Press
Human Rights First President and CEO Elisa Massimino to Step Down
April 30, 2018
Washington, D.C.—After a decade of leading the organization, Elisa Massimino has announced that she will be stepping down from her post as President and CEO…
Press
State Department Human Rights Reports Selectively Criticize Abuses
April 25, 2018
Washington, D.C.—Human Rights First today expressed concern regarding apparent changes made to the State Department’s Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2017, compared to…
Blog
Last Day of Yom HaShoah: A Dangerous Rise in Antisemitic Hate Among Youth as we Remember the Holocaust
April 19, 2018
By Mazarine Lestienne On January 29, 2018, an eight-year-old schoolboy wearing a kippah and a prayer shawl was attacked by two teenagers in Sarcelles (Val-d’Oise,…
Blog
Yom HaShoah—”To Truly Honor the Past we Must Understand the Present and Preserve the Future”
April 12, 2018
On March 23, 2018—one week before Passover and three weeks before Yom HaShoah—Mireille Knoll, an 85-year-old French Holocaust survivor, was brutally stabbed to death and…
Press
Democracy in Europe Working Group Raises Alarm over Assault on Democratic Principles in NATO Countries
April 4, 2018
Washington, D.C.—Human Rights First today joined a bipartisan group of more than 60 foreign policy experts, former U.S. government officials, and former members of Congress in calling attention to…
Press
Human Rights First Calls for Nominations for 29th Annual Roger N. Baldwin Medal of Liberty Award
April 4, 2018
Washington, D.C.—Human Rights First today announced that nominations are now open for the 2018 Roger N. Baldwin Medal of Liberty Award. The 2018 award will go to…
Blog
Congress Showed that Combating Antisemitism is a Priority. Will the Administration?
March 27, 2018
By Susan Corke and Zahava Moerdler Antisemitic incidents are increasing at home and abroad. In response, Human Rights First and our partners in the Jewish community…
Fact Sheet
The U.S. Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism
March 5, 2018
What is the Special Envoy? The special envoy to monitor and combat antisemitism works on behalf of the secretary of state to implement policies and…
Blog
Spirit of Unity at Congressional Breakfast on Combatting Antisemitism
February 22, 2018
Antisemitism is a red line. This clear conviction was the message espoused by members of the New York congressional delegation at a breakfast hosted by…
Press
International Holocaust Remembrance Day and the Trump Administration
January 26, 2018
New York City—To commemorate International Holocaust Remembrance Day, Human Rights First urges the U.S. government to deepen its efforts to combat antisemitism and other forms of bigotry at home and…
Press
Hungarian Church Cancels Plans to Honor Nazi Ally on Holocaust Remembrance Day
January 25, 2018
New York City—Human Rights First today welcomed reports that a Hungarian church had cancelled plans for a memorial mass honoring Hungarian leader and Nazi ally…
Blog
Upholding the International Religious Freedom Act
October 30, 2017
Friday marked the 19th anniversary of the 1998 International Religious Freedom Act. It was originally passed in response to growing religious persecution globally, a problem…
Blog
Austria: Another Political Success Built on a Populism?
October 20, 2017
By Teresa Eder On October 15, the Austrian electorate rewarded 31-year-old foreign minister Sebastian Kurz of the Austrian Conservative Party (ÖVP) and far-right candidate Heinz…
Press
In Testimony, Berschinski Calls on State Dept. to Pair Religious Freedom Efforts with Human Rights
October 11, 2017
Washington, D.C.—In testimony today before the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform Human Rights First’s Senior Vice President for Policy Rob Berschinski urged Congress…
Press
French National Assembly Approves Discriminatory Counterterrorism Bill
October 3, 2017
New York City—Human Rights First expressed concern over today’s passage of a controversial counterterrorism bill by the French National Assembly. The legislation enshrines into law…
Press
Joint Resolution Condemning Hate Groups Receives Unanimous Support in Senate
September 12, 2017
Washington, D.C.—Human Rights First applauds yesterday’s unanimous passage of a joint resolution in the Senate condemning white nationalists, white supremacists, the Ku Klux Klan, neo-Nazis, and similar hate…
Blog
After Charlottesville, Boston Offers A Way Forward
August 24, 2017
For a country searching for answers after Charlottesville, the people of Boston provided some. In Boston, the “Free Speech Coalition” holding the rally claimed it wasn’t promoting…
Blog
Aligning American Foreign Policy to Protect Religious Freedom
August 21, 2017
On Tuesday Secretary of State Rex Tillerson delivered a speech to mark the release of the State Department’s annual International Religious Freedom Report. Human Rights First’s Rob Berschinski spoke…
Press
White Nationalist Steve Bannon Departs White House, Gorka Needs to Follow
August 18, 2017
Washington, D.C.—Human Rights First today welcomed reports that White House Chief Strategist Steve Bannon is leaving his position in the Trump Administration. Prior to his…
Press
French Senate Moves to Codify Discriminatory Counterterrorism Measures
July 19, 2017
New York City—Human Rights First today expressed concern over the approval of a new counterterrorism bill by the French Senate. The legislation enshrines into law measures…
Press
Issue Brief Documents Hungary’s Actions to Stifle Civil Society, Deepen Russian Ties
July 13, 2017
Washington, D.C.—Human Rights First today released a new issue brief documenting the Hungarian government’s ongoing actions to stifle civil society and deepen ties to Russia. “How the…
Blog
Despite Decisive Victory, Macron and En Marche Face Deep Divisions
June 23, 2017
This is a cross-post from HuffPost. Coauthored by Ilan Scialom From his commanding victory to his bold first days in office—which led to a emphatic…
Press
Bipartisan Legislation would Elevate Status of U.S. Official to Combat Antisemitism Abroad
June 8, 2017
Washington, D.C.—Human Rights First today welcomed that the introduction of the Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism Act of 2017 bill in the Senate. The bipartisan…
Press
Bipartisan Legislation an Important Step to Fight Antisemitism in Europe
May 22, 2017
Washington, D.C.—Human Rights First praised the House of Representatives, and in particular the Bipartisan Taskforce for Combating Anti-Semitism, for unanimously passing the Combating European Anti-Semitism Act of 2017 on Thursday. The…
Blog
Washington Week on Human Rights: May 8, 2017
May 8, 2017
By Mary Elizabeth Margolis TOP ITEMS FRENCH ELECTION Emmanuel Macron won a decisive victory in yesterday’s French presidential elections, securing over 65 percent of the…
Press
Issue Brief Analyzes Challenges Facing Next French President
May 5, 2017
Washington, D.C.—Ahead of this Sunday’s French presidential election, Human Rights First today released a new brief addressing some of the most contentious issues that will face the…
Blog
Washington Week on Human Rights: May 1, 2017
May 1, 2017
