EJA IN THE MEDIA

European Rabbis Gather for Annual Conference of Largest Rabbinical Organisation

Our chairman, Rabbi Menachem Margolin attended alongside hundreds of European Rabbis the annual conference of the Rabbinical Center of Europe – RCE, the largest Rabbinical organisation in Europe.

Major General Israel Ziv Briefing: Insights from Israel's Military Strategist and Defence Expert

Our colleague at EIPA hosted a briefing featuring Major General Israel Ziv, a prominent figure in Israel’s military strategy and defence analysis. With expertise in cross-border military operations, notably in Gaza and Lebanon, General Ziv has played pivotal roles in key events such as the Israeli disengagement in 2005. His contributions extend to formulating strategic agreements with the United States and advancing the IDF’s foreign relations. Beyond his military career, General Ziv actively engages in initiatives to address social issues like racial discrimination and contributes to sustainable development projects worldwide. He is widely recognised for his efforts in combating terrorism and providing invaluable insights into Israel’s defence landscape.

EJA briefing Centro Sefarad Israel in Madrid

Our colleague Juan Caldes played a key role in organising a briefing at Centro Sefarad Israel in Madrid, featuring the renowned Uzi Rabi. Uzi Rabi shared crucial insights on the ongoing situation in Gaza and the regional threat posed by Iran, addressing multiple journalists from various Spanish media outlets. Kudos to Juan for facilitating such an informative session!

EJA in Jewish Community of Melilla

Our colleague Juan Caldes had the incredible opportunity to explore the vibrant Jewish Community of Melilla, sharing insights on combating anti-Semitism.

He also had the privilege to join the President of the Jewish community in a fruitful meeting with Vice President Miguel Marin and the Government of Melilla. Grateful for the chance to discuss important issues together!

The Conclusion of the Council of Jewish Leaders

The European Jewish Association is pleased to announce the successful conclusion of the Council of Jewish Leaders in Rome. Our primary objective on Monday was to convene leaders from diverse Jewish communities to address the pressing challenge of increasing anti-Semitism.

Discussions revolved around the efforts of each community, bolstering security measures, and sharing valuable insights. This gathering held significant importance as we came together to confront this alarming trend. Distinguished speakers and influential stakeholders contributed their expertise to these pivotal discussions.

On Tuesday, we wrapped up the round table discussions and had the privilege of visiting the senate, where we met with the President of the Senate. The Council of Jewish Leaders concluded with a visit to the Jewish Ghetto, further cementing our commitment to unity and solidarity.

#NeverAgainIsNow #NotOnMyWatch

The Start of Council of Jewish Leaders in Rome

We are excited to kick off the Council of Jewish Leaders in Rome.
Our goal is to bring together leaders from diverse Jewish communities to tackle the urgent challenge of increasing anti-Semitism. Discussions will focus on each community’s efforts, enhanced security measures, and insightful insights.
This gathering holds great importance as we unite to confront this concerning trend. Noteworthy speakers and influential stakeholders will delve into these critical topics.

Motion calling to ban ‘from the river to the sea’ slogan adopted in Dutch parliament

Dutch MP Diederik Van Dijk filed the motion because since the outbreak of the war between Israel and Hamas, “there has been a chilling increase in anti-Semitic incidents in the Netherlands. ””The context of the slogan “from the river to the sea” comes directly from the Hamas charter,” according to the SGP member.

The controversial slogan “from the river to the sea”, which is often heard in pro-Palestinian rallies across Europe and elsewhere,  must be placed in an anti-Semitic context at demonstrations, making it possible to take action against it. A motion calling for a ban of the slogan was adopted in the Dutch House of Representatives. The motion was initiated  by the Dutch Christian Reformed Political party SGP.

“More tools for police to tackle anti-Semitic slogans at demonstrations,” rejoiced SGP MP Diederik Van Dijk after his motion was adopted by a parliamentary majority. “No Hamas ranting in our streets or stations.” His motion was suppoirted by several parties.

Van Dijk filed the motion because since the outbreak of the war between Israel and Hamas, “there has been a chilling increase in anti-Semitic incidents in the Netherlands. The context of the slogan “from the river to the sea” comes directly from the Hamas charter, according to the SGP member.

The slogan calls for exepelling the Jews from Israel, the annihilation of the state of Israel and for the extermination of all Jews worldwide.

The SGP MP sees little action being taken against the controversial phrase to date. He asked the outgoing cabinet (there is no government in Netherlands yet)  to follow the example of Germany and Austria to place the chanting of the slogan at demonstrations in anti-Semitic context and to include it in the so-called action perspective, so that police and prosecutors can actually take action.

By Yossi Lempkowicz

Motion calling to ban ‘from the river to the sea’ slogan adopted in Dutch parliament

Palestinian Authority police actively involved in terrorism, says head of media watchdog

In PEACE TALK,  journalists Jonathan Sacerdoti and Moataz Khalil interviewed Itamar Marcus, Director of Palestinian Media Watch, who was in London last week for a briefing for parliamentarians hosted by Lord Bow, Chairman of UK-Israel Future Projects, organized together with Europe Israel Press Association. 

Itamar Marcus:

Palestinian Media Watch was founded in 1996, A few years after the signing of the Oslo Accords. We wanted to know what was happening in the Palestinian world amongst themselves. We started reading their newspapers, we studied, immediately, their schoolbooks. We started following their television, especially children’s programmes. We wanted to know what the messages were, the internal messages, we knew they were telling the international community in English that they wanted that peace with Israel, we wanted to see the Arabic language message as well.

And what we found is that there were two different worlds. To their own people, Israel  had no right to exist. The Jews were the enemies of Allah, destined for destruction. This was consistent and children were being taught that the goal in life is to be a martyr. And this was right from the beginning. We saw this literally in kindergarten, like programming on Palestinian TV. This has been so successful that all of these years, I mean, we have followed as this evolved and followed up. I mean, the last year alone I can’t tell you how many young kids how many children under 17, who were on terrorist attacks, many of them writing farewell letters, where we understood by the letters that their goal was not even to kill, but their goal was to be killed. There was a video that Fatah put on their Facebook page two years ago, which I think summarised the tragedy of Fatah and PA education to children. It showed a poem recite by a young girl who described how a little boy’s mother gave a rifle to a young boy as a present. And then the boy says why are you giving me a rifle and the mother says because you’re not destined for happiness, you’re destined for martyrdom. Our weapon is Islam and you my son, and you my child are the ammunition. And this Fatah put on their Facebook page, and this girl is with all this passion, and then we saw this year the results. We have children writing letters. A 14 year old boy wrote a letter he said, parents when you get this letter don’t cry over me, be joyous over my blood, make sounds of joy, my mother, my father don’t cry, I asked for martyrdom and Allah granted it to me. What was incredible this 14 year old boy who wrote this letter, when his funeral was shown on TV, on official Palestinian Authority TV, as you saw him being carried to the streets in the open coffin, there was no coffin, you see his face there on the stretcher, the Palestinian Authority played a song, and the song had the words “oh Mother, give me roses. This is the most beautiful time”. A 14 year old’s death. So this was the education we at Palestinain Media Watch had been warning about for years. And the result is that this year, we had dozens and dozens and dozens of teenage kids going out to join terror attacks with the goal of being the next one to be the great, honored martyr because they’re so convinced that this is a wonderful thing to do.

