“Symptomatic of Ill Wind Again Blowing Across Europe”

As millions of Europeans prepare to elect representatives to the European Parliament this week, the European Jewish Congress noted with alarm the increased use of anti-Semitic rhetoric by candidates across Europe.

As a result, Dr. Moshe Kantor, President of the European Jewish Congress, the umbrella organization for Jewish communities in Europe, “condemns in the strongest possible terms, the cowardly and cynical use of anti-Semitic and racist language and fear-mongering utilized by some candidates for the European Parliament,” and instead “ calls upon all candidates, unions and political parties to refrain from using racist, xenophobic or anti-Semitic rhetoric in a cynical and dangerous bid to curry votes.”

Kantor noted the worrisome foothold that anti-Semitism has continued to gain in Europe, particularly in areas hard hit by the world economic crisis. As but one example, Kantor cited the “Prepared for Action” newsletter of a police union in Hungary that is edited by Judit Szima, a right-wing candidate for the European Parliament in Hungary, who also serves as the secretary-general of the police union. According to recent news reports, as editor, Szima has run multiple racist articles, including one that noted that, "Given our current situation, anti-Semitism is not just our right, but it is the duty of every Hungarian homeland lover, and we must prepare for armed battle against the Jews." News reports go on to note that nearly ten percent of Hungary’s police force belongs to this union.

Kantor noted that these incidences are not isolated to Hungary. In France, for example, a well-known comedian called Dieudonné has presented a list under the moniker of ‘Anti-Zionism,’ barely concealing the fact that the political platform is largely anti-Semitic. Unfortunately the French authorities have not banned this list from the elections.

European Jewish Congress President Kantor noted the disturbing lack of response by governments to this type of incitement and stated, “To allow for violent calls of action against any group of people under the cover of free speech is the height of hypocrisy and an act of cowardice.” Kantor continued, “There should be no tolerance and no excuse for either candidates or elected officials to espouse racism or anti-Semitism in any form or under any circumstance. The cynical use of Jews and other minorities such as Roma as scapegoats for Europe’s ills must stop and it must stop now. These cases are symptomatic of an ill wind blowing across Europe. As Europeans, it is our responsibility to ensure that history does not repeat itself.”

Kantor urged candidates for Parliament and those elected to the European Parliament to support the implementation and enforcement of comprehensive legislation dealing with racism, xenophobia and anti-Semitism.

Noting that, “We are all Europeans, regardless of race or religion, and we need to live in peace and harmony as a productive and tolerant community of nations," Kantor called upon Europeans to exercise their right to vote, vote responsibly and “deny a platform to those extremists looking to use racism, xenophobia and anti-Semitism to drive a wedge between Europeans.”