An important statement re Mr. Schuster′s Statement

November 27, 2017

Rabbi Menachem Margolin, General Director of the European Jewish Association and the Rabbinical Center of Europe, has denounced Mr. Schuster’s Statement and emphesized that: “This is a dangarous statement that was better left unsaid. The call for Jews to hide their identity instead of calling upon European Governments to provide all the necesary resources in order to battle Anti-Semitism is irresponsible.  If this statement was maid by a non Jew, he would be considered an Anti-Semite. We hope and expect that Mr. Schuster Will clarify or take back his unproductive and hurtfull statement.

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Concerns about politics

Diary March 18
Concerns about politics.
One of the prominent figures of the Jewish Netherlands, who is apparently occasionally
tormented by the disease called jealousy, approached me with the comment that he had
heard that I will be speaking next Sunday for the NIK on Zoom because of Pesach and
expressed the hope that I would not speak about anti-Semitism again and would not have
my message / lecture included with 'those Christians'.
Of course I don't have to justify myself and I can do whatever I want, but it bothered me
anyway. Because with "those Christians" professional recording equipment was available
and "those Christians" were willing to make a good recording completely free of charge, I
had made my NIK Hanukkah presentation with and by "those Christians".
Some years ago I had received a similar comment, from that same person, about "those
Christians." I needed to have less contact with them. I understand that setup. What I did not
fully understand, however, was that the same critic then went to "those Christians" to ask
for financial support for his, otherwise fine, projects.
Nothing new under the sun. I remember speaking to an eminent physician some time ago.
This ‘eminence’, he told me personally, was not so much down to his expertise in his field,
but as a much about his political qualities. No, he was not in politics, he was referring to
politics at the top of his university hospital. When I heard a little bit of that politics I
immediately thought of the rabbinic world! (Just kidding, because rabbis don't do politics!)
Because there is politics everywhere. Especially in the real and necessary democratic
politics: The elections!
I haven't been able to sleep all night. When I looked at the new composition of the House of
Representatives, I was overcome with concern. I hope and pray that I misjudge it
completely, but I fear it. Of course, there can be criticism of Israeli Politics, that does not
have to be a sign of anti-Semitism.
But if there is only talk about Israel and not a word is mentioned about the feudal
dictatorships of the countries around Israel, then I do not understand.
I understand and accept that one of our prominent mayors in a speech at #
MayorsAgainstAntisemtism # claims that criticism of Netanyahu is allowed, as well as
criticism of Rutte. But that's not the problem. Criticism of Netanyahu is allowed, 50% of
Israel criticizes him and that does not degrade them to anti-Semites.
The problem is that there is almost exclusively criticism of Israel. That Israel is by far at the
top of the list for UN Resolutions. The role of a mayor should be in trying to connect his
townspeople, and that does not happen by importing sensitive foreign conflicts. Do I think
this mayor is anti-Semitic? Absolutely not! Do I think this mayor should be allowed to
criticize Netanyahu? Sure! But what I regret is that criticism of Israel unfortunately and
often unintentionally leads to anti-Semitism.
How often am I not allowed to explain that I speak Dutch, although I am a Jew but not born
in Israel. The superficial one-sidedness in the experience, however nuanced a mayor may
present it, causes anti-Semitism here in our country. And so: if the mayor believes we
should keep the Middle East problem out of the city, then criticize Israel, Jordan, Yemen,
Saudi Arabia, Egypt, North Korea, China, on… and on…. But even better: let the mayor try to
bind the various population groups within the city limits and call them to develop activities
that unite together. And then, if connections and friendships have arisen, then, despite the
diversity, the friendship itself can look at bottlenecks and differences of opinion that
seemed unmentionable. Do you think that can succeed? Often not, but sometimes it does.
And sometimes I cherish that, because I have sometimes been able to experience this often!
And to the prominent Jewish Dutchman I would like to say: next week it is Pesach and Jews
all over the world read the Hagadah, which describes the Exodus from Egypt at that time.
And what do we read there about the present and now? "Because in every generation we
are rebelled against us to destroy us," literally. And then the text continues and says that
G-d will save us in the end. The Jewish people live and survive, but all kinds of things happen
along the way. We must know, prevent and combat that, but not deny it! I hope that the
new House of Representatives will want to fight that battle with us and will want to exercise
vigilance.

With war in Gaza and Europe-wide Antisemitism peak, Jews bring president Von der Leyen and other friends in Brussels to ‘shine together’ on Channukah

“Defiant and hopeful, just as we have always been,” says organisers of EU event after traumatic few months. Chanukah is first significant Jewish holiday since events on October 7th.

(Brussels 7 December 2023) European Commission President Ursula Von Der Leyen and other European Dignitaries will be at EuroChannukah 2023, taking place between the European Council and Commission buildings at Schuman in Brussels, Belgium on Sunday evening. The Commission President will light a giant Menorah marking the Jewish Holiday of Chanukah – the festival of light.

The theme of EuroChannukah this year, which takes place in the heart of the European Quarter, is ‘Shining Together’.

Chanukkah this year takes place against the backdrop of huge spikes in antisemitism and is the first major Jewish holiday following the Hamas Massacre in Israel and subsequent war in Gaza. The organisers, the European Jewish Community Center , say that it is a showcase for unity and resilience in difficult times.

Avi Tawil, Director of the European Jewish Community Centre, speaking ahead of the event said,

“We were concerned that this year, we would hear from communities across Europe that they were scaling down Chanukah celebrations, hiding away, keeping their heads down. In fact, the opposite is true, now more than ever, the desire is to come out and celebrate the holiday. To Shine together.

“Chanukah, at its core, is a holiday about light overcoming darkness, that good can and will always prevail. Our friends, like Commission President Vpn Der Leyen, are standing with us in solidarity, in a common bond, and in this spirit of unity and resilience.

“It’s been an awful few months. But Jews are defiant in the face of darkness, and always hopeful in the light, just as we have always been, and especially during Chanukkah.”

Ends.

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,

 

ITALIAN POLITICIAN LISTS ‘ANTISEMITIC’ AS HIS RELIGIOUS VIEWS ON FACEBOOK

A member of the city council of an Italian town listed “antisemitic” as his religious views on Facebook, Italian media reported on Sunday.
Stefano Altinier, 35, was elected in the city council of Gorizia, North East of the Italian peninsula, in 2017. He belongs to the right-wing party League, whose leader Matteo Salvini recently triggered a political crisis, pulling the plug from League’s coalition with the anti-establishment Five Star Movement.
According to the Italian newspaper La Repubblica, Altinier deleted the entry on Friday after being alerted that someone had spotted his profile. However, screenshots of his Facebook page started to circulate online.
“The opposition is trying to discredit me in a boorish way. I have always thought that social media do not reflect reality. Some people claim to exercise a certain profession or to be married, and it happens not to be true. I have never been antisemitic, I have even attended a Hanukkah celebration once, and I’m fascinated by the history and tradition of this people,” Altinier said.
Altinier also claimed that he was “a teenager” when he compiled his Facebook profile identifying his religious views as antisemitic, “ten or fifteen years ago.”
“The word was meant as a joke,” he further said. “I apologize if I hurt someone’s sensitivity. Today there is no more trace of what I wrote.”

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