Jonathan Sacerdoti

And this isn’t in Gaza? This is the West Bank?

Itamar Marcus

This is in the West Bank. I’m describing the West Bank. Everything I said to you is in the West Bank. As far as I see following Palestinian Authority education over the years, it was it was these messages by the Palestinian Authority that created Hamas. Children were brought up on these messages all these years. When they reach 16, 17, 18, Hamas is doing it: “The PA is talking about it. The PA is teaching it. This is what I’ve learned, of course I’m going to join Hamas and go out and do a terror attack.”

Itamar Marcus

What we see from the new report that we’ve just released is that it’s not just Hamad that has been involved in terror. It’s not only Fatah that’s been involved in torror. It’s the Palestinian Authority police that have been actively involved in terror. The lead item that we put in our report was just from two weeks ago, January 17, five terrorists who are on the way to a terror attack, were killed by Israel. The lead one Abu Jallal[?], I think was his name, the al-Aqsa martyrs’ brigade published a poster with the five pictures and they put next to his name, “Captain in the Palestinian Authority security services intelligence”. And then they also put “commander in the Al-Aqsa Martyrs’ Brigade” . And then Israel announced right after he was killed, that he was one of the leaders of organising terror in all of the West Bank. So you’ve got a captain in the Palestinian Authority police. Now, in addition to that example, in our report, we documented a poster that Fatah published where they called it the heroes, the heroes of the Palestinian… the the martyrs of the Palestinian Authority police. And we checked out the names of every single one, and 23 of them were terrorists,

Moataz Khalil

Some say that you criticise Fatah and attack Fatah always. Do you see this as a Fatah problem only? Because it’s not only Fatah, it is also in Hamas and also in Jihad.

Itamar Marcus

Absolutely, what you’re saying is that the problem is connected to their interpretation of Islam. And let me just explain how clear that is. Two weeks after October 7, when it became time for the Friday service, the Palestinian Authority Ministry of Religion, on Thursday, always publishes talking points. And two weeks after October 7, they told Palestinians that in all the mosques it should be taught the Hadith, the hour of resurrection won’t come until Muslims fight the Jews and kill them. But so significantly, Jews will hide behind rocks and trees and Muslims are going to kill the Jews hiding behind rocks  and trees. And that’s what happened two weeks before, they were either hiding behind rocks and trees and they were killed. And that’s what this hadith said.

Moataz Khalil

They taught me this in kindergarten when I was a child in Egypt.

Jonathan Sacerdoti

This brings me back something that I’ve said for ages, which is when people say things we need to believe them. And they so so for many years, if I’ve read people that – I’m not a Quranic scholar – but I’ve read people that very phrase because we’re all familiar with it, because it’s about killing us. And they will say ah, it’s rhetoric, it’s extreme, but as you said, they just did it.

Itamar Marcus

They did it, and what the PA was telling them is ‘what happened on October 7, don’t think it was just Palestinian nationalism. It was fulfillment of Islam’. That was why they published this two weeks later. They were telling them don’t think of that as nationalism, that is Islam.

Moataz Khalil

By the way Jabil Rajoub says that in his interview with Palestinian TV. He says that it’s a victory for us, not just for Hamas.

Itamar Marcus

Jabril Rajoub said many things about this, Jabil Rajoub the top Palestinian leader, said it was an epic event. It was heroic. This is Jabil Rajoub, who is a top Palestinian leader.

Jonathan Sacerdoti

I think that what’s happened during this war in the wider world, especially in the media and in in Western politics is a sudden realisation that maybe they’ve been wrong. And maybe the things they thought were extreme on the Israeli side are not extreme. And it’s a very slow realisation, probably too slow. So we’re discussing now a lot whether UNRWA is part of the problem. Of course people like you have known it’s part of the problem for a long time. Are we yet at the stage where they’re going to listen to your message that the Palestinian Authority and that Fattah a part of the problem?

Itamar Marcus

Well, the first thing I’m so pleased about is that the Israeli government seems to have accepted that message. For the first time they’ve said loud and clear that they’re not going to allow the Gaza Strip to be run by the by the Palestinian Authority. Like I said, the Palestinian authority inadvertently created the power of Hamas. If you put them back in we’ll have another Hamas in 10 years because of the education, the messages, it’s the worldview. It’s the worldview of seeing Jews as people who can be killed. Let me just give you an example that’s significant for Britain. Last year in April, three British citizens were killed in Israel in a drive by shooting. Lucy Dee and her two children, Mia and Rena. A month later the Israeli army tracked down the terrorists who did it, the two terrorists and an accomplice, and three of them were killed. That they that they were killed, Mohammad Shtayyeh put on his Facebook page the pictures of three of the terrorists and what did he but on top of it? “Honour and glory to our heroic, our eternal martyrs”. Honor. This is what the Prime Minister says about a murder, the Palestinian Authority Prime Ministers, says about the murder of three British citizens.

Jonathan Sacerdoti

Never mind Jews, at least the Brits can care that they will Brits.

Itamar Marcus

And women! Abbas is no better. Abbas is no better. Earlier last year, two terrorists, Kareem Yunus and his cousin, they had together murdered an Israeli 40 years ago. And they were released from prison early because of a deal. They were supposed to have life sentences. Shimon Peres made it 40 years. They got released from prison. The day they were released from prison, who calls them up? Mahmud Abbas called them up, makes sure that it’s filmed. And then they put it on the Facebook page, where he says to them, “you are the heroes of the Palestinian people. You are the icons of the Palestinian people. You are the models for the palsies.” So you’ve got Mahmoud Abbas saying that two murders are icons and models for Palestinians. You’ve got Mohammad Shtayyeh saying that the murders of three British women are heroes and are martyrs. By the way way, when you say that they’re Shaheeds, this is critical when you talk about Islam, you’re saying that Allah is putting his stamp of approval on that murder. That’s what it says. Because you cannot be a Shaheed, it’s not a secular concept of martyrdom. It’s a religious concept. It means you died for Allah. It means that what you did, Allah has chosen as something positive. The fact that the Palestinian Authority has called every single suicide bomber since the year 2000, and every person who was killed in a terror attack against Israel, Shaheeds, means they are saying that Allah puts his stamp of approval on every single killing of every single Israeli. And that’s what has to be understood. You cannot claim that the PA is moderate when they’re telling the people that Allah wants all these Jews killed.

