The Hamas Massacre was the only topic on lips at the first major European Jewish Conference since the attacks.

October 13, 2023

The European Jewish Association, representing hundreds of Jewish communities across the continent invited Political figures and Jewish Leaders from Europe to Zagreb and the Jasenovac death camp in Croatia, against the backdrop of the Hamas Massacre in Israel, an act that has profoundly affected Jews across Europe. The Conference began with a minute silence for all those butchered by Hamas last weekend.

Gary Koren, Israel’s Ambassador Ambassador to Croatia in welcoming the Conference delegates from Portugal to Bulgaria, said:

“This conference in Zagreb is now needed more than ever. Hamas is ISIS, and this war started with the blessing of Iran. Israel has no choice but to win and obliterate Hamas. This is the darkest of times, and there is no way to describe the pain our nation is going through, but we will prevail like we always do.”

Croatia’s former President Kolinda Grabar–Kitarovic said that the attacks against Israel represent “an existential attack against the normalization of the Abraham Accords.

It will have tremendous geopolitical effects, and sadly, antisemitism will only spike.”

Deputy Remy Rebeyrotte, the Secretary of the National Assembly in France, responding to European Jewish Press reports that since the weekend there have been 50 reported acts of antisemitism in France, responded:

“There have been over 202 antisemitic attacks in France in the last couple of months.

The Ministry of Interior is stepping up security measures in synagogues and all Jewish Schools.We see yet again conspiracy theories running deeply rooted in antisemitism. This time from the far left saying Jews control the world, the banking industry, etc.

“I want today to express support of France for Israel. The children of Israel are our children. All parties are condemning except for the extreme left with Melenchon”

Dragan Primorac, president of the Croatian-Israel business club, stated, “Evil is the antithesis of honor. Croatia is staying shoulder to shoulder with Israel. Evil will not prevail.”

Head of Combatting Antisemitism at the World Zionist Organisation Raheli Baratz Rix, who partnered with the EJA for the Zagreb conference, in an address from Israel said:

“Israel is under attack. They killed in a massacre of young Jews because they were Jews. This barbaric act is only murderous racism, which has only one name antisemitism. You cannot stay silent again. We fight for humanity. Israel will stay strong and will win.

Natan Albahari, a Serbian Member of Parliament added,

“It pained me to see what happened at the music festival in Israel. It’s unimaginable. There is no justification for those crimes. I am only one MP, but will use every platform at my disposal to make sure that message is shared in Serbia.”

Konstantinos Karagounis, a Greek MP and Member of EJA’s Advisory Board was scathing in his criticism of the Hamas Massacre in Israel:

“All political parties of Greece stand firmly in solidarity with Israel. EU leaders must reassess their policy towards Hamas, Hezbollah, and towards all these terrorists. I think we are all under attack. Not just Israel. Failure to act will endorse such brutality.

Terrorist activities must face unwavering consequences.”

William Daroff, the CEO of the Conference of Presidents of Major Jewish Organisations, in an impassioned speech to delegates, said:

“We need to make the world aware of what happened. They want to do Israel Judenrein. The only answer is Unity. We are strong when we are one. The IDF will succeed. We will survive as a people. Israel is our lifeline.”

Adel Benita, a citizen of Modi’in, Israel, whose husband was stabbed to death 40 times in a previous terror attack, spoke to delegates from the podium and said:

“Terrorism doesn’t differentiate between race or nationality.

“What we saw this past Shabbat and holiday – forty babies butchered, young people shot at a festival – how can we understand? How can those families cope in response to their loved ones being butchered and raped?

“This could happen to you in Europe. Terrorists don’t differentiate between race, gender, and nationality.

“I’m begging you to open your eyes and to ensure your leaders fight against antisemitism so this doesn’t happen again.”

