High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the Commission, Federica Mogherini, hosted the annual Chanukah event arranged by the European Jewish Community Center (EJCC), led by Avi and Nechama Tawil, a member organization of the European Jewish Association in the European Commission Wednesday, 25 Kislev 5775.

The event, which took place at the European Commission building in Brussels, saw Mogherini participate in the traditional lighting of the Menorah, as she wished the European Jewish community a happy Chanukah and stated that: “Anti-Semitism across Europe is rising and needs to be dealt with and fought against decisively.”

Rabbi Menachem Margolin, General Director of the European Jewish Association, stated that: “During Chanukah, we celebrate the triumph of light over darkness. However, the world we live in can become very dark when even the European Court of Justice makes a decision to remove Hamas from the terror organization black list. We will use the next couple of months in order to demonstrate the true nature of Hamas to EU officials as well as the entire world.”

In closing the event, Mogherini told Rabbi Margolin of the decision made by European Union General Court to remove Hamas from the bloc’s terror blacklist, that Hamas should stay on the list and although she cannot do anything to address what is a legal issue, she understands the sensitivity and the importance of the matter and therefore wanted to express her opinion.

Rabbi Avi Tawill, Director of the EJCC, thanked Ms. Mogherini for hosting the event and said: “A strong EU is one of the best ways of promoting the wellbeing of the Jewish community and all other communities across Europe.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)