EJA Special Protected Minority Status Research Report

Call comes from Auschwitz, where European Jewish Association (EJA) is leading a delegation of politicians, mayors and university deans to the death camp and a symposium on combating antisemitism.

Krakow, Poland, November 19, 2024 — At the European Jewish Association (EJA) annual conference and symposium marking the remembrance of Kristallnacht, EJA Chairman, Rabbi Menachem Margolin, issued a powerful call to European governments to declare an urgent six-month emergency period to address the alarming rise in antisemitism.

Gathering politicians, mayors, university leaders, and experts, the symposium tackled the dual challenge of rising antisemitism and Holocaust denial in European universities and education systems. Discussions ranged from the conflation of anti-Zionism with antisemitism to the safety of Jewish communities and students. The emotional resonance of being at Auschwitz underscored the urgency of Rabbi Margolin’s call to action:

Reflecting the sense of crisis, EJA Chairman Rabbi Menachem Margolin, in his opening remarks, called on European Governments to declare an urgent six month antisemitism emergency period with much tougher laws on hate speech and incitement, regulated public events/protests, and increased security provision for Jewish areas.

Rabbi Margolin said, “I am very aware that Six million murdered Jews would be horrified that while Europe’s Politicians say “Never Again”, Europe is, in fact, heading down the darkest path, again. We have already long passed the stage of warnings and prophecies. Today, Jews are openly attacked in the streets with impunity. The perpetrators are given the lightest of sentences, if at all. Freedom of speech is being abused daily to incite murder, hate and division. It is directly fueling the fire of antisemitism.” The European Jewish Association is today urging the European Union and its member states to declare an immediate six-month period of emergency on antisemitism. This period would entail a heightened level of protection for Jewish communities across Europe, reflecting the nature of the emergency. This protection includes the enactment of special security measures: Such as ensuring that there is proper and meaningful regulation of public events, including the banning and penalizing of expressions that are antisemitic in nature and that incite. Emergency designation should also see increased police presence in Jewish areas, the requirement of pre-authorization and an enforceable code for conduct and language at public demonstrations and the appointment of dedicated judicial resources, all of which must meet European legal frameworks. By adopting these enhanced precautions for an initial six month period, we seek not only to safeguard Jewish communities but to uphold core European values. Every Jewish Community on the frontline is awaiting the worst and wondering when a real European Political response will come. Now is the time.”

Discussing the rise of Antisemitism in education across Europe, Professor Christer Mattson, an expert in radicalization, highlighted the critical role education plays in countering prejudice:  “Antisemitism isn’t about Jews; it’s about the fantasies of antisemites. Jews are painted as whatever the antisemite needs—communist, capitalist, colonialist, you name it. This isn’t new; it’s history repeating itself,” he said. “We must teach young people to understand intolerance, or they will grow up speaking the language of hate.”  Professor Mattson’s sentiments were echoed by MP Petros Pappas of Greece, who called for modernized Holocaust education that bridges past atrocities with today’s challenges. “Education must address polarization and foster a sense of shared European identity,” he said.

Another growing concern discussed at the symposium was the hostility faced by Jewish students on European university campuses. Emilie Zerbib, President of the French Union of Jewish Students, shared her experience at Sciences Po:  “Antisemitism was legitimized by public figures hosted by the university. We, as Jewish students, were told we are no longer welcome. It is clear that this is no longer about Israel or politics—it’s about silencing Jewish voices altogether.”

King’s College London student Aurele Tobelem expressed frustration at universities’ failure to protect Jewish students. “It’s appalling that I have to defend the basic right of Zionist students to express their beliefs without fear. If anti-Zionism is a protected belief, then so must Zionism—it is integral to Jewish identity.”

Panelists urged universities to adopt the **International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism** to establish clear frameworks for tackling hate speech on campuses.

Budapest Mayor Gergely Karácsony reflected on the lessons of history and the importance of standing against hatred:  “The opposite of love is not hate—it is indifference. And indifference cannot be allowed to take root in Europe. The best answer to antisemitism is building inclusive societies where hatred has no place.”

German MP Frank Müller-Rosentritt called for more intensive Holocaust education, including mandatory visits to concentration camps: “Young people must experience the reality of history to challenge their prejudices. Antisemitism is not freedom of speech—it is hate speech.”

