NEW YORK —- World Jewish Congress President Ronald S.Lauder called te results of the EU survey on perceptions of antisemitism among European Jews ‘’shocking, but sadly unsurprising.’’
“Unfortunately, this report only confirms what every Jew across Europe knows – that antisemitism is on the rise and that their political leaders are not doing enough to stop this hatred. I hope political leaders across Europe are woken up by this report and that they heed my call to educate every student about the Holocaust, as education is the only way to stop the hate,’’ he said.
He added : “How can one be surprised by these results, when in Chemnitz, Germany, anti-Semites practicing the Nazi salute were allowed to march while the police stood idly by; when in France, Marine La Pen, whose father was a virulent antisemite was almost elected president; when in Austria and Hungary, the FPO and Jobbik, both of which were originally founded by neo-Nazis, are now the second largest parties and members of the governing coalition; and when in the UK, Jeremy Corbyn is the leader of the Labour party.”
“What is going to stop the rampant spread of anti-Semitism in Europe is not just physical security enhancements, but education. The 2018 FRA report highlights the need for every student around the globe to learn about the Holocaust and the atrocities perpetrated by the Nazis against Jews across Europe. Fewer and fewer students know about the Holocaust, and this is a trend which must stop now. Governments in Europe must also work on developing long-term solutions to combat the rise of antisemitism across the continent,” Lauder said.
“The Council of the European Union took an important step forward last week, when it adopted a first-of-its kind declaration to this regard, but the path ahead is long and arduous,” Lauder added, referring to the declaration agreed upon on December 6 by 28 EU member states on the fight against antisemitism and the development of a common security approach to protect Jewish communities.
“Now, more than ever, it is incumbent upon political leaders to set the tone of what is acceptable discourse in Europe,” Lauder added. “Leaders of parties with antisemitic members must expel them immediately without delay. Heads of state must show true and moral leadership in not only speaking out against antisemitism, but with action to root out antisemitism wherever it may rear its ugly head. Moreover, we urge all members of the European Union to adopt the working definition of antisemitism as agreed to by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance, to ensure that this universal problem is treated in a universal manner, with a universal solution.”