By Mary Elizabeth Margolis Top Items Sebastian Gorka Ousted from White House New reports indicate that Sebastian Gorka is likely to be removed from his current position…
Press
Administration Urged to Appoint Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism
April 14, 2017
Washington, D.C.—Human Rights First today expressed alarm over reports that the Trump Administration may not fill the U.S. Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism position…
Blog
Sebastian Gorka’s Shady Ties to Racist Groups
April 11, 2017
By Dora Illei Sebastian Gorka, President Trump’s counterterrorism advisor, continues to face controversy over his links to antisemitic and racist groups in Hungary. NBC News released…
Press
Bannon Removal from National Security Council a Victory for American Ideals
April 5, 2017
New York City—Human Rights First today welcomed reports that Stephen Bannon, chief strategist to President Trump, has been removed from the National Security Council. Prior…
Press
Trump Urged to Immediately Dismiss Sebastian Gorka
April 3, 2017
New York City— Human Rights First is calling on President Trump to immediately dismiss senior White House counterterrorism advisor Sebastian Gorka following revelations that in 2007 he publicly…
Prioritizing U.S. Leadership on Hate Crime Through Improved Data Collection and Reporting
March 31, 2017
In the wake of a divisive campaign season and the election of President Trump, bias-motivated rhetoric and violence is gaining a prominent place in the…
Press
White House Urged to Suspend, Investigate Sebastian Gorka
March 16, 2017
New York City— In response to news reports today indicating that senior White House counterterrorism advisor Sebastian Gorka is a member of the Hungarian far-right…
Press
Congress, Human Rights Groups Urge Administration to Appoint Special Envoy to Combat Anti-Semitism
March 13, 2017
Washington, D.C.—Human Rights First, along with a bipartisan group of 167 members of Congress and 12 supporting organizations, urged President Trump to prioritize the appointment…
Blog
Six Questions for State’s First Press Briefing Under Tillerson
March 7, 2017
Today the U.S. State Department promises to hold its first daily press briefing under the Trump administration. Roughly thirty working days into the tenure of…
Blog
Fighting Antisemitism at Home and Abroad
March 7, 2017
Last week the Bipartisan Congressional Task Force for Combating Anti-Semitism called on President Trump to develop a comprehensive response to antisemitic hate crime. The appeal…
Blog
Sebastian Gorka’s Xenophobic Equivocations on Islam
March 3, 2017
This blog is cross posted with The Huffington Post Controversial presidential adviser Sebastian Gorka was on NPR yesterday discussing President Trump’s address to Congress. He…
Blog
Washington Week on Human Rights: February 27, 2017
February 27, 2017
By Mary Elizabeth Margolis TOP ITEMS President Trump to Address Congress President Trump will give his first address to a joint session of Congress on Tuesday.…
Blog
President Trump on Antisemitism: Some Talk, No Action
February 24, 2017
By Dora Illei The White House’s struggle to hit the mark on the issue of antisemitism continues, although members of the administration finally seem to…
Blog
Interfaith Solidarity for Today’s Activists
February 23, 2017
By Erika Asgeirsson Over the past few weeks, the United States, and indeed the world, have been on edge as President Trump issued rapid-fire executive orders barring…
Press
President Trump Should Take Concrete Steps to Combat Antisemitic Hate Crime
February 21, 2017
Washington, D.C.—Human Rights First today urged President Trump to make stronger public statements condemning acts of antisemitism, and to take concrete steps to strengthen responses…
Blog
Trump Shows How Not to Respond to Antisemitism
February 16, 2017
By Erika Asgeirsson On Wednesday, during a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, President Trump was asked about the rise of antisemitic incidents since his…
Press
President Trump’s Response on Antisemitism Widely Misses the Mark
February 15, 2017
New York City—Human Rights First today said that President Trump’s statement on antisemitism and hate crime in the United States was inappropriate and widely missed…
Blog
How Not to Honor Holocaust Remembrance Day
February 13, 2017
By Dora Illei On International Holocaust Remembrance Day, it is customary for the U.S. government to honor its victims, who were primarily Jewish. In last year’s…
Press
Human Rights First Releases New Report on Rise of Extremism, Far-Right in Germany
February 7, 2017
Washington, D.C.—Human Rights First today released a new report examining antisemitism, xenophobia, and extremism in Germany. The report, “Germany Conflicted: The Struggle Between Xenophobia and…
Report
Germany Conflicted: The Struggle Between Xenophobia and Tolerance
February 6, 2017
Germany is at a tipping point as it heads into important national elections in 2017. Hate crimes, particularly those associated with xenophobia, have increased…
Blog
Washington Week on Human Rights: February 6, 2017
February 6, 2017
By Mary Elizabeth Margolis TOP ITEMS Muslim Ban Temporarily Halted A decision Sunday by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit preserved a lower…
Blog
Trump Win Encourages Europe’s Far Right
December 16, 2016
A few weeks after the U.S. election, I was in Berlin to discuss a report we are writing on xenophobia and extremism in Germany. In parallel, we watched…
Press
Kerry Urged to Counter Extremism, Antisemitism at OSCE
December 7, 2016
Washington, D.C.—Human Rights First today urged Secretary of State John Kerry to uphold the values of the Organization for Society and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE)…
Letter
Letter to Secretary Kerry on OSCE Ministerial Council
December 7, 2016
Dear Secretary Kerry: This year’s meeting of the Ministerial Council of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) comes at a critical and…
Blog
The NSU Trial: The Golden Dawn and Beyond (Part 4)
December 6, 2016
By Dora Illei and Zahava Moerdler In this four-part blog series, Human Rights First is examining the crimes and trial of the National Socialist Underground…
Press
As Hate Rhetoric Dominates Political Sphere, Report Shows Underreporting of Bias-Motivated Incidents Among OSCE States
November 30, 2016
Washington, D.C.— As xenophobic and hate-filled rhetoric dominates political discourse in Europe and the United States, Human Rights First and the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today…
Blog
The NSU Trial: Responding to Institutional Racism in Law Enforcement (Part 3)
November 17, 2016
By Erika Asgeirsson and Zahava Moerdler In this four-part blog series, Human Rights First is examining the crimes and trial of the National Socialist Underground…
Blog
OSCE Releases Hate Crimes Data
November 16, 2016
In both Europe and the United States, hate crimes are rising along with the public expressions of hatred fanned by extreme political forces. Immediately following…
Blog
Washington Week on Human Rights: November 14, 2016
November 14, 2016
Top Items 2016 Election This year’s divisive campaign season was filled with troubling rhetoric and policy proposals that are out of step with the United States’…
Press
