The European Youth Forum represents tens of millions of young Europeans through its 104 organizations – national youth councils, international networks and political parties’ youth organizations. Between the 26-28 of April, the Forum held its biannual Council of Members, debating, voting and taking a stand on the EU’s Multiannual Financial Framework, Sustainable Development, upcoming European elections, youth rights and much more. But there was more going on:
Full house as EUJS President Alina Bricman introduced the almost 200 organization leaders to the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism.
Recalling recent events in Berlin, where almost 10 000 Germans, Jews and non-Jews, took to the streets and put on a Kippah in front of the Brandenburg Gate – Alina stressed the importance of awareness and solidarity – “Antisemitism is not a Jewish issue, it is an issue for all society”.
Alina called on the European Youth Forum members to take a look inside of their own organizations and make sure that they uphold a space free of racism and antisemitism. She stressed the important precedent and best practice that the definition sets for combatting other forms of discrimination.
We’re looking forward to advising as many of the present organizations as possible about the importance of adopting the definition in the future, and engage in as much discussion as possible. Only through an open debate will we manage to raise awareness, build empathy and consolidate social solidarity to combat antisemitism!