Moataz Khalil

I think that you are one of the few in the world telling people to take care of antisemitism. Yo attack even antisemitism in the USA and Europe. I read some tweets of yours about the antisemitism in some countries. So as a father, and as a professor, how do you see the antisemitism here? For example, in London, on Saturdays, it has become Londonistan.

Itamar Marcus

I think what we’re seeing is the most successful export of the Palestinian Authority is antisemitism. Because the antisemites going through the streets of Britain on the streets of New York and the streets of Europe, they’re all copying the words of the Palestinian Authority. The Palestinian Authority has said Israel is a colonialist implant with no right to exist. And they’re saying those same words. Literally, it’s the same words that we have been warning about for years, has been adopted as the narrative and it’s not just in the streets, it’s tragically been adopted in academia, as well, around the world, and that’s why it’s so worrisome, because we’re not talking about fringe. We’re talking about people who are mainstream. We’re talking about people who have positions of power and influence. We saw it through the three heads of universities who were in the United States who aren’t willing to say that calling for genocide of Jews is hate speech.

Jonathan Sacerdoti

So how was that become the most successful export? How on earth have we got to that position?

Itamar Marcus

It’s it’s because the Palestinians have successfully presented themselves as as victims of Israel’s existence. And the Internet. We would go around to the world, come to the British Parliament, American Congress, and say listen, they’re telling people that Israel has no right to exist. Oh, it doesn’t matter, it doesn’t matter. It doesn’t matter, it’ll go away. As long as you have peace. But it doesn’t go away. One of the Palestinians who we work with, and there are Palestinians who we work with, I was meeting with members of European Parliament in, in Israel. And I made my presentation and he spoke about his life and how he grew up hating Israelis, fearing Israelis, because he was convinced every Israeli wanted to kill him. And then an Israeli approach him. And then finally he had his wow moment, and he said, Oh, my God, he realised that the Israelis who he was meeting cared more about him than the Palestinian Authority, which had poisoned him into thinking… So one of the members of parliament asked him, well maybe it’ll get better with the Palestinian Authority if you have a state. And his answer to them was, no, no, please don’t do that to us. Don’t make these leaders, son’t give them a state because I could never live in that state. I can never live in that state. I’d have to leave. We need something else completely. What do we need? They said, we need something connected to Israel, because they’re the ones who care about us. This is a Palestinian, still now a resident at a refugee camp.

Moataz Khalil

I read some of you articles and you did some amazing work. Every word you write, you have a picture, every word you write you have a tweet. Are you afriad of the Palestinians?

Itamar Marcus

Jibril Rajoub on TV, we exposed a lot of his terror. We put in a complaint a FIFA and FIFA suspended him for a year because of us. And he went on TV. And he had to explain why. So he said, I’m telling you that this organisation, Palestinian Media Watch, they chased me everywhere I go. And we were, we were putting in complaints. We tried to keep them out of Britain, we sens complaints in. And we did it with MPs, we were working then with Joan Ryan, she gave in a complaint to the government for them to not allow him into the country. We did it and everywhere he was trying to go. And then finally FIFA kicked them out for a year. So he said, there’s this organisation, Palestinian Media Watch, they chase me everywhere, and their director is Goebbels of the 21st century.

Jonathan Sacerdoti

When it comes to the UNRWA debate, I think that everyone knew it already in the West, they just pretended not to. And now Israel’s forced their hand. Isn’t it the case also with the Palestinian Authority that everybody knows what you’re saying is true, partly because of your fine work. So why is it that, for example, I keep hearing this phrase, that Gaza must be ruled by a “rejuvenated Palestinian Authority”. It sounds like they can go for a spa day, and suddenly they’re going to be suitable and not advocating terrorism. Why are they in denial?

Itamar Marcus

First of all, one of the the tragic things about this “rejuvenated PA”, I’ve read that they need a new prime minister, a new minister of finance a new structure and more transparency. And I’m saying, you’re missing the whole point, they have to stop paying salaries to terrorists stop rewarding terrorists. In other words, it’s not just structure, its the essence that’s the problem. And the Western leaders who are talking about a new structure don’t understand what they’re talking about.

Jonathan Sacerdoti

Why isn’t your voice for example, on the BBC, why aren’t we hearing it more?,

Itamar Marcus:

I’ve been on the BBC years ago, I mean, the truth is, I would be very happy. And I should probably make more of an effort to get onto the BBC more often now. Because, again, and the Western channels. I’ve been interviewed, since the war started, between one and five times a day, sometimes on different channels around the world. So there is tremendous interest right now. And because like you said, people are realising that what we’ve been saying is really, really happening. You know, this is tragic events for everyone. It was tragic for Israel and tragic for the Palestinians in Gaza. I’m hoping that out of this tragedy, maybe, maybe something positive can be built. If Gaza has Israeli security control, they rebuild it without one refugee camp, put everybody in a home and say you are free from being a prisoner of refugees, you are a free person now, build better jobs, build them housing, and have the Abraham Accord  countries together with UK, US, EU create the entire social educational framework for the first 10 years, maybe that can be a model for even for the West Bank. Because if everything was flattened, we are starting from scratch, and when you start from scratch, you can do it right. If you do it as I described.

https://ejpress.org/palestinian-authority-police-actively-involved-in-terrorism-says-head-of-media-watchdog/

Swastikas spray-painted on facade of synagogue in Netherlands

Ellen Van Praagh, President of IPOR, the Inter Provincial Chief Rabbinate, and Vice-Chairwoman of the Board of European Jewish Association, noted that the targeted synagogue is the oldest in the country. ”Antisemitism isn’t just a word anymore, it’s an act which we have to deal with. I am calling upon politicians and everyobdy who is responsible to try to prevent finally these awful atrocities.It’s never to do with Israel. It’s all about antisemitism. Try to prevent hate being spread in Holland,” she said.

 

The Jewish community in the Netherlands expressed dismay after swastikas were spray-painted on the facade of the synagogue in the city of Middelburg, in the province of Zeeland.

