Europe’s leaders have sent their greetings to Rabbi Menachem Margolin, General Director of the European Jewish Association, ahead of Rosh Hashanah as they seek to reinforce ties with Europe’s historic Jewish communities and reaffirm their commitment to fighting the wave of anti-Semitic acts that have blighted cities across the European Union.

Messages of support and solidarity were led by France’s Francois Hollande, who departed from the secular protocol of the French Republic to send his New Year wishes to European Jewry, whilst offering his firm commitment to fight “against all words and acts of an anti-Semitic nature, and to allow everyone to live together, without exception, with the same values of freedom, tolerance and community”.

French Premier Manuels Valls, meanwhile, reiterated his “readiness to fight against antisemitism, and all forms of racism and intolerance, and to tirelessly support European initiatives designed to defend the values which shape our democracies”.

Austrian President Heinz K. Fischer spoke out in support of “the common interest of Jews in Europe”, as he sought to renew Austria’s ties with the Jewish State by way of its commitment to “the safeguarding of Israel”. Austria remains committed to the protection of fundamental rights and freedoms in Europe and the world, and to the safeguarding of minorities including the Jewish community in Austria, which has always strongly influenced our country’s culture,” he added.

Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel meanwhile made sure to reaffirm his “excellent relationship with the Jewish community in Belgium”, while Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte recalled his country’s endorsement of a joint statement on anti-Semitism at an informal meeting of the United Nations General Assembly last January. “I share your concern about rising anti-Semitism in Europe,” he assured in his message to European Jewry. “This scourge affects Jewish communities first, but in essence it is a threat to society as a whole,” he added.

EJA General Director, Rabbi Margolin, thanked the European Leaders for their wishes and commitments, adding: “Rabbis and community leaders across Europe report that the in light of growing anti-Semitism and nationalist atmosphere there has been a significant decline in the number of Jews who take part in community activities. However, Jewish Communities are working hard to help Jews attend Rosh Hashanah services. Major Security measures are being taken and we can report that there is a relative increase in the number of Jews who have expressed their intention to attend Synagogues over Rosh Hashanah with their families, compared to last year. “

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)