BRUSSELS—The European Jewish Congress (EJC) expressed alarm over the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) report on the prceptions of Antisemitism among European Jews, which points to rising levels of antisemitism.
The report, presented Monday in Brussels, shows that about 90% of respondents feel that antisemitism is growing in their country,around 90% also feel it is particularly problematic online, some 70% cite public spaces, the media and politics as common sources of antisemitism and almost 30% have been harassed, with those being visibly Jewish most affected.
It also shows that antisemitism appears to be so deep-rooted in society that regular harassment has become part of normal everyday life. Almost 80% do not report serious incidents to the police or any other body. Often this is because they feel nothing will change.
Over a third avoid taking part in Jewish events or visiting Jewish sites because they fear for their safety and feel insecure. The same proportion has also even considered emigrating.
“This report demonstrates an increasingly intolerable level of pressure and abuse that Jews feel in Europe today. They feel that despite European leaders’ commitment to combatting antisemitism the situation has not improved, in fact it has deteriorated over the last few years,” said EJC President Moshe Kantor.
He added “This report should be seen by leaders in Europe as a final warning that words are not enough, and now is a time for action.”
“Many European Jews are extremely concerned for the future,” Dr. Kantor continued. “They have lost faith in the authorities, in their neighbours and in their national leaders and this has led not only to a crisis in their relations with them, but are wavering between two extreme actions, emigration and cutting themselves off from their Jewish community,” he said.
“In many cases, the Jews of Europe have to decide between a commitment to being part of the Jewish community and a commitment to being part of Europe. This is intolerable and a choice no people should have to face.”