World Jewish Congress to Europe: ‘Protect our communities’

The World Jewish Congress called on Europe to protect its Jewish communities. 

By David Isaac, World Israel News

Following an attack on a 20-year-old Jewish woman in Sarcelles, France, north of Paris on Dec. 17, the World Jewish Congress called on European leaders to protect their Jewish communities. Sarcelles hosts a vibrant Jewish community.

“The World Jewish Congress stands with our community in France in deploring this vicious act of hatred against an innocent woman, whose only crime was being Jewish,” said WJC CEO and Vice President Robert Singer in response to the attack.

The assailants allegedly shouted ‘so you are afraid, dirty Jew,’ as they violently assaulted her.

“It is inconceivable that the Jewish community in France, or elsewhere, should have to brace themselves each day against potential threats, or have to live in fear or trepidation simply because of their identity,” said Singer.

The attack comes at a time when signs have emerged of rising anti-Semitism in Europe. The European Union recently conducted a survey showing that 40 percent of European Jews are worried about being physically attacked.

According to a recent CNN poll, the Holocaust is becoming a distant memory to Europeans, who have started reverting to a pre-Holocaust mentality which ascribes undue influence to Jews in the realm of politics, the media and the economy.

Singer called on the authorities “across the continent to follow through with their declaration to upgrade the security of Jewish community and ensure their safety and well-being.”

Anti-Semitism in Soccer

As if confirming Jewish fears, video leaked the same week the Jewish woman was attacked showing supporters of Belgian football club FC Bruges using overtly anti-Semitic slogans before a game.

The supporters were caught on camera singing a phrase, which when translated into English means, “My father was part of a commando (unit), my mother was SS, and together they burned Jews, because the Jews burn the best.”

Singer said, “The chants heard during this week’s match between FC Bruges and Anderlich should be uncategorically condemned by the club’s leadership and players, the Belgian football federation, and all international sporting bodies.”

“The words used by these fans draw allusions to Nazism and are tantamount to calling for death to Jews. It is unconscionable that such words can be uttered in 2018 – nearly three-quarters-of-a-century after the end of the Holocaust – in Western Europe, or anywhere for that matter,” he said.

“It is our hope that the individuals seen in this video are reprimanded to the fullest extent possible.”