Bannon Appointment Undermines U.S. Global Leadership on Human Rights
November 14, 2016
Washington, D.C.—Human Rights First today expressed grave concern about the announcement by President-elect Donald Trump that Steve Bannon will serve as Mr. Trump’s chief strategist…
Blog
The NSU Trial: A Victim-Sensitive Approach to Hate Crime Investigations (Part 2)
November 8, 2016
By Erika Asgeirsson and Zahava Moerdler In this four-part blog series, Human Rights First is examining the crimes and trial of the National Socialist Underground…
Blog
The NSU Trial: A Case Study in Structural Racism in Germany (Part 1)
November 1, 2016
By Dora Illei and Zahava Moerdler In this four-part blog series, Human Rights First will examine the crimes and trial of the National Socialist Underground…
Press
Bipartisan Legislation Addresses Growing Antisemitism in Europe
October 11, 2016
Washington, D.C.—Human Rights First today urged members of Congress to support the bipartisan bill H.R. 6208, the Combating European Anti-Semitism Act of 2016. The bill was…
Blog
Why Religion Matters: Fighting Intolerance with Broad Coalitions
September 30, 2016
By Erika Asgeirsson This week I attended #RadCon, a Religion and Diplomacy Conference hosted by the State Department’s Office of Religion and Global Affairs. The…
Blog
Anti-Immigrant Platform Leads German Far-Right Party to Berlin’s State Parliament
September 22, 2016
By Dora Illei German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s party, the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), continued to lose voters in the September 18 German state election. It won…
Fact Sheet
Recommendations to the U.S. Delegation to the OSCE Human Dimension Implementation Meeting
September 19, 2016
Antisemitism and other forms of hate-based violence are on the rise in Europe. Steps taken in the name of national security often contribute to more division and…
Blog
U.N. High Level Forum on Global Antisemitism
September 14, 2016
By Erika Asgeirsson On Wednesday September 7, representatives from governments, civil society, and tech gathered to discuss the most pressing issues related to antisemitism around…
Blog
Washington Week on Human Rights: September 12, 2016
September 12, 2016
Top Items Global Refugee Crisis This Thursday the White House will host an event to celebrate the contributions of refugees resettled in the United States. The…
Press
Human Rights First’s Corke to Speak Today at U.N. on Combating Global Antisemitism
September 7, 2016
New York City—Today in remarks during the United Nations’ High Level Forum on Global Antisemitism, Human Rights First’s Susan Corke urged governments around the world…
Blog
Washington Week on Human Rights: September 6, 2016
September 6, 2016
Top Items Congress This month in New York City world leaders will attend two major summits designed to address the ongoing global refugee crisis, the…
Blog
Two Months Later: Brexit Unleashes Hate Crimes
August 23, 2016
By Zahava Moerdler Immediately following the U.K.’s vote to exit the European Union, there was a significant uptick in hate crimes in the U.K. and…
Blog
Putting the International Religious Freedom Report into Action
August 16, 2016
By Zahava Moerdler The State Department published its International Religious Freedom Report on Wednesday August 10, analyzing the status of religious freedom around the world in 2015…
Blog
My Trip to Dresden, the Epicenter of Far-Right Germany
August 1, 2016
Simmering tensions in Germany have reached a boiling point, manifesting in violent attacks from various directions. Two weeks ago I was traveling to Berlin and…
Blog
In the Face of Terror, France Moves Towards Religious Unity
July 28, 2016
By Zahava Moerdler Rather than tightening laws and restricting freedoms in the name of fighting terror, French President Francois Hollande insists that unity is more…
Blog
The View from Munich
July 27, 2016
Last Friday I was wrapping up a research trip to Berlin and Munich, having met with government officials, NGOs, foundations, and grassroots organizers working to…
Blog
Washington Week on Human Rights: July 18, 2016
July 18, 2016
TOP NEWS Guantanamo Bay There are 59 motions on the docket for consideration during the next two weeks as the military commission proceedings for the…
Press
Following Nice Attack, France Response Should Reflect Sustainable Counterterrorism Steps that Uphold Human Rights
July 15, 2016
New York City—Human Rights First today sends its deepest condolences to the government and people of France for the unspeakable act of violence that has…
Blog
Antisemitism Causes Rifts in Germany’s Far Right
July 12, 2016
By Zahava Moerdler On July 5, 13 of the 23 members of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) parliamentary group in the German state of Baden-Wuerttemberg…
Blog
Elie Wiesel’s Legacy Inspires New Generation to Counter Injustice
July 12, 2016
By Zahava Moerdler I will never forget the first time I read Night. I was in 8th grade and my class spent the year learning…
Blog
Racism in the Age of Brexit: A European Trend
June 28, 2016
By Zahava Moerdler While a variety of factors led to the victory for “leave,” there’s no denying that bigotry played a big role. The xenophobia…
Blog
Mobilizing Against Hate in Brussels as Hate Claims Another Victim in the UK
June 23, 2016
As I joined a consultative seminar in Brussels at the European Parliament on building coalitions to counter antisemitism, intolerance, and discrimination, we received word of…
Blog
Civil Society Mobilizing in France to Counter All Forms of Discrimination
June 8, 2016
“Racism doesn’t belong to the community touched by it; it affects us all.” This week I traveled to Paris to meet with civil society groups…
Blog
Substantial Rise in Far-Right Violence in Germany Reported Since Refugee Crisis Began
May 26, 2016
By Timothy Meyers Far-right aggression in Germany is on a dramatic rise. Interior Minister Thomas de Maizière announced on Monday that 2015 has seen the most crippling…
Press
Human Rights First Welcomes Joint State Department and USAID Strategy on Countering Extremism
May 26, 2016
New York City – Human Rights First today said that the release of a new joint strategy on Countering Violent Extremism (CVE) between the Department of State…
Blog
New French Report Shows Rise in Attacks on Muslims, Sustained Targeting of Jews
May 6, 2016
By Annie Glasser France’s National Human Rights Commission (CNCDH) recently released a report on the fight against racism in France. The CNCDH reported 429 anti-Muslim threats and…
Blog
In Berlin, President Obama Calls for Tolerance and Strengthening Transatlantic Alliance
April 25, 2016
Today President Obama called for inclusion, tolerance, and the strengthening of the transatlantic alliance in a speech in Germany. He’s there to meet with Western European leaders…
Blog
Washington Week on Human Rights: April 25, 2016
April 25, 2016
TOP NEWS Obama in Germany President Obama is in Berlin meeting with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, British Prime Minister David Cameron, French President Francois Hollande…
Fact Sheet
Germany: Antisemitism, Xenophobia, and Far-Right Extremism
April 22, 2016
Germany is facing a tipping point. Germany is Europe’s economic and political lynchpin; as such, Germany is positioned to play a leadership role in a…
