EU Parliament: conference in Brussels, “What is the future of Jewish communities in Europe?”

(Brussels) The current situation of anti-Semitism in Europe and future perspectives for Jewish communities in Europe: this burning issue is the core of a debate taking place in the Brussels headquarters of the European Parliament today, promoted by President of the European Parliament Martin Schulz, and first Vice President Antonio Tajani. Vicarious Vice President of the EU Commission Frans Timmermans will also take part in it. The meeting is taking place within Article 17 of the Treaty of Lisbon about “open, clear and regular dialogue” between EU institutions and religious communities. Another meeting about European Islam and radicalisation problems was held in April. Tajani says: “The masks of anti-Semitism are a lot; the virus is just one. The illusion that Europe is immune is the biggest mistake. Fostering people to be alert is no use if we don’t realise that anti-Semitism is still alive. The most serious danger for Europe is being impoverished in terms of history and culture because of a minute yet constant exodus of European Jews. We should be united and determined against that risk”. Former Chief Rabbi of Commonwealth Jewish congregations Jonathan Sacks, President of the Rabbi European Conference Pinchas Goldschmidt, Chief Rabbi of Brussels Albert Guigui, and French philosopher Bernard-Henri Levy are some of the persons invited.