Quote from Alex bobby on September 20, 2025, 6:19 AM

Looking Forward: EU to Step Up Security for Jews Amid Rising Antisemitism in Europe

The European Union is taking urgent steps to protect Jewish communities across the continent amid what officials describe as a “troubling” rise in antisemitism. The European Commission’s announcement comes after more than 100 European rabbis expressed deep concerns about the safety of Jewish citizens, warning of a potential “mass exodus” of Jews from Europe in the wake of unprecedented antisemitic violence. Recent incidents, including attacks on synagogues, targeted harassment, and offensive displays, have heightened fears that Jewish communities are increasingly under threat.

The Commission’s Response

A spokesperson for the European Commission told Euronews that the body will “step up” measures to ensure the protection of Jewish people. The statement was in direct response to a letter sent to President Ursula von der Leyen by European rabbis, which highlighted the alarming rise in antisemitic hate following the Hamas-led attack on Israel on 7 October 2023. The attack, which left approximately 1,200 people dead, mostly civilians, appears to have triggered a surge in antisemitic acts across Europe, including Belgium and Germany.

“We see a troubling rise of antisemitism, a trend that is entirely unjustifiable,” the Commission spokesperson said. “We stand firmly against all forms of antisemitism. Jewish people must feel safe across Europe.” The Commission emphasised that the strengthening of Jewish security will be a priority and that it is prepared to step up support for member states to implement protective measures.

Recent Incidents Highlighting the Threat

The warning from European rabbis reflects a disturbing pattern of antisemitic acts in multiple countries. In Belgium, a commemoration event in Liège for Jean Gol, a prominent Jewish politician, descended into chaos when around 400 demonstrators clashed with police. Students threw firecrackers and rotten apples while chanting slogans accusing attendees of complicity in Gaza, resulting in injuries to 12 policemen. Furthermore, the defacement of Gol’s grave with the words “Never Again”—a long-standing Holocaust remembrance slogan—prompted Belgian King Philippe to publicly denounce the acts as “unacceptable hatred and antisemitism.”

In Germany, the city of Flensburg saw an equally shocking incident when a shopkeeper posted a note in his window stating: “Jews are banned from here! Nothing personal. No antisemitism. Just can't stand you.” The message sparked outrage across social media, with many users comparing the incident to practices reminiscent of the Nazi era, highlighting the enduring sensitivity and danger of antisemitism in Europe.

NGOs and human rights institutions have long monitored the intensifying threats. The Belgian independent public institution UNIA reported that in 2024, 277 antisemitic acts were signalled, with 79 investigations launched—a stark increase from 59 cases in 2023. Such figures underscore the urgency of implementing effective protective measures and fostering a safe environment for Jewish citizens.

Fears of a Mass Exodus

The European rabbis’ letter to President von der Leyen was stark in its warnings. They highlighted the urgent need for increased security measures in Jewish neighbourhoods and places of worship, as well as online reporting systems to track incidents of antisemitism. Police training programs tailored to identify and respond to antisemitic and anti-Zionist incidents were also recommended.

“Without these actions, we fear that the sense of abandonment felt by Jewish communities towards their governments will reach a critical point and, thereafter, we can expect the beginnings of a mass exodus of European Jews from the communities they have lived in, contributed to, and cherished for so long,” the rabbis wrote. They warned that failing to protect Jewish communities would represent “a damning indictment of failure,” coming eight decades after the liberation of Auschwitz.

Moshe Kantor, President of the European Jewish Congress, echoed these concerns in a recent op-ed. He argued that antisemitism has expanded beyond government policies, increasingly holding Jewish communities collectively responsible for a conflict occurring thousands of kilometres away. “If Jews conclude that their future in Europe is unsafe, the loss will not only be theirs—it will be Europe’s,” Kantor wrote, emphasising the cultural and societal consequences of failing to protect Jewish citizens.

The EU’s Strategic Approach

The European Commission has already laid some groundwork for combating antisemitism. In 2021, it adopted the first-ever “EU Strategy on combating antisemitism and fostering Jewish life” and appointed a coordinator on combating antisemitism. While these initiatives were significant, the recent surge in attacks indicates that stronger enforcement and additional security measures are now required.