Press
In Germany, Obama Urged to Promote Refugee Protection and Support Efforts to Address Antisemitism and Extremism
April 22, 2016
New York City – In light of his upcoming meetings in Germany, Human Rights First today called on President Obama to promote the protection of refugees and…
Testimony
Statement at OSCE Session on Responses to Intolerance and Discrimination, Including Hate Crime and Hate Speech
April 15, 2016
Statement by Susan Corke at OSCE Supplementary Human Dimension Meeting, April 2016 – Session III: Responses to Intolerance and Discrimination, Including Hate Crimes, Hate Speech and Hate…
Blog
Amid a Crisis, an Opportunity for Support: On the ground in Germany
April 15, 2016
Germany is grappling with a lot: that’s a message I heard in different ways in different conversations this past week in Berlin. Having borne the…
Press
Report Shows Underreporting of Hate Crimes Among OSCE States
April 12, 2016
Washington, D.C.—A report jointly released today by Human Rights First and the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) found that hate crimes in the Organization for Security and…
Blog
French Minister Disregards Right to Religious Expression
April 1, 2016
By Annie Glasser On Wednesday French Minister for Family, Children, and Women’s Rights Laurence Rossignol compared Muslim women who wear traditional head coverings to “American…
Press
French Government Rejects Measures to Limit Human Rights
March 30, 2016
New York City—Human Rights First today praises French President Francois Hollande’s decision to abandon proposed constitutional amendments that would have undermined human rights, civil liberties,…
Blog
Washington Week on Human Rights: March 28, 2016
March 28, 2016
Top News Global Refugee Crisis In a move that would severely hinder the ability of the United States to provide protection for those fleeing violence in…
Press
European Terror Attacks Fuel Responses that Undermine National Security and Human Rights
March 22, 2016
New York City—Human Rights First today is saddened by the horrific terrorist attacks that took place in Belgium, and calls on European leaders to resist…
Press
French Senate Should Reject Constitutional Amendment
March 21, 2016
New York City—Human Rights First today calls on French lawmakers to reject proposals that would amend the French constitution to include terms for declaring a…
Blog
Problematic French Constitutional Reforms on the Horizon
March 18, 2016
By Rebecca Sheff and Annie Glasser The French parliament is considering a set of constitutional amendments. One would add provisions to the constitution on the…
Blog
Ira Forman Addresses Rising Tide of Antisemitism at Inter-Parliamentary Coalition for Combatting Antisemitism
March 18, 2016
By Annie Glasser Ira Forman, the Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism at the State Department, recently addressed the third conference of the Inter-Parliamentary Coalition…
Blog
Following Elections, U.S. Government Should Focus on Rise of Far Right in Germany
March 16, 2016
By Susan Corke and Timothy Meyers The U.S. government should view the results of this weekend’s elections in Germany as a wakeup call. They show…
Fact Sheet
Far-right Parties in European Elections
March 11, 2016
The past decade has seen the ascendance of several far-right political parties across Europe. These groups—many of which have been roundly criticized for their antisemitic,…
Press
German Elections Highlight Rise of Far Right as Kerry Travels to Europe
March 11, 2016
Washington, D.C.—Human Rights First today urged the U.S. government to see the expected results of tomorrow’s elections in Germany as a wake-up call to the…
Press
Secretary Blinken Urged to Make Countering Violent Extremism and Antisemitism Priority during French Visit
March 3, 2016
New York City—Human Rights First calls for Deputy Secretary of State Antony Blinken to urge his French counterparts to exercise restraint in the use of…
Blog
The Hungarian Government Finds a New Old Way to Dash Hopes and Stir Anger
February 24, 2016
Not too long ago we credited Hungary’s decision to cancel the statue honoring notorious antisemite Bálint Hóman as an important signal that antisemitism would not be tolerated and…
Blog
ODIHR Director Testifies on Antisemitism and Hate Crimes Data Collection
February 18, 2016
The director of the OSCE’s Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) Michael Georg Link, recently testified at a congressional hearing convened by the Helsinki Commission.…
Blog
French Government Denies Xenophobic Pegida Movement a Platform in Calais
February 5, 2016
By Annie Glasser Patriotic Europeans Against the Islamization of the West (Pegida) is a growing xenophobic extreme right-wing political movement. It emerged in Germany in…
Blog
Washington Week on Human Rights: February 1, 2016
February 3, 2016
Top News Global Refugee Crisis Congress will address the ongoing global refugee crisis during a series of hearings this week. On Wednesday, the House Homeland Security…
Blog
Poland and the Threat of Illiberalism
January 29, 2016
By Timothy Meyers Poland’s far-right Law and Justice Party (PiS) took power two months ago and has enacted a number of laws eroding democratic safeguards.…
Press
On International Holocaust Remembrance Day, U.S. Should Continue to Prioritize Antisemitism
January 27, 2016
Washington, D.C.—To commemorate International Holocaust Remembrance Day, Human Rights First urges the U.S. government to continue working with its allies to make antisemitism and extremism…
Blog
Reflections on International Holocaust Remembrance Day 2016
January 27, 2016
Seventy-one years ago today, the Soviet army liberated Auschwitz-Birkenau, the largest of the Nazi death camps. One million people died there during WWII. There is…
Blog
Washington Week on Human Rights: January 19, 2016
January 21, 2016
Top News Global Refugee Crisis Tomorrow the Senate will take up the American SAFE Act, legislation that would effectively halt the resettlement of vulnerable refugees…
Blog
Emile Zola’s J’accuse and the Dreyfus Affair
January 13, 2016
By Timothy Meyers Today marks the 118th year anniversary of Emile Zola’s J’accuse editorial, which condemned the French military for its failure to reveal evidence exonerating French Jewish…
Blog
U.S. Fails to Recognize Targeting of Jews on Anniversary of Paris Attacks
January 12, 2016
On January 7 the State Department released a press statement marking the one-year anniversary of the horrific attacks in Paris. Yet there was a troubling omission: the…
Blog
Washington Week on Human Rights: January 11, 2016
January 11, 2016
Top News Guantanamo Over the weekend, White House Chief of Staff Denis McDonough reaffirmed President Obama’s promise to shutter Guantanamo before the end of his final…
Press
New Major Report Outlines Strategies to Combat French Antisemitism and Extremism
January 7, 2016
Washington, D.C.—Today to mark the one-year anniversary of the tragic attacks on Charlie Hebdo and a kosher supermarket in Paris, Human Rights First has released…
Report
Breaking the Cycle of Violence
January 7, 2016
