Newsletter Nr. 25

This debate took place in the context of the meeting of the Section for Employment, Social Affairs and Citizenship (SOC), in preparation of the EESC opinion on the EU strategy on combating antisemitism and fostering Jewish life.

Pascale Falek, Policy officer, addressed the conference by presenting specific actions that the EU strategy puts forward on protecting and fostering Jewish life.

The conference gathered government representatives, as well as relevant stakeholders from international organisations, academia, civil society organisations and leaders of Jewish communities and local activists, offering a platform for dialogue on challenges and good practices in addressing antisemitism.

The European Commission represented by Wester Meijdam, Policy officer, addressed Estonian law enforcement authorities, security experts and the Jewish community emphasizing the Commission's support and determination to ensure a Europe free from antisemitism.

The further aim of this event was to raise awareness among the authorities on the history of Jewish life and culture in Estonia, but also to identify current and potential challenges to the community, such as specific security issues stemming from antisemitic conspiracy theories or antisemitic bias. The event also aimed at establishing coordination structures and designated contact points to facilitate effective and meaningful communication between the authorities and the Jewish community in Estonia, in order to recognize and address antisemitism in all its forms

The Scope of activities and outcome:

• Improving cooperation between public authorities and faith-based leaders and congregations, including establishing clear communication channels and providing information about, and a better understanding of, security threats (including terrorist threats and hate crimes);
• Designing and implementing security awareness raising campaigns specifically targeting places of worship, preferably on an EU-wide basis, to make citizens more aware of threats, encourage them to report suspicious behaviour and promote an appropriate response to threats (e.g. RUN-HIDE-TELL or similar models);
• Sharing of knowledge, tools and good practices on protective measures across different Member States: either among organisations of the same faith, or preferably between and involving different faiths;
• Development and implementation of security concepts, measures, programs and communication plans; Development and implementation of trainings and workshops.