EJA take part in the European Commission Working-Group on the implementation of EU Strategy on combating antisemitism and fostering Jewish life in Brussels

The minister called for’’reinforced vigilance by forces of law and order and a “systematic presence of internal security forces around schools during the arrival and departure of pupils” and at places of worship “during the arrival and departure of worshippers”.French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin has asked prefects to step up protection measures for the Jewish community, particularly around schools and places of worship, following the events of the last few days in Gaza, French media reporterd.“Given the high level of the terrorist threat that continues to weigh on our country and the tensions in the Middle East, which have increased sharply in recent days (…) I would ask you to immediately reinforce security measures concerning Jewish community sites”, “in particular with regard to schools”, says a note by the minister consulted by Agence France Presse.He also called for’’reinforced vigilance by forces of law and order and a “systematic presence of internal security forces around schools during the arrival and departure of pupils” and at places of worship “during the arrival and departure of worshippers”.Darmanin also called on prefects to mobilize “intelligence services to assess threats to public order” and to pay “particular attention to any forthcoming demonstrations”.

French Interior Minister asks to step up protection of Jewish community sites

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.

London Metropolitan Police police said Tuesday that as many as four unprovoked attacks against Jews were perpetrated within a matter of hours by the same suspect, who remains at large.
In the first incident reported to police, a 64-year-old Orthodox Jewish victim was on his way to synagogue before being struck by the unidentified man at around 8:30 pm on August 18. The victim was knocked to the ground, and was hospitalized with facial injuries and a broken foot.
Police said Tuesday they are linking at least two other incidents to the same man, who was dressed in traditional Muslim garb.
 
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EJA Chairman Rabbi Menachem Margolin wrote a letter of thanks to Lithuanian Foreign Minister Linas Linkevičius after the Minister made the decision that Lithuania will endorse and adopt the international definition of anti‑Semitism by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA). “Anti‑Semitism has absolutely no place – neither in Lithuania, nor in other parts of the world”, said Mr Linkevicius as he announced the move.