At the end of September Masorti Europe attended the 6th Meeting of the Working Group on the Implementation of the EU Strategy on Combating Antisemitism and Fostering Jewish Life hosted by the Hungarian Government in cooperation with the European Commission.

Over the two days collaborative sessions were held on: the progress and challenges in the fight against antisemitism, effective prosecution of antisemitic incidents and the IHRA definition, fostering Jewish life – a whole society effort, and Jewish life in Hungary after the Shoah. A very positive and purposeful discussion between Member States and representatives of national Jewish Communities also provided an opportunity to engage in useful and ongoing conversation about next steps and partnership between government and civil society.

A detailed consideration of the third FRA EU Survey on Jewish People’s Experiences and Perceptions of Antisemitism highlighting the issues facing all European Jewry and the ongoing increase in antisemitic incidents and attacks was another event highlight.

Andrea Ausztrics, project leader at the Marom Jewish Culture Project, talked about her experience growing up in Budapest and the importance of Jewish culture.

During the visit, the group visited the historic Dohany Synagogue, and to attend a commemoration ceremony at the Holocaust Memorial Centre, marking the 80th anniversary of the deportation of Hungarian Jews. It was a very moving occasion with an emotional and personal speech from János Bóka, EU Affairs Minister Hungary, and a call to action from Rabbi Péter Kardos, a Holocaust Survivor from the local Jewish community.

During the visit, the group visited the historic Dohany Synagogue, and to attend a commemoration ceremony at the Holocaust Memorial Centre, marking the 80th anniversary of the deportation of Hungarian Jews. It was a very moving occasion with an emotional and personal speech from János Bóka, EU Affairs Minister Hungary, and a call to action from Rabbi Péter Kardos, a Holocaust Survivor from the local Jewish community.

Masorti Europe Coordinator Carmen McPherson shared: "Outside the main discussion and working group tasks, I enjoyed the opportunity to meet with partner organizations and to strengthen our working relationship with those we align with on strategic aims and objectives, and to discuss new ideas and projects as a response to the conversations and issues raised throughout the event."

At the end of her trip, the Masorti Europe representative met with Adam Schonberger who leads Dor Hadash community in Budapest, which has emerged and flourished having initially established as a Marom group. "As the conclusion of our politically led conversations focussed on the vital need to see all elements of Jewish life thrive across Europe, meeting with Adam and hearing about the growth, changes and needs of the Budapest Masorti community was a hugely encouraging close to a very busy and extremely powerful visit", she said.

Photos by Bánhalmi Norbert (banhalmi.art)