European Union to Foster Jewish Life

On Tuesday, the Council of the European Union (EU) approved a declaration on fostering Jewish life and combatting antisemitism. That declaration highlights the alarmingly high levels of antisemitism that we have witnessed across the EU over the last twelve months. It emphasises that the block stands unequivocally against all forms of antisemitism, racism, hatred, and discrimination.

The Council called in the strongest possible terms for further action to be taken in combatting antisemitism, highlighting specific areas such as antisemitic hate speech, including Holocaust denial and trivialisation, which has surged online.

The declaration stresses that Holocaust denial and distortion has ‘harmful effects for collective historic memory and for the resilience, cohesion and security of European democratic societies.’

In its declaration, the Council also emphasised its commitment to fostering Jewish life through education, culture and Holocaust remembrance. The Hungarian presidency of the Council said on social media that:

"Now, more than ever, we must stand united to protect Jewish communities,
heritage, and culture, as they are an essential part of Europe’s identity."

As a key element of fostering Jewish life is to ensure the safety of Jewish people, the Council called on member states to increase security at Jewish institutions.

This report by France 24 is a reminder that three years ago the EU unveiled a new strategy to combat growing antisemitism in Europe. Let’s hope and pray their future efforts will be more successful.