On the second anniversary of the brutal Hamas massacre, the EJC, together with MEP @alicemedce and @BnaiBrith, organised the conference “October 7: Two Years After – Bearing Witness, Building Hope” at the European Parliament. At a moment marked by the historic agreement brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump that enabled the liberation of all living hostages held by Hamas, the event served not only to rejoice in the return of those who endured unimaginable suffering in captivity, but also to honour the victims, the wounded and above all, the families of the hostages whose loved ones’ bodies have still not been returned by the terrorist organisation. The event, which was attended by Members of the European Parliament, diplomatic representatives, high-level EU officials, journalists, leaders of Jewish organisations, and many friends and allies, became an emotional call to conscience. It sent a powerful message to the world: to never forget and ensure that such horror is never repeated. In her opening remarks, MEP Alice Teodorescu Måwe reflected on the historic moment marked by the liberation of hostages and reaffirmed the enduring duty to speak out about the horrors of October 7th. She reminded the audience that bearing witness means remembering, and that building hope means choosing life even in the face of immense loss. From her position in the European Parliament, she recalled her tireless work calling for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, accountability for Hamas’s crimes, and recognition of Israel’s right to defend itself. Acknowledging the threats and hatred she has faced for taking this stand, she emphasised the necessity of standing up for values, prioritising compassion over fear, and commitment over indifference. MEP Sabrina Repp expressed deep concern over the alarming rise of antisemitism in Germany since the Hamas massacre, noting that incidents — from insults and defamations to vandalism and violence against synagogues and Jewish communities — have surged dramatically, turning what was once whispered into open hatred. Repp stressed that this dangerous trend threatens all nations, underscoring Germany’s special responsibility, rooted in history and constitutional duty, to confront antisemitism not only through words but through actions. EJC Executive VP @rayakalenova delivered a powerful address, strongly denouncing the alarming rise of antisemitism across Europe, where Jews increasingly feel unsafe, targeted by hostility that has grown ever more visible, unchecked, and emboldened, fueled without consequence by politicians, intellectuals, the media, and artists alike. Over the past two years, she underscored that Jewish communities have endured moments of humiliation, harassment, and insult, and have been accused of horrendous crimes — even of committing “genocide” — at a time when hearts were bleeding with sorrow and grief for so many innocent victims. Ms Kalenova stressed that antisemitism in any form must be confronted without hesitation, warning that normalising such hatred threatens not only Jewish communities but the very foundations of European democracy. Calling for solidarity, courage, and decisive action in the face of terror, she reaffirmed the resilience and pride of Jewish communities, insisting that they must never face violence or hatred alone, that silence can never be tolerated, and that Europe’s promise of “never again” must be upheld to safeguard freedom, dignity, and life for all. Finally, she paid tribute to the victims, honouring their memory and reaffirming the commitment to ensure that such atrocities are never repeated. She highlighted that the liberation of hostages is only a first step towards healing, as the wounds run deep and the pain, trauma, and despair will remain for a long time. Afterwards, Dr @CochavElkayam, Founder and Chair of the Civil Commission on October 7th Crimes by Hamas Against Women and Children - @theCC07, presented the findings of the report “Kinocide: Uncovering the Weaponization of Families on October 7”. The report highlights the deliberate targeting and exploitation of families by the terrorist organisation, with Dr Elkayam Levy shedding light on this often-overlooked aspect of the attack and revealing the extreme brutality inflicted on entire family units, identifying these acts as a new international crime. The audience had the profound privilege and honour of hearing the testimony of Ofri Bibas Levy, sister of former hostage Yarden Bibas and aunt of Ariel and Kfir Bibas, who were brutally murdered by Hamas in Gaza alongside their mother, Shiri. Her testimony laid bare the unimaginable devastation and horror her family endured, offering a deeply personal account of loss, fear, and profound loneliness. Through her words, the audience could feel the enduring pain, the rupture of family, and the lasting impact of such senseless violence, while also receiving a vital message to the world: to bear witness, to remember, and to confront terror wherever they arise. As a keynote speaker, @lalshareef, historian, peace advocate and social media influencer, delivered a powerful address filled with a message of hope, coexistence, and reconciliation amid the despair and horror of the October 7th attacks. Drawing from his personal journey—from being taught to hate Jews and demonise Israel to embracing empathy, peace advocacy, and promoting the Abraham Accords—he illustrated the transformative power of dialogue and education. As a leading voice in interfaith understanding and reconciliation, Alshareef showcased his unwavering commitment to fostering mutual respect while standing firmly against extremism and radicalism, emphasising the enduring importance and value of the Abraham Accords for peace in the Middle East and beyond. He also exposed the absurdity of hatred and fundamentalism while offering concrete recommendations to European policymakers to confront its rapid spread across the continent, fuelled by prejudice, propaganda, and the normalisation of antisemitism. The event which was moderated by EJC Director of European Affairs @AriellaWoit concluded with a deeply emotional one-minute silence in honour of the victims of the massacre, standing as both a solemn remembrance and a poignant message of hope for the future.

