EJA IN THE MEDIA

Almhaissen’s silence is a moral betrayal

When Rula Almhaissen, Palestine’s ambassador to Sweden, was recently interviewed on SVT’s 30 Minutes, her appearance showcased a selective silence that contributes to worsening the conflict between Israel and Palestine. Additionally, it risks contributing to rising antisemitism in Swedish society. She refused to condemn Hamas’ terrorist acts, ignored the growing antisemitism, and did not mention the oppression of LGBTQ+ individuals under Hamas rule. Moreover, she turned a blind eye to Hamas’ use of civilians as human shields.

Almhaissen’s selective view on human rights and her unwillingness to distance herself from all forms of extremism and hate undermine the credibility of her message about peace and justice. If she truly wants to contribute to a solution, she must speak plainly and acknowledge that hate and violence can never be justified. Her silence is not just cowardly; it is dangerous.

Most people have seen the horrific images from October 7 when Hamas carried out a brutal terrorist attack against innocent Israeli civilians, resulting in over a thousand deaths and the taking of hundreds of hostages. But despite the attacks being internationally condemned and Hamas being classified as a terrorist organization by both the EU and the US, Almhaissen avoided calling it what it is—terrorism. By not recognizing these actions as terrorism, she sends a dangerous message: that violence against civilians can be justified in the fight against Israel. How can one claim to advocate for peace while refusing to condemn such acts?

Almhaissen’s passivity becomes even more problematic when looking at the increasing antisemitism in Sweden and Europe. Jewish communities are living under growing threats, and violent hate crimes are on the rise. Despite this, she did not say a word about this problem. Ignoring antisemitism is not only irresponsible, but it also contributes to normalizing hatred against Jews. The situation in Gaza is terrible, but if she truly cares about human rights, why does she remain silent when Jews are threatened in Sweden?

Another issue completely overlooked by the ambassador was Hamas’ tactic of using civilians as human shields. Placing weapons and firing rockets from schools, hospitals, and residential areas in Gaza is not only unethical; it is a war crime. Yet, Almhaissen chose to place all the blame on Israel. How can a diplomat who claims to care about civilians not condemn such a tactic?

The ambassador is likely also grateful that the host did not bring up the dreadful treatment of LGBTQ+ people in Gaza. For many years, they have been subjected to persecution and violence. How can she speak of justice and freedom without highlighting the harsh reality for these people under Hamas’ rule? By not condemning these abuses, she shows that her talk of human rights only applies to certain groups.

Almhaissen’s appearance was a clear example of how avoiding uncomfortable truths can worsen an already complex conflict. By refusing to condemn Hamas’ terror, ignoring antisemitism, downplaying the oppression of LGBTQ+ people, and turning a blind eye to the use of human shields, she showed that her talk of human rights is selective. If she truly wants to promote peace and justice, she must start speaking plainly and distancing herself from all forms of extremism and hate. Regardless of whom she believes is responsible for the situation in Gaza, she should at least be able to say that it is unacceptable for Jews in Sweden to be threatened because of it. That would have been at least decent.

David Lega
Senior Adviser for European Jewish Association

Read the full piece here: https://www.altinget.se/civilsamhalle/artikel/lega-palestinas-ambassador-tror-bara-paa-vissa-personers-manskliga-rattigheter

The European Jewish Association (EJA) intends to take legal action against the Flemish magazine Humo and the writer Herman Brusselmans over a column Brusselmans published on Tuesday. The Brussels-based association announced this on the X network.

In his column, the Flemish writer says that the image of a small Palestinian child screaming at his mother under the rubble – while keeping his own son or girlfriend in mind – makes him so angry that he wants to put a knife to the throat of every Jewish person he meets.

The reaction of the Jewish community to his column on the war in Gaza was swift. “You can’t call it ‘satire’ when it’s about disgusting calls for violence against a segment of the population”, wrote N-VA MP Michael Freihlich on the X network.

The EJA described the passage as “psychopathic”. The EJA is taking legal action against the magazine Humo and its author Herman Brusselmans for incitement to murder”, the association said on X. “Such dangerous rhetoric invites real violence”, it warned. “Such dangerous rhetoric invites real violence”, the organisation warned.

Herman Brusselmans described the accusations as “completely off the mark”, in a reaction quoted by VRT NWS.

