On May 7-8, Masorti Europe joined the 15th EU-Israel High Level Seminar on combating racism, xenophobia, and antisemitism, represented by Carmen McPherson, Masorti Europe Coordinator.

The EU-Israel Seminar is a unique forum, that since 2007 brings together European and Israeli authorities, civil servants, policymakers, experts, international organisations, and non-governmental organisations to discuss best practices and measures to combat antisemitism and other forms of hatred. This work is undertaken as part of the first-ever EU Strategy on combating antisemitism and fostering Jewish life adopted in October 2021.

The seminar was hosted by Katharina von Schnurbein, European Commission Coordinator on combating antisemitism, and was opened by Margaritis Schinas, European Commission Vice President for Promoting Our European Way of Life, Israel Katz, Israel Minister of Foreign Affairs and on behalf of the Member States, Aurore Bergé, France Minister for Gender Equality and Fight against discriminations and Maria Alexandra Kefala, Greece Deputy Minister of Social Cohesion and Family.

Prior to the meeting Masorti Europe communities provided individual insight and feedback on their experiences of antisemitism and how this is impacting European Jewry. These valuable comments were widely explored across the seminar on issues regarding education, children & young people, and how the university experience has changed for students in recent times.

During the two days seminar the following topics were discussed with expert presentations: the rise of antisemitism after 7 October and its impact on Jewish communities in Europe; artificial intelligence, antisemitism, and radicalization; progresses and challenges on the fight against antisemitism; and addressing online antisemitism.

Masorti Europe is honoured to be invited to take part in this valuable work undertaken by the European Commission and remains committed to ensuring antisemitism has no place in modern society, and that the fostering of Jewish life across Europe brings prospering and thriving communities free from the threat of hatred and violence in any form.

Photos: EC/Simon Pugh Photography