http://www.en.ijc.org.il/?p=3880

2 October, 2015

“The Israeli-Jewish Congress (IJC) applauds the decision of European Commission Vice President Frans Timmermans to appoint a Special Coordinator for combating Antisemitism in Europe.

This is a long overdue step, which the IJC, together with our partners in the European Jewish community have called for repeatedly since 2014.

With last year being a record for most number of Antisemitic attacks in Europe since the Holocaust, and this alarming trend continuing through 2015, it is imperative that this appointee be empowered with all the necessary political support and tools to take meaningful steps in fighting Antisemitism and work in close cooperation with the Jewish communities of Europe.

We hope that one of the first priorities of the new European Commission Coordinator will be the establishment of a comprehensive and binding definition of Antisemitism in Europe, which is a pre-requisite if this fight is to succeed.

We look forward to continuing working closely with the Commission and our partners in the European Jewish community in this all important mission of combating Antisemitism.”