Hitler’s Prewar Speeches Fetch Thousands at Contentious Auction

AS DEEP DARKNESS OF ANTISEMITISM SPREADS ACROSS EU – MONTENEGRIN MODEL IS BADLY NEEDED, EU JEWISH CHIEF TELLS PRESIDENT
Brussels 7 March 2019. Rabbi Menachem Margolin, presenting The President of Montenegro Mr Milo Dukanovic with the European King David Award in recognition of his outstanding contribution in supporting and protecting Jews in Montenegro, said his leadership stands in isolation as “the deep darkness of antisemitism spreads across the continent.”
The President met with with Senior representatives of European Jewry, including the chief Rabbi of the Netherlands, the president of the Belgian League against antisemitism, and the Secretary General of B’nei Brith Europe, amongst others, who reported on the rising levels of antisemitism and hate crimes in their countries.
In stark contrast, the President of the Montenegrin Jewish Community Mr Dorde Raicewic and Rabbi Ari Edelkopf, the Rabbi of Montenegro spoke about how Jews are welcomed, how there is no security needed at Jewish buildings and that it is safe to walk the streets.
Rabbi Menachem Margolin, the Chairman of the EJA, prior to presenting the award, said as part of his speech,
“Montenegro may be a relatively small country, but even a small light can burn darkness away.
The deep darkness of antisemitism is spreading across Europe. France, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium and many others, the oldest hatred is finding its voice again in dark corners and spreading like a malignant virus.
Time and time again we hear European leaders saying enough is enough, but little changes and the darkness keeps spreading.
These countries must embrace and enshrine not only the Montenegrin Model of co-existence, but welcome the country into the European Union where it can provide a leading and immensely valuable role in fighting the scourge of antisemitism. It is deeply ironic that Montenegro must knock on the door to get inside when the country itself is miles ahead of the vast majority of EU countries in protecting freedom of religion and supporting minorities.
“We earnestly thank the President for all his hard work, in helping create and supporting the first synagogue in the country, in the example he sets for others to follow and for his humbling and deep convictions and care when it comes to protecting and nurturing this small but flourishing Jewish community.
My message to all EU Leaders is this: take note, act and share the light of Montenegro now before the darkness consumes us all.”

We are proud to announce that Fernando Pessoa University in Porto has formally adopted the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance Working Definition of Antisemitism. This makes UFP the first university in Portugal to officially adopt the IHRA definition. The decision comes at a time when antisemitism is rising sharply across Europe and universities in particular face hostility that often hides behind political slogans. UFP has chosen clarity and responsibility.

The declaration signed with EJA commits the university to use the IHRA definition as a tool to prevent and combat antisemitism in all its forms. UFP pledges to monitor signs of hatred on campus and to promote initiatives that defend human rights. It also commits to integrating awareness of the IHRA definition into its code of conduct. These commitments are outlined in points 1 to 4 of the signed document.

The decision carries both symbolic and practical weight. UFP is known as one of the European universities with the highest proportion of Jewish students.

Rabbi Menachem Margolin, Chairman of the European Jewish Association, said:
“Fernando Pessoa University has shown leadership at a moment when it is needed the most. Many institutions hesitate, yet UFP chose action. Antisemitism cannot be ignored or excused. By adopting the IHRA definition, the university sends a clear message that Jewish students will be protected and respected. We welcome this partnership and hope it inspires others.”

Gabriel Senderowicz, President of the Jewish Community of Porto, said:
“This is a historic moment. It makes perfect sense that the first university in Portugal to adopt the IHRA definition of antisemitism is Fernando Pessoa University. UFP likely has the highest proportion of Jewish students of any university in Europe, with approximately 500 Jewish students. Over the past twelve years, the university has played an important role in the revival of the Jewish Community of Oporto – a result of the welcoming relationship it has maintained with its Jewish students throughout the years.”

Juan Caldés, EJA European Advocacy Coordinator, said:
“We are very happy that Fernando Pessoa University took this step. They see antisemitism for what it is and they refuse to be intimidated by those who spread hate. This creates a stronger and safer environment for Jewish students and for the entire academic community.”

EJA will continue to work with universities across Europe to encourage the adoption of the IHRA definition and to support students who face antisemitism.

EJA Chairman, Rabbi Menachem Margolin, and his wife Chana have the honour of celebrating the Bar Mitzvah of their son Yaakov on Sunday 29 September at 17:00.

Bar Mitzvah is one of the most foundamental and special celebrations in Jewish life. It is celebrated when a boy turns 13 and it is one of the most important turning points since it is the day of acceptance of all the awesome responsibilities of Jewish life.

It is an opportunity to celebrate together a significant Jewish milestone and learn about one of the principal events in Jewish culture. During the current difficult and dark times when anti-Semitism is on the rise, it is undoubtedly important to celebrate a meaningful and happy event with all our distinguished guests.

The EJA warmly thanks H.E. Marcelo Nuno Duarte Rebelo de Sousa, President of the Portuguese Republic, for His Excellency’s kind wishes to the European Jewry in light of the upcoming holiday of Rosh HaShanah