Anti-Semitism Emerged in Europe after President Trump’s Statement About Jerusalem

Israeli Jewish Congress condemns violence in Europe that emerged in response to the recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of the state of Israel by Donald Trump

Earlier, Donald Trump, the president of the United States of America, announced that he is going to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. He signed a document that covered the transfer of the American Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.

This decision was positively met in Israel, but it caused an extremely negative reaction in Palestine and the countries of the Middle East. Around the world and in Israel itself, protests and street fights broke out, during which hundreds of people were injured and some hospitalized.

Based on the current situation, the Israeli Jewish Congress intends to continue its work in the field of effectively combating intolerance, anti-Semitism, and hatred.

Israeli Jewish Congress reaction

Vladimir Sloutsker and Mikhail Peleg, the co-founders of the Israeli Jewish Congress, made a public statement and condemned the acts of violence. Mr. Sloutsker told that such news shook the European countries in response to President Trump’s statement about Jerusalem.

He stated that recently, they have witnessed some very disturbing scenes that took place in many European countries. He shared his concern with the public in response to the recognition of Jerusalem as the original and legitimate capital of Israel by American President Donald Trump.

As huge anti-Semitic actions took place in such large cities as Amsterdam, Berlin, London, and Paris. Such actions include protesters that were shouting slogans and chants “Shoot Jews” and “Death to Jews”. Besides, a big Swedish synagogue (in Gothenburg) was destroyed, and a kosher restaurant met the same fate in the Netherlands.

Vladimir Sloutsker explains that today we see that radical movement use the acceptance of Jerusalem only as a pretext. There is no expression of blind, sickening hatred and anti-Semitism. The Israeli Jewish Congress urged European leaders to take immediate measures against criminals who committed anti-Semitic actions in those European cities.

Another manifestation of anti-Semitism, hatred, and violence are connected with the Palestinian conflict. Palestinian conflict should not be a pretext for expressing hatred and anti-Semitism in Europe. Mikhail Peleg, a regular participant of the Israeli Jewish Congress, made a public statement on these events. He told that in the modern world there is no place for manifestations of such cruelty and xenophobia. Mr. Peleg also admitted that all members of Congress support and make great efforts to protect the rights of Jews not only in European countries but all over the world.

Statements of European leaders

Federica Mogherini, the head of the European Union diplomacy, stated that representatives of the European Union also condemned the attacks on Jews that occurred after Donald Trump had recognized Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. She made that statement before the meeting with the Prime Minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu.

Also, Mrs. Mogherini said that the worst thing that can happen now is an escalation of violence and tensions between countries. First of all around the area of Holy Places, but also in the whole region and beyond. She strongly condemns all attacks on Jews everywhere in the world, especially in Europe. Also, Mogherini told journalists at a press conference that increased tension and violence would only inflame the region and would be a gift to the extremes.

Angela Merkel, the German Chancellor did not stay silent from this issue. She stated that on the behalf of her country she condemns all kinds of xenophobia and anti-Semitism. Chancellor emphasized that no disagreements, not even over the Jerusalem status, can justify such actions. Angela Merkel expressed to her that it is essential to use all possible instruments to eliminate such incidents.

Conclusions

Donald Trump’s decision to announce that he is going to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel caused sparks of anti-Semitism. Around the world and in Israel itself, protests and street fights broke out and few religious and public buildings were violated. That led to the injuries and hospitalization of hundreds of people. As these actions become an urgent topic many world political and public organization’s leaders, including Federica Mogherini, Angela Merkel Ofer Eini, Vladimir Sloutsker, Mikhail Peleg and others made statements. Generally, all leaders urged to take actions to resolve the issue. In our world, there is no place for any disclosures of racism, discrimination, and hatred. We should condemn all kinds of xenophobia and anti-Semitism. No disagreements, not even over the Jerusalem status, can justify such actions. All of us should understand that it is essential to use all possible instruments to eliminate such incidents in the future.