Message by Commissioner Magnus Brunner on the occasion of Rosh HaShanah 2025

In the name of the European Commission, I wish Jewish people in Europe and around the world a happy and blessed New Year 5786. This holiday is a chance to celebrate the richness and diversity of Jewish life. Families come together to pray and celebrate, passing the traditions of the covenant from generation to generation. 

Rosh Hashanah is also a moment to pause—to look back on the past year and forward to the year ahead. 

This past year has been a difficult one. We continue to witness an increase in the number and intensity of antisemitic incidents. Physical and verbal attacks on Jews in Europe, the desecration of synagogues, cemeteries and Holocaust memorials, are of great concern to the European Commission. Jewish and Israeli people have been attacked and harassed on European streets, denied access to flights, to restaurants and vacation spots. This is unacceptable.

Yet there is a lot of cause for hope. Europe stands united with the Jewish communities. Policies are being developed that address antisemitism and foster Jewish life. We have seen significant progress, with 23 Member States having adopted national strategies. Many countries are accelerating prosecution, making legal changes to address antisemitic hate speech, increasing security and fostering Jewish life as part of governmental policy.

Together with the Member States, the European Commission is determined to create conditions in which Jewish life in Europe will continue to flourish. What strengthens the Jewish community also strengthens European democracy.

Let us recall the conviction of the late Chief Rabbi Jonathan Sacks that “Hope is the belief that, together, we can make the world better.”

L’Shanah Tova U’Metukah!

(Read the message in all EU languages here.)