Israel's president 'alarmed' by Nazi resurgence in US

Israel's President Reuven Rivlin has responded to white supremacist violence in the US last weekend, condemning the use of Nazi flags at racist rallies.

Rivlin wrote an open letter to the American-Jewish community, in which he spoke of his alarm at a new wave of racist and neo-Nazi rallies in the US.

"At this difficult time I want to express my support and solidarity, and that of all the Israeli people, with you and your communities, and ask that you kindly convey this message on my behalf to the Jewish communities across the US," Rivlin said. 

"The very idea that in our time we would see a Nazi flag - perhaps the most vicious symbol of anti-Semitism - paraded in the streets of the world's greatest democracy, and Israel's most cherished and greatest ally is almost beyond belief."

His comments come after bloody attacks on anti-racism protesters in Charlottesville last weekend, which left one activist dead.

Read more: Police ignore Jewish 'cries for help' as neo-Nazis riot in Charlottesville

	Armed white supremacists carrying swastika flags shouted 'Sieg Heil' outside Charlottesville's synagogue [Getty]

White supremacist and neo-Nazi rallies have been held across the US, with many believing the far-right feels empowered by the election of President Donald Trump.

Trump's surprise election victory was in part down to the aid of the so-called "alt-right" white supremacist media and its supporters.

His campaign - and presidency - has also relied on key advisers such as Steve Bannon who has expressed far-right views and alleged anti-Semitic comments.

Trump has been criticised for his response to the far-right violence. He repeatedly refused to take sides and blamed anti-racism protesters for being partly responsible for the attacks. He also said there were some "very fine people" among the white supremacists.

Israel's Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and other world leaders have roundly condemned the far-right violence.

Israel has frequently voiced concern about the "rise" of anti-Semitism in Europe and elsewhere. The US marches have shown anti-Semitism and racism at its most strident and visual with neo-Nazis chanting "Jews will not replace us".