BRUSSELS (EJP)—‘’ Fighting anti-Semitism is a responsibility for the society at large and must not be left to the Jewish community,’’ says Katharina von Schnurbein, the EU Coordinator on Combating Anti-Semitism.
‘’Anti-Semitism needs to be fought on all levels and by all possible actors. That’s why the European Commission brought together political actors, community leaders, civil society, NGOs and religious representatives for a colloquium last October,’ she told EJP.
A European-wide criminal legislation prohibits hate speech and inciting to violence. This legislation also prohibits Holocaust denial.
However, deplores von Schnurbein, ‘’many EU Member States do not apply this legislation correctly.’’
‘’The European Commission is currently scrutinising Member States’ legislation for correct transposition and implementation. This process is supported by training for police, prosecutors, teachers and other key actors.’’
‘’We have also started a dialogue with the largest IT companies to fight hate speech and incitement online more effectively across Europe,’’ she adds.
For 2016, 5,4 mio Euro have been made available by the European Commission for projects by NGOs preventing and fighting among other online hate speech and incitement. A call for projects is open until 18 February.
Von Schnurbein stresses that education remains an important factor in the prevention and combat of anti-Semitism. ‘’This includes education about the Holocaust, but also civic values to ensure peaceful ways of “living together” in an increasingly diverse society.’’