The daubing on the house of prayer was discovered by members of the Zeeland Jewish community around 8.30 p.m. on Saturday. “This once again evokes feelings of insecurity and fear in many people,” it said in the press release. They reported the incident to the police, who have launched an investigation.

The police have taken photos and said that two swastikas were found. A neighborhood search will take place on Sunday and police will check if there is any usable video footage.

Ellen Van Praagh, President of IPOR, the Inter Provincial Chief Rabbinate, and Vice-Chairwoman of the Board of European Jewish Association, noted that the targeted synagogue is the oldest in the country. ”Antisemitism isn’t just a word anymore, it’s an act which we have to deal with. I am calling upon politicians and everyobdy who is responsible to try to prevent finally these awful atrocities.It’s never to do with Israel. It’s all about antisemitism. Try to prevent hate being spread in Holland,” she said.

The Central Jewish Consultation (CJS)  said it had learned of the act “with horror”. “How appalling that a defenseless old Jewish building becomes the target of anti-Semitic graffiti,” said CJO chairman Chanan Hertzberger.

According to the Center for Information and Documentation on Israel (CIDI), the leading Dutch-Jewish watchdog, reports of antisemitic incidents have spiked over 800% in the Netherlands since October 7.

Swastikas spray-painted on facade of synagogue in Netherlands

The EJA is delighted to announce the official conclusion of our 2024 delegation to Auschwitz

Over two days, we hosted diverse speakers addressing the rise in antisemitism, communal encounters, and improved security measures. This assembly held paramount importance as we united to confront this unsettling pattern. One of the key moments we included was a thought-provoking debate between Elon Musk and Ben Shapiro.

The latter part of our delegation focused on a visit to the Auschwitz Concentration Camp. A memorial ceremony and the recital of the Kaddish prayer marked this solemn trip.

These poignant moments underscored the European Jewish Association’s unwavering dedication to commemorating the profound tragedy of the Holocaust and battle against antisemitism.

#NeverAgainWasNow #NotOnMyWatch #EJAAuschwitz2024

The EJA concluded the second half of our delegation to Auschwitz.

During this portion, the attention was directed towards a trip to the Auschwitz Concentration Camp, where a visit took place.

The event featured a memorial ceremony and the recital of the Kaddish prayer, both crucial elements underscoring the European Jewish Association’s dedication to the profound tragedy of the Holocaust.

#NeverAgainWasNow #NotOnMyWatch #EJAAuschwitz2024

EU POLITICO │ November 9 - 15, 2023 │VOLUME 9, NUMBER 37

Letter of Support for Commissioner Oliver Varhelyi

Your Excellency Madam President Von Der Leyen,

In response to accusations against European Commissioner for Neighborhood & Enlargement, Mr Várhelyi, and calls for his resignation, we would like to make the following statement.

Following the horrific and inhumane terror attacks against civilians in Israel on 7 October, which shocked the whole world, Commissioner Olivér Várhelyi posted on social media the decision for urgent review of the entire Palestinian development portfolio, on 9 October 2023. Hundreds of innocent women, children and elderly people were killed in terrifying circumstances or taken as hostages.

The Commissioner is accused of “offense to EU’s institutions and their democratic functioning”, by claiming that his “actions undermine not only the image of our institutions, but the trust that EU citizens put in the Commission”. Whilst, in fact, his actions are the ones defending and protecting both our fundamental values and moral compass, and also vis-a-vis trust by EU citizens.

Antisemitic attacks and calls to harm Jewish people have risen by 1200% here in Europe and both national governments and EU institutions have to take action. These are staggering and deeply distressing numbers.

The announcement by Commissioner Olivér Várhelyi was particularly welcomed by all our communities, as he very correctly stated “there can be no business as usual”. “The scale of terror and brutality… is a turning point” and it has to be.

Germany review of Palestinian development aid

On 8 October, German Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development, H.E. Ms Svenja Schulze, announced that the “attacks on Israel mark a terrible fracture”. “We will now review our entire engagement for the Palestinian territories.”

Austria development aid suspended

On the 9th of October, prior to the Commissioner’s post, the Austrian Minister for Foreign

Affairs, H.E. Mr Alexander Schallenberg announced that “We will put all payments of Austrian development cooperation on hold” and sharply criticised states that refuse to classify Hamas as a terrorist organisation.

Sweden’s aid to Palestine suspended

On 10 October, Sweden Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade, H.E. Mr Johan Forssell, stated, “We have a new situation after the 7th of October”. “Our decision today is that Sweden will … pause development aid to Palestine until further notice.”

Denmark development aid on hold

The same day, Denmark Minister for Development Cooperation and Global Climate Policy, H.E.

Mr Dan Jørgensen, confirmed that Danish development assistance to Palestine will be placed “on hold”. “Unacceptable acts, terrorism and aggression of the worst kind have happened, and we must be naturally be very sure that Danish money is not indirectly supporting that”.

The social media post by Commissioner Olivér Várhelyi was made after a truly unprecedented and deadly terrorist massacre. It followed the lead of a number of countries and the strong condemnation of the terror attacks by world leaders. Both national governments and EU institutions share very legitimate concerns as Hamas has turned agricultural and irrigation equipment, which was paid by European funds, into weapons to attack civilians, and used cement that was meant for living quarters to build death tunnels to expand its terror activities.

As Jewish organisations which represent thousands of European citizens, we believe the accusations against Commissioner Várhelyi are politically motivated and display a breathtaking and appalling insensitivity to the horrendous and barbaric loss of human life.

At a truly unprecedented time, when Europe must be united against terrorism, it is nothing less than shameful that there exist those who prefer instead to try and score cheap political points on the graves of the dead and on the hundreds of hostages still in terrorist captivity.

Were a reminder needed of what we are all up against, last night the same type of terrorism struck the heart of Europe in Brussels claiming two utterly innocent lives, this follows, of course, the brutal murder of a teacher in Arras, France.

Commissioner Varheyli enjoys the full and unyielding support of European Jewry for his noble stand, a stand that sadly is possessed by far too few political leaders in the face of atrocity, barbarism and an assault on the very European values that we all hold so dear to our hearts.

