An exhibit of Holocaust victims at Yad Vashem. Image by wikipedia

By Naomi Zeveloff February 23, 2017

The academic adviser of Israel’s Holocaust Museum, Yad Vashem, has criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for his delayed response to the uptick in anti-Semitism in America under President Trump.

Netanyahu “follows President Trump,” Yad Vashem anti-Semitism expert Yehuda Bauer told National Public Radio. “He did not react immediately.”

Some Israeli analysts say that Netanyahu’s decision to follow Trump’s lead when it comes to addressing anti-Semitism in America is a political play to avoid running afoul of his newfound ally in the White House, NPR reported.

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Trump made a statement against anti-Semitism for the first time this week after weeks of bomb threats against Jewish Community Centers. After that, Netanyahu praised Trump’s “strong stand against anti-Semitism” during a diplomatic trip to Australia.

Netanyahu has defended Trump against accusations that his candidacy and presidency have unleashed hatred against Jews in America, saying he wished to put the issue “to rest” after a reporter asked about anti-Semitism at a Washington press conference.

For his part, Bauer said that Trump “is not an anti-Semite.” However, “his attitude, his policies, encourage people who develop hatred toward other groups. So it’s an atmosphere that he represents.”

Contact Naomi Zeveloff at zeveloff@forward.com

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