In 2012, the European Jewish Congress contributed to the establishment of the Working Group against Antisemitism (WGAS), which continues to serve as an active voice within the European Parliament. The EJC remains closely involved in its work, acting as Secretariat and as a leading member of its Advisory Board.
Working Group Against Antisemitism is established to unite Members of the European Parliament at a cross-party level to improve the European Union’s efforts to combat antisemitism in all its contemporary manifestations.
WGAS collaborates with all EU institutions, other European Parliament Intergroups and working groups, national parliaments, and Non-Governmental Organizations to raise awareness among decision-makers about the challenges faced by Jewish communities across Europe and to take proactive measures to protect those who are affected by the phenomena of antisemitism.
WGAS advocates for the implementation of the European Commission Strategy on combating antisemitism and fostering Jewish life adopted in 2021, the development of national strategies, and the appointment of national coordinators by all EU member states. It also promotes the adoption, reinforcement and enforcement of legislation to prevent unpunished antisemitic behaviour.
WGAS had campaigned actively for the adoption of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism at the EU level, as well as for the appointment of an EU Coordinator on combating antisemitism, which was ultimately achieved in 2015.
In 2017, the European Parliament adopted a resolution on combating antisemitism – the first resolution dedicated exclusively to this issue – which incorporates the IHRA working definition. The resolution was submitted by the then Chair of the Working Group against Antisemitism (WGAS).