Yours sincerely,

Rabbi Menachem Margolin Founder and Chairman European Jewish Association

Joël Mergui Chairman of EJA Jewish Leaders’ Board President of Consistoire of Paris, France President of European Centre of Judaism

Baroness Régine Suchowolski – Sluszny EJA Jewish Leaders’ Board Vice-Chairwoman for Holocaust Remembrance and President of Forum of Jewish Organisations, Belgium

Ellen Van Praagh-van Aspert EJA Jewish Leaders’ Board Vice-Chairwoman for Equity and Diversity, and President of IPOR Jewish Communities, The Netherlands

Andrew Cohen FCA EJA Jewish Leaders’ Board Vice-Chairman for UK President, Federation of Synagogues, UK

Riccardo Pacifici EJA Jewish Leaders’ Board Vice-Chairman for Italy and Jewish Heritage

Alexander Benjamin EJA Jewish Leaders’ Board Vice-Chairman for Advocacy, European Jewish Association

Gabriel Senderowicz Mold EJA Jewish Leaders’ Board Member

EJA Jewish Leaders’ Board Member Chairman of Board of The Social & Cultural Association of Jews in Poland (TSKZ) Portugal

Yaron Zeloof EJA Jewish Leaders’ Board Member President of the Jewish Community of Cyprus

 

 

EJA Holocaust Remembrance delegation | 11-12 October 2023 Zagreb & Jasenovac

jpost

Jewish leaders in Europe call orgs to reject 'intersectionality' due to Zionist exclusion

Jewish leaders from across Europe called on Monday on Jewish organizations to reject “intersectionality” due to Zionist exclusion which creates a lack of solidarity with Jews. They also called on Israeli politicians to rise above differences, and urged legislation that bars from office EU politicians with avowed antisemitic positions.

These claims were voiced at the European Jewish Association (EJA) Annual Conference in Porto, Portugal yesterday.

Titled “Shaping the Future of European Jewry Together,” the conference was held in partnership with the Jewish Community of Porto and the EMIH Jewish community of Hungary headed by Rabbi Shlomo Koves. Over 100 presidents and board members of Jewish communities across Europe attended, along with government and regional special envoys for Combating Antisemitism.

The two-day conference included panel discussions on national plans for combating antisemitism, online hate, a new youth leaders program for campus activity and youth experiences of hate, ending Nazi memorabilia trade, bringing forward a women’s leadership forum and more. EJA is a Jewish-European NGO, and is one of several umbrella Jewish organizations. It was founded in 1989 and is headquartered in Brussels.

The conference culminated in a resolution passed by vote in a show of hands that will be forwarded to governments across Europe and to the Leadership of the European Union institutions, stating that antisemitism is unique and must be separated in national plans from other forms of hate.

The resolution also calls on Jewish organizations to reject “intersectionality” due to Zionist exclusion and a lack of solidarity with Jews, as well as on Israeli politicians to rise above their differences in the current tense political climate. It also urged governments to push for legislation barring from office EU politicians with avowed antisemitic positions.

Notable figures addressing the conference included European Commission Vice-President Margaritis Schinas, The General Secretary of the French Inter-ministerial delegation for the fight against racism and antisemitism Mrs. Elise Fajgeles, the Personal Representative of Chairman in Office on Combating antisemitism OSCE Rabbi Andrew Baker, Chair of the Woman’s Impact Forum at the World Jewish Congress Ruth Wasserman Lande, World Zionist Organisation Head of Department for combating antisemitism Raheli Baratz-Rix and the CEO of NGO Monitor Prof. Gerald Steinberg.

https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-743116

Rising antisemitism focus at European Jewish Association conference

The EJA proposed a motion arguing that antisemitism is unique and shouldn’t be grouped with other forms of hate.
European Jewish Association Chairman Rabbi Menachem Margolin opens the “Shaping the Future of European Jewry Together” conference in Porto, Portugal, May 15, 2023. Photo by David Isaac.

European Jewish Association Chairman Rabbi Menachem Margolin opens the “Shaping the Future of European Jewry Together” conference in Porto, Portugal, May 15, 2023. Photo by David Isaac.

 Jews from across Europe gathered to address the continent’s growing antisemitism problem at the European Jewish Association’s annual conference in Porto, Portugal, on Monday.

“We are one community undivided by borders. When we speak with one voice, we are stronger together,” said EJA Chairman Rabbi Menachem Margolin.

“As we meet, governments across Europe are coming forward with plans affecting Jewish life in Europe. We must ask ourselves what kind of future we want to see. And what part all of us can do to make that vision a reality,” Margolin added.

The two-day conference, “Shaping the Future of European Jewry Together,” includes panel discussions on various countries’ national plans for combating antisemitism, the challenge of fighting online hate, and a new campus leadership program sponsored by EJA.

“Antisemitism is on the rise and unfortunately, Jewish institutions across the continent are required to invest more and more in security,” said European Commission Vice President Margaritis Schinas.

“The data show that approximately 38% of the Jews in Europe are considering leaving Europe because they feel unsafe. This is a shame and it’s the responsibility of every government in the E.U. to protect its Jewish citizens,” he said, adding that 19 E.U. governments have released national action plans to combat antisemitism.

Reject “intersectionality”

The conference proposed a motion calling for antisemitism to be separated from other forms of hate and urging other Jewish groups to reject “intersectionality,” a theoretical framework that separates groups into “oppressed” and “privileged.”

“Antisemitism is unique and must be treated as such,” according to the motion, which notes that unlike other hatreds, it is “state-sanctioned in many countries,” “given cover by the United Nations” and denied to be racism by other groups targeted by hatred.

“There is little to no solidarity or empathy towards Jewish communities from other groups affected by hate when antisemitic atrocities occur or when Israelis are murdered in terrorist acts,” the motion notes.

“As years go by after the Holocaust, some social and political movements in Europe may want to forget it and say that antisemitism is just another kind of hatred, nothing unique about it. This is a dangerous attitude for the future of the Jewish community in Europe,” said Rabbi Slomó Köves, president of EMIH (The Association of Hungarian Jewish Communities).

“Antisemitism … requires separate attention and action from other forms of prejudice. While we stand in solidarity with all those who fight against hate, we cannot allow our struggle against antisemitism to be subsumed within broader ‘intersectional’ movements that fail to acknowledge the unique and specific nature of anti-Jewish bias or reject our connection to Zionism,” he said.

Gabriel Senderowicz, president of the Jewish Community of Oporto, said, “Many European governments confuse Jewish life with Jewish heritage. They think of Judaism as ancient houses that have been rehabilitated and some municipal museums that open on Shabbat.

“I am honored to be president of a community that has synagogues that respect traditional Judaism, that has kosher restaurants, films of history, a Jewish museum closed on Shabbat, and a Holocaust Museum that welcomes 50,000 children a year and teaches them that the aim of the Final Solution was to exterminate the Jews and not minorities in general,” Senderowicz said.

