In Israel, hard-right Spanish MEP says antisemitism is a threat to the Western world

Antisemitism is a threat to societies throughout Europe and a danger for the entire Western world, Hermann Tertsch, member of the European Parliament for Spain’s hard-right Vox party, tells The Times of Israel.

Speaking at the Israeli government’s controversial international conference on combating antisemitism at Jerusalem’s International Convention Center, which is being boycotted by several prominent figures over the inclusion of far-right European politicians, Tertsch explains why he felt compelled to participate.

“I’m here because the fight against antisemitism is a very important question that affects us all,” Tertsch says. “Whole countries are infected by the alliance between the left and the Islamists. It’s not only here in Israel. We have places in Catalonia and other parts of Spain where they have taken control, and that’s an enormous existential danger.”

Last week, several high-profile figures withdrew from the event due to concerns that the participation of hard-right figures like Tertsch would help legitimize movements with histories of antisemitism, Holocaust denial and racism.

“These accusations are ridiculous,” Tertsch says. “I was a journalist for 40 years, and I was recognized by the Jewish Community of Madrid for my work. We are fighting a very serious fight, and what we are doing is annoying other parties that don’t see the danger. Conservative parties don’t do anything because they think it is nothing, and they condemn Israel for defending itself.

“We don’t stop working,” Tertsch continues. “Our organization is militant in the fight against antisemitism. Every day there is something to do to create awareness that we have to defend ourselves against this virus of the mind.”