Rabbi Menachem Margolin, the chairman of the European Jewish Association (EJA), has called upon European governments to take firmer action against the rising tide of antisemitism in the region. During a recent meeting in Cyprus, Margolin underscored that the incidence of antisemitism has increased dramatically since October 7, 2023, escalating globally but with a particular intensity in Europe. Margolin’s plea for governmental intervention was reported by the Associated Press.
Both Rabbi Margolin and other Jewish organizations in Europe, such as the European Jewish Congress, have pointed to incidents like antisemitic graffiti on synagogues in Italy and Slovenia as further evidence of this alarming trend. Margolin believes that this is a critical moment requiring more than verbal condemnations from European leaders. He has emphasized that without effective measures, the Jewish presence in Europe could be at risk, as evidenced by the departure of approximately 40,000 Jews from Europe due to antisemitism concerns in recent years.
Meanwhile, the European Union (EU) has taken steps on related matters concerning Middle Eastern politics. On January 13, 2025, the Council of the EU extended restrictive measures against groups supporting violence linked to Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad. These actions have been praised by the European Jewish Congress, reinforcing the EU’s stance on a two-state solution to the conflict, although the EU also targets extremist Israeli settlers according to the Council’s statement.
Rabbi Margolin’s appeal and the EU’s response reflect broader concerns and strategies to handle surging antisemitism in tandem with geopolitical considerations. More information on Margolin’s advocacy can be found in the full article originally published on Jurist – News.