”As a consequence of the war in Ukraine, we have seen a rise of antisemitic hate speech and conspiracy myths. The Russian authorities have weaponized Holocaust distortion and antisemitism to justify their military aggression against Ukraine,’’ says Margaritis Schinas in a message on the occasion of the Jewish New Year.

‘’The Commission is determined to ensure that Jewish life will continue to be vibrant in Europe and Jews can live their lives in accordance with their cultural and religious traditions. Europe can only prosper when its Jewish communities prosper too,’’ said European Commission Vice-President Margaritis Schinas in a message on the occassion of Rosh HaShanah, the Jewish New Year 2022.

He stressed that in the past year ‘’we made tremendous progress in the fight against antisemitism and for the protection and celebration of Jewish life in Europe and worldwide.’’

In October 2021, the European Commission adopted its first-ever EU Strategy on combating antisemitism and fostering Jewish life, which aims to end antisemitism in all its forms, including by providing funds for the protection of public spaces, promoting Holocaust remembrance – online and offline – in a society with fewer survivors, raise awareness and support Jewish life.

‘’The actions put forward by the strategy are even more important today in a world that suffers unprecedented changes that increase the threat against the Jewish community,’’ Schinas said.

He noted that as a consequence of the war in Ukraine ‘’we have seen a rise of antisemitic hate speech and conspiracy myths. The Russian authorities have weaponized Holocaust distortion and antisemitism to justify their military aggression against Ukraine.’’

‘’Holocaust distortion has a corrosive effect not only for the Jewish community, but for our collective historic memory and for the resilience and cohesion of our democratic societies. Condoning, trivializing or denying the Holocaust is criminalized across the EU, he added.

He said the European Commission ‘’is determined to defend the rule of law and our values, act in the face of challenging times and protect its Jewish citizens against any manifestations of antisemitism. At the same time the heart of the strategy and its ultimate aim is to foster Jewish life.’’

‘’Jewish life prospers in democracies, where the rule of law is enforced and human rights are respected,’’ he added.