Europeans slam antisemitic attacks coming after Trump declaration

The European Commission on Monday condemned an uptick in the number of antisemitic attacks and demonstrations that have taken place in Europe since the US declared its recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital.

“We are shocked and outraged by the wave of antisemitic attacks and demonstrations that are spreading hatred against Jews in European cities over the last days,” read a joint statement by first vice president Frans Timmermans and commissioner Vera Jourová. “There can be no justification and we stand in full solidarity with the European Jewish communities in condemning these vile attacks, in the strongest possible way.”

“We expect the perpetrators of antisemitic incitement to be prosecuted,” the statement continued. “European Jews must be able to live their lives in freedom and peace in Europe. This means rapid response to antisemitic actions, but it also means educating our young. There is no place for antisemitism in Europe, and in the joint battle against antisemitism, we should all work together to rid us from this ideology of hatred.”

In recent days, antisemitic incidents have occurred in countries such as the Netherlands, Sweden and the UK, causing Jewish leaders to call on EU leaders to take strong punitive actions against the perpetrators.

“The EU Commission fully supports calls to bring perpetrators to justice,” tweeted the EU Commission coordinator on combating antisemitism, Katharina Schnurbein.

“Thank you @TimmermansEU and @VeraJourova for your clear words condemning this weekend’s antisemitic attacks and calling for swift prosecution of the perpetrators,” tweeted the EU office of the American Jewish Committee. “Now Europe’s leaders must follow up!”