The Combat Antisemitism Movement Urges European Collaboration Amid Rising Antisemitic Incidents
The Combat Antisemitism Movement (CAM) Executive Director of European Affairs, Shannon Seban, sent an open letter this week to Frédéric Biessy, President of the European Jewish Congress, urging increased collaboration to address rising antisemitic incidents across Europe. The letter, obtained by multiple news outlets, highlights concerns over a 22% surge in reported antisemitic acts in the EU between 2022 and 2023, according to the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA).
What the Letter Entailed
Seban’s letter emphasized the need for “sustained, cross-border initiatives” to counter antisemitism, citing specific examples such as vandalism at Jewish cemeteries in France and Hungary, as well as online harassment targeting Jewish communities. “The urgency of this moment demands that we move beyond rhetoric and into actionable strategies,” Seban stated in the letter, which was confirmed by CAM’s official spokesperson.
Biessy responded by acknowledging the “valid concerns” raised but stressed the importance of distinguishing between antisemitism and broader anti-Israel sentiment. “While we share the goal of combating hatred, we must ensure that our efforts do not conflate legitimate criticism of policies with antisemitic rhetoric,” he said in a statement.
Why It Matters
The exchange underscores growing tensions within Jewish advocacy groups over how to define and address antisemitism. A 2023 report by the Antisemitism Policy Trust found that 68% of European Jewish community leaders view the rise in antisemitic incidents as “directly linked to geopolitical tensions,” particularly in the context of the Israel-Hamas conflict.
CAM’s approach aligns with broader efforts by international bodies. The United Nations Office on Genocide Prevention and the Responsibility to Protect has called for “enhanced monitoring and education programs” to address antisemitism, according to a 2024 resolution.
Context and Precedents
This development follows a 2022 EU-wide survey revealing that 43% of Jews in Europe have experienced antisemitic abuse in the past five years. The FRA’s data also shows that 71% of antisemitic incidents in 2023 involved online platforms, with social media companies facing pressure to improve content moderation.
In 2021, the EU adopted a strategy to combat antisemitism through education and legal frameworks, but critics argue implementation has been inconsistent. “The challenge lies in balancing free speech with the need to protect vulnerable communities,” said Dr. Rachel L. Epstein, a senior fellow at the European Jewish Congress.
What’s Next?
CAM and the European Jewish Congress have announced plans for a joint working group to develop standardized protocols for reporting and responding to antisemitic incidents. The group aims to publish a framework by mid-2025, according to a press release.
Meanwhile, advocacy groups are urging governments to enforce existing laws more rigorously. “We cannot wait for another year of rising hate,” Seban said. “The time for action is now.”