Countering Antisemitism and Extremism in France Executive Summary The deadly terrorist attacks on November 13 in Paris, coming less than a year after the killings…
Blog
FDR’s “Four Freedoms” 75 Years Ago and Today
January 6, 2016
On January 6, 1941, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt gave his now-famous speech on four freedoms essential to democracy and human rights: Freedom of speech Freedom…
Blog
Washington Week on Human Rights: January 4, 2016
January 5, 2016
Top News Guantanamo A senior U.S. official who spoke on the condition of anonymity confirmed to CNN that 17 detainees cleared for release from the U.S. detention facility…
Event
Countering Antisemitism and Extremism in France
January 2, 2016
Human Rights First just released “Breaking the Cycle of Violence: Countering Antisemitism and Extremism in France,” a major report on antisemitism and extremism in France. The…
Blog
Antisemitism and Authoritarianism in Hungary: 2015 in Review
December 23, 2015
Ever since Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán espoused “illiberal” democracy, Hungary has taken on an antagonistic role within the European Union. Yet even as the…
Blog
What Does Laïcité Mean to You? Identity and Antisemitism in France
December 23, 2015
The holiday season is here and families across the world are gathering in celebration, and we hope that it will be a season of peace.…
Press
Hungarian Government Abandons Statue Honoring Antisemite
December 21, 2015
New York City—Human Rights First today welcomed the Hungarian government’s decision to cancel its plans to build a statue honoring notorious antisemite Bálint Hóman. The…
Press
Hungary Delays Statue of Antisemite
December 16, 2015
New York City—Human Rights First applauds the Hungarian government for postponing a planned statue to honor notorious antisemite Bálint Hóman in the town of Székesfehérvár. The announcement…
Blog
Washington Week on Human Rights: December 14, 2015
December 15, 2015
Top News Extremism in France During yesterday’s second round of French regional elections, voters rejected candidates from the far-right political party the National Front. The development…
Press
Human Rights First Urges Hungary to Abandon Antisemitic Statue
December 15, 2015
Washington, D.C.—In a statement today Human Rights First urged the Hungarian government to cease its plans to build a statute honoring Bálint Hóman, a notorious antisemite, in…
Blog
U.S. Officials in Hungary Should Strongly Urge Orbán to Drop Plans for Antisemitic Statue
December 14, 2015
The State Department is sending a senior delegation to Hungary to address that country’s plans to erect a statue in commemoration of Bálint Hóman, a…
Press
French Voters Reject Far-Right Party in Regional Elections
December 13, 2015
New York City—In response to today’s second round of French regional elections, which early results indicate as a poor showing for the far-right political party…
Press
Americans Want Stronger U.S. Leadership on Key Human Rights Issues
December 9, 2015
According to a Human Rights First Study conducted by Harris Poll Washington, D.C.—Today, Human Rights First released a new study conducted by Harris Poll showing broad bipartisan…
Blog
Washington Week on Human Rights: December 7, 2015
December 8, 2015
Top News Extremism in France France’s far-right National Front party, spearheaded by Marine Le Pen, reportedly made major gains in yesterday’s regional elections. News sources say…
Press
Far-Right National Front Gains Seats in French Regional Elections
December 6, 2015
Washington, D.C.—Today Human Rights First called on the U.S. government to redouble its efforts to promote tolerance in France in the wake of today’s regional elections,…
Press
U.S. Should Pressure Hungary to Abandon Plans to Build Statue Honoring Anti-Semite
December 4, 2015
Washington, D.C.—Human Rights First today called on the Obama Administration to pressure its Hungarian counterparts to halt plans to build a statue in honor of notorious anti-Semite…
Blog
Washington Week on Human Rights: November 30, 2015
December 2, 2015
Top News Torture Last week, President Obama signed into law an updated defense authorization bill for fiscal year 2016 that included a landmark provision reinforcing the…
Fact Sheet
Stemming the Tide of Extremism in Greece: Recommendations for the United States
December 2, 2015
The Obama Administration can take the following steps now to combat the rise of hate parties in Greece and the erosion of democratic norms and…
Blog
Reflections from Paris on Standing in Solidarity Against Hate
December 1, 2015
I just returned from a trip to Paris and came away with a profound respect for the courage, strength, and resilience of the people of…
Press
Antisemitic Attack in Marseilles Highlights Need for Action Against Extremism
November 19, 2015
New York City—Human Rights First is deeply alarmed by the latest violence yesterday in Marseilles, where three individuals reportedly attacked a Jewish man. A veiled Muslim woman was also attacked…
Press
Following France Attacks, United States Should Take Concrete Steps to Curb Extremism
November 15, 2015
Washington, D.C. – Human Rights First sends its deepest condolences to the government and people of France for the unspeakable acts of violence that killed…
Blog
Young European Activists Combating Antisemitism Appear on Brian Lehrer Show
October 26, 2015
By Megdi Abebe On Friday, the 2015 Human Rights First Award winners, Jane Braden-Golay, President of the European Union of Jewish Students (Switzerland); Siavosh Derakhti, Founder…
Blog
Washington Week on Human Rights: October 26, 2015
October 26, 2015
Top News Family Immigration Detention The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services has announced that it will not renew the license of the Berks County Residential Center,…
Press
Activists Combating Antisemitism, HBO Documentary Films, Leading Law Firms to Receive Awards during Human Rights First Dinner Tonight
October 21, 2015
New York City – Tonight at Human Rights First’s annual awards dinner at Chelsea Piers in New York City, the organization will honor European human rights activists Jane…
Blog
State Department Official Calls out Hungary on Human Rights and Democracy Concerns
October 20, 2015
Last week we reported on the cool reception of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán from other leaders at the United Nations. Now we turn to the recent…
Blog
Washington Week on Human Rights: October 19, 2015
October 19, 2015
Top News Antisemitism Tomorrow Senator Ben Cardin and the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly Special Representative on Anti-Semitism, Racism, and Intolerance will host a conversation on Combating Anti-Semitism…
Press
Veteran Foreign Policy Expert Susan Corke Joins Human Rights First as Director of Countering Antisemitism and Extremism
October 15, 2015
New York City—Human Rights First today announced that Susan Corke has joined the organization to lead an intensified effort to counter antisemitism and extremism, with a special focus on…
Press
Three Young Activists Working to Combat Antisemitism in Europe to Receive 2015 Human Rights First Award
September 24, 2015
New York City – Human Rights First will honor European human rights activists Jane Braden-Golay, Siavosh Derakhti, and Niddal El-Jabri with its 2015 Human Rights First Award. The…
