Boris Johnson. Photo: Wikipedia.

London Mayor Boris Johnson on Monday joined hundreds of US mayors and dozens of European ones in signing onto the Mayors United Against Antisemitism initiative, which was launched by the American Jewish Committee last July.

“However it manifests itself, antisemitism is totally unacceptable and can never be justified,” said Johnson, according to a statement released by AJC. “In London we have a large and visible Jewish population, which makes a massive contribution to our city’s success, and as mayor I take this issue very seriously.”

Johnson was the first UK mayor to sign on to the initiative, which calls on the municipal authorities to publicly address and take concrete actions against rising antisemitism, which has been documented particularly in Europe by several Jewish and governmental organizations.

“We are working closely with the Jewish community and the police to tackle the problem and it is important for mayors to stand shoulder to shoulder to condemn and challenge antisemitism, which, like all forms of religious or racial discrimination, has no place in our cities,” he said.

“To date, more than 30 European mayors and 309 mayors and municipal leaders from 47 states across the US have signed the statement,” the AJC noted, including “mayors in Austria, France, Germany, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, and Romania have signed on to the Mayors United Against Antisemitism statement.” 

The statement itself calls for a recognition that antisemitism threatens democracy, and that the antisemitism in Europe could quickly spread elsewhere.

“The Mayors United Against Antisemitism statement affirms a core set of principles, including the condemnation of anti-Jewish hatred in all forms; rejection of the notion that antisemitic acts may ever be justified by one’s view on the actions or existence of the State of Israel; a declaration that antisemitism and any prejudices due to religious differences are inconsistent with core democratic values; and the belief that the promotion of mutual understanding and respect among all citizens is essential to good governance and democratic life.”