EJA IN THE MEDIA

Today begins the important gathering of the EJA Auschwitz Delegation, marking 80 years since the Liberation of Auschwitz. This solemn anniversary prompts reflection on a troubling reality: antisemitism continues to rise, reaching levels not seen since the days before Kristallnacht.

The discussions today will address:

Why does antisemitism persist in higher education despite widespread adoption of the IHRA definition?
How has antizionism become synonymous with antisemitism, affecting Jewish life across Europe?

Key speakers this morning include:

Rabbi Rabbi Menachem Margolin Chairman of the European Jewish Association
Ruth Isaac Director of EU Relations, European Jewish Association
Rabbi @Shlomo Koves, Chief Rabbi of EMIH and Chairman of APL, Hungary

Stay tuned as these leaders and others tackle these pressing issues.

hashtag#EJA hashtag#Auschwitz hashtag#NeverAgain hashtag#Holocaust hashtag#Education hashtag#IHRA

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We gather here tonight, on the anniversary of Kristallnacht, to remember. To remember the night when windows were shattered and Jewish homes, shops, and synagogues were destroyed. That night was the prelude to a plan that extended beyond murder and physical violence. It was a plan aimed at systematically erasing Jewish life, culture, and presence from the heart of Europe.

We often speak of the concentration camps, and we must – they symbolize the most horrific cruelty in our history. But we must also understand that the Holocaust was not just about the six million lives lost in the gas chambers. It was also about the eradication of an entire way of life. Jewish communities that for centuries had been an integral part of European cities, their culture, and identity, disappeared. Cities like Krakow, Vilnius, and Budapest, once centers of Jewish learning, art, and business, fell silent. Hitler sought to erase Jewish life – concentration camps were a means, not the end.

Two days ago, Israeli football fans were attacked in Amsterdam in an incident described as a “modern pogrom.” This shows that antisemitism is still a reality in Europe. The difference now is that Israel can fly its people to safety. This underscores the world’s obligation not only to combat antisemitism but also to support Israel so that it can continue to protect Jews worldwide when others fail. Israel is the guarantee that the promise of “never again” remains true.

It is with this insight that we must view our present. When we see the rising antisemitism in our cities, not least here in Malmö, we realize that what we are witnessing is more than just a worrying trend. It is a modern form of the historical erasure of Jewish life. When Jewish families no longer feel safe wearing a kippah on the street, when threats and harassment become part of their daily lives, something much deeper is at play than a simple decision to move. It is a loss for society as a whole.

October 7, 2023, changed much in the world. The attack by Hamas and the wave of hatred and hostility that followed shook not only Israel but also us here in Europe. We saw tensions rise at home and how Jews, even in Malmö, began asking themselves again: Are we really safe here? Is this our city?

It is important to understand what it means when a Jewish family decides to leave a city like Malmö. It is not just a move; it is a blow to the city’s soul. Malmö has for centuries been a place where different cultures meet. Losing the Jewish presence means losing part of the city’s historical and cultural heritage.

But we are here today not just to reflect on what has been, but to take a stand against what is happening. We must dare to say: “Never again” does not just mean preventing murder and violence. It also means protecting and cherishing Jewish life in all its forms – religious, cultural, and social. It means building a society where every person, regardless of belief, feels safe to express their identity without fear.

Sweden has a history of being a safe home for many, a place where diversity meets and enriches. But if we allow antisemitism to silence Jewish voices and force families away, it is not just they who lose. We all lose. Our shared history and heritage are lost piece by piece.

So tonight, in memory of Kristallnacht, let us pledge to never let hatred prevail. Let us stand together – as friends, neighbors, and fellow human beings – to ensure that every person, every family, feels safe being who they are. We must ensure that Malmö, Sweden, and all of Europe are places where Jewish life can flourish, not just survive.

We are here to remember, but also to act. Malmö, Sweden, and Europe have a choice to make: to learn from history and ensure that darkness never takes hold again, or to risk that the small steps we ignore today lead to great tragedies tomorrow.

It is with alarm that I see UEFA does not deem the enormous ‘Free Palestine’ Banner unfurled at the Paris Saint Germain – Athletico Madrid Champions league match as, acoording to a spokesperson of your organisation as neither insulting or provocative. I suggest to you that the spokesperson in question is either visually or is deliberately ignoring the facts.

The Banner included the ‘I’ of Palestine outlined as the state of Israel but entirely covered by the Palestinian keffiyeh. In short it denies Israel’s existence, one of the most common antisemitic tropes that exist today.

The European Jewish Association, representing hundreds of Jewish Communities across the continent, is heavily engaged in the fight against antisemitism, whose levels have exploded since October 7^th , the largest pogrom against Jews anywhere since the Second World War.

Mr President, I will be blunt. If someone unfurled a huge banner with Ukraine under a Russian Flag would it be insulting or provocative? Or how about Slovenia under an Italian or Austrian Flag? You of course know the answer.

