האיחוד האירופי הודיע: לא נתמוך בפרויקטים המעודדים טרור נגד ישראל

חברי ממשלה ממדינות אירופה ועשרות פרלמנטרים בכירים מרחבי היבשת סיימו אתמול, לצד מנהיגי הקהילות היהודיות, את הכנס למאבק באנטישמיות, שהתקיים בימי הזיכרון לליל הבדולח. הכנס החל באתר מחנה ההשמדה אושוויץ־בירקנאו ונמשך בקרקוב שבפולין, והוא אורגן על ידי איגוד הארגונים היהודיים באירופה.

בין המשתתפים והנואמים הבולטים הפעם נשיאת הפרלמנט האירופי רוברטה מצולה ממלטה, נשיאת הפרלמנט הצ’כי מרקטה פקרובה, ראש ממשלת מונטנגרו דרידאן אבאזוביץ’, נציגות בכירות מבתי המחוקקים הצרפתיים ואחרים. ישראל יוצגה על ידי ראש המשלחת לאיחוד האירופי, השגריר חיים רגב.

יו”ר איגוד הארגונים היהודיים באירופה, הרב מנחם מרגולין, סיפר בתחילת הטקס בבירקנאו על החוויה האנטישמית שעברה בימים אלה על ילדיו בבריסל מצדה של אישה שהעליבה אותם במהלך נסיעה בתחבורה הציבורית.

Additional Articles

times of israel logo

Les Juifs français les plus inquiets quant à leur sécurité parmi 12 pays européens

Selon une étude, cela pourrait s’expliquer par les attaques terroristes antisémites comme la tuerie de l’école juive Otzar Hatorah en 2012 ou l’attaque contre l’Hypercacher en 2015

La France est le pays dont la communauté juive se sent le moins en sécurité, en dépit des actions menées par l’État, selon un index portant sur 12 pays européens publié mardi dans le cadre d’une rencontre organisée par l’Association juive européenne (EJA).

times of israel logo

New Jewish European campaign seeks to house Jewish refugees from Ukraine

As the war in Ukraine enters a second week, Europe is witnessing a huge influx of refugees fleeing Ukraine toward the West, including many Ukrainian Jews in this surge to safety.The Brussels-based European Jewish Association (EJA), representing hundreds of communities across the continent, has launched a Europe-wide campaign to temporarily provide homes, food and clothing to hundreds of Jewish families whose lives have been torn apart and upended by the conflict in Ukraine.

The appeal has gone out to Jewish communities from Lisbon to Lublin, Bucharest to Bordeaux, and everywhere in between.

“The history of the Jewish people is one of displacement, either because of pogrom or war,” said Rabbi Menachem Margolin, EJA chairman. “We are only too aware of what it means to be forced to up and leave at a moment’s notice. In almost every one of our communities you will hear such stories. We, the Jewish people, are especially attuned to these catastrophes. And because we are so attuned, we are pre-programmed to help our Jewish neighbors, just as we always have.

“I have faith that this campaign will deliver. Since the war started, Jews from all over Europe have been getting in touch with us to see what can be done to help their Ukrainian Jewish brothers and sisters in need. We are providing them with the vehicle to do just that, by offering shelter, food and clothing to those who left in a hurry, often with nothing but the clothes on their backs.”

Another European Jewish organization very active on the ground is the Conference of European Rabbis, which announced this week that Israeli technology investor Yuri Milner has donated $3 million to the CER to help Jewish refugees from Ukraine.

“As we witness the terrible human suffering in Ukraine, the Conference of European Rabbis would like to announce a special donation of $3m. from the foundation established by Yuri and Julia Milner,” said the conference. “Yuri is an Israeli technology investor and science philanthropist.”

“The CER is grateful to Yuri and Julia Milner for their long-standing support and for this latest commitment to the Jewish community at this perilous time,” said CER President Chief Rabbi Pinchas Goldschmidt.

Board letter to Ministers of Interior of the United Kingdom, Austria, Poland, Czech Republic, Germany, France, Hungary, and the Netherlands

United Kingdom:

Dear Rt. Hon. Secretary of State Ms Braverman,

Re: Granting Citizenship to Hostages held by Hamas in Gaza

We, Jewish Leaders, write with an urgent request that could – quite literally – save the lives of the hostages being held by Hamas.

You are doubtless aware that Hamas has released a trickle of hostages from the over 200 abducted following their inhuman massacre in Israel on October 7th. The taken include babies, toddlers, children, the elderly and the infirm.

We ask you, as part of a European wide effort with fellow Ministers in other Member States, to take responsibility for a number of hostages by granting them citizenship, even if temporary.

We would be happy to provide you with a list of names and details.

The granting of citizenship and the protections afforded by such citizenship would undoubtedly save lives and avoid a despicable spectacle last witnessed in the death camps: a selection of Jews.