The Commission has stressed that protecting Jewish communities involves collaboration with national governments, local authorities, and law enforcement agencies. Measures may include increased security at synagogues, Jewish schools, and cultural institutions, enhanced monitoring of antisemitic threats online, and public awareness campaigns to combat prejudice and intolerance.

Additionally, the EU plans to support member states in implementing training programs for police officers and other security personnel. These programs aim to raise awareness of the nuances between antisemitic and anti-Zionist rhetoric, ensuring that law enforcement can accurately identify threats and respond effectively. The Commission has emphasised that a proactive, multi-layered approach is essential to prevent antisemitic violence and restore Jewish citizens’ confidence in their safety.

The Broader European Context

The Commission’s renewed focus on Jewish security comes at a time when Europe faces complex geopolitical challenges. The conflict in Gaza has reverberated far beyond the Middle East, inflaming tensions in communities across the continent. Public demonstrations, vandalism, and verbal attacks against Jews have been reported in several countries, reflecting the global reach of local conflicts and the urgent need for coordinated preventative measures.

While the immediate goal is to safeguard Jewish communities, the broader mission is to reaffirm Europe’s commitment to human rights, tolerance, and inclusivity. Strengthening security for Jewish citizens is not only about physical protection but also about reaffirming their place within European society and ensuring that Europe does not become hostile or unsafe for long-standing communities.

Looking Forward

The European Commission’s commitment to stepping up security for Jewish citizens is a crucial step in addressing the surge in antisemitic incidents. However, the success of these measures will depend on their effective implementation across member states and the cooperation of local authorities, law enforcement, and civil society. By acting decisively, the EU aims to prevent a further sense of abandonment among Jewish communities and curb the potential for a mass exodus of Jews from Europe.

As antisemitism continues to manifest in new and alarming ways, Europe faces a pivotal moment. Ensuring the safety, dignity, and inclusion of Jewish citizens is not only a moral obligation but also a measure of the continent’s resilience against hatred and division. The coming months will be critical in determining whether Europe can restore a sense of security and belonging for its Jewish communities while upholding the values of tolerance and justice.

Final Thoughts: Standing Firm Against Antisemitism in Europe

The European Union’s commitment to stepping up security for Jewish communities is a vital first step in combating the disturbing rise of antisemitism across the continent. The actions taken in the coming months will send a clear message about Europe’s stance on intolerance and hate. As the Commission works to strengthen protections, it is not just about safeguarding individuals but also about reinforcing the core values of inclusivity, human dignity, and respect that Europe strives to uphold.

However, the true measure of success will not be in the short-term security measures, but in creating an environment where Jewish communities feel truly safe, valued, and integrated into the broader fabric of European society. The EU’s response should go beyond security to address the root causes of hatred, ensuring that the continent’s commitment to human rights and social cohesion remains steadfast.

In this critical moment, Europe must prove that it stands firmly against antisemitism, not just with words, but with tangible action and a sustained effort to protect its Jewish citizens from hate and violence. The future of Europe’s Jewish communities depends on how the continent rises to meet these challenges and whether it can restore a sense of security and justice for all.

Conclusion: A Critical Moment for Europe's Jewish Communities

The European Commission's commitment to stepping up security for Jewish citizens is an essential response to the troubling rise of antisemitism across the continent. While the EU has made strides in combating hate through its antisemitism strategy, the recent surge in violence underscores the need for urgent, more effective measures. For Jewish communities, the fear of increased hostility and even the potential for a mass exodus looms large. The Commission’s proactive stance will be crucial in restoring a sense of safety and belonging for Jewish people across Europe, ensuring that they can continue to live freely without fear of violence or discrimination.

As Europe grapples with these challenges, it must not only focus on protecting its Jewish citizens but also work to foster a culture of tolerance, understanding, and inclusion. The actions taken now will have a lasting impact on Europe’s social fabric, and it is a defining moment in how the continent addresses the rise of hate in its midst. The future of Jewish communities in Europe will depend on the EU’s ability to respond swiftly, effectively, and with unwavering commitment to human dignity and rights.

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