At the conclusion of the annual conference of the European Jewish Association (EJA) held in Madrid, over 150 Jewish leaders from across Europe issued a clear and strong message to European governments on Tuesday: take responsibility for the security of Jewish communities, or bear the blame for the collapse of the democracy and values you claim to uphold.
The conference, titled "Build or Leave? The Decisive Moment for European Jewry," exposed the growing scope of antisemitism spreading across the streets, academia, politics, and daily life, as well as the inaction of European institutions that refuse to confront this reality.
"Anti-Zionism and antisemitism are two sides of the same coin," said Rabbi Menachem Margolin, chairman of the European Jewish Association (EJA). "Europe has imported hatred – and it is no longer hidden but visible to all. Leaders who turn a blind eye to this phenomenon and remain silent despite its severity are directly contributing to deepening the problem. We are no longer asking; we are demanding our rights – and we will lead where others have failed."
Manuel Valls, a former French prime minister and current government minister, declared, "Europe has once again become a place where a person can be killed simply for being Jewish. This is a battle for the soul of the continent."
David Lega, head of EJA’s policy division and former member of the European Parliament, stated: "This is not about isolated incidents – this is a systemic collapse. The institutions that are supposed to protect Jews are simply standing by and watching as we drown."
Douglas Murray, a British author and columnist, warned: "Antisemitism is a sign of a society’s illness. Any society that provides a haven for antisemites will eventually crumble."
Rabbi Yehuda Kaploun, nominee by President Donald Trump to serve as the United States’ Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism, also addressed the sharp rise in Jew-hatred: "More than 40 governments have committed to fighting antisemitism. It is time for them to follow through on that commitment. Campuses must not become havens for hate."
Dr. Raheli Baratz, head of the Department for Combating Antisemitism at the World Zionist Organization, said: "The year 2024 was the hardest year for Jews in the past 50 years. This is not just about hate – this is an attempt to erase the very existence of the State of Israel."
Joël Mergui, president of the Consistoire de Paris and chairman of the EJA's Council of Leadership, added: "The bond between European Jewry and Israel is unbreakable. We are not leaving – but we will not remain silent while our brothers and sisters are threatened."
In response to an unprecedented wave of antisemitism and the inaction of governments, a decisive six-point action plan was adopted, presenting a direct challenge to European Union institutions:
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Legally Binding Definition of Antisemitism – The European Union and the European Court of Human Rights must adopt and enforce a universal, clear, and legally binding definition of antisemitism in all member states.
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Pan-European Citizens’ Charter – Public campaigns must be launched to remind every European citizen of their duty to uphold the values of tolerance, mutual respect, and equality.
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Institutional Accountability in Academia – Public funding for universities must be conditional on zero tolerance for antisemitism, adherence to standards of free speech, and protection of Jewish students.
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Radicalization on Campuses – A Security Threat – Radicalization at universities must be recognized as a significant security threat, not merely a minor issue for Jewish students.
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Collaboration with Law Enforcement – A call for close cooperation between prosecutors, police forces, and Jewish communities in enforcing and investigating antisemitic hate crimes.
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Pan-European Jewish Task Force – Establishing a central body to coordinate the efforts of Jewish communities and organizations across the continent – legally, politically, and in terms of security.
At the same time, a new survey reveals the depth of the crisis. During the conference, a comprehensive survey conducted by EJA and the Ipsos Institute was presented, involving 4,400 respondents across six European countries. The findings were alarming:
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28% of young people in Europe have been exposed to antisemitic statements disguised as "activism."
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65% claim that the Middle East conflict has worsened public attitudes toward Jews in their countries.
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20.4% blame their country’s Jews for the war.
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49.3% believe that media coverage contributes to local antisemitism.
