European Jewish Congress Director of European Affairs Ariella Woitchik addressed a seminar organised by the Hungarian Presidency of the Council of the EU in connection with the “International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief” in Brussels.
The event, held at the Permanent Representation of Hungary to the European Union, aimed to provide valuable insights into religious discrimination and to enhance the knowledge and efforts of community leaders and European officials and organisations in tackling these challenges.
Ms Woitchik was a speaker on the main panel, where she highlighted the alarming rise of antisemitism in Europe, the expressions of which have become more and more uninhibited following the brutal Hamas attack on 7 October. Her contribution underscored the urgent need for action and support for vulnerable communities during these challenging times.
“Let us not forget that some persecuted minorities are often ignored, and indifference is the world’s response to their suffering. The Jewish people stand in solidarity with all of them,” said Ms Woitchik.
“Today, the expression of antisemitism, often taking the form of anti-Zionism, is so shockingly open and accepted. It is coming from the radical left, Islamists, and the far-right. But not only them; it is also expressed by more mainstream sectors of society.”
“We were deeply saddened to learn that some Jewish organisations doing grassroots work have faced the decision of certain interfaith partners to end their alliances after 7 October. In contrast, it is essential that we strengthen our collaboration to address intolerance, extremism, and hatred in the current climate,” concluded Ms Woitchik.
The seminar featured several notable participants, including the European Commission Coordinator on Combating Antisemitism, Katharina von Schnurbein; COMECE legal adviser, José Luis Bazán; Head of International Advocacy for the Aid to the Church in Need Pontifical Foundation, Marcela Szymanski; European Commission Coordinator for Combating Anti-Muslim Hatred, Marion Lalisse; and Esma Uçan, President of the Muslim Council of Belgium. Together, they discussed various forms of religious discrimination and the importance of safeguarding freedom of belief and protection from violence across Europe and beyond.
The event provided a critical platform for collaboration and dialogue on how to address violence based on religious belief, particularly in the context of growing tensions and challenges and the need for stronger measures to counteract intolerance and hatred.
