LARNACA, Cyprus — Immediate action is necessary from European governments to address a troubling increase in antisemitism that has led many Jews to leave the continent, according to Rabbi Menachem Margolin, the leader of a significant European Jewish organization. Margolin, who chairs the European Jewish Association (EJA), highlighted that approximately 40,000 Jews have departed Europe in recent years, opting not to return due to growing antisemitic sentiments.
Instead of fostering unity with Israel following the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, which initiated a prolonged conflict, Margolin noted a staggering increase—reportedly 2,000%—in acts of antisemitism, according to data from organizations that specialize in tracking such behavior. He emphasized that 2025 will be pivotal for Jewish communities in Europe, as the actions taken by governments this year are crucial for the future of these communities.
“There is still a hope for Jewish life in Europe,” Margolin stated in an interview prior to an event celebrating former Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades for his efforts to promote closer ties between Cyprus and Israel. “However, if European governments fail to implement meaningful measures we are advocating for this year, it could mark the beginning of the end for Jewish presence in Europe,” he warned.
As the largest Jewish organization in Europe, the EJA convened Jewish leaders from across the continent for a summit focusing on countering rising antisemitism. Margolin called on European governments to go beyond simple verbal denunciations of antisemitic acts and to take concrete steps that would ensure the safety of Jewish institutions as well as the ability of Jews to practice their traditions freely.
He proposed that authorities implement a “code of conduct” to ensure that protests against Israel do not escalate into demonstrations filled with antisemitic rhetoric. Such measures should be complemented by rapid and severe penalties for individuals committing antisemitic acts.
For a sustainable solution, Margolin argued for the need for legal professionals who are well-versed in the various forms of antisemitism, alongside educational initiatives in schools aimed at combating prejudiced attitudes. “However, the most crucial factor is the political will of the government to fight antisemitism,” he asserted.
Margolin noted that antisemitism appears to stem from all corners of the political spectrum, exacerbated by ongoing geopolitical tensions, such as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which has fostered uncertainty within Europe. He criticized European politicians for failing to recognize the urgency of addressing antisemitism, suggesting that they mistakenly believe the situation is under control.
The choice to hold the summit in Cyprus was indicative of the welcoming environment that Jewish people experience in the eastern Mediterranean nation, which maintains strong ties with Israel. Margolin highlighted the notion that hostility toward Israel is a significant driver of antisemitism in Europe. “When a government is supportive of Israel and acknowledges its right to self-defense, it diminishes the hostility faced by Jewish communities,” he concluded.
