"Most antisemites I know don’t think they’re antisemites. They respond just like we do: they hold conferences and believe they’re defending human rights, thinking they’re actually the greatest opponents of antisemitism," said David Hirsch, a sociology professor at the University of London’s Goldsmiths College and founder of Engage, a movement combating academic boycotts on Israel.
According to him, "fields like the humanities and arts are becoming hostile toward anyone connected to Israel and most Jews. The solution is to shift the discussion to content and facts because this way it’s pretty clear who’s committing genocide and who’s not. You could say each side presents its own set of facts. It’s very hard to sway the public with comparisons between October 7 and Gaza."
Hirsch, like other speakers from Europe’s Jewish community, attended this month’s “Action Matters” summit in Vienna.
The event was organized by the Combat Antisemitism Movement (CAM), an independent organization operating globally for five years, building connections among mayors and politicians to influence the fight against antisemitism and the European Leadership Network (ELNET), a European organization founded in 2007 to strengthen ties between Israel and Europe.
Typically, such events focus on reporting the rise of antisemitism in Europe. The novelty of this summit was its emphasis on actionable methods to combat this widespread phenomenon that’s breaking records unseen since World War II.
The number of antisemitic incidents has risen by about 400% in some parts of Europe since October 7. “We’re losing the battle,” said Dr. Ariel Muzicant, president of the European Jewish Congress, at the summit’s outset. "57% of European Jews are considering leaving. In a few years, 50% of the communities may no longer exist."
The event’s significance lies in its target audience. Most summit attendees were non-Jewish members of parliament and city representatives from across Europe who are determined to act against the alarming spread of antisemitism. They came to share their actions and gather new ideas. Among the cities represented were Krakow, Ljubljana, Berlin, Vienna and Malmo.
In addition to topics discussed with the entire audience, small group discussions addressed curbing antisemitism and boycotts online, in universities and in sports. Yael Arad, chair of Israel's Olympic Committee, participated in one such discussion sharing her successful handling of the painful issue during the 2024 Paris Olympics.
CAM Director Sacha Roytman Dratwa declared, “We believe in collaborating with a broad spectrum of government officials, mayors, religious and community leaders, diplomats, cultural influencers, educators, artists and business leaders.
“Through this inclusive mobilization of diverse disciplines, we believe we can build a global coalition against antisemitism and achieve strategic, profound and meaningful social change in combating it."
Why Vienna? CAM Director of European Affairs Oriana Marie Kruger explained: “This is a city doing incredible work against antisemitism and racism. It has a rich Jewish history. We’ve already held summits in Greece and Germany and next year we’ll host one in Paris.”
In Austria, burning the Israeli flag is prohibited and chanting “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free” is illegal. The event opened with a speech by former president of Austria’s National Council Wolfgang Alexander Sobotka, a well-known fighter against antisemitism.
His solutions included mandatory visits to Holocaust memorial sites and concentration camps for all Austrian youth, support for antisemitism research in academia to combat campus ignorance and a clear institutional and political recognition of October 7 as the largest pogrom against Jews since the Holocaust.
Israel’s ambassador to Vienna, David Roet, also stressed Austria’s efforts to combat antisemitism: “The same Austria that welcomed Hitler with cheers is now leading the fight against antisemitism in Europe. The normalization of antisemitism and the situation where Jews are the only minority whose claims of racism are dismissed with scorn cannot continue.
“It’s essential to remember that European countries’ fight against antisemitism isn’t a favor to Jews or Israel but part of the battle for Europe’s identity and character. The concern over European Jewry’s departure is real and history has shown this would signal Europe’s unraveling.”
Before getting overly optimistic, it’s worth noting that according to the Israelite Community of Vienna (IKG), 1,147 antisemitic incidents were reported in Austria in 2023, 720 of which took place after the October 7 massacre. This marks a 60% increase year-on-year – but Austria’s fight against this horrifying trend is still commendable.
One of the summit's critical efforts is promoting the adoption of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s (IHRA) antisemitism definition. Drafted in Budapest in 2015, it’s a non-legally binding working definition.
“Antisemitism is a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of antisemitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities.”
This definition, which includes expressions of hatred against Israel and its right to exist as forms of antisemitism, repeatedly resurfaces as proposed legislation in countries seeking tools to combat antisemitism.
'There's no single solution'
What are the main challenges faced by Jews in Europe and what solutions are being proposed? “There’s no single solution,” explained ELNET Executive Director for Germany, Austria and Switzerland Carsten Ovens. “It’s a giant puzzle. The fact we’re bringing policymakers from across Europe here to discuss their country’s challenges and ways to combat antisemitism is the summit’s greatest achievement.”