After more than eleven years, Lt. Hadar Goldin has finally been returned to his homeland. His name and legacy have come to symbolize courage, devotion and the unbreakable bond between Israel and those who defend it. The EJC pays tribute to Hadar’s memory and to the strength and perseverance of his family, who never ceased their efforts to bring him home. Their determination reflects the enduring values of dignity, hope and faith that unite the Jewish people. As we honor Hadar, we reaffirm our call for the immediate return of all hostages still held in Gaza, and for every family to be granted the justice and peace they deserve.

On November 9–10, 1938, the Kristallnacht pogroms marked the beginning of the systematic persecution of Europe’s Jews. Synagogues and Jewish businesses were destroyed, lives shattered. It was a warning of the horrors that would soon follow.

Last night, while the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra performed at the Philharmonie de Paris, pro-Palestinian protesters disrupted the concert by throwing flares and shouting slogans such as “Israel assassin”. We commend the musicians for continuing their performance despite the terrifying interruption, and we thank the venue, its staff and French authorities for ensuring the event could proceed. This kind of hostility directed at a cultural event cannot be tolerated. It represents not only a threat to artistic freedom, but also a broader risk of normalising antisemitic expression under the guise of protest. We urge French law-enforcement and judicial authorities to carry out a full investigation and to take legal actions in line with the seriousness of the disruption. At the same time, we reaffirm our commitment to the right of all artists to perform free from intimidation and to audiences to listen without fear.

Kazakhstan’s decision to join the Abraham Accords is a welcome sign that dialogue and cooperation with Israel continue to expand. This step reinforces the belief that mutual recognition and engagement remain the strongest foundations for peace and regional stability 🇰🇿🇮🇱

The yellow Star of David, imposed by Nazi Germany, was used to stigmatize, humiliate,and control Jews. What began in occupied Poland later spread across Nazi-controlled Europe, marking one of the earliest steps toward systematic persecution.

His Majesty King Felipe VI received a delegation from the Federation of Jewish Communities of Spain (@fcjecom), led by its President David Obadía. The purpose of the audience was to reaffirm the Federation’s loyalty to the Crown and to brief the King on the current situation faced by Jewish communities in Spain, marked by a sharp rise in antisemitism. Following the audience, FCJE President David Obadía and the Dayan of the FCJE, Rabbi Isaac Cohen, were also received privately by His Majesty. During the meeting, the King was informed of the social, cultural, and religious life of Jewish communities in Spain, as well as their main educational and community projects.

The world must hear Rom Breslavsky’s testimony. He bravely spoke about the horrific sexual assault and the constant abuse he suffered while being held captive by Islamic Jihad. This is the evil Israel is facing.

The EJC welcomes the decision by the German authorities to ban Muslim Interaktiv. The group was found to advocate for a caliphate, deny democratic values and propagate hatred against Jews, Israel, women and minorities, actions that stand in stark conflict with the fundamental values of democracy, human rights and religious freedom. This measure underscores that protecting the constitutional order and safeguarding Jewish life are inseparably linked. The EJC urges that vigilance must continue, because the threat does not vanish simply with any one ban. State-endorsed extremism or the call for parallel societies undermines not just the Jewish community, but the broader fabric of free societies. We call on European governments and civil societies to use this case as a reminder: the fight against antisemitism, Islamist extremism and other forms of exclusion must remain a priority. Only by reinforcing the values of dignity, equality and inclusion will Europe remain a safe space for Jews and all minorities.

