EJC Executive Vice-President Raya Kalenova addressed an event in Brussels celebrating the approval of a European Council Declaration on Fostering Jewish Life and Combating Antisemitism, adopted under the Hungarian Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
“I extend my sincere thanks to the Hungarian Presidency for your tireless efforts in making this declaration a reality, especially at a time when antisemitism is rising globally, following the October 7th massacre. Since that terrible day, Jewish hatred has been unleashed in a violent and unrestricted manner all over the world,” said Ms Kalenova who was invited to speak on behalf of European Jewish communities by Minister for European Union Affairs of Hungary János Bóka.
“We note with satisfaction that the rise of antisemitism related to Israel, which increasingly affects European Jews, has been recognised by EU member states in the declaration. This is something that the European Jewish Congress has always sought to highlight and remark upon as the most prevalent type of antisemitism today, and we are grateful that it has finally been considered at the highest level.”
Hungarian Minister for European Affairs gave the welcoming remarks, highlighting that the fight against antisemitism “is a matter for Europe as a whole, as without Jewish heritage, Europe won’t be Europe anymore.” He stated that adopting the declaration was “the right thing to do for the EU in order to stand against evil and hate,” and emphasised that European Jews can count on the Hungarian government to stand against antisemitism and foster their traditions and culture.
The Declaration on Fostering Jewish Life and Combating Antisemitism condemns the alarmingly high levels of antisemitism across the EU and emphasises that the EU stands unequivocally against all forms of antisemitism, racism, hatred, and discrimination.
The Declaration calls on EU member states to adopt and implement national strategies for combating antisemitism as soon as possible, as well as appointing a national coordinator or envoy, and to update existing action plans, taking into account the rise of antisemitism following the 7th of October Hamas massacre. It also encourages the use of the IHRA working definition of antisemitism, the protection and support of Jewish students facing antisemitism in educational spaces, and the need to ensure their safety, among other measures.