The symposium also explored strategies to integrate Jewish culture into the social fabric of European cities. Burkhard Jung, Mayor of Leipzig, shared his city’s approach: “We promote and normalize Jewish life as part of Leipzig’s identity. The fight against antisemitism starts with making Jewish culture a visible and celebrated part of our society.”

Sara Wettergren, Malmo’s Councilor for Education, discussed interfaith initiatives involving rabbis, priests, and imams speaking at schools: “We’ve worked to create safe spaces in schools for all children, especially after the recent surge in hate speech following global events.”

The symposium concluded with a memorial dinner, honoring Holocaust victims and contemporary heroes. Daniel Sharabi, a survivor of the Nova Music Festival massacre, received the King David Award for bravery and said: “We have the right to exist, the right to rebuild, and the right to hope,” he said.

Pastor Dumisani Washington, director of the Institute for Black Solidarity with Israel, received the King Solomon Award for his unwavering support of the Jewish community. In his remarks, he drew a stark parallel between the past and present: “The Islamic Republic of Iran is the Third Reich of today. Zionism is not just a political movement—it is a testament to survival and renewal.”

As the symposium closed, Rabbi Margolin’s final words resonated: “This isn’t just about the Jewish community—it’s about the very soul of Europe. We are past ‘Never Again’; we are in the moment of now. If Europe doesn’t act, history will judge us all.”

For further information please contact: Tamar Nuijen +972-50-372-0304

The barbaric attack of Hamas terrorists on Israel on 7th October, resulted in the most lethal assault against the Jewish people since the Holocaust. More than 1400 Jews – women, children, men, and the elderly, including Holocaust survivors – were tortured, raped, and murdered. Over two hundred were taken hostage. These events have an immense impact on Jewish communities worldwide.

Many national leaders and heads of international organizations across the globe have condemned these acts in the strongest terms and expressed their full support and solidarity with the State of Israel. At the same time, there have also been demonstrations in many countries – including in some countries and regions which we represent – in which individuals praised these heinous actions of Hamas, “celebrated” the murder of Jews, and even called for more antisemitic assaults.

Jewish communities are fearful and are being threatened. Synagogues and other Jewish sites have been attacked. Schools have closed since they can no longer guarantee the safety of their students. Shabbat gatherings require the presence of armed guards for protection. In some cities, Jews are being harassed and accosted on the streets. Posters of the captive hostages are defaced and torn down. Antisemitism online has surged in an unprecedented way.

We, the undersigned Special Envoys and Coordinators, have a shared mandate to combat antisemitism and to safeguard Jewish life. We commend the resolute action of many national authorities to protect Jewish communities, as Jews around the world have not faced such challenges since the Holocaust. Mindful of those darkest days, we stand with the Jewish people. We will do everything in our power to see that hatred against Jews is rebuked and that Jewish life flourishes in peace. Antisemitism and all forms of hate are incredibly harmful and unacceptable.

Therefore:

· We call on governments to assess the needs and provide the necessary security assistance that Jewish communities require at this time of crisis.

· We urge police and law enforcement to be vigilant of threats against Jews and to be aware that Jewish people around the world should not be held responsible for the words and actions of the Israeli or any other government, as illustrated by the non-legally binding International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance Working Definition of Antisemitism.

· We denounce antisemitic acts taking place on some campuses and urge university administrators to condemn them and ensure that their Jewish students, like all other students, have the safety and support needed in these difficult times, to enjoy their right to education.

· We urge civil society – including sports federations, religious communities, the cultural sector and academic circles – not to stand by or stay silent, but rather use their influence to effectively counter antisemitism and promote public acts of solidarity.

· We are distressed about the online upsurge of antisemitic messages, disinformation, hate speech, and terrorist content, which instigate real world hate crimes and threaten the very social cohesion that binds our democratic societies together. We decry the social media platforms that amplify and multiply this content and call on them to act in line with the law and their own terms of service.

History has taught us that at times like these, we must speak up and cannot be indifferent.

“Never again” is now!