Blog
Washington Week on Human Rights: July 13, 2015
July 13, 2015
Top News Extremism in Hungary This week on Capitol Hill, the Hungarian American Institute is lobbying with a delegation that includes Hungarian Member of Parliament Gabor…
Press
Far-Right Political Group Formed in European Parliament
June 17, 2015
New York City—Human Rights First said that yesterday’s formation of a political group by far-right parties in the European Parliament reinforces the need for the…
Blog
Washington Week on Human Rights: June 8, 2015
June 8, 2015
Top News Torture This week in an historic step forward toward ensuring that torture is never again the official policy of the United States, Senators John…
Press
President Obama Urged to Raise Extremism, Antisemitism as G7 Nations Meet to Address Security Concerns
June 3, 2015
Washington, D.C. – Human Rights First today urged President Obama to work with his Group of Seven counterparts to confront antisemitism and extremism in a way that strengthens the Trans-Atlantic…
Letter
Letter to President Obama in Preparation for G-7 Summit
June 3, 2015
June 3, 2015 The Honorable Barack Obama The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Ave, N.W. Washington, DC 20500 Dear President Obama: The Group of Seven Summit…
Blog
Washington Week on Human Rights: June 1, 2015
June 2, 2015
Top News Defense Authorization The Senate is poised to consider its FY16 National Defense Authorization Act, a bill that could have significant ramifications for U.S. national…
Press
President Obama Urged to Underscore U.S. Leadership to Combat Growing Antisemitism in Europe During Solidarity Shabbat Address
May 21, 2015
Washington, D.C. – Human Rights First today urged President Obama to address the disturbing growth of antsemitism in Europe during his remarks for Solidarity Shabbat…
Blog
Tad Stahnke Testifies to Congress on the Rise of Extremism and Antisemitism in Hungary
May 21, 2015
On Tuesday, the Europe, Eurasia, and Emerging Threats subcommittee of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs held a hearing on “The Future of U.S.-Hungary Relations.”…
Fact Sheet
Stemming the Tide of Extremism: Recommendations for the European Commission and Hungarian Government
May 20, 2015
The government of Hungary can advance human rights and democracy, and improve relations with the U.S. and Europe, by bringing its 2011 Constitution and Fundamental…
Press
Stahnke Testimony Outlines U.S. Response to Hungary’s Authoritarianism
May 19, 2015
Washington, D.C.—Amidst a rise of authoritarianism in Hungary, Human Rights First’s Tad Stahnke will testify before Congress today to detail practical steps the U.S. government…
Blog
Washington Week on Human Rights: May 18, 2015
May 18, 2015
Top News Equality Yesterday was International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHO), a time to celebrate advocates around the world who work, often at great risk to themselves,…
Blog
Washington Week on Human Rights: April 27, 2015
April 27, 2015
Top News State Department Country Reports Early this week, the U.S. State Department is expected to release its 2014 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices.…
Press
U.S. Should Lead in Worldwide Fight Against Antisemitism, Extremism
April 16, 2015
Washington, D.C.—To commemorate Holocaust Remembrance Day, which begins tonight at sundown, Human Rights First’s Tad Stahnke has released the following statement: “As the world pauses…
Blog
Washington Week on Human Rights: April 13, 2015
April 13, 2015
Top News Equality in Jamaica During his trip to Jamaica last week, President Obama voiced support for the island’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT)…
Blog
Washington Week on Human Rights: March 16, 2015
March 16, 2015
Top News WAR AUTHORIZATION On Wednesday, Defense Secretary Ashton Carter and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Martin Dempsey will appear before the…
Blog
Senate Tackles Antisemitism in Europe
February 27, 2015
Today the Senate introduced a bipartisan resolution calling on the U.S. government to confront the rise of antisemitism in Europe. The resolution, with 54 co-sponsors from both…
Press
President Obama Makes Case for Putting Human Rights at the Heart of Countering Extremism
February 19, 2015
Washington, D.C. – Human Rights First welcomed President Obama’s speech today at the White House Summit to Counter Violent Extremism (CVE), in which he affirmed that the fight against violent extremism requires…
Letter
U.S. Ambassador to Hungary Should Encourage Government to Protect Human Rights
February 18, 2015
February 15, 2015 The Honorable Colleen Bell, U.S. Ambassador to Hungary Embassy of the United States of America Szabadság tér 12 H-1054 Budapest Hungary Dear…
Press
U.S. Ambassador to Hungary Should Encourage Government to Protect Human Rights, Rule of Law
February 17, 2015
Washington, D.C.—Human Rights First today urged U.S. Ambassador Colleen Bell to press Hungary to adopt policies that would improve the rule of law while strengthening…
Press
Obama, Merkel Urged to Discuss Hungary’s Authoritarianism after White House Meeting
February 9, 2015
Washington, D.C.—As President Barack Obama and German Chancellor Andrea Merkel continue conversations that started during their meeting today, Human Rights First urges them to focus…
Blog
Washington Week on Human Rights: January 26, 2015
January 26, 2015
Top News GUANTANAMO The military commission trial of Abd al-Hadi al-Iraqi continues this week at the U.S. detention facility at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Human Rights First…
Fact Sheets, Testimony
Remarks by Elisa Massimino at the UN General Assembly, Informal Session on Antisemitic Violence
January 23, 2015
January 22, 2015 Thank you for the opportunity to be here today to talk about this important issue. I want to thank His Excellency Mr.…
Blog
Elisa Massimino to Speak at UNGA Panel on Antisemitism Today
January 22, 2015
The United Nations General Assembly is convening a special meeting today to address concerns about the rise of antisemitism around the world. The meeting comes…
Press
Massimino Urges Countries to Combat Antisemitism in United Nations Address
January 22, 2015
New York City — In remarks today delivered to the United Nations, Human Rights First President and CEO Elisa Massimino urged countries to combat the rise of antisemitism…
Blog
Washington Week on Human Rights: January 20, 2015
January 20, 2015
Top News STATE OF THE UNION Tonight at 9 p.m., President Obama will deliver his State of the Union address. He is expected to detail his…
Press
President Renews Guantanamo Pledge in State of the Union Address
January 20, 2015
Washington, D.C. – Human Rights First today welcomed remarks made by President Obama during his State of the Union address that emphasized his continued commitment to…
Press
National Security, Trafficking, Equality Among Topics at 3rd Annual Human Rights Summit
December 9, 2014
Washington, DC – Today and tomorrow, Human Rights First convenes its third annual Human Rights Summit, bringing together human rights defenders, U.S. policymakers, military leaders, and…
Press
OSCE Ministerial Council Adopts Decision on Combating Antisemitism and Hate Crime
