On monday 10th of December 2018, the 70th Anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the European Commission presented a new survey by the EU Fundamental Rights Agency which finds that 9 out of 10 European Jews feel Antisemitism has increased over the past five years.

Serge Dahan, President of B’nai B’rith Europe attended the presentation at the European Commission in the presence of Věra Jourová, Commissioner for Justice, Consumers and Gender Equality, Karoline Edtstadler, State Secretary, Federal Ministry of the interior – austrian presidency of the european council, Michael O’Flaherty, director of the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights, Katharina von Schnurbein, European Commission coordinator on combating Antisemitism, Representatives of jewish communities and NGOs.

This survey was carried out online during May and June 2018. FRA issued a report analysing data from the responses of 16,395 respondents in the 12 countries (Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom). These member states are home to over 96% of European Jews, this is the largest ever survey of its type.

The results of the EU Fundamental Rights Agency’s 2^nd survey on Antisemitism are particularly worrying.

85% of European Jews consider Antisemitism to be the biggest social or political problem in their home country. Other figures, amongst others, show that Antisemitism is pervasive and is having an impact on the daily lives of European Jews throughout the EU: 89% of Jews think Antisemitism is most problematic on the internet and on social media; 28% of respondents have been harassed at least once in the past year; 79% of Jews who experienced antisemitic harassment in the past five years did not report this to the police or another organisation; 34% avoid visiting Jewish events or sites because they do not feel safe; 38% have considered emigrating because they did not feel safe as Jews in Europe; 70% consider that efforts by Member States to combat Antisemitism are not effective.

Serge Dahan thanked the FRA for producing this second comprehensive report on hate crimes and discrimination faced by Jews in Europe.

« Following the declaration unanimously voted by 28 EU member states on the fight against antisemitism and the development of a common security approach to protect Jewish communities on December 6, political leaders across Europe need to take strong and concrete actions today. Education is the most efficient way to prevent and to face hate, this report highlights the urgent need to provide a comprehensive education about the holocaust as well as tools to counter conspiration theories and stereotypes ».

Serge Dahan thanked the European Parliament and the European Commission for their commitment to ensure the rights of Jewish citizens in Europe are respected and hopes to see concrete measures at the EU member state level.