On 12 July 2024, Masorti Europe Coordinator – Carmen McPherson, attended the official launch of the third European Union Fundamental Rights Agency (FRA) survey on Jewish People’s Experiences and Perceptions of Antisemitism. The presentation was led by Henri Nickels, Head of Sector, Policy Analysis and Stakeholder Cooperation, FRA, with wider contributions from; Sirpa Rautio, Director, FRA, Angelika Grabher-Wusche, Project Manager for the survey, FRA, Ariella Woitchik, Director for EU Affairs, European Jewish Congress, and Katharina von Schnurbein, European Commission Coordinator on Combating Antisemitism and Fostering Jewish Life.

A panel discussion with insight from Emma Hallali, President, European Union of Jewish Students, Marie-Sarah Seeberger, Policy Officer – International Affairs, Conseil représentatif des institutions juives de France (CRIF), and Eddo Verdoner, Dutch National Coordinator on Combating Antisemitism highlighted the urgent need to address the significant impact of antisemitism on European Jewish life.

Whilst the survey took place before the Hamas attacks of 7 October 2023 and the war in Gaza; it includes evidence from a consultation with national and European Jewish umbrella organisations following this event, with some organisations reporting an increase of 400% or more antisemitic incidents since October 2023. 

The results were collected across more than 8,000 Jews in 13 EU countries, with 96% stating they had encountered antisemitism in their daily life. Of these, more than half the Jewish people surveyed expressed concern for their own safety or that of their family, and the vast majority of all involved had experienced harassment online.

The findings clearly demonstrate the seriousness of the rise in antisemitism across Europe, and the FRA's director, Sirpa Rautio, has warned that Europe is facing a "wave of antisemitism" - driven partly by the conflict in the Middle East.

Carmen McPherson, Masorti Europe Coordinator added: “I welcome the findings of the FRA report and the detailed information it provides. However, it is extremely disturbing that antisemitism is still a reality for many Jewish people in Europe today, and we know that the impact of this is felt across European Jewry. It is unacceptable that Jewish people continue to encounter increasing prejudice and hostility, with many fearful and unable to live openly Jewish lives. Masorti Europe is wholly committed to working across the issue of antisemitism, and alongside the European Commission and other European Partners, we will continue to act proactively and urgently both with and for our communities, to eradicate antisemitism entirely.”