We cannot allow this to happen. We implore you to do all that you can to free the hostages by granting them citizenship of your country.

We stand ready to help, day or night.

Thanking you in advance for your urgent consideration and attention and very much look forward to hearing from your office.

With most respectful regards

Yours sincerely,

_________________________________________________________________________________________

Austria:

Your Excellency Minister of Interior Dr. Karner,

Re: Granting Citizenship to Hostages held by Hamas in Gaza

We, Jewish Leaders, write with an urgent request that could – quite literally – save the lives of the hostages being held by Hamas.

You are doubtless aware that Hamas has released a trickle of hostages from the over 200 abducted following their inhuman massacre in Israel on October 7th. The taken include babies, toddlers, children, the elderly and the infirm.

We ask you, as part of a European wide effort with fellow Ministers in other Member States, to take responsibility for a number of hostages by granting them citizenship, even if temporary.

We would be happy to provide you with a list of names and details.

The granting of citizenship and the protections afforded by such citizenship would undoubtedly save lives and avoid a despicable spectacle last witnessed in the death camps: a selection of Jews.

We cannot allow this to happen. We implore you to do all that you can to free the hostages by granting them citizenship of your country.

We stand ready to help, day or night.

Thanking you in advance for your urgent consideration and attention and very much look forward to hearing from your office.

With most respectful regards

Yours sincerely,

_________________________________________________________________________________________

Poland:

Your Excellency Minister of the Interior Dr. Kamiński,

Re: Granting Citizenship to Hostages held by Hamas in Gaza

We, Jewish Leaders, write with an urgent request that could – quite literally – save the lives of the hostages being held by Hamas.

You are doubtless aware that Hamas has released a trickle of hostages from the over 200 abducted following their inhuman massacre in Israel on October 7th. The taken include babies, toddlers, children, the elderly and the infirm.

We ask you, as part of a European wide effort with fellow Ministers in other Member States, to take responsibility for a number of hostages by granting them citizenship, even if temporary.

We would be happy to provide you with a list of names and details.

The granting of citizenship and the protections afforded by such citizenship would undoubtedly save lives and avoid a despicable spectacle last witnessed in the death camps: a selection of Jews.

We cannot allow this to happen. We implore you to do all that you can to free the hostages by granting them citizenship of your country.

We stand ready to help, day or night.

Thanking you in advance for your urgent consideration and attention and very much look forward to hearing from your office.

With most respectful regards

Yours sincerely,

_________________________________________________________________________________________

Czech Republic:

Your Excellency Minister of Interior Dr. Rakušan,

Re: Granting Citizenship to Hostages held by Hamas in Gaza

We, Jewish Leaders, write with an urgent request that could – quite literally – save the lives of the hostages being held by Hamas.

You are doubtless aware that Hamas has released a trickle of hostages from the over 200 abducted following their inhuman massacre in Israel on October 7th. The taken include babies, toddlers, children, the elderly and the infirm.

We ask you, as part of a European wide effort with fellow Ministers in other Member States, to take responsibility for a number of hostages by granting them citizenship, even if temporary.

We would be happy to provide you with a list of names and details.

The granting of citizenship and the protections afforded by such citizenship would undoubtedly save lives and avoid a despicable spectacle last witnessed in the death camps: a selection of Jews.

We cannot allow this to happen. We implore you to do all that you can to free the hostages by granting them citizenship of your country.

We stand ready to help, day or night.

Thanking you in advance for your urgent consideration and attention and very much look forward to hearing from your office.

With most respectful regards

Yours sincerely,

_________________________________________________________________________________________

Germany:

Your Excellency Minister of the Interior Dr. Faeser,

Re: Granting Citizenship to Hostages held by Hamas in Gaza

Her Excellency Madam Nancy Faeser Federal Minister of the Interior and Community Federal Republic of Germany

We, Jewish Leaders, write with an urgent request that could – quite literally – save the lives of the hostages being held by Hamas.

You are doubtless aware that Hamas has released a trickle of hostages from the over 200 abducted following their inhuman massacre in Israel on October 7th. The taken include babies, toddlers, children, the elderly and the infirm.

We ask you, as part of a European wide effort with fellow Ministers in other Member States, to take responsibility for a number of hostages by granting them citizenship, even if temporary.

We would be happy to provide you with a list of names and details.

The granting of citizenship and the protections afforded by such citizenship would undoubtedly save lives and avoid a despicable spectacle last witnessed in the death camps: a selection of Jews.

We cannot allow this to happen. We implore you to do all that you can to free the hostages by granting them citizenship of your country.

We stand ready to help, day or night.

Thanking you in advance for your urgent consideration and attention and very much look forward to hearing from your office.

With most respectful regards

Yours sincerely,

_________________________________________________________________________________________

France:

Your Excellency Minister of the Interior Mr. Darmanin,

Re: Granting Citizenship to Hostages held by Hamas in Gaza

We, Jewish Leaders, write with an urgent request that could – quite literally – save the lives of the hostages being held by Hamas.