December 5, 2014
Washington, D.C. – Human Rights First today praised the Ministerial Council of the Organization for Society and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) for issuing a decision that…
Press
Human Rights First Releases Analysis of Hate Crime in OSCE Region
December 3, 2014
Washington, D.C. – Human Rights First today issued an analysis of hate crime data from 57 countries which includes recommendations for governments of the Organization for Society and…
Press
Secretary Kerry Should Press European Counterparts to Take Action Against Antisemitism
December 1, 2014
Washington, D.C. – Human Rights First urges Secretary of State John Kerry to press European countries to adopt a Ministerial Council decision that sets out out an action…
Blog
Washington Week on Human Rights: November 17, 2014
November 17, 2014
Top News Immigration During a Saturday panel at the Reagan Presidential Library, Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson confirmed that President Obama is expected to issue…
Press
Ambassador Power Cautions that Antisemitism is Threat to Europe’s Future
November 13, 2014
Berlin – Human Rights First welcomes the strong statement in Berlin today by U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Samantha Power. Power called antisemitism a rising global problem…
Blog
Washington Week on Human Rights: November 10, 2014
November 12, 2014
Top News TORTURE This week, the United States will appear before the United Nations Committee Against Torture in Geneva to describe its efforts to fulfill America’s…
Press
U.S. Should Push Democracy, Rights in Meeting with Hungarian Foreign Minister
October 20, 2014
Washington, D.C. – Human Rights First today urged the U.S. government to emphasize the need for democratic reforms in Hungary during a critical meeting scheduled for…
Press
U.S. Sanctions Target Corrupt Hungarian Officials
October 17, 2014
Washington, D.C. – Human Rights First today welcomed reports that the United States has imposed visa bans on ten members of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s…
Blueprint
How to Promote Ukraine’s Democracy
October 16, 2014
INTRODUCTION This blueprint is based on research conducted in Ukraine by Human Rights First staff, and on discussions with Ukrainian government and civil society representatives,…
Press
More Rights Protections Needed as Anti-Roma, Antisemitic Party Scores Gains in Hungary
October 14, 2014
Washington, D.C. – Human Rights First today said more scrutiny from the European Union and United States is needed to protect human rights in Hungary…
Press
Extremist Party Poised to Gain Seats in Hungarian Local Elections
October 10, 2014
Washington, D.C. – Human Rights First today expressed concern over reports that Hungary’s antisemitic, anti-Roma Jobbik Party may win control over a number of municipalities in…
Blog
Washington Week on Human Rights: September 29, 2014
September 29, 2014
Top News ISIS This week, the United States will continue its work to expand the coalition of nations joining in the effort to defeat the Islamic…
Press
Community of Democracies Should Reexamine Hungary’s Membership
September 26, 2014
Washington, D.C. – Human Rights First today called on the Community of Democracies to review whether Hungary should be voted off the organization’s Governing Council in…
Press
OSCE Convenes Civil Society Leaders for Upcoming Antisemitism Conference
September 2, 2014
Washington D.C. – Human Rights First today praised the Organization for Security and Co-Operation in Europe (OSCE) for including members of civil society and nongovernmental organizations…
Press
Greek Mayor’s Protest of Antisemitic City Councilors Demonstrates Need to Combat Extremist Parties
September 2, 2014
Washington, D.C. – Human Rights First today applauded actions by Yiannis Boutaris, the mayor of the Greek city of Thessaloniki, for wearing a Star of David…
Blog
Washington Week on Human Rights: September 2, 2014
September 2, 2014
Top News Ukraine Tops NATO Agenda President Obama leaves today for a four-day trip that will include a high-profile meeting in Tallinn with the presidents of…
Press
Upcoming NATO Summit Agenda Should Include Rising Neo-Facism, Antisemitism in Greece and Hungary
August 28, 2014
Washington, D.C. – Human Rights First today urged President Obama, Secretary of State John Kerry and Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel at the upcoming NATO Summit…
Transcript
Transcript: Media Telebriefing on “We’re not Nazis, but… The Rise of Hate Parties in Hungary and Greece and Why America Should Care”
August 15, 2014
Below is a shortened transcript of the August 14 media telebriefing featuring Human Rights First’s Tad Stahnke and Sonni Efron, co-authors of the new report…
Blog
Washington Week on Human Rights: August 11, 2014
August 11, 2014
Top News Antisemitism in Europe European nations continue to struggle with the rise of antisemitic violence. In recent months, businesses and places of worship have been…
Press
European Leaders Should Speak Out Against Reactionary Antisemitic Violence
July 25, 2014
Washington, D.C. – Human Rights First condemns violence that broke out in France this week, in which the Jewish community was terrorized by attacks from…
Blog
European Leaders Condemn Violent Targeting of Jews during Israel-Gaza Crisis
July 24, 2014
By Maddy Tennis The ongoing war between Israel and Hamas has sparked a wave of protests in Europe. While most peacefully demand an end to…
Letter
Congress Should Examine Ways United States and OSCE Can Combat European Antisemitism
July 22, 2014
Washington, D.C. – Today, as the Helsinki Commission holds a hearing on “Anti-Semitism, Racism and Discrimination in the OSCE Region,” Human Rights First urges lawmakers…
Press
Human Rights First Receives MacArthur Foundation Grant
June 26, 2014
New York City – Human Rights First is pleased to announce it has been selected as the recipient of a new grant from The John D.…
Blog
Washington Week on Human Rights: June 23, 2014
June 23, 2014
Top News CRISIS IN IRAQ Secretary of State… Read More
Blog
Jean-Marie Le Pen’s Antisemitic Comments Part of a Dangerous Trend
June 10, 2014
By Maddy Tennis On Sunday Jean-Marie Le Pen, founder of France’s far right National Front, made antisemitic remarks in a video posted on the party’s…
Blog
LGBT Activist Refused Membership of New Ukrainian Party
June 5, 2014
As Vice President Joe Biden heads to Ukraine this weekend for the inauguration of new Ukrainian president Poroshenko, he might want to pay closer attention to the new era of…
Press
Obama Should Address Far-Right Gains During Europe Trip
June 2, 2014
Washington, D.C. – Human Rights First today urged President Obama to speak out against hatred and discrimination during his visit to Europe this week. The president’s…
Blog
Washington Week on Human Rights: May 27, 2014
May 27, 2014
Top News PRESIDENT OBAMA TALKS FOREIGN POLICY President Obama will discuss the administration’s foreign policy and national security priorities during his West Point commencement address on…
Press
Neo-Nazi Showing in Greek Local Elections Underscores Need for Human Rights Reform
May 19, 2014
