Despite a wave of fear and pessimism about antisemitism in Europe, Jewish leaders intend to stay there, according to a new survey commissioned by a global Jewish aid organization.
Antisemitic incidents have surged in Europe since the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on Israel and Israel’s nine-month reprisals on Gaza, prompting some prominent Jewish voices to warn of mass emigration.
Ariel Muzicant, president of the European Jewish Congress, told JTA that most European Jews are dedicated to improving Jewish life in their home countries.
“They are proud European citizens and wish to live normal lives in the cities where their ancestors have lived for hundreds of years,” said Muzicant. “They believe that there is no future for Europe as a whole if antisemitism is allowed to thrive, as it is an affront to democracy and European values.”