London, Paris, Amsterdam – Ted Deutch, Chief Executive Officer of the American Jewish Committee (AJC), emphasized the critical need for European governments to prioritize the safety of Jewish communities during a week-long advocacy mission across Western Europe. Alongside AJC President Michael Tichnor and AJC’s Europe-based experts, Deutch met with high-ranking officials in London, Paris, and Amsterdam to urge immediate action against rising antisemitism.
A Unified Call to Action
Deutch outlined three key priorities during the mission:
- Enforcing National Action Plans Against Antisemitism: He called for robust internal monitoring mechanisms to ensure these plans are implemented effectively and include accountability measures.
- Protecting Jewish Communities: Deutch advocated for the establishment of an intergovernmental task force on antisemitism to facilitate information sharing and training among law enforcement across Europe.
- Securing Justice for Perpetrators: European governments were urged to adopt zero-tolerance policies for antisemitic hate crimes, ensuring full prosecution and clear communication of penalties.
London: A Show of Solidarity
In London, the delegation engaged with senior government officials, civil society leaders, and community representatives, including the Board of Deputies and the Union of Jewish Students. A key moment was the Labour Friends of Israel lunch, where UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer reaffirmed solidarity with Jewish communities.
Deutch also met with UK Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis and Lord John Mann, the Government’s Independent Adviser on Antisemitism, for discussions on combating antisemitism.
Paris: Addressing the Rise of Anti-Zionism
In Paris, Deutch and Tichnor held high-level talks with French officials, including Alexis Kohler, Secretary General to President Emmanuel Macron, and Minister of Foreign Affairs Jean-Noël Barrot. They addressed the alarming increase in anti-Zionist rhetoric and emphasized Israel’s right to self-defense.
The delegation also met with French Jewish student leaders to discuss AJC Paris’ findings, which revealed that young French Jews face disproportionate antisemitic targeting. Despite these challenges, the resilience of the students provided hope for the future.
Amsterdam: Building on Advocacy Efforts
In Amsterdam, the delegation met with senior officials, including Eddo Verdoner, the Netherlands’ National Coordinator on Combating Antisemitism, and key Members of Parliament. The discussions built on AJC’s recent advocacy following violent antisemitic incidents in the city, resulting in an emergency meeting with European Union representatives to address these concerns.
AJC’s Ongoing Commitment
As the mission concluded with Shabbat celebrations in Amsterdam, Deutch reaffirmed AJC’s unwavering commitment to combating antisemitism globally.
“From São Paulo to San Francisco, Amsterdam to Abu Dhabi, and Boston to Beersheba, we will continue working tirelessly to ensure a future where Jews can live in peace and security,” Deutch stated.
The AJC remains steadfast in its mission to lead advocacy efforts, ensuring Jewish communities worldwide are protected against rising hate and violence.