The latest report from the @AMeldestelle of the Jewish Community of Vienna recorded 726 antisemitic incidents in the first six months of 2025. The figure doubles the number of cases before October 7. 👉Find more: shorturl.at/B1SWX

“I didn’t think anyone was left.” On October 7, Hamas terrorists abducted 13-year-old Gali Tarshansky from her home in Kibbutz Be’eri. She was taken to Gaza after witnessing her neighbors’ bodies. When she finally returned home, she learned the unimaginable: her mother had been murdered that day💔 Via @ZionistFedAus

Today marks 75 years since the European Convention on Human Rights was signed, a milestone in protecting human dignity and freedom across our continent. Respect for human rights remains a cornerstone of Europe’s identity and a principle the EJC continues to uphold and defend.

We strongly condemns Het Concertgebouw’s decision to cancel the B’nai B’rith Chanukah Concert after pressuring organizers to replace Cantor Shai Abramson because of his past role as Chief Cantor of the IDF. Excluding a Jewish cantor from a religious celebration for this reason is discrimination, pure and simple. It turns a cultural, spiritual and joyful event into a political statement and undermines freedom of religion and artistic expression. Chanukah is a time to celebrate light over darkness. No artist should be judged or banned because of their nationality or faith. We stand firmly with the organizers and the Dutch Jewish community and call on Het Concertgebouw to reverse this decision and ensure that Jewish life can be celebrated freely and safely in Europe

After decades of research, @yadvashem has now recovered the names of five million of the more than six million Jews murdered during the Holocaust. Thanks to AI and machine learning, researchers believe they can uncover another 250,000 identities hidden in millions of historical documents. “Behind each name is a life that mattered,” said Yad Vashem chairman Dani Dayan. “It is our moral duty to ensure no victim remains anonymous.” Each name restores a voice the Nazis tried to erase — and keeps their memory alive for future generations.

For two years, released hostage Maxim Herkin could only dream of hugging his little girl, Monika. When they finally reunited, that dream became tears, smiles, and one unforgettable embrace💙✨

Today marks 30 years since the assassination of former Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin. We honour his legacy of peace, visionary leadership and his contributions to Israel. May his memory be a blessing 🕯️

A historic initiative is underway in Morocco, as the government prepares to transform the Dar Moulay Hachem site in Demnate into a centre dedicated to Jewish culture. The project forms part of a wider national effort to safeguard and celebrate the Jewish memory of Morocco, under the leadership of King Mohammed VI. According to the Moroccan Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication, the Demnate centre is part of an extensive programme involving the restoration of Jewish schools, cemeteries, and synagogues throughout the kingdom. Situated near the recently renovated Jewish cemetery, the new cultural centre will aim to promote Jewish heritage and preserve the memory of the Jewish communities that have long coexisted with Morocco’s Muslim population. A Moroccan official explained that the initiative reflects “a comprehensive strategy led by King Mohammed VI to preserve Jewish memory in Morocco”, supported by royal adviser André Azoulay and the Royal Commission for the Restoration of Jewish Cemeteries. The official noted that Morocco’s approach is guided by a coherent, long-term policy rather than isolated projects.

Norway’s King Harald V and Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre joined the Jewish community of Trondheim to mark the 100th anniversary of the world’s northernmost synagogue. Among those present was 98-year-old Holocaust survivor Chana Arberman, who lost more than fifty relatives during the war. “Meeting the King and celebrating this event means we must never forget,” she said. Prime Minister Støre praised the community’s resilience and condemned rising antisemitism: “We must take responsibility and stand up for human dignity and equality.” Nearly destroyed during WWII, the Trondheim synagogue today remains a living symbol of faith, memory and endurance ✡️

Released hostage Segev Kalfon was beaten every time he went to the bathroom and starved for two years. Hamas threatened to execute him for fun. Never forget how Hamas treated the hostages.

In the House of Lords, @HowardDLeigh raised deep concern over the alarming 413% rise in antisemitic incidents on UK campuses since October 7. He cited death threats, intimidation, and open calls for violence against Jewish students, urging stronger action to ensure their safety.

“No more coffins should be released with the wrong remains.” UK MP @pritipatel rightly called out the brutality and continued violations by Hamas, including executions, aid obstruction, and the refusal to return hostages' bodies.