ECCAR Office Coordinator Jana Christ spent two inspiring days at the European Commission’s Civil Society Forum on Combating Antisemitism and Fostering Jewish Life in Brussels. In a series of workshops, civil society organisations from across Europe discussed how they, alongside local authorities, can address the rise of both online and offline antisemitism, and play an active role as bridge-builders at local and national levels.

It was a pleasure to engage with such a diverse group of people and organisations, many of which are active in our ECCAR member cities. Equally rewarding was the opportunity to meet potential new partners, as well as to exchange ideas with longstanding collaborators such as CEJI and AEPJ.

Together with AEPJ, we invite all ECCAR member cities to participate in the European Days of Jewish Culture 2025, focusing on the theme ‚People of the Book‘. 

Taking place annually starting from the first Sunday of September, The European Days of Jewish Culture showcase the richness of Jewish heritage while fostering inclusion and intercultural dialogue and unite cities and communities across Europe through cultural events, exhibitions, and educational activities.  

For more information, please contact Sonja Viličić at cities@jewisheritage.org.

A special thank you to European Commission Coordinator Katharina von Schnurbein and her team for making this Civil society forum possible. Let’s continue to work together to combat antisemitism and foster Jewish life in our cities.