Denying Israel’s right to exist, particularly in the mouth of an ongoing war and after the largest pogrom against Jews since the Second World War is not only grossly insulting to millions of Jewish and Israeli football fans worldwide, but it is openly antisemitic and hostile.

You must act strongly today and penalise the Club. If you will not, others will feel emboldened to do likewise. Jewish communities everywhere, but especially in Europe, are already living under daily threats to their lives from the hate that these banners espouse. The banner is not a call for liberation Mr President. It is a call for Jewish eradication.

EJA’s advisor and coordinator for Germany, Oliver Bradley, accepted an invitation by the State Association of Jewish Communities in Brandenburg (Landesverband der Jüdischen Gemeinden Land Brandenburg) as guest speaker for the opening ceremony of the state of Brandenburg’s “Education and Action Weeks Against Anti-Semitism”, yesterday.

During the course of the evening, the Association also included Oliver Bradley among its honorees for “…resolute committente to cohesion and respectful coexistence in our society…”
….
At the Brandenburg state capitol building (Landtag Brandenburg), in Potsdam.

Humo is sold and read in Netherlands and therefore liable say both groups in a statement announcing the legal case.

Humo Magazine, and its writer Herman Brusselmans, already subject to ongoing legal proceedings in Belgium, are now facing the same pressures in the Netherlands after the principal body representing Dutch Jewry – the CJO together with the Brussels based EJA announced that they have started legal proceedings in Holland.

In a Humo article published in August, Herman Brusselmans wrote the following: “I see an image of a crying and screaming Palestinian boy that is crying inconsolably for his mother who lying under the rubble, and I imagine that the boy is my own son Roman, and the mother is my own girlfriend Lena, and I become so enraged that I want to ram a pointed knife straight into the throat of every Jew I meet.”

The article, despite horrified objections by Jews in Belgium, and indeed across the world, was allowed to remain on Humo pages, and in fact was only retracted under duress and acres of negative coverage. By then the damage had been done.

The legal proceedings have been launched in Holland as the magazine, written in Dutch, is readily available on newstands and in libraries across the country.

Chanan Hertzberger, the Chairman of the CJO, announcing the legal case against Brusselmans and Humo magazine, said in a statement:

“The antisemitic hate perpetuated by Brusselmans was cross-border, aided and abbetted by Humo magazine who acted as the courier to many thousands of readers in Holland.

“As such his antisemitic incitement to murder affects Dutch Jewry in the same way his incitement to murder affects Belgian Jewry. The irresponsibility and lack of Judgement at Humo – in light of the record rises in antisemitism across the continent since October the 7th – is astounding. Their reticence in pulling the piece, that should have been scrunched up and thrown in the editorial bin in the first place does not make them guardians of freedom of speech – as they would have it – but as willing accomplices. This cannot stand. And we at the CJO will not allow it to stand.”

Rabbi Menachem Margolin, the Chairman of the EJA, who along with partners in Belgian Jewish organisations have an ongoing case against the magazine and Brusselmans in the Belgian courts added

“The Brusselmans case is a hugely important one. It goes to the very heart of the battle against antisemitism. As a people denied a voice, or indeed representation throughout history, you will not find bigger advocates for freedom of speech than Jews. But Brusselmans and Humo exploited this freedom is the most disgusting and dangerous way, putting the lives of Jews literally in front of the writer’s pointed knife and in front of every reader he incited to do likewise either unwittingly or not.

“We must never allow hate to win and must always hold those that perpetuate it to account for their actions.”

Ends.

The ongoing debate about antisemitism and the lack of action against antisemitic attacks clearly shows that we need a united front in the fight against this hatred. Many organizations and actors are trying, with good intentions, to create new definitions of antisemitism to better describe the current situation. However, instead of helping, these initiatives risk dividing, delaying, and ultimately making it even harder to move forward.

The antisemitic attacks we see today often aim to criticize Israel for the situation in Gaza. And it is, of course, terrible. But even if we have different opinions about the conflict and its causes, we should all agree that regardless of what one thinks about the situation in Gaza, it is unacceptable that Swedish Jews feel threatened and unsafe here because people are angry at another country.

The IHRA definition of antisemitism, which Sweden adopted under Stefan Löfven’s government, is the most recognized and widely used internationally. It provides clear guidance on when criticism of the State of Israel crosses the line into antisemitic attacks against Jews. Adhering to this definition is crucial for effectively identifying and combating antisemitism.

In times of populism, where simple solutions to complex problems are often sought, it is even more important to stand firm on principles such as a common definition of antisemitism. Creating new definitions, even if the intentions are good, complicates the work against the hatred directed at Jews today. It causes us to remain stagnant rather than unite and take strong action against the rising antisemitism.

To move forward, we must work together based on a common definition – and the IHRA definition is our strongest tool in this fight.

Released in https://fores.se/tisdagsklubben/

By David Lega

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.