In an unprecedented move, the European Parliament based in Brussels will hold a special session to deal with the increasing incidence of anti-Semitism on European streets, discuss ways to counter vandalism and desecration of Jewish cemeteries, and prevent the torching of Synagogues or anti-Semitic assaults on Jews.

A special session will take place next Tuesday in the Conference Hall of the EU Parliament, with the participation of RCE Committee members, European Union delegates, and representatives of European organisations dealing with anti-Semitism.

It is noteworthy that the European Union celebrates 50 years of its existence this year – and amid the events marking this milestone there is a concurrent effort to strengthen cooperation between the EU government and the RCE and Jewish community leaders.

Next week’s discussion should lead to important decisions intended to reduce the occurrence of anti-Semitic attacks, such as the Shul in Geneva which was set on fire on the very day of Matan Torah, the festival of Shavuos, as well as a series of assaults on Jewish personalities. It is also intended to broach the subject of the desecration of hundreds of Jewish graves in cemeteries throughout Europe, including the desecration of communal graves of Holocaust victims who sanctified their lives al Kiddush Hashem.