European Jewish Leaders Demand Action Against Rising Antisemitism

A high-level international conference in Krakow, Poland, convened by the European Jewish Association (EJA), issued a stark warning to European governments regarding the escalating antisemitism across the continent. EJA Chairman Rabbi Menachem Margolin delivered a powerful address, criticizing Europe's perceived hypocrisy in commemorating Holocaust victims while failing to protect its current Jewish population. "Europe has become an expert in commemorating the memory of Jews murdered in the Holocaust, but when it comes to protecting the Jews living there today, it fails time and again," Margolin stated, emphasizing the urgent need for action over mere declarations.

Rabbi Margolin called for equal protection for Jews, asserting their right to live openly and practice their faith without fear. He questioned Europe's commitment to learning from the Holocaust if Jews are once again afraid to identify themselves in its cities.

An unexpected participant was Reza Pahlavi, the exiled Crown Prince of Iran, who stressed that the Iranian regime does not represent the Iranian people. He characterized the Iranian regime as a victimizer of its own people and a supporter of terrorism, stating that Iranians stand with the Jewish people against their common enemy. Pahlavi issued a severe warning to Europe, declaring that appeasement has failed and that the Iranian regime poses a direct threat to European security. He called for European governments to immediately close Iranian embassies, expel diplomats, and block illicit funds.

Israeli Ambassador to Poland Yaakov Finkelstein also highlighted the importance of joint efforts in enforcement, education, and legislation to prevent historical atrocities from recurring. Microsoft's Jeff Bolwinkcle warned about the potential misuse of artificial intelligence as a weapon, detailing the company's protective measures. Meta's Ado Homan presented strategies to combat covert antisemitism, such as blocking the term "Zionists" when used as a coded attack on Jews in conspiracy theories.

Ellen van Praagh, Chairwoman of the Inter-regional Rabbinate in the Netherlands, shared a deeply personal account of feeling unsafe as a Jew in the Netherlands since October 7th, citing increased public antisemitism, the cancellation of a Jewish exhibition in her city, and the ostracization of Israeli students. She stressed the need for Jews to live openly and proudly without fear. Rabbi Margolin concluded the day's discussions by urging attendees to return to their countries and enact tangible change, stating that "Never Again" must be a national obligation for governments, not just a slogan for memorial ceremonies.