Amichai Chikli, Israel’s minister of Diaspora affairs and combating antisemitism, said in a video message that Israel’s government is troubled by trends in Europe, citing the plan of the European Students Union to “embrace the BDS movement.” He noted that the move would make life difficult for Jewish students on European campuses.

“Against these threats and many more, we will have to work together, determined and wisely,” Chikli said.

https://www.jns.org/rising-antisemitism-focus-at-european-jewish-association-conference/

i24

Porto : sommet de l'European Jewish Association sur le thème de l'antisémitisme

L’EJA a proposé une motion faisant valoir que l’antisémitisme est unique et ne devrait pas être regroupé avec les autres formes de haine

Des Juifs de toute l’Europe se sont réunis pour aborder le problème croissant de l’antisémitisme lors de la conférence annuelle de l’Association juive européenne (EJA) à Porto, au Portugal, lundi.

https://www.i24news.tv/fr/actu/international/europe/1684169783-porto-sommet-de-l-european-jewish-association-sur-le-theme-de-l-antisemitisme?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Twitter#Echobox=1684178403

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European Jewish leaders gather in Portugal’s Porto to observe community’s revival

PORTO, Portugal — Dozens of European Jewish community leaders convened in the Portuguese city of Porto on Monday for a conference on communal strategies, including lessons from how the city’s local Jews have attracted hundreds of new congregants.

“The leaders of the Jewish community of Porto can be a great example of how just a few individuals who believe in Judaism, in the future of Jewish life, can do magnificent work,” said Rabbi Menachem Margolin, the director of the European Jewish Association, a Brussels-based lobby group that hosted the conference in Porto.

ערוץ 14

יו"ר איגוד הארגונים היהודיים באירופה: "תמיד יהיו תירוצים לאנטישמיות"

הועידה השנתית של איגוד הארגונים היהודיים באירופה (eja) נערכה השנה דווקא בפורטו, פורטוגל. יו״ר האיגוד, הרב מנחם מרגולין, מספק הסבר מעניין לבחירה הזו. ״פורטו נבחרה משתי סיבות: בזכות ההיסטוריה העתיקה והחשובה של הקהילות הספרדיות באירופה, ולאור העובדה שפורטו היא קהילה לדוגמא: קטנה, מורכבת מבודדים שהחליטו להתאגד ולהקים גוף לתפארת״.

הועידה התכנסה בצל זינוק נוסף במספר התקריות האנטישמיות ביבשת, כמעט בכל מדינה. בכינוס סיפקו דוברים מגרמניה, בריטניה, צרפת ועוד הצצה לעולם הקהילתי שלהם על כך המשתמע מכך:, דנו בדרכים להתמודד עם שנאת- היהודים וחתמו על הצהרה משותפת, הקוראת למנהיגי מדינות אירופה להתייחס לאנטישמיות כאל פשע שנאה ייחודי ויוצא דופן, על כך המשתמע מכך.

https://www.now14.co.il/%D7%99%D7%95%D7%B4%D7%A8-%D7%90%D7%99%D7%92%D7%95%D7%93-%D7%94%D7%90%D7%A8%D7%92%D7%95%D7%A0%D7%99%D7%9D-%D7%94%D7%99%D7%94%D7%95%D7%93%D7%99%D7%99%D7%9D-%D7%91%D7%90%D7%99%D7%A8%D7%95%D7%A4%D7%94/

"38% מיהודי אירופה שוקלים לעזוב בגלל פחד מאנטישמיות"

“ממשלת הולנד מובילה מחקר כדי לגלות מה עלה בגורל הרכוש היהודי שנגזל בשואה, אך לא פחות מ-80 ערים, יישובים וכפרים בהולנד מסרבים להצטרף למשימה. חלקם אומרים שאין עוד יהודים ביישוב שלהם ואחרים אומרים שכבר החזירו את הרכוש, למרות שיש לנו מידע אחר בנושא. האנטישמיות בהולנד גדלה – זה נגיף שהתחיל במסעות הצלב בימי הביניים, בהמשך זה קרה בגלל תורת הגזע והיום קורה בגלל האנטי-ציונות”.
כך אמר הרב בנימין ג’ייקובס, הרב הראשי של הולנד, בוועידה השנתית של איגוד הארגונים היהודיים באירופה (EJA) אשר נפתחה אתמול (יום ב’) בעיר פורטו בפורטוגל בשותפות עם ההסתדרות הציונית העולמית, הקהילה היהודית של פורטו ואיגוד EMIH. בוועידה משתתפים 150 ראשי קהילות וארגונים יהודיים מרחבי אירופה וחברי פרלמנט ממדינות היבשת ומהאיחוד האירופי.
במהלך הכנס חשף יו”ר איגוד הארגונים היהודים באירופה (EJA), הרב מנחם מרגולין, כי לנוכח התגברות האנטישמיות בקמפוסים באירופה והתופעה המסוכנת של התנכלות אנשי סגל לסטודנטים יהודים ופרו-ישראליים, מקים איגוד הארגונים היהודים באירופה כוח משימה ותוכנית מלגות לסטודנטים וצעירים יהודים בניסיון לבלום את התופעה.
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“An anti-Semite will never love Israel”

Anti-Semitism is the radicalisation of racism

The European Jewish Association (EJA) kicked off a new annual conference on Monday, this time in Porto, Portugal, as part of the 75th anniversary of Israel’s independence and the centenary of the Portuguese city’s Jewish community. Security, the fight against anti-Semitism and the dissemination of Jewish life gained momentum in the face of a worrying rise in hate speech, prejudice and misinformation.
In the face of rising anti-Semitism and hate speech, leaders of Europe’s Jewish communities are preparing to take the discussion to the European Parliament in Brussels.
While the civilian population in Israel was under attack and acts of terrorist violence were increasing on national territory, in Barcelona the Maimonides synagogue was vandalised with a macabre inscription: Free Palestine from the river to the sea. The rising tide of violence against Jews is even worse in northern countries such as the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany.
Alarmed also by the words of the representative of the European Commission, Margaritis Schinas, the Jewish community is preparing to fight on all fronts against anti-Zionism and anti-Semitism, which are two sides of the same coin, as Rabbi Binyomin Jacobs has bluntly summed up: “never will an anti-Semite love Israel”. 

The importance of the definition of anti-Semitism
One of the most worrying points has been the increase in aggressive content against Israel and the Jewish community on social media, something that is growing exponentially amidst the spread of misinformation and stereotypes. On this point, representatives of the Jewish university community in France and the Fighting Online Antisemitism (OFA) agree.
It is not anachronistic to speak of anti-Semitism, quite the contrary. As the most radical expression of racism, European governments must broaden their perspective on the premise that we do not live in a world surrounded by islands, but in a world where the problems of the Middle East and the enemies Israel fights against will also impact, sooner rather than later, on European countries. Under anti-Zionism a further radicalisation of racism is achieved and also includes non-Jews who defend Israel.

