(Brussels, May 16, 2025) – A consortium of European organisations, coordinated by the European Jewish Congress (EJC), the representative body of over 40 Jewish communities across Europe, has successfully concluded a series of impactful EU-funded initiatives to combat antisemitism, strengthen community resilience, and foster broader understanding of Jewish life across the continent.
Through the BADRI project—Bringing Awareness, Dialogue and Resilience Improvement—the consortium, including SACC by EJC, the Jewish Community of Vienna (IKG Wien), and Faith Matters, delivered a wide range of innovative activities and resources that resonated across communities, institutions, and public discourse throughout Europe. At the heart of the project lies the belief that education, dialogue, and preparedness are essential tools in the fight against hatred and intolerance.
One of its standout achievements is the “Glad You Asked” campaign, a creative series of short, animated videos that address common questions about Jewish life in a creative and accessible way. Designed to spark curiosity and break down stereotypes, the series has garnered over 25 million views across TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and X, engaging especially younger audiences in unprecedented ways.
Alongside its online success, the BADRI project brought communities together offline through the Resilient Communities Conference in Brussels. This high-level event convened over 70 faith leaders, legal experts, diplomats, and activists, resulting in a joint declaration to deepen interfaith cooperation and support more effective responses to hate crimes. These efforts not only promoted mutual understanding but also laid the groundwork for sustainable partnerships and inclusive policymaking across Europe.
In response to rising security concerns, BADRI also implemented targeted crisis management training through PREACT seminars held in Brussels and Madrid. These sessions empowered over 100 community representatives with tools to prepare, respond, and build trust-based relationships with law enforcement and public authorities—bolstering long-term resilience from within.
Moreover, the launch of the SAFE platform, a digital learning tool tailored for children, parents, and educators, has welcomed over 6,000 visitors across Europe, offering guidance on security awareness in an accessible and interactive format. It has already reached and educated more than 1,000 children, embedding a culture of preparedness and confidence among the youngest community members.
In Austria, BADRI contributed to the expansion of the acclaimed LIKRAT youth programme, with 184 young Likratinas and Likratinos trained to lead classroom encounters that challenge prejudice through direct peer-to-peer conversation. In 2024 alone, they led over 180 workshops with more than 3,600 students. The programme has since extended its reach into broader society through partnerships with national institutions such as the Austrian Football Association and Austrian Railways, making it a model of dialogue-driven inclusion.
Reflecting on the completion of these initiatives, EJC Executive Vice-President Raya Kalenova stated: “Through these projects, we have demonstrated that targeted, values-driven action can make a tangible difference—in countering hate, in building trust, and in helping Jewish communities feel safer and more seen. This is what Europe needs today: partnership, education, and unity in the face of growing challenges.”
Supported by the European Union through the Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values (CERV) Programme, the BADRI project stands as a flagship example of civil society’s role in defending human dignity, pluralism, and freedom across Europe during these difficult times.