He insisted that his remarks were not an incitement to murder, and pointed out that in the sentences following this passage, he was not referring to all Israelis. “If that were the case, it would be racism, and I am absolutely not a racist”, said Mr Brusselmans.

Read the full article here:

https://www.rtl.be/actu/belgique/faits-divers/une-organisation-juive-poursuit-en-justice-le-magazine-humo-et-lauteur-herman/2024-08-07/article/698118

Our esteemed colleague, Ruth Wasserman Lande, a Research Fellow and Expert on Middle Eastern Affairs, former Deputy Ambassador, and Knesset Member, delivered a crucial briefing in our office today. The topic? “Israel and the Arab Nations post October 7th”. This is a matter of urgent importance, with significant implications for regional stability and international relations.

Your Excellency President von der Leyen,

On behalf of the European Jewish Association and all our member organisations and
communities from across Europe, we have the pleasure of offering our heartfelt
congratulations on your re-election as President of the European Commission!
We thank you for your strong leadership in the fight against antisemitism and fostering
Jewish life in Europe. As you very eloquently said in your speech today, Europe’s destiny
hinges on what we do next. Your vision of a strong Europe that protects people and defends
democracy is one that we all share.

As Jewish communities in Europe face unprecedented spike of antisemitic acts, we trust that
this will continue to be a priority for the European Commission and very much look forward
to continuing a fruitful relationship with your office.

EJA represents hundreds of Jewish communities across Europe and we count many Heads of
States, Ministers, Commissioners, Ambassadors and Members of Parliament as valuable
partners in our work against antisemitism and fostering Jewish life in Europe.

Your Excellency, we would greatly appreciate a meeting with you and a delegation of
Jewish Leaders from across Europe to discuss pressing concerns of Jewish communities
today and remain available whenever it is possible for your schedule.

We thank you for your kind consideration and congratulate you again on your re-election as
President of the European Commission.

It was a great pleasure to meet with our friend HE. Bálint Ódor to discuss areas of mutual co-operation and fighting antisemitism under the auspices of the Hungarian Presidency of the European Union.

We were greatly reassured to hear the Permanent Representative say that combatting antisemitism and protecting freedom of religion are two priority areas for the Presidency. Together we discussed a number of policy areas to work on.

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The European Jewish Association is a prominent and influential organisation dedicated to representing, advocating for, and fostering the interests of the Jewish community across Europe. Founded on unity, tolerance, and inclusivity principles, the EJA bridges diverse Jewish communities and European societies.

#BringThemHomeNow #NeverAgainIsNow #NotOnMyWatch

Linkedin: @european-jewish-association
Instagram: @ejassociation
Facebook: @ejassociation
X: @EJAssociation

Our EIPA colleagues met with Moshe Davidovich, head of the Mate Asher Regional Council and chair of the Confrontation Line Forum of Northern Regional Council Heads, along with members of the Kibbutz

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The European Jewish Association is a prominent and influential organisation dedicated to representing, advocating for, and fostering the interests of the Jewish community across Europe. Founded on unity, tolerance, and inclusivity principles, the EJA bridges diverse Jewish communities and European societies.

#BringThemHomeNow #NeverAgainIsNow #NotOnMyWatch

Linkedin: @european-jewish-association
Instagram: @ejassociation
Facebook: @ejassociation
X: @EJAssociation

Our UK Media Advisor for EIPA, Tovi Borins, recently hosted a roundtable briefing in collaboration with UK Israel Future Projects, focusing on ‘The Iranian Regime’s Terror Network and IRGC Infiltration into the UK.’

The event featured distinguished speakers Mr. Kasra Aarabi, Director of IRGC Research at United Against Nuclear Iran (UANI), and Mr. Beni Sabti, Researcher in the Iran Program at the Institute for National Security Studies (INSS). Kasra unveiled recent findings regarding Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) infiltration into the UK, offering detailed insights from his newly published report.

Additionally, he addressed the Iranian regime’s reckless calculus against Western interests and delved into the critical importance of the next nine months in their pursuit of nuclearization. Beni, who traveled from Israel for the event, shed light on the Iranian regime’s strategy to expand its hegemony and revolution throughout the Middle East via proxies and propaganda apparatus.

The roundtable briefing was a resounding success, with attendance from top journalists, leading UK think tanks, analysts, and diplomatic representatives from various countries.

