A Future for Jews in Europe: The Resurgence of Antisemitism and the EU's Response

Within living memory of the Holocaust, the remnants of Europe’s Jewish communities have endured a steep rise in antisemitism. Since 2012 alone, at least 14 people have been killed in anti-Jewish violence all over Europe.

Even though Jews make up less than 1% of the population in France, 40% of all hate crimes recorded in 2017 were anti-Semitic. Rise in antisemitism in Europe often correlates with tensions in the Middle East, holding Jews responsible for Israel‘s actions and cloaked in supposedly legitimate anti-Zionism. 

In order to tackle this serious problem, many EU states are turning to the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism as a tool for educators and law enforcement to identify anti-Jewish hate speech and crimes. While not yet endorsed by all EU member states, the non-legally binding definition accounts for new forms of antisemitism which are a threatening Jewish life in Europe and damaging the fabric of our society. Jews and non-Jews alike ought to point our when antisemitism occurs, as it is the only way to bring public awareness about subtle antisemitism. 

To what extent does this influence the way EU states approach the fight against antisemitism? What else should Member States do in order to protect its minorities and the shrinking space for European Jews to live as Jews? What future do Jews in Europe have?

Welcome

Daniela Oberstein, Programme Manager and Media Officer, Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom

Opening remarks

Alina Bricman, President, European Union of Jewish Students (EUJS)

Speakers

Katharina von Schnurbein, Coordinator on Combating Antisemitism, European Commission

Gilles Clavreul, Former French Inter-Ministerial Delegate on Racism and Antisemitism (2014-2017)

Robin Sclafani, Director, A Jewish Contribution to an Inclusive Europe (CEJI)

Moderator

Daniel Schwammenthal, Director, AJC Transatlantic Institute

Closing Remarks on Behalf of the Austrian EU Presidency

Dr. Antonio-Maria Martino, Head of Unit for EU Policy Matters, Federal Ministry of the Interior

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