You are doubtless aware that Hamas has released a trickle of hostages from the over 200 abducted following their inhuman massacre in Israel on October 7th. The taken include babies, toddlers, children, the elderly and the infirm.

We ask you, as part of a European wide effort with fellow Ministers in other Member States, to take responsibility for a number of hostages by granting them citizenship, even if temporary.

We would be happy to provide you with a list of names and details.

The granting of citizenship and the protections afforded by such citizenship would undoubtedly save lives and avoid a despicable spectacle last witnessed in the death camps: a selection of Jews.

We cannot allow this to happen. We implore you to do all that you can to free the hostages by granting them citizenship of your country.

We stand ready to help, day or night.

Thanking you in advance for your urgent consideration and attention and very much look forward to hearing from your office.

With most respectful regards

Yours sincerely,

_________________________________________________________________________________________

Hungary:

Your Excellency Minister of Interior Dr. Pintér,

Re: Granting Citizenship to Hostages held by Hamas in Gaza

We, Jewish Leaders, write with an urgent request that could – quite literally – save the lives of the hostages being held by Hamas.

You are doubtless aware that Hamas has released a trickle of hostages from the over 200 abducted following their inhuman massacre in Israel on October 7th. The taken include babies, toddlers, children, the elderly and the infirm.

We ask you, as part of a European wide effort with fellow Ministers in other Member States, to take responsibility for a number of hostages by granting them citizenship, even if temporary.

We would be happy to provide you with a list of names and details.

The granting of citizenship and the protections afforded by such citizenship would undoubtedly save lives and avoid a despicable spectacle last witnessed in the death camps: a selection of Jews.

We cannot allow this to happen. We implore you to do all that you can to free the hostages by granting them citizenship of your country.

We stand ready to help, day or night.

Thanking you in advance for your urgent consideration and attention and very much look forward to hearing from your office.

With most respectful regards

Yours sincerely,

_________________________________________________________________________________________The Netherlands:

Your Excellency Minister of the Interior Dr. de Jonge,

Re: Granting Citizenship to Hostages held by Hamas in Gaza

H.E. Mr Hugo de Jonge Minister of the Interior and Kingdom Relations The Netherlands

We, Jewish Leaders, write with an urgent request that could – quite literally – save the lives of the hostages being held by Hamas.

You are doubtless aware that Hamas has released a trickle of hostages from the over 200 abducted following their inhuman massacre in Israel on October 7th. The taken include babies, toddlers, children, the elderly and the infirm.

We ask you, as part of a European wide effort with fellow Ministers in other Member States, to take responsibility for a number of hostages by granting them citizenship, even if temporary.

We would be happy to provide you with a list of names and details.

The granting of citizenship and the protections afforded by such citizenship would undoubtedly save lives and avoid a despicable spectacle last witnessed in the death camps: a selection of Jews.

We cannot allow this to happen. We implore you to do all that you can to free the hostages by granting them citizenship of your country.

We stand ready to help, day or night.

Thanking you in advance for your urgent consideration and attention and very much look forward to hearing from your office.

With most respectful regards

Yours sincerely,

 

BRUSSELS PARLIAMENT WON’T BAN KOSHER SLAUGHTER – EUROPEAN JEWISH ASSOCIATION CHAIRMAN APPLAUDS DECISION

“Where Brussels has led, others must follow”, says EJA Chairman Rabbi Menachem Margolin, adds “thank goodness for 3 Parliaments in Belgium.”

 

(Brussels 17 June). In a closely contested vote (42 against, 38 for) the Brussels Parliament has just voted not to ban Kosher slaughter in the Capital Region.

 

The move represents a victory for Jews in the Belgian Capital and stands in contrast to both Flanders and Wallonia (Belgium’s other regions) where bans on Kosher slaughter are in place.

 

Welcoming the vote, Rabbi Menachem Margolin, the Chairman of the European Jewish Association that represents hundreds of communities across the Continent, and whose offices are headquartered in Brussels said in a statement:

 

“After a steady stream of bans across Europe that has left many communities bereft of local Kosher meat and having to shoulder the increased expenses of importing meat, we applaud this vote by Belgium’s Capital Parliament.

 

“The expense of course is of secondary concern to the overwhelming feeling from communities across the continent that their faith and traditions are constantly under threat by ill-though out , or malign legislation. 

 

“It is not said too often, but thank goodness for 3 parliaments in Belgium. There are few bastions left where Freedom of Religion is still considered a fundamental right. As a citizen of Brussels, I am proud that the capital is such a bastion. Where Brussels has led, others must now follow”.

Additional Communities
United State
United Kingdom
Ukraine
Turkey
Schweiz
Switzerland
Sweden
Spain
Slovenia
Slovakia
Serbia