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The European Jewish Association is a prominent and influential organisation dedicated to representing, advocating for, and fostering the interests of the Jewish community across Europe. Founded on unity, tolerance, and inclusivity principles, the EJA bridges diverse Jewish communities and European societies.

#BringThemHomeNow #NeverAgainIsNow #NotOnMyWatch

Linkedin: @european-jewish-association
Instagram: @ejassociation
Facebook: @ejassociation
X: @EJAssociation

The Comunidad Judía de les Illes Balears (Jewish Community of the Balearic Islands) is a vibrant and active organisation dedicated to serving the Jewish population in this Spanish archipelago. Based primarily in Palma de Mallorca, the community encompasses a range of activities and services designed to meet the spiritual, cultural, and social needs of its members.

Historically, the Balearic Islands have had a complex and often tumultuous Jewish history, marked by periods of flourishing and persecution. The modern community, however, is a testament to the resilience and enduring presence of Jewish life in the region. Today, it offers a variety of religious services, including regular Shabbat and holiday services, lifecycle events such as weddings and bar/bat mitzvahs, and educational programmes for both children and adults.

In addition to religious activities, the Comunidad Judía de les Illes Balears is deeply engaged in cultural and social initiatives. These include lectures, cultural events, and social gatherings that aim to strengthen community bonds and foster a deeper understanding of Jewish heritage. The community also places a strong emphasis on outreach and maintaining connections with other Jewish communities both within Spain and internationally.

The community’s centre in Palma serves as the hub for these activities, providing a welcoming space for worship, learning, and social interaction. Through its efforts, the Comunidad Judía de les Illes Balears plays a crucial role in preserving and promoting Jewish life and culture in the Balearic Islands.

Communication of the Conseil de l’Ordre Re: Increase of Antisemitic Incidents

On Tuesday 4 June, the Conseil de l’Ordre received a delegation of lawyers who came to denounce the upsurge in anti-Semitic incidents in Brussels.of anti-Semitic incidents in Brussels and elsewhere in the country.Physical assaults on Jews, anti-Semitic rhetoric on the streets, on television and in the comments of citizens and politicians, and a growing number of anti-Semitic incidents.of citizens and elected representatives, and the organisation of conferences under heavy police protection. The Jewsof Europe are once again living in fear.The Conseil de l’Ordre hereby solemnly affirms its full support for the Jewish community, and in particular for all our colleagues and colleagues in the Jewish community.and in particular to all our colleagues whose identity has been affected.We call for the defence of the principles and values on which our profession is founded, which allow forrespect for the plurality of ideas and guarantee contradictory debate. We will firmly opposeour institutions being transformed into a place of pugilism, a receptacle for the emotions and violence thatour society.Let us remember that in the darkest hours of our history, under the impetus of the Bâtonniers LéonThéodor and Louis Braffort, the Brussels Bar was a resounding pillar of our democracy.democracy.Let us remain proud and worthy of this commitment.

The Council of the Bar,

Emmanuel Plasschaert, President of the Bar, Marie Dupont, Deputy President of the Bar, Xavier Dieux, Marianne Warnant, Xavier
Carrette, Sébastien Champagne, Stéphanie Davidson, Damien Holzapfel, Anne-Sophie Loppe, Caroline Pepin,
Fabrice Hambersin, François Collon Windelinckx, Pierre Huybrechts, Augustin Daoût, Pierre-Yves Thoumsin,
David Ramet and Jérôme Henri.

While criticism of a democratically elected government is normal, EU High Representative Josep Borrell has demonstrated – both before and after October 7th, a clear and repeated anti-Israel bias that has been a significant contributory factor to the ongoing antisemitism and the vilification of the state of Israel in the European public space

Given the record rises in antisemitism and the associated existential threat to Jewish lives in Europe, and given the lack of meaningful measures adopted by governments to date in dealing with the record rises and existential threat, Jewish leaders call upon European Governments and EU Institutions to:

– immediately establish online reporting mechanisms for the ongoing harassment of Jews and antisemitic threats, comprehensive police officer training in identifying antisemitism, dealing with antisemitism and arresting those that perpetrate antisemitic acts.
– enshrine in law the principles of the IRHA and establish the legal means to prosecute those in breach of those principles.

