
Final message and conclusions at the end of the three-day meeting in Bucharest of over 80 European officials and organizations for combating antisemitism.
I had the honor of speaking at the conclusion of our three-day event in Bucharest, where over 80 officials, leaders from institutions, government representatives, and international, civic, or Jewish organizations took part.
Our main goal for the meeting in Romania was to continue our work aimed at identifying, collectively, as a team, the best responses for addressing the fight against antisemitism and to identify the means to be more efficient and imaginative when it comes to promoting Jewish life.
The role of Jewish communities and the importance of governments
The role of Jewish communities in finding the best responses is of utmost importance. However, it is up to governments to meet their needs, make them feel welcome everywhere, and have their cultures appreciated and embraced by all of us. Democratic systems of governance are the best ways to overcome crises and rebuild sustainably.
Combating antisemitism, racism, and other forms of intolerance lies at the very foundation of a resilient democracy. Therefore, the fight against these threats is a fight for democracy.
To combat antisemitism, we need:
- First and foremost, political will. The very fact that EU member states and the European Commission have been present is evidence of this. The words of our prime minister represent yet another strong commitment of our country to continue firmly in the fight against antisemitism and all forms of political violence, symbolism, extremism, and intolerance.
As the European Commission Coordinator mentioned in Madrid two months ago, 3 things are fundamental to our path and objectives, for EU countries. To appoint special envoys, to have national strategies for combating antisemitism and promoting Jewish life (dedicated or integrated into a broader strategy), and to integrate the IHRA definition of antisemitism into national legislations. So far, we have national strategies in only 15 states.
- National strategies and monitoring. Having a strategy is not enough; monitoring bodies are of utmost importance. Whether we are talking about inter-ministerial committees monitoring the implementation or institutions, we need to create institutional tools/bodies that put pressure on institutions and societies to achieve concrete results. I remember what my colleague, Dumitrița Solomon, said in her intervention, that reaching our shared vision of democracy requires a lot of concrete day-to-day work.
3. Partnership between national and local authorities, Jewish communities, civil society, and the academic environment. Financial assistance must continue. This is mandatory support in our work; it cannot be done regarding, for example, heritage conservation without budgets. No reform, no change, not even a change in mindset, can be done without budgets. This investment is never a whim and is both for the future and especially for the health of our democracies.
- Educating and raising awareness among the general public. We have emphasized remembering and using our model, the Romanian model. Dedicated curricula, mandatory discipline for the history of Jews and the Holocaust. We must imagine, in the coming decades, a society with European citizens who need to know their past very well in order to create a society resilient against extremism and all forms of intolerance.
- Involving mass media and partnership. Mass media is a key tool for disseminating information about our work, creating awareness, and countering disinformation and hate speech. Dedicated programs, study visits, and debates for journalists and influencers are ideas to keep them closer, informed, to empathize, and to provide them with the appropriate tools to be our partners.
6. Solidarity. Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova must become a constant presence at our meetings.
In the future, the attention of the Western Balkans must be gained. I believe we need to prepare states for the moments when they will become part of our EU family.
The fight against antisemitism and the promotion of Jewish life, the fight against extremism and all forms of intolerance or political violence, have already become part of the EU accession standards. At the same time, this is a way to keep potential or candidate EU members in line and not allow them to be isolated or infested by other „political viruses.”
At the end of the event, I expressed special thanks to the EU Commission and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the organization, as well as to SRI and SPP for the support provided.
Romania excellently organized the event, showcasing public diplomacy and leaving a significant impact among all European representatives who were in Bucharest for a few days.
This meeting represented an important step in the fight against antisemitism and all forms of intolerance and political violence.
Through collaboration and joint commitment of European officials, organizations, and Jewish communities, we can hope to build a more inclusive, resilient, and democratic Europe. Together, we can overcome challenges and ensure a bright future for all our citizens.