Additional Articles

Although we can't stop the least we could do is help those in need

Dear Friends,
Jewish Communities in Ukraine are on the frontline. Our brothers and sisters there
are danger and face an uncertain future. They need your help. Urgently.
The Federation of Jewish Communities in Ukraine is doing all it can, working night
and day to help the 180 communities it serves.
We are asked to help those in need. It is in our Jewish DNA to do so. Thankfully and
rarely are we asked to help Jews stuck in a warzone. But today is such a time.
I ask you humbly and gratefully to dig deep. To give all that you can to help the
Federation, in this their time of greatest need.
Know that any contribution given will go directly to four key areas.
1. Urgent kosher food packages to feed Jewish families
2. Providing medicines for those who are stuck at home and cannot get
medical help
3. Protecting Jewish Institutions and individual Jewish properties from
harm.
4. Helping those Jews who wish to escape Ukraine to do so
Thank you dear friends from the bottom of our hearts for helping Jews in need in
Ukraine.
You can do so by clicking on the link below:
I also ask you to share this link as far and wide as possible, let us do all we can to
help
. Yours gratefully,
Rabbi Menachem Margolin
Chairman.

UANI and European Jewish Association Co-Host Event at Sveriges Riksdag to Expose Iranian Regime's Presence in Sweden

In a significant collaborative effort, United Against Nuclear Iran (UANI) and The European Jewish Association joined forces to host a pivotal event within the esteemed halls of the Sveriges Riksdag in Stockholm. This event served as a platform to unveil the findings of UANI’s extensive investigation into the Iranian regime’s infiltration within Sweden.

Attendees gathered with a shared commitment to shed light on the presence and activities of the Iranian regime within Swedish borders. The event brought together influential figures from diplomatic circles, government officials, advocacy groups, and concerned citizens, all united in their determination to address this pressing issue.

Throughout the event, speakers highlighted the alarming implications of the Iranian regime’s infiltration, emphasising the need for vigilance and coordinated action. They underscored the importance of raising awareness and implementing strategies to counter such interference, safeguarding Sweden’s sovereignty and security.

With the spotlight firmly on the findings of UANI’s investigation, attendees gained valuable insights into the extent and methods of the Iranian regime’s presence in Sweden. This comprehensive analysis provided a crucial foundation for informed discourse and strategic planning moving forward.

As the event concluded, participants departed with a renewed sense of purpose and resolve. Armed with knowledge and collaboration, they stood ready to confront the challenges posed by the Iranian regime’s infiltration, safeguarding Sweden’s interests and upholding the principles of democracy, security, and sovereignty.

EUROPEAN JEWISH ASSOCIATION IN EUROPE-WIDE CAMPAIGN TO HOUSE JEWISH REFUGEES FROM UKRAINE

“The history of the Jewish people is one of displacement, either because of pogrom or war. 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,” stated EJA Chairman Rabbi Menachem Margolin.

As war in Ukraine enters a second week, Europe is witnessing a huge influx of refugees fleeing Ukraine towards the West. Naturally many Ukrainian Jews are included in this surge to safety.

Brussels-based European Jewish Association (EJA), an umbrella group 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 up-ended by the conflict in Ukraine.

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

Speaking after launching the campaign, EJA Chairman Rabbi Menachem Margolin said, “The history of the Jewish people is one of displacement, either because of pogrom or war. 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. From generations ago from Spain or Galicia, from the war, to emigrating to Israel. I say this because we are especially attuned to these catastrophes. And because we are so attuned, we are pre-programmed to help our Jewish neighbours, just as we always have.’’

He added, “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.”

EJA Vows Legal Action After Humo's Late Removal of Antisemitic Article: "Too Little, Too Late"

Following Belgian Magazine Humo’ removal of the offensive and antisemitic article by Mr Brusselmans , the European Jewish Association (EJA) acknowledged it “ as a step in the right direction” , but said the legal case against the writer, magazine and publisher would continue “until justice is properly and meaningfully served”.

EJA chairman, Rabbi Menachem Margolin said in a statement today,

The removal of the highly offensive article is a step in the right direction.

However, the author has shown zero remorse for his “thought experiment” of murdering any Jew he meets in the street. He continues to regard incitement to murder as his freedom of speech.

The magazine editors only belatedly decided to remove the offending piece after a massive public outcry.

This is all much too little, much too late.

The EJA and a coalition of concerned Jewish leaders and organisations in Belgium will continue our legal action against the writer, magazine and publisher.

We still demand a full apology from the magazine and the suspension of Mr Brusselmans.

A strong, uncompromising response is absolutely necessary lest others think they can also call publicly for the mass murder of Jews.

We will not rest until justice is properly and meaningfully served.”

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