– urge national parliaments to include universities and colleges of higher education in the same body of law, with a view to prohibiting and prosecuting antisemitic incitement

More than 100 heads of European Jewish communities and directors of Israel advocacy organizations passed a resolution today (see attached full resolution) at the conclusion of an emergency conference organized by the European Jewish Association (EJA).

Aiming to formulate operational methods to combat the harassment of Jews across Europe and the rising tide of antisemitic hate since October 7, the resolution focused on three major issues: The lack of meaningful measures adopted by governments to date in dealing with the record rises and existential threat, the widespread but ineffective adoption of the IHRA definition of Antisemitism and while criticism of a democratically elected government is normal, the EJA notes with great concern EU High Representative Josep Borrell’s clear and repeated anti-Israel bias that has been a significant contributory factor to the ongoing antisemitism and the vilification of the state of Israel.

The agenda of the emergency conference, all under the theme of ‘fighting back’, was 100% solution-focused: for governments, law enforcement, security of institutions and the ‘Jew in the street’, in the media, and even in sports, thus taking in the totality of the Jewish lived experience at present. Attendees included the principal leaders of Dutch Jewry, the President of the CJO – the umbrella group of Jewish Communities in the Netherlands, the Chief Rabbi of the Netherlands, and Community Presidents from Amsterdam, Rotterdam and other Dutch cities. Joining them were leaders from across Europe, France, Spain, Germany, Poland, to name but four. Those who spoke at the conference or sent messages of support included Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, Israel’s Foreign Minister Israel Katz, the European and Dutch Special envoys for Combatting antisemitism Ms. Katharina von Schnurbein and Eddo Verdoner, former NBA and professional football players, leading figures from Christians for Israel International and the Secretary General of the Catholic Church in the EU.

EJA, Chairman, Rabbi Menachem Margolin, noted at the opening of the conference: “We are in a battle for the continuation of Jewish life in Europe. Jews in traditional dress or those with mezuzahs on their doors are experiencing relentless harassment. Jewish students face threats to their lives and are excluded from university courses, while hate slogans are freely scrawled on Jewish homes, synagogues, and cemeteries. We must formulate plans to fight antisemitism on all fronts: politically, legally, publicly, and by increasing community and personal security. But all this might not be enough. Therefore, the State of Israel must urgently develop a practical contingency plan for the absorption of European Jewry in Israel. Unfortunately, this is no longer a hypothetical situation but a real existential threat that European governments are failing or unwilling to address.”

Joel Mergui, President of Consistoire of Paris (the largest Jewish community in Europe) and Chairman of EJA Jewish Leaders Council stated: “We thought that after the worst massacre committed after the holocaust, the Jewish people, both in Israel and in the diaspora, would have been strongly supported on the long run, but this was unfortunately not the case. Very quickly, Israel and the Jews worldwide were blamed for the consequences of the horrible and barbarian war launched by Hamas against them. This bleak and unfair reality is very frightening

Eddo Verdoner, National Coordinator on Combating Antisemitism (NCAB), Ministry of Justice, the Netherlands: “Our office’s main goal is clear: we need to find the right implementation to fight antisemitism. New policy changes are required to find solutions to modern problems. We need to ensure that younger generations learn not only from the lessons of the Holocaust, but also from current antisemitism.”

Stefan Hansel, Hamburg Antisemitism Commissioner shared with the Jewish leaders that: “95% of Germany Jews come from post-Soviet republics. Most of these Jews are unaffiliated and have no voice to represent them, although they experience the challenges that are
found within migrant communities – including exclusion especially challenges that are found within the interactions with Muslim communities. We need to rethink our institutional relationships with [Muslim] institutions. Even with the overlapping issues such as kosher slaughter and circumcision, we need to call out the issues within the Muslim institutions which are clearly Antisemitic.”

Pascal Markowitz, Attorney at the Paris Bar and EJA Legal Forum member has briefed the conference about current legislation situation in France: “French Law forbids boycotting people based on their nationality. It considered it as a discrimination. We managed to sue anti-Israel activists based on this legal definition, especially against anti-Israel activists who organized boycott happening in supermarkets. This law should be regarded as a model that could be replicated at the pan-European level.