Signed,

Chryssoula ALFIERI
Ambassador, Special Envoy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for Combatting Anti-Semitism and for the Protection of Holocaust Remembrance, Greece

Andrew BAKER
Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office on Combating Anti-Semitism

Luiz BARREIROS
Head of Delegation to IHRA, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Portugal

Delphine BORIONE
Ambassador at Large for Human Rights responsible for inter-national issues relating to the Holocaust, looted property and remembrance, France

Michal COTLER-WUNSH
Israel’s Special Envoy for Combating Antisemitism

Arvydas DAUNORAVIČIUS
Lithuania’s Ambassador-at-Large for the Holocaust remembrance issues

Irena DIMITROVA
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bulgaria and National Coordinator on combating antisemitism

David FERNANDEZ PUYANA
Ambassador, Permanent Observer of the UN University for Peace to the UN Office & intl. organizations in Geneva & Permanent Delegate of UPEACE to UNESCO

Simon GEISSBÜHLER
Ambassador, Head of Peace and Human Rights Division,
Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, Switzerland

Alexandre GUESSEL
Special Representative of the Secretary General on antisemitic, anti-Muslim and other forms of religious intolerance and hate crimes, Council of Europe

Michel HEINTZ
Interministerial Delegate in charge of the coordination of policies to combat racism, anti-Semitism and anti-LGBTIQ+ hatred, Luxembourg

Felix KLEIN
Federal Government Commissioner for Jewish Life in Germany and the Fight against Antisemitism

Olivier KLEIN
Former Minister, French national Delegate against racism, antisemitism and LGBTI-phobia

Robert KLINKE
Ambassador, Special Representative for Relations with Jewish Organisations, Issues relating to Antisemitism, International Sinti and Roma Affairs, Holocaust Remembrance

Maria Fabiana LOGUZZO
Ambassador, Argentina’s Special Representative for the fight against Antisemitism and Head of Delegation to IHRA

Fernando K. LOTTENBERG
Commissioner to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism, Organization of American States

Sara LUSTIG
Special Advisor to the Prime Minister of Croatia for Holocaust Issues and Combating Antisemitism

Deborah LIPSTADT
Ambassador, US Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism

Deborah LYONS
Ambassador, Canada’s Special Envoy on Preserving Holocaust Remembrance and Combatting Antisemitism

Lord John MANN
UK Government Advisor on Antisemitism

Antonio MARTINO
Director, Department for Fostering Austrian-Jewish Cultural Heritage and Combating Antisemitism, Federal Chancellery, Austria

Bogdan MAZURU
Ambassador, Special Representative of the Government of Romania for the remembrance policies and for the fight against antisemitism and xenophobia

Ulf MELGAARD
Director, International law and Human rights, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark

Jaime MORENO
Coordinator of the Spanish National Plan against Antisemitism and Head of Delegation to IHRA

Giuseppe PECORARO
Italian Coordinator on Combating antisemitism, Italian Government

Rt Hon the Lord Eric PICKLES
UK Special Envoy on Post Holocaust Issues

Robert ŘEHÁK
Czech Republic’s Special Envoy for Holocaust Issues, Interfaith Dialogue and FoRB

Ringo RINGVEE
Estonia’s National coordinator of measures against anti-Semitism

Vince SZALAY-BOBROVNICZKY
Deputy State Secretary, Civil and Social Affairs. Prime Minister’s Office, Hungary

Ulrika SUNDBERG
Special Envoy to the OIC, Intercultural and Interfaith Dialogue of Sweden

Eddo VERDONER
National Coordinator on Combating Antisemitism, The Netherlands

Katharina VON SCHNURBEIN
European Commission Coordinator on combating antisemitism and fostering Jewish life

In response to the European Commission’s publication of a Communication on “No place for hate: a Europe united against hatred”, Rabbi Menachem Margolin Chairman of the European Jewish Association, which represents hundreds of Jewish Communities across the continent, said:

“We welcome the seriousness and diligence with which the European Commission have approached this communication. It is a serious document.

“In particular, we welcome the bringing forward of the call for proposals under the Internal Security Fund, initially scheduled for 2024, forward to 2023, which puts a focus on Jewish places of worship, with an increased budget. However, as I personally expressed to the Commission in meetings, the process must be expedited as soon as possible. With a clear and present danger to Jewish Communities everywhere in Europe right now, our communities don’t have the time for lengthy form-filling and procedures, we need help with security yesterday, not in months from now on completion of a process.

“Perhaps the biggest part of this communication is the proposal to extend the list of Treaty crimes to include hate speech and hate crime. If this is directly linked with the IHRA definition of antisemitism as it should be, it could be a game changer.

This communication has a lot of good in it. We are still working through the detail, but it is a very welcome communication.”