Kruger pointed to several trends: “Western European countries with colonial pasts have become very antisemitic. In these places, Israel is often called an ‘apartheid state,’ and many antisemitic incidents are tied to Israel. In Eastern Europe, it’s crucial to preserve Holocaust memory and support Jewish historical research but there are fewer Israel-related problems.
“We mainly work with mayors and parliamentarians to change institutional policies, embed strategies to fight antisemitism and we’re already seeing results. In five years, we’ve established significant connections with 400 municipalities across Europe. In the U.S., we succeeded in declaring a ‘Jewish American Heritage Month,’ and we hope to implement a similar day in Europe.”
The use of “anti-Zionism” (as hostility toward Israel is termed here) as an antisemitic weapon greatly concerns participants. It’s harder to combat pseudo-political positions without a pro-Israel consensus than antisemitism, which everyone agrees threatens democracy.
This sensitive issue greatly interests the dozens of parliament members and city representatives gathered in the wood-paneled hall in central Vienna, just a two-minute walk from the opera house — a setting seemingly far removed from the violence of antisemitic incidents.
“Identity politics, intersectionality, the woke movement and Critical Race Theory (CRT) are ideologies or social movements that, while not inherently threatening to Jews, naturally position Jews on the ‘wrong side’ of the equation. The strategic danger lies in their connection to anti-Israel and anti-Zionism,” said Brig. Gen. (res.) Sima Vaknin-Gil, former IDF chief censor and the Strategic Affairs Ministry’s director-general.
“The convergence of these elements could jeopardize the national security of both Israel and the Jewish people.” Vaknin-Gil, now on CAM’s board, directed part of the summit’s discussions.
Proposed measures against the phenomenon include naming and shaming, which works well against institutions or companies slow to respond or organize Israel-supporting audiences at sports competitions. In France, an organization called No Silence already buses fans to every Israeli team game.
Social media poses a particularly tough challenge. Without financial sanctions, it’s hard to imagine major companies changing their lax oversight policies. Recommendations include creating an independent reporting platform, fines for abusers and “network promotion awards” for supporters from the platforms.
Antisemitism on academic campuses is a critical issue. Student representatives from Germany and Austria shared stories of attacks, the price they pay confronting pro-Palestinian professors and lengthy meetings with university heads that yield little progress.
“They don’t really understand the problem and change is minimal,” said Hanna Esther Weiler, president of the German Student Union and vice president of the European Union of Jewish Students. “We’ve lost friends since October 7. Some Jewish students only attend classes, avoiding cafeterias. Some are considering finishing their degrees in Israel.”
“They ask us for data on campus antisemitism incidents like in the U.S. We don’t have such statistics. We’re asked to dialogue with people celebrating massacres,” she added.
“Recently, at a protest near the Bundestag, someone held a sign saying, ‘Free Palestine from Holocaust guilt.’ We’re exhausted. We need help to strengthen our positive identity and financial support or there won’t be a new generation of young Jewish community leaders.”
Dr. Joshua Krug, a Jewish historian and theology expert who completed his degree in New York, lived in Israel and now teaches at Heidelberg University, suggested practical steps: “Be proactive, not just reactive. Ensure university presidents know what Jewish students experience, what it means for them to attend class and whether they feel safe in public campus spaces.”
“Ask what the university is doing about it. Jewish students shouldn’t be told, ‘Better not pass through here; there’s a pro-Palestinian protest.’ Does a Jew feel safe on campus wearing a Star of David? What’s the institution’s long-term strategy — not just a tactical response to the problem?”
“Do they clearly state and enforce antisemitism laws? If not, why? Are those claiming to be pro-Palestinian actually so or are they Hamas supporters? Don’t automatically give them a platform; check their exact position first.”
2024 Mayors Summit Against Antisemitism
(Video: Daniel Edelson)
Get the Ynetnews app on your smartphone: Google Play: https://bit.ly/4eJ37pE | Apple App Store: https://bit.ly/3ZL7iNv
“Jewish life has moved from the public to the private sphere,” Krug added. “Sometimes I want to stand outside with a sign saying, ‘I’m Jewish — ask me anything,’ but that’s no longer possible.”
“Ultimately, it’s up to non-Jews to fight antisemitism. CAM includes many non-Jewish participants. That’s the summit’s true importance: forging ties with politicians, mayors and university heads to implement these proposals.”
- The author attended the CAM summit as a guest.