On 7 - 8 May 2024, the European Commission and the State of Israel held their 15th EU-Israel High-Level Seminar on combating racism, xenophobia and antisemitism in Brussels. The Seminar takes place against the background of an unprecedented rise of antisemitism in Europe and worldwide after the heinous terrorist attacks by Hamas on Israeli civilians on 7 October 2023. The European Commission and the State of Israel reaffirm their full support to European Jewish communities in these difficult times. Determined to fight all forms of antisemitic manifestations, they agreed to strengthen their cooperation in fighting antisemitism, particularly online as well as Holocaust distortion and denial in the digital sphere. 

The meeting was opened by Margaritis Schinas, European Commission Vice President for Promoting Our European Way of Life, Israel Katz, Israel Minister of Foreign Affairs and on behalf of EU Member States, Aurore Bergé, France Minister for Gender Equality and Fight against discriminations and Maria Alexandra Kefala, Greece Deputy Minister of Social Cohesion and Family.

European Commission Vice-President for Promoting Our European Way of Life, Margaritis Schinas, stated in his opening speech: 

“Antisemitism is incompatible with what the European Union stands for – it goes against European values and the model of society we represent. But today we are better equipped to fight antisemitism in Europe than before, drawing on the first-ever EU strategy on combating antisemitism we adopted in 2021. Now is the time to step up its implementation, with EU Member States and in collaboration with our key partners.” 

Israel Katz, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Israel, emphasized: 

"The October 7th Hamas attack, which claimed the lives of almost 1200 infants, children, young and older women and men, is the ultimate expression of hatred of Jews and Israel. Over 250 were taken hostage, 133 are still held by Hamas. Following the attack, we have experienced an unprecedented wave of antisemitism in Europe and elsewhere around the world. The State of Israel has a moral obligation to every Jew and Israeli around the world, but every country, home to Jews is responsible for ensuring their safety, security and their basic rights as citizens. Antisemitism is not only a Jewish matter, but is, above all, a fatal violation of basic human rights; it should be in the interest of societies seeking peace and life to eradicate it. We must join hands and stand together facing this challenge to our common future."

The two sides reaffirmed the commitment to work together and in cooperation with civil society to make sure that the challenge of antisemitism is answered. They also reaffirmed that, especially following the October 7th attack, the IHRA working definition on antisemitism is the leading most effective tool to combat antisemitism, given its rights-based and victim-centered approach. 

The following topics were discussed as part of the Seminar: the rise of antisemitism after 7 October and its impact on Jewish communities in Europe; artificial intelligence, antisemitism and radicalization; progresses and challenges on the fight against antisemitism; and addressing online antisemitism. 

Read full press release here.