The European Commission presented its first comprehensive strategy for combating antisemitism on Tuesday. In a 25-page document, the Commission outlines its approach to tackling the problem. "Antisemitism is on the rise in a worrying way," it states. And: "Europe can only thrive if Jewish life also thrives."
The commission's measures and recommendations range from establishing annual civil society forums and organizing a "hackathon" for new strategies against online antisemitism to increasing the dissemination of knowledge about Judaism. "Combating antisemitism is a complex undertaking," the commission states. Because the problem manifests itself in many ways, a holistic response is needed.
Israel as a “key partner in the fight against anti-Semitism”
The Commission emphasizes that since 2017 it has been guided by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's (IHRA) definition of antisemitism. It calls on member states to "adopt and apply the IHRA definition and encourage local authorities, regions, cities, and other institutions and organizations to do the same." The definition is also supported by Israel. The report explicitly notes that antisemitism can also "hide behind anti-Zionism.".
The Commission sees Israel as a "key partner in the fight against antisemitism." Therefore, it intends, among other things, to strengthen the work of the EU-Israel Seminar against racism, xenophobia, and antisemitism. Furthermore, its own staff will be trained, and study trips to Israel are also being considered. In addition, the EU wants to ensure that funds it allocates are not used to incite hatred and violence.
"Great day for Europe"
Initial reactions to the document were largely positive. Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid (Yesh Atid) declared on Tuesday that the strategy was "an important cornerstone in the fight against antisemitism." He expressed his pleasure at strengthening cooperation with the EU. The organization B'nai B'rith, in a statement, highlighted, among other things, the reference to the IHRA definition. They also emphasized the importance of recognizing that antisemitism can manifest itself as anti-Zionism.
Several members of the European Parliament's working group against antisemitism also expressed positive views. German MEP Nicola Beer (FDP), who chairs the group, called it a "great day for Europe." The European Commission's strategy is to be implemented by 2030.