Kalman Szalai, President of Action and Protection League addressed the conference and stressed that: “the world seems to have forgotten the basic sense of right and wrong. we must recognise the exact threat we are facing. We must prepare for the fact that the number of antisemitic hate crimes will continue to increase, and the number of victims will also increase with this! Currently, there is no European umbrella organization that deals with providing protection, legal assistance, and mental help to such victims. There are organisations that have already been forced to provide such support in some countries, but an EU-wide representation in this regard is required. I believe it is of the utmost importance that we act together, as a community. This is now our task.

In a panel dedicated to the fight against antisemitism in sports, Eric Rubin, Global Ambassador for Maccabi World Union emphasized that “Sports should be used as a tool to combat Antisemitism. Although we will not make headway to racist fringe groups from the far-left neo-Nazis, our work at Project Max (Max Nordau) uses sports advocates to lend their voices to bring awareness to the middle 60 or 70% of the people in the world who are not really aware about what Antisemitism is.

Former NBA player (Chicago Bulls and NY Knicks) Michael Sweetney shared his personal experience dealing with antisemitism: “When I saw what was happening after Oct 7th, it hurt, because I had a special relationship to many of the people who had passed through the sports camps that I had coached. Going to Israel was very educational for me. Despite the preoccupations of people like my wife who were afraid for me, I was amazed how peaceful everything was. At the Wailing Wall, I was surprised to see Jews and Arabs engaged in normal conversations.

For further information, please contact: Nir Natan, EJA Spokesman +972-9535123
tal.rabina@eipa.eu.com
European Jewish Association
Rue du Cornet 22
1040 Brussels

TEXT of RESOLUTION PASSED BY EUROPEAN JEWISH LEADERS, BELOW

EUROPEAN JEWISH LEADERS PASS RESOLUTION AT AMSTERDAM CONFERENCE – 4 JUNE 2024

We, Jewish leaders and communities present at the European Jewish Association Annual Conference in Amsterdam on this day – 4 June 2024, following a vote, passed the following resolution:

1. Given the record rises in antisemitism and the associated existential threat to Jewish lives in Europe,

and given the lack of meaningful measures adopted by governments to date in dealing with the record rises and existential threat,

– urges the immediate establishment by European governments of an online reporting mechanism for the ongoing harassment of Jews and antisemitic threats suffered and that this reporting mechanism be directly linked to law enforcement agencies for rapid response.

– urges comprehensive police officer training in identifying antisemitism, dealing with antisemtism and arresting those that perpetrate antisemtic acts. Additionally, urges police departments to adopt a zero tolerance attitude towards violent and/or intimidating protests to include terrorist organisation banners, flags or insignia.

– urges each European Public Prosecutor’s Office to appoint a dedicated professional to deal with antisemitic complaints with a view to adopting much tougher responses to antisemitic incidents, and establish a fast- track procedure towards prosecution.

2. Given the widespread adoption of the IHRA definition of Antisemitism,

– urges national parliaments to enshrine in law the principles of the IRHA, and establish the legal means to prosecute those in breach of those principles.

– urges national parliaments to include universities and colleges of higher education in the same body of law, with a view to prohibiting and prosecuting antisemitic incitement – as defined by the legal definition – in classes, lectures, and in activities on campus properties.

3. We accept that criticism of a democratically elected government is normal but we note with great concern that the European Union High Representative Josep Borrell has demonstrated – both before and after October 7th – and via his spokesman Peter Stano, a clear and repeated anti-Israel bias that has been a significant contributory factor to the ongoing antisemitism and the vilification of the state of Israel as a whole in the European public space,

– states that High Representative Borrell has actively fostered a negative climate within the European Union External Action Service towards the State of Israel during his tenure,

– reminds the European Council and European Commission that the High Representative’s role is ‘contributory’, and that High Representative Borrell has frequently embellished or added to adopted European Council positions on his own initiative, including open criticism of the European Commission President stated support for Israel following the Hamas pogrom of October 7th,

– urges the European Council, in light of the significant damage to European-Israeli relations, and in his contributing to antisemitism, to properly vet the next high representative and ensure that the position and reputation of the EEAS is not allowed to be exploited and manipulated for partisan purposes, as it was under High Representative Borrell.

Conference calls on the European Jewish Association to send this resolution to:

– All European National Parliaments and Governments.

