The City and Canton of Lucerne will strengthen their cooperation with the Swiss Federation of Jewish Communities (SIG) to improve the reporting, documentation and response to antisemitic incidents. The agreement will enter into force at the beginning of 2027 and will initially run until the end of 2029.
The agreement comes amid heightened concerns over antisemitism in Switzerland, with the international situation and attacks targeting Jewish institutions contributing to a more acute security environment in recent years. Antisemitic incidents have also become increasingly visible in the Canton of Lucerne.
Under the new cooperation agreement, public authorities, specialist organisations, the Jewish community and SIG will work more closely to strengthen prevention, monitoring, awareness-raising and communication on antisemitism. The partners will also coordinate their response when antisemitic incidents occur.
SIG’s reporting centre receives, assesses and documents reports of antisemitic incidents. Reported cases are also entered into the national Racism Documentation System (DoSyRa). Where necessary, the centre provides advice and support to those affected, including guidance on possible next steps. Information indicating possible violent radicalisation or extremist threats is referred to the cantonal Threat Management Team.
Lucerne becomes the seventh Swiss canton to cooperate with SIG through its existing structures and expertise for the reporting and processing of antisemitic incidents. Agreements are already in place with the cantons of Aargau, Basel-Stadt, Bern, Graubünden, St Gallen and Zurich. The cities of Bern and Zurich also cooperate with SIG, while the City of Lucerne is finalising its own agreement.
The expanded cooperation is intended to improve information-sharing and strengthen the analysis of antisemitic incidents that cross cantonal boundaries. It will also raise awareness of SIG’s reporting centre and make it easier for victims and those affected by antisemitic incidents to access support, including psychological assistance.
