Brussels, Belgium – A coalition of over 40 prominent European leaders, including former prime ministers, current members of parliament, and representatives of major Jewish organizations, has issued a joint letter calling for urgent action to combat the rising tide of antisemitism across the continent.
The letter, signed by the American Jewish Committee (AJC), urges the European Union to prioritize the fight against antisemitism and to implement concrete measures to address this growing threat. The signatories express alarm over the significant increase in antisemitic incidents in countries like France, Germany, and the Netherlands.
The letter calls for the following actions:
- Prioritize Antisemitism: The European Council should designate antisemitism as a strategic issue and mandate the European Commission to develop and implement comprehensive measures to combat it.
- Strengthen the Role of the EU Coordinator: The European Commission Coordinator on Combating Antisemitism should be empowered with increased resources and support to effectively address the issue.
- Enhance Protection for Jewish Communities: European countries should strengthen security measures for Jewish institutions and individuals, and law enforcement agencies should be equipped to effectively investigate and prosecute antisemitic crimes.
- Promote Education and Awareness: Governments should invest in educational programs to promote tolerance and understanding, and to challenge antisemitic stereotypes and conspiracy theories.
- International Cooperation: The EU should work with international partners to address the global rise of antisemitism and to promote religious freedom and tolerance.
The AJC’s recent mission to London, Paris, and Amsterdam further underscored the urgency of the situation. The organization met with government officials, Jewish community leaders, and civil society representatives to discuss concrete steps to combat antisemitism.
The letter and the AJC’s ongoing efforts highlight the importance of international cooperation and decisive action to address the growing threat of antisemitism in Europe and around the world.