Athens, Greece – Human Rights First today called for the United States to renew efforts to combat antisemitism and defend the human rights of migrants and…
Blog
Washington Week on Human Rights: May 12, 2014
May 12, 2014
Top News #BRINGBACKOURGIRLS The search for more than 200 missing girls taken from their school on April 14 continues today as their captors, members of terrorist…
Fact Sheet
The Greek Elections and Human Rights
May 9, 2014
Golden Dawn, a Greek neo-Nazi party that is under criminal investigation, has vowed to run candidates in local and European Parliament elections later this month.…
Press
Human Rights First Condemns Antisemitic Actions in Ukrainian City
April 17, 2014
Washington, D.C. – Human Rights First condemns reports that Jews in Eastern Ukraine are being asked to register with regional authorities or risk deportation. The organization…
Press
U.S. Should Prioritize Hungarian Relationship as Critical NATO Ally Courts Russia, Erodes Democratic Norms
April 7, 2014
Budapest, Hungary – Human Rights First today urged the Obama Administration to place a greater priority on the U.S.-Hungarian relationship after Sunday’s election that solidified the…
Fact Sheet
The 2014 Hungarian Elections and Human Rights
March 27, 2014
On April 6, Hungary will hold its parliamentary elections under a revamped electoral system, and starting May 18, it will also hold elections for the…
Press
Obama Urged to Raise Antisemitism and Hate Crime with Greek Prime Minister
August 7, 2013
Washington, D.C. – In a letter today Human Rights First’s President and CEO Elisa Massimino urged President Obama to raise Greece’s struggles to combat antisemitism and hate crime…
Letter
Letter Urges Obama to Raise Antisemitism and Hate Crime with Greek Prime Minister
August 6, 2013
In a letter, Human Rights First’s President and CEO Elisa Massimino urged President Obama to raise Greece’s struggles to combat antisemitism and hate crime during his…
Press
Baer Nomination as Ambassador to OSCE Praised
June 11, 2013
Washington, D.C. – Following President Obama’s announcement that he has nominated Daniel Baer to serve as the U.S. Ambassador to the Organization for Security and Cooperation…
Press
Massimino Testimony Outlines Practical Approaches to Combating Antisemitic Violence
February 27, 2013
Washington, DC – Amidst a recent rise of antisemitic violence in Europe, North America, and the former Soviet Union, Human Rights First’s President and CEO Elisa…
Testimony
Human Rights First Testimony on Antisemitism
February 26, 2013
Testimony by Human Rights First President and CEO Elisa Massimino before Congress details practical steps the U.S. government can take to effectively combat the problem…
Blog
Elisa Massimino Testifies before Congress on Antisemitism
February 26, 2013
Human Rights First President and CEO Elisa Massimino will testify on Wednesday, February 27 at 9am EST before the House Committee on Foreign Affairs on…
Press
Toulouse Attacks Highlight Need to Combat Bias-Motivated Crimes
March 19, 2012
Washington, DC – Human Rights First today praised French officials for their response to a horrific shooting at a Jewish school in Toulouse that resulted…
Blog
Watch: Recent Trends in Antisemitism Around the World
November 9, 2011
Today, Human Rights First President and CEO Elisa Massimino marked International Day Against Fascism and Antisemitism and the 73rd anniversary of Kristallnacht during a State…
Press
State Department Conversation with Massimino Marks International Day Against Fascism and Antisemitism
November 9, 2011
Washington, DC – Today, Human Rights First President and CEO Elisa Massimino marked International Day Against Fascism and Antisemitism and the 73rd anniversary of Kristallnacht…
Blog
Combating Religious Intolerance: What Works
July 20, 2011
Last week, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton traveled to Turkey to meet with the head of the Organization of the Islamic Cooperation (OIC). Secretary Clinton…
Blog
Supporters of Imprisoned Russian Skinheads Retaliate by Firebombing a Moscow Synagogue
July 12, 2011
At 4 a.m. on Tuesday, July 12, young masked men threw Molotov cocktails at the Darchei Shalom synagogue in Moscow. None of the bombs exploded, and no one…
Blog
Join a Conversation on Antisemitism: Human Rights First at State Department
January 25, 2011
UPDATE: THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELED, TO BE RESCHEDULED AT A LATER TIME. This Friday Human Rights First will participate in a conversation with the…
Blog
Fight Hate Crimes–Donate by 12/31!
December 30, 2010
Persecuted communities should not have to stand alone in their struggles for justice, equality, and protection from violence. This year, we’ve worked to combat antisemitism,…
Press
Massimino Urges Congress to Champion Smart Solutions to Combat Antisemitism
April 14, 2010
Washington, DC Human Rights First President and CEO Elisa Massimino today told members of Congress that the United States must champion smart solutions to combat violence…
Blog
Elisa Massimino Testifies in Congress on Antisemitism
April 14, 2010
Human Rights First President and CEO Elisa Massimino testified today at 2 p.m. before the House Committee on Foreign Affairs on the alarming rise of antisemitism worldwide.…
Blog
Elisa Massimino Testifies in Congress on Antisemitism
April 14, 2010
Human Rights First President and CEO told members of Congress that the United States must combat violence motivated by antisemitism. Read her testimony, and our press release.…
Press
Group Urges Newly Elected Hungarian Leaders to Prioritize Fight Against Anti-Roma Violence and Discrimination
April 12, 2010
New York City, 4/12/10 Human Rights First today called on Hungary’s newly elected authorities to prioritize combating hate crime and racist violence, specifically growing xenophobia, antisemitism…
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Tad Stahnke: a Voice on Antisemitism at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
August 19, 2009
HRF’s Policy and Program Director Tad Stahnke participated in the Voices on Antisemitism series at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. Listen to his statement,…
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As Kristallnacht is remembered, antisemitic violence still rising in Europe
November 10, 2008
NEW YORK – Tad Stahnke, Director of Human Rights First’s Fighting Discrimination Program and co-author of the group’s recent 2008 Hate Crimes Survey, released the…
Press
New Report Finds Violent Hate Crime on the Rise
September 24, 2008
NEW YORK–Incidents of violent hate crime targeting a number of minority groups are increasing or occurring at historically high levels in many of the Organization…
Blog
Civil Society Groups Seek Durban Review that Rejects Hatred
April 28, 2008
GENEVA— Human Rights First joined 94 leading civil society organizations this morning to declare that the United Nations and its organizations and conferences on human…
Press
Distinguished Panelists Mark Launch Of Hate Crimes Report: Call To Work Together Against Racism, Antisemitism And All Forms of Discrimination
September 14, 2005
NEW YORK, September 14, 2005 — The Simon Wiesenthal Center’s New York Tolerance Center hosted a panel discussion last night about Human Rights First’s new…