Pretending to inform with disinformation and hoaxes

Technological evolution has made it possible to broaden voices and sources, but it has also taken away the rigour and reliability of information sources, which are often self-interested cuttings of a reality. In this sense, social networks have become a hotbed of conspiracy theories represented in multimedia content, such as images or videos, which point to the Jews as responsible for all evils. If social media had existed in 1929 during the Hebron pogrom, it would probably have immortalised many comments that would be little different from the comments made by an anti-Semite in the year 2023. There might be different words or spellings, but the content would be the same.

Anti-Semitism on the rise and Jewish communities prepare to take the discussion to the European Parliament
During the pandemic of 2020, conspiracy theories also turned to pointing the finger at Jews as having been responsible for the spread of the virus. At the same time, many European media picked up the false information that Israel was preventing the vaccination of Palestinians. Again, anti-Semitism and anti-Zionism were shown as equals.
It is also the networks where Palestinian groups, via Telegram, spread videos where they teach how to prepare homemade explosives as if it were a cooking show. We cannot leave aside the thousands of accounts on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram that spread false content, stirring up prejudice or calling for the exclusion of Jewish communities.
Personally, I am grateful for the EJA’s invitation to these days in Porto, a city that is home to a thriving Jewish community that is preparing in a forceful way. However, there is a wake-up call also for non-Jews who believe not only in Israel’s right to exist, something so obvious and yet so little understood, but also for those of us who know the danger of the enemies who seek to destroy Israel.
I doubt that many of those who choose to be anti-Semites out of ignorance rather than vocation imagine what would be involved if Europe became the backyard of the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Jihad that threatens the entire world.
Semanario Hebreo JAI

Cuestionar el derecho a existir de Israel es una línea roja

La EuropeanJewishAssociation, EJA por sus siglas en inglés, ha iniciado su conferencia anual en la ciudad de Oporto, en Portugal, coincidiendo con los 75 años desde la independencia de Israel y el centenario de la comunidad judía en la ciudad portuguesa que comienza a dar pasos cada vez más grandes en el presente. En un encuentro que ha reunido a líderes, representantes y periodistas de las comunidades judías (aunque también con excepciones) se ha promovido una sentencia al antisemitismo que crece en Europa y amenaza con expandirse hacia el resto del mundo. 

La votación y ratificación de los líderes judíos para llevar la discusión del antisemitismo a Bruselas fue el cierre de una jordana que deja una sensación y una valentía para ir por nuevos desafíos.

Mientras los cohetes de la Yihad Islámica desde la Franja de Gaza cruzaban a territorio israelí y los atentados terroristas se incrementaban desde el norte hasta el sur, alrededor del mundo se lograba detectar más de 50 ataques antisemitas por día. Sobre esta cifra, entre otras cosas, puede concluirse que en la realidad estos ataques son muchos más que los que se denuncian.

Al mismo tiempo en España, un país democrático y que abraza el estado de derecho, la comunidad judía de Barcelona era atacada en su sinagoga Maimónides. Pocos meses antes, la alcaldesa de la ciudad catalana, Ada Colau, promovía la ruptura de los lazos de hermanamiento con Tel Aviv y lo presentaba como una deuda pendiente en su activismo político. En año 2023, la alcaldesa de Barcelona hizo política con el antisemitismo. La situación es todavía peor en países como Holanda, donde los representantes de la comunidad señalan el temor y rechazo de los judíos a vivir allí, en Bélgica, la capital de la Unión Europa o en Alemania. 

La desinformación y la falta de rigurosidad periodística a la hora de cubrir el conflicto en Oriente Medio queda siempre en evidencia ante cada escalada entre Israel y grupos terroristas de los territorios bajo control palestino. Esta distorsión ocurre en América Latina como también en Europa, en donde los títulos de muchos medios de comunicación equiparan la defensa de un país soberano y la conformación de una agrupación denominada, ni más ni menos, como yihad.

Aunque sea hasta absurdo aclararlo, jamás puede inferirse que en Oriente Medio hay un enfrentamiento simétrico, sino una utilización del terrorismo escudado en hombres, mujeres y niños civiles a quienes utilizan de escudos humanos cuando los operativos de las FDI desbaratan células yihadistas en la Franja de Gaza o en Judea y Samaria.

El punto central de la conferencia en Oporto tiene que ver con el antisemitismo frente al exponencial crecimiento de los ataques, hostigamiento y persecución ya no sólo contra los judíos, sino también contra los no judíos que defienden a Israel o que simplemente no abogan en equiparar a un país con el terrorismo. La desinformación en la política del Medio Oriente lleva a un regadero de violencia y guerra discursiva en las principales redes sociales. 

Hay un reclamo persistente de los líderes de las comunidades judías europeas para controlar y ser proactivo en la denuncia del contenido antisemita que se revista de teorías conspirativas y una espiral del racismo. La preparación y el activismo que promueven los grupos de líderes jóvenes es para destacar: es importante llevar más y mejor información a las universidades que son las casas de estudio en donde se están formando académicamente los dirigentes de un futuro no tan lejano.

En este sentido, una de las patas jóvenes de la organización, Juan Caldes Rodríguez, presenta su plan desde Bruselas que debería ser considerado también para auxiliar a las comunidades judías en América Latina que están emprendiendo una batalla muy desigual contra el antisemitismo en países donde los grupos proiraníes y el islamismo toma cada vez más fuerza alimentándose de la baja calidad institucional, judicial y democrática. La lucha contra el antisemitismo debe ser parte de la agenda política iberoamericana, impulsando y formando a quienes decidan pelear por la verdad.

Dos días junto a la EJA en Oporto permiten a un no judío, como es mi caso, conocer parte de la realidad que las comunidades viven. Resulta increíble escuchar en el año 2023 que hay una comunidad que busca ser excluida y es constantemente amenazadaante de los ojos de una opinión pública internacional que no sabe, no puede o no quiere enfrentar al enemigo en común. El silencio aturde y la comunidad judía comienza a alertar y a moverse para que el pasado no se repita.

