EU outlines comprehensive strategy for combatting antisemitism in Europe

• Published date: 05 October 2021
• Author: JEREMY SHARON
• Publication title: Jerusalem Post, The: Web Edition Articles (Israel)

The report noted the ongoing rise of anti-Jewish hatred in Europe in recent years, which it ascribed to far-right and far-left radicals, along with Islamist extremists, and proposed a three-tiered strategy along with specific proposals to address the problem.

"Today we commit to fostering Jewish life in Europe in all its diversity," said European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

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"We want to see Jewish life thriving again in the heart of our communities… The strategy we are presenting today is a step-change in how we respond to antisemitism. Europe can only prosper when its Jewish communities feel safe and prosper," said Von Der Leyen.

The Commission's strategy document laid out "three pillars" in its goal to combat antisemitism and ensure that Jewish life in Europe continues to flourish.

The strategy seeks to prevent and combat antisemitism, protect and foster Jewish life in the EU and bolster education and research on these issues as well as Holocaust remembrance.

The Commission said that it will organize an annual civil society forum on combating antisemitism, and "support member states' efforts in designating and implementing national strategies on combating antisemitism or discrimination."

It also called on member states to develop those national strategies, if they had not already done so, appoint special envoys for combating antisemitism and fostering Jewish life and adopt and utilize the antisemitism definition of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance.

In terms of the goal of protecting and fostering Jewish life in the EU, the strategy document said that greater cooperation was needed "between public authorities and faith-based leaders and congregations, including Jewish ones," to improve the level of security awareness.

The document said that the Commission will provide EU funding for the protection of public spaces and places of worship, and will continue to finance research to understand radicalization trends and means to prevent them.

The Commission said it would also step up operational support for member states and Jewish communities by providing security training and setting up a network of trainers for the protection of places of worship.

And regarding fostering Jewish life, the Commission said it would increase knowledge and understanding of Jewish life among the general public...