Leader of prominent European Jewish organization urges governments to combat antisemitism rise News
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Leader of prominent European Jewish organization urges governments to combat antisemitism rise

The chairman of the European Jewish Association (EJA), Rabbi Menachem Margolin, urged European governments to combat the rise of antisemitism around Europe during a meeting held in Cyprus on Monday.

Margolin said, “Since October 7th, antisemitism has surged to alarming levels worldwide, especially in Europe”. To fight this, Rabbi Menachem Margolin requested the “unwavering support of European leaders to stand with us in this crucial battle”. In an interview for the Associated Press (AP), Margolin stated“If the governments of Europe will not take serious measures that we are demanding from them in this year this is the beginning of the end of Jewish presence in Europe”. There has been a drastic increase in antisemitism since October 7, 2023, rising by 2.000 percent, commented Margolin. Margolin claimed that around 40.000 Jews have already flown from Europe in recent years due to the rise of antisemitism

Other prominent Jewish organizations in Europe have recently remarked on the rise of antisemitism. The European Jewish Congress reported the use of graffiti during protests to deliver antisemitic messages on synagogues in Italy and Slovenia. In these scenarios, Rabbi Margolin holds that it is important for governments to “move beyond mere verbal condemnation”.

The European Union (EU) has recently taken action regarding the ongoing war in Gaza. On January 13, 2025, the Council of the EU decided to extend by one year restricting measures against those supporting violent actions by Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad. This decision has been appraised by organizations such as the European Jewish Congress. At the same time, the council has also sanctioned extremist Israeli settlers and violent activists blocking aid from entering Gaza. This supports the EU’s stance in favor of a two-state solution for ending the conflict.

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