European Commission Vice-President Frans Timmermans as well as Commissioners Maros Sefcovic, Cecilia Malmstrom and Vytenis Andriukaitis have agreed to participate in an initiative taken by the European Jewish Association (EJA) on the eve of International Holocaust Memorial Day which will be marked across the globe on January 27.
The EJA, a fefderation of Jewish organisations active on European level, has called on all members of the European Commission, heads of political groups in the European Parliament and European Heads of State or government to leave the lights on in their offices and homes on the eve of Holocaust Memorial Day ‘’to shine a light on the issue of anti-Semitism.''
‘’We urge you to help us commemorate the horrors of the Holocaust with a small yet important gesture, by keeping a light on in your office and home on the eve of the memorial day, to add your voice to our calls to banish the darkness that is anti-Semitism,’’ EJA Director General Rabbi Menachem Margolin wrote in his letter to EU leaders which was sent before the recent terror attacks.
He added : ‘’As you will be aware, in recent years the European Jewish communities have faced many challenges in our European homelands. The rightful and just measures taken by various European governments to contain the threats posed to our free and democratic societies by ultra-nationalistic organisations and parties signals the need for Europe’s leaders and elected representatives to speak out in favour of the human dignity and fundamental values which the European Union was created to protect. In doing so, these governments send the vital message to Europe’s Jewish communities that there is still and will continue to be a place for them in their historic homelands.’’
‘’Further danger lies within the attempts by certain groups to propagate an anti-Semitic agenda, masquerading as legitimate criticism of the Jewish State and the Israeli administration. ‘’
He continued, ‘’There is no doubt that, as long as our governments and European institutions work to safeguard the basic right of all its citizens to live in peace and according to their beliefs, we can overcome any challenge and together ensure the protection of human rights for all minorities.’’
‘’I truly hope that, together, we can ensure that the past monstrosities which took place on European soil will never again be repeated,’’ Rabbi Margolin wrote.