– All European Special Envoys for Combatting Antisemitism

– The Presidents of the European Council and European Commission

The Resolution was passed by a majority by show of hands on the 4th June 20

SPANISH GOVERNMENT HAS LOST ITS WAY, LOST ITS BEARINGS, LOST THEIR SIGHT, AND ARE DEAF TO JEWS RIGHT TO DEFEND AGAINST TERROR, SAYS EUROPEAN JEWISH ASSOCIATION AFTER SPAIN JOINS ICJ ‘GENOCIDE’ CASE

Spain has said it will join the case filed by South Africa against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which accuses Israel of violating its obligations under the Genocide Convention in its war on the Gaza Strip.

The announcement was made by Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares on Thursday.
In a statement today, the European Jewish Association, representing hundreds of Jewish Communities across Europe, said:

“The Spanish Government has lost its way. They have lost their sight. They have lost their bearings, and they are deaf to what happened on October 7th.

“There is no genocide in Gaza. There is a war – a horrible war – but a war nonetheless.

“A war, we remind the Spanish government, that could be over tomorrow if Hamas released what remains of the hostages they dragged to Gaza after murdering, raping and beheading many innocent Israelis, including Babies, women and the elderly.

“A clear message has been sent to Jews everywhere in Spain and across Europe by the Spanish government “we do not recognize the right of Jews to defend yourselves against terror”. That it comes from a country that expelled Jews, burned them at the stake, and whose Vice-President herself called for Jewish Genocide ‘from the river to the sea’, only confirms the sad depths to which the Spanish government has now sunk.

The European Jewish Association Annual Conference in Amsterdam has officially concluded, which focused on Jewish leaders addressing the alarming rise of antisemitism in Europe.

The EJA outlined a clear plan of action, including creating an online reporting mechanism for antisemitic incidents linked to law enforcement, advocating for comprehensive police training, and promoting a zero-tolerance policy on violent protests.

They will demand that European governments accept the IHRA definition of antisemitism into law and enforce it in universities. Additionally, the EJA will address EU High Representative Josep Borrell’s perceived anti-Israel bias and push for rigorous vetting of future representatives.

This resolution will be sent to European governments and officials, and the EJA is committed to ensuring that these measures are adopted.

We are happy to begin the second day of our annual conference in Amsterdam. This pivotal gathering is dedicated to addressing the alarming and escalating rise of antisemitism within our community.

Featuring powerful keynote addresses and engaging panel discussions, we will delve into strategies and responses to this distressing issue. Afterwards, we’ve got a schedule tour to the portuguese synagogue and

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The European Jewish Association is a prominent and influential organisation dedicated to representing, advocating for, and fostering the interests of the Jewish community across Europe. Founded on unity, tolerance, and inclusivity principles, the EJA bridges diverse Jewish communities and European societies.

#BringThemHomeNow #NeverAgainIsNow #NotOnMyWatch

Linkedin: @european-jewish-association

Instagram: @ejassociation

Facebook: @ejassociation

X: @EJAssociation

website: https://ejassociation.eu/

We’re pleased to conclude the initial segment of our annual conference in Amsterdam.

Throughout these discussions, we were fortunate to hear insights from esteemed speakers such as Kalman Szalai, President of Action and Protection security League, Dr. Eddo Verdoner, National Coordinator on Combating Antisemitism from the Ministry of Justice in The Netherlands, and H.E. Yoav Gallant, Minister of Defence of the State of Israel.

Additionally, we were privileged to receive special guest remarks from Max Lowenstein, Vice-President of NIK Nederlands-Israëlitisch Kerkgenootschap, Sydney Bialistock, President of the Amsterdam Jewish Community in the Netherlands, and Pascal Markowitz, an Attorney at the Paris Bar and member of the EJA Legal Forum. Other notable contributors included stefan hansel , Hamburg’s Antisemitism Commissioner from Germany, Thomas Urdy, Advisor to the French Minister for the Fight against discrimination and responsible for combating antisemitism, Ruth Daskalopoulou-Isaac, Head of EU Relations at the European Jewish Association, and Chanan Hertzberger, Chairman of the Central Jewish Committee (CJO) in the Netherlands.

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The European Jewish Association is a prominent and influential organisation dedicated to representing, advocating for, and fostering the interests of the Jewish community across Europe. Founded on unity, tolerance, and inclusivity principles, the EJA bridges diverse Jewish communities and European societies.

