(Friday, 3 February 2023) – The European Jewish Congress (EJC) welcomes the French and Spanish Government’s adoption and release of its official strategy against antisemitism.
The French and Spanish strategies are part of a growing number of adoptions of the EU Strategy by the block’s member states, which also includes specific national strategies against antisemitism.
These initiatives by governments, involved close consultation with the official Jewish organizations in those countries, EJC affiliates the CRIF and FCJE, in order to fully understand the needs of Jewish communities on the ground in combatting antisemitism.
“This is another important milestone in the battle against antisemitism in Europe,” said EJC President Dr Ariel Muzicant. “France is home to Europe’s largest Jewish community and the French leadership has demonstrated that it is dedicated to the fight against antisemitism and the preservation of Jewish life in the country.”
“The release of France and Spain’s national strategies, following on the heels of the earlier adoption by the Federal Republic of Germany, sends a very positive signal to the rest of the continent that much more must be done to counter increasing antisemitism. We look forward to working with these governments and others towards implementation of these important initiatives.” Dr. Muzicant added.
Yonathan Arfi, President of the Representative Council of French Jewish Institutions (CRIF), also welcomed the release of the strategy and expressed satisfaction that the emphasis was placed on education and training.
The Federation of Jewish Communities of Spain (FCJE), in an official statement, applauded the adoption of the National Plan to fight antisemitism by the Spanish Council of Ministers: “The plan is an adequate response to combat all forms of anti-Semitism, provides the right measures and resources and will be the framework for action for the period 2023-2030.”