 

https://www.semanariohebreojai.com//articulo/6804

יהדות ועידת חירום נגד האנטישמיות באירופה התכנסה בפורטוגל

מנהיגי הקהילות היהודיות באירופה התכנסו אתמול בעיר פורטו שבפורטוגל ביוזמת איגוד הארגונים היהודיים באירופה (EJA) לכינוס חירום נגד האנטישמיות הגואה ביבשת, בהשתתפות נציגים מממשלות אירופה הממונים על המלחמה באנטישמיות. המשתתפים קיבלו החלטה המקדמת בברכה את תוכניות הממשלות השונות למלחמה באנטישמיות, אך הביעו דאגה עזה על הנטייה לקשר את הפעילות נגד האנטישמיות לזו נגד
הגזענות בכלל וצורות אחרות של אפליה.

לטענתם, האנטישמיות היא ייחודית. המנהיגים יצאו נגד עקרון ה”אינטרסקציונליות” הפופולרי היום וקבעו שיש מעט מאוד אמפטיה לקהילות היהודיות מצד קבוצות מותקפות אחרות, בגלל תמיכתן של אותן קהילות יהודיות בישראל. המנהיגים קראו למסודות האיחוד האירופי לקדם החלטה שתאסור על בעלי עמדות אנטישמיות לכהן בתפקידים רשמיים במוסדות האיחוד.

“אנו מחויבים למדינת ישראל תחת כל ממשלה נבחרת ומתפללים להגברת הלכידות החברתית בארץ. קוראים לפוליטיקאים הישראלים לזכור שלהחלטות אפילו להצהרות על אפליית מיעוטים בישראל השלכות חמורות על חיי יהודים באירופה”, ציינו המנהיגים. יו”ר איגוד הארגונים היהודיים, הרב מנחם מרגולין, אמר כי מנהיגי הקהילות הפועלים נגד האנטישמיות אינם זוכים לשיתוף פעולה מצד הפוליטיקאים במדינות השונות ועליהם להתאחד בפעילותם. המנהיגים דורשים מהאיחוד גם פעילות מתואמת למלחמה בהכחשת השואה.

סגן הנשיא לענייני קידום חיי האזרחים באירופה של נציבות האיחוד האירופי, מרגריטיס שינאס, אמר כי יישום תוכנית הפעולה האירופית מתקדם, אך עדיין 38% מהיהודים ביבשת הודיעו על רצונם לעזוב אותה. הנציבות מטילה על כל הממשלות את האחריות ליישום תוכנית המלחמה באנטישמיות לצד בנייתם של החיים היהודיים באירופה. 19 מדינות באירופה פרסמו עד כה תוכנית למלחמה באנטישמיות.

במהלך הכינוס הוקרנה הודעת וידיאו מוקלטת של עמיחי שיקלי, שר התפוצות והמאבק באנטישמיות והשר לשוויון חברתי, שבה התייחס שיקלי לחשיבות המלחמה באנטישמיות. הכינוס נערך גם כמחווה של הזדהות עם קהילת יהודי פורטו, שנמצאת במשבר קשה ביחסיה עם השלטון הפורטוגלי מאז מרץ בשנה שעברה, כאשר הואשמה בהנפקה בלתי חוקית של אישורים לצורך קבלת אזרחות פורטוגלית לישראלים רבים, ובין
היתר לאוליגרך הרוסי רומן אברמוביץ’.

נשיא הקהילה בפורטו, גבריאל סנדרוביץ’, אמר ל”מעריב” כי הנתק עם השלטונות נמשך עד היום.תומר אלדובי, מייסד הפורום למאבק
נגד אנטישמיות ברשת, מסר כי בתקופת מגפת הקורונה ומאז תחילת המלחמה שפרצה באוקראינה, בעקבות הפלישה שלהצבא הרוסי, יש עלייה ניכרת בפוסטים אנטישמיים.

Read more https://www.maariv.co.il/amp/jewishism/Article-1007159

Some 38% of European Jews consider leaving due to antisemitisim

“The Dutch government is spearheading a crucial investigation into the fate of Jewish property looted during the Holocaust. However, a disheartening reality emerges as a staggering 80 cities, towns and villages in the Netherlands decline to participate in this vital mission,” according to Dutch Chief Rabbi Binyomin Jacobs.

“Some claim there are no remaining Jewish residents in their communities, while others assert that the property has already been returned, despite conflicting information. This concerning trend reflects a growing wave of antisemitism in the Netherlands, a deeply rooted issue that traces back to the Crusades in the Middle Ages and has persisted through the critical race theory era.
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הרב ג'ייקובס. "אנטישמיות עולה בהולנד"

Dutch Chief Rabbi Binyomin Jacobs addresses the annual conference of the Association of Jewish Organizations in Europe
(Photo: Yoav Dudkevitch)
“Today, this pernicious virus continues to thrive under the guise of anti-Zionism, posing a significant threat to societal harmony.”
With these words, Jacobs, the chief rabbi of the Netherlands, delivered a poignant address Tuesday during the inaugural session of the two-day annual conference organized by the Association of Jewish Organizations in Europe (EJA).
Held this year in the vibrant city of Porto, Portugal, in collaboration with the World Zionist Organization, the Jewish community of Porto, and the EMIH – Association of United Hungarian Jewish Congregations, the conference has drawn together some 150 influential leaders representing Jewish communities and organizations from across Europe.
In an announcement made at the conference, Rabbi Menachem Margolin, chairman of the European Jewish Association (EJA), unveiled a proactive initiative aimed at addressing the rising tide of antisemitism on European campuses.
Recognizing the alarming instances of harassment faced by Jewish and pro-Israel students from faculty members, the EJA is taking decisive action by establishing a dedicated task force and launching a scholarship program specifically designed to empower and protect Jewish students and young individuals.
Jacobs recounted a recent conversation he had with the mayor of a city that once boasted a vibrant Jewish community before the Holocaust. Tragically, the majority of the community perished, leaving only two survivors in its wake.
Reflecting on the ordeal, Jacobs lamented: “There was a synagogue there. The mayor approached the remaining Jews, expressing interest in purchasing the synagogue. However, its value had diminished, as there were no longer worshippers.”
He further emphasized the irony of the situation, stating: “First, they murdered the Jews, and then they claimed the synagogue held no worth due to their absence.”
Highlighting the present climate, Jacobs shared his own experience.
“Today, when I address non-Jewish audiences in the Netherlands, they compliment my proficiency in Dutch, unaware of my Jewish heritage. I respond, ‘I’m sorry, but I have been Dutch for several generations.’ Their reply stings: ‘Sorry, we mistakenly assumed you were Jewish.'”
Read more-  https://www.ynetnews.com/article/rkf9kywrh

EIPA organized an extraordinary briefing about the current developments following Israel's Shield and Arrow operation