#BringThemHomeNow #NeverAgainIsNow #NotOnMyWatch

Linkedin: @european-jewish-association
Instagram: @ejassociation
Facebook: @ejassociation
X: @EJAssociation
website: https://ejassociation.eu/

We’re delighted to conclude the second portion of our annual conference in Amsterdam.

Throughout this phase, our discussions revolved around key themes, each featuring distinguished panels and notable speakers.
Firstly, our focus was on self-defence strategies, with insights shared by Prof. Gerald Steinberg, President and Founder of NGO Monitor; Alana Ebin, Director of Mosaic Teens at the Ministry of Diaspora Affairs, Israel; Oliver Rak from the C TEEN Jewish Youth Movement in Hungary; Jonathan Feldmar, Campus and Education Manager at Stand With Us; Samuel Lejoyeux, President of the France Union of Jewish Students; Achira Beck, President of the Dutch Union of Jewish Students; and Prof. Bart Wallet, Professor of Jewish Studies at the University of Amsterdam.

Following this, attention turned to combating antisemitism in educational settings, with contributions from Michael Sweetney, Former NBA player (NY Knicks) and Jewish Advocate; and Dean Furman, Professional football player and Jewish advocate.

Lastly, the discussion shifted to the role of media in confronting antisemitism, featuring perspectives from Chrystian Orzeszko, Editor of The Jewish Word in Poland; Jonatan Megyeri, Editor-in-Chief of Neokohn in Hungary; Elias Levy Bennaroch, Editor-in-Chief of Enfoque-Judio in Spain; Miriam Assor, Journalist at Portuguese Jewish News in Portugal; Laetitia Enriquez, Journalist at Actualité Juive in France; Adam Levick, Co-Editor of CAMERA UK; Luca Spizzichino, Journalist at Hatikva and President of UGEI in Italy; and Blaise Vanderlinden, Journalist at Radio Judaica in Belgium.

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The European Jewish Association is a prominent and influential organisation dedicated to representing, advocating for, and fostering the interests of the Jewish community across Europe. Founded on unity, tolerance, and inclusivity principles, the EJA bridges diverse Jewish communities and European societies.

#BringThemHomeNow #NeverAgainIsNow #NotOnMyWatch

Linkedin: @european-jewish-association
Instagram: @ejassociation
Facebook: @ejassociation
X: @EJAssociation
website: https://ejassociation.eu/

We are delighted to announce the commencement of our yearly conference in Amsterdam. This significant event focuses on tackling the concerning and increasing surge of antisemitism within our community.

Through impactful keynote speeches and dynamic panel discussions, we will explore solutions and responses to this troubling trend. The conference serves as a vital rallying call for all those committed to combating discrimination and halting its further advancement.

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The European Jewish Association is a prominent and influential organisation dedicated to representing, advocating for, and fostering the interests of the Jewish community across Europe. Founded on unity, tolerance, and inclusivity principles, the EJA bridges diverse Jewish communities and European societies.

#BringThemHomeNow #NeverAgainIsNow #NotOnMyWatch

Linkedin: @european-jewish-association

Instagram: @ejassociation

Facebook: @ejassociation

Is the war in a deadlock, what is the situation in Rafah, is a regional escalation on the way, and what about the hostages? These were some of the many subjects Ron Ben-Yishai touched on during a briefing yesterday on the current status of the war between Hamas and Israel at the French think tank Fondation Jean-Jaures, which organized the event in partnership with EIPA.

The renowned Israeli war correspondent, who is one of the leading experts on Israeli foreign and defense policy, came specifically to Paris to share his extensive and long-standing knowledge and detailed analyses on the subject with journalists from a wide range of top French media outlets, as well as several researchers.

Ron Ben-Yishai, who is currently a Commentator on National Security & International Affairs and Special Assignment Correspondent for the Israeli daily Yediot Aharonot, has covered all major wars in the Middle East and Africa over the last half-century, as well as many conflicts and revolutions in all corners of the world. He is also one of the few journalists who have embarked in Gaza with the special Israeli forces after the 7th of October—the last time being just a few days before the briefing.

He has an in-depth knowledge of military tactics and history, which was of great interest to the many journalists who attended the briefing in Paris and eagerly asked questions to the experienced reporter, gathering around him when the briefing concluded in the afternoon.