Jewish communities in the EU face a “rising tide of antisemitism,” according to a report released in July 2024 by the European Union’s Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA).
Even before Hamas’ October 7, 2023 attack on Israel and the ensuing war against Hamas in Gaza, 96% of European Jews reported experiencing antisemitic incidents, the report found. 76% of those polled said they hide their identity “at least occasionally,” and 34% were reluctant to visit Jewish events or sites for safety reasons. About 4% of those surveyed said they had experienced physical attacks, twice as many as in the previous survey conducted in 2018.
Michael Freilich, an MP of Belgium’s New Flemish Alliance Party (N-VA) and Special Envoy for Interreligious Dialogue & Holocaust Education of the European Jewish Association—The Jewish Voice of Europe, sat down with europeanconservative.com for an exclusive interview regarding issues such as pro-Hamas protests in Europe, the impact of mass Islamist migration on European safety, and the influence of Islamist political figures on antisemitism.
There seems to be confusion stemming from a lack of knowledge regarding the exact meaning of antisemitism. Could you share a brief and accurate definition of the word?
Antisemitism is a pernicious form of prejudice and discrimination targeting Jewish individuals. It manifests itself through harmful stereotypes, conspiracy theories, and acts of violence. The International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) offers a comprehensive definition, highlighting that antisemitism encompasses both traditional Jew-hatred and contemporary forms, such as denying Israel’s right to exist. Recognizing the severe consequences of antisemitism is imperative. History has demonstrated that unchecked antisemitic sentiments can escalate into systemic persecution and atrocities, exemplified by the Holocaust. In today’s context, antisemitism continues to pose significant threats, evident in physical assaults, online hate speech, and institutional biases against Jewish communities.
Since the October 7, 2023 Hamas-led Palestinian massacre against Israelis, Europe has witnessed many mass protests supporting Hamas. These appear to be examples of the very rare cases in history in which protesters—many of whom are also self-proclaimed ‘human rights activists’—support terrorists and criminals rather than showing solidarity with victims. Why do you think these demonstrators side with the perpetrators whenever the victims are Israeli or Jewish?
The pro-Hamas demonstrations that emerged in Europe following the tragic events of October 7th reflect a concerning ideological shift. Some far-left activists and Islamist groups have coalesced around a narrative that erroneously portrays Israel—and by extension, Jewish people—as oppressors. This perspective is often fuelled by misinformation, deeply ingrained antisemitic propaganda, and ideological radicalization, leading to the alarming phenomenon where terrorist organizations like Hamas are supported, while the legitimate rights and security concerns of Israel are dismissed. Historically, human rights movements have championed the cause of victims. However, in these instances, there is a troubling inversion, where support is extended to perpetrators, underscoring the persistence of antisemitic biases in certain political and ideological spheres.
How do you think mass Islamist migration into Europe has transformed Europe in terms of the safety of Jews and other non-Muslims?
While immigration has the potential to enrich societies culturally and economically, the influx of individuals adhering to radical Islamist ideologies has, in certain instances, introduced challenges to the safety and cohesion of European communities. For Jewish populations, this has translated into a heightened sense of vulnerability, with reports of increased antisemitic incidents, including attacks on synagogues, Jewish schools, and individuals. It is crucial for governments to implement robust integration policies that promote democratic values, human rights, and religious tolerance. The new Belgian government, of which my party is the largest coalition partner, is committed to combating extremism, including cracking down on foreign-funded radical organizations.
Israeli fans were assaulted after a soccer game in Amsterdam by hordes of young people (most of whom were Islamists) in November 2024. The attacks were condemned as antisemitic by authorities in Amsterdam, Israel, across Europe and in the U.S. What should Dutch and other European officials do so that similar antisemitic incidents do not repeat?
The assault on Israeli fans in Amsterdam in November 2024 serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for decisive action against antisemitic violence in Europe. Authorities must adopt a zero-tolerance stance, which includes enforcing stringent legal repercussions for offenders, bolstering security measures at Jewish and Israeli events, and enhancing intelligence-sharing among European nations to monitor and counteract radicalized individuals. Additionally, educational initiatives aimed at combating antisemitism should be prioritized to address the issue at its roots.
The Amsterdam incident is not isolated but part of a broader pattern where extremist groups feel emboldened to act on their prejudices. It is imperative that law enforcement and policymakers work collaboratively to uphold justice and protect vulnerable communities.
On January 7th, the European Jewish Association (EJA) hosted a meeting with Ambassadors and EU diplomats regarding “ongoing unprecedented challenges and threats faced by Jewish communities as a result of the antisemitism crisis in Europe.” What are the main causes behind what EJA calls Europe’s “antisemitism emergency”, and in what respects is this crisis unprecedented?
The European Jewish Association (EJA) has aptly characterized the current situation as an “antisemitism emergency,” driven by several interrelated factors. The rise of radical Islamist ideologies, which often cast Jews as adversaries, coupled with alliances between far-left factions and Islamist groups, has normalized antisemitic rhetoric under the guise of political discourse. The proliferation of social media platforms has further exacerbated the issue, allowing for the rapid dissemination of misinformation and hate speech. Compounding these challenges is a perceived lack of robust political will to confront antisemitism head-on.
