Rabbi Menachem Margolin, the Chairman of the Brussels-based European Jewish Association, has written to European heads of state, asking them to step up security around Jewish institutions and increase their vigilance and monitoring of known extremist networks in light of the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict.
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Europe-wide surveys by organizations such as the Fundamental Rights Agency showed that whenever there is a conflict between Israel and the Palestinians, there is a marked uptick in antisemitic incidents, Margolin explained.
Margolin relayed to the leaders that Jewish communities across the continent were concerned that it was not a matter of "if" but "when" attacks against Jews and Jewish institutions would occur.
"I write with a heavy heart for having to do so, but with an urgent request for your consideration," Margolin wrote in his letter. "Figures prove that whenever Israel is engaged in skirmishes with Palestinian terror groups or others that seek to undermine Israel's sovereignty, there is a sharp and marked uptick in antisemitic attacks across Europe.
"In short, Jews are held responsible. Of course, this runs counter to the spirit and letter of the IHRA definition of antisemitism – namely that Jews should not be held responsible for events in Israel, but also that antisemitism and anti-Zionism are two sides of the same coin."
Margolin explained that the concerns were not unfounded as there have been several angry demonstrations outside synagogues in Europe already.
"I ask you humbly and respectfully to increase vigilance and security in and around Jewish institutions by your forces of law and order during this tense and difficult time and to increase your monitoring of social media channels and extremist networks," he concluded.
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