United Against Antisemitism. Stories from the Field, Episode 8. Challenges and Political Responses to Antisemitism across Europe.

🎙️ United Against Antisemitism: Stories from the Field, Episode 8.

The EPNA Conference 25 in February in Berlin featured a panel discussion on the challenges and political responses to antisemitism across Europe.

Moderated by Benjamin Fischer, Chair of the Board at CeMAS and Advisory Board member at Democ, the panel brought together Ambassador Christian Heldt, Special Representative of the German Federal Foreign Office; Alina Bricman, Director of European Union Affairs at B’nai B’rith International; Michael Whine, UK Member of ECRI and co-founder of the Community Security Trust; and Rosa Jellinek, content creator, political educator, and activist.

The discussion addressed topics such as the application of European legislation not only in EU member states but also in Council of Europe states: Whine highlighted the strong legal frameworks in Europe, while also acknowledging that these laws are not always effectively applied. Jellinek emphasized the need for greater pressure on online platforms to combat hate speech, as well as increased financial support for Jewish communities and educational initiatives on antisemitism. Bricman put up for discussion the necessity of content-driven capacity building, the relevance of interdisciplinary collaboration, and depoliticising antisemitism as well as strengthening solidarity.

The event was realised in cooperation with the German Federal Foreign Office.

For feedback or comments, write us.

Intro: Bethany Odd I Audio-Edit: Gal Yaron Mayersohn I Music: Hopeful Start by John Bartmann is licensed under a CC0 1.0 Universal License I Illustration: Saskia Schlarmann I Project Lead: Jo Frank, Johanna Korneli | © 2025 DialoguePerspectives e.V. | https://against-antisemitism.eu/⁠ I insta: dialogueperspectives_epna

Report on EPNA Conference 2025.
February 12-14, 2025, in Berlin

The EPNA International Conference 2025 marked the conclusion of the first phase of the European Practitioners Network Against Antisemitism (EPNA) and celebrated its achievements over the past 1.5 years.

Over the past 18 months, EPNA has grown into a network of more than 60 European organisations dedicated to combating antisemitism. During this period, a strong sense of community and solidarity has taken shape, emerging as a support network in the challenging aftermath of the 7th October massacre. In a time of crisis, being there for one another became essential, reinforcing the foundation of collaboration and mutual support within the network. The network has established effective collaboration structures, enabling joint projects under the European Alliance Programme. In 2024 alone, 10 multilateral projects were successfully implemented, with their outcomes displayed in an exhibition at the public part of the conference in the German Federal Foreign Office.

The three-day event successfully brought together European practitioners, policymakers, and experts to reflect on progress, share experiences, and develop strategies for the future. Participants attended lectures, engaged in skills training, and contributed to the public part of the conference at the Foreign Office, which included a panel discussion and a presentation of EPNA members’ work. The event was realized in cooperation with the German Federal Foreign Office.

The EPNA conference provided a platform for discussions, workshops, and networking, allowing members to reflect on their work and strengthen their strategies for combating antisemitism. Throughout the conference, participants engaged in sessions that examined key challenges and responses to antisemitism in Europe today.

In addition to discussions and networking, the conference featured three specialized workshops aimed at equipping participants with practical skills. A session led by a trainer from the organization OFEK, a counseling center that specializes in antisemitism and community-based counseling for victims, focused on strengthening mental well-being and resilience, addressing theimportance of setting personal boundaries, strategies for sustainable activism: “Helping others without losing yourself”, and creating space for reflection and peer support. Jo Frank, Director of DialoguePerspectives e.V., led a workshop on advocacy in parliamentary democracies, guiding participants through the complexities of cooperation between civil society and government institutions, and providing insights into navigating parliamentary mechanisms for effective legislative cooperation. Another workshop, led by Veronica Sartore from Wertansich(t), explored the intersections of justice and the fight against antisemitism, encouraging participants to develop inclusive and systemic strategies for tackling discrimination.

The conference also featured a panel discussion on the challenges and political responses to antisemitism across Europe. Moderated by Benjamin Fischer, Chair of the Board at CeMAS and Advisory Board member at Democ, the panel brought together Ambassador Christian Heldt, Special Representative of the German Federal Foreign Office; Alina Bricman, Director of European Union Affairs at B’nai B’rith International; Michael Whine, UK Member of ECRI and co-founder of the Community Security Trust; and Rosa Jellinek, content creator, political educator, and activist. The discussion addressed topics such as the application of European legislation not only in EU member states but also in Council of Europe states: Whine highlighted the strong legal frameworks in Europe, while also acknowledging that these laws are not always effectively applied. Jellinek emphasized the need for greater pressure on online platforms to combat hate speech, as well as increased financial support for Jewish communities and educational initiatives on antisemitism. Bricman put up for discussion the necessity of content-driven capacity building, the relevance of interdisciplinary collaboration, and depoliticising antisemitism as well as strengthening solidarity.

The EPNA International Conference 2025 was a great success, highlighting the network’s achievements and strong bond of solidarity, and thus showing the critical role the network plays in combatting antisemitism across Europe. With the continuation of the EPNA programme confirmed, the event set the stage for further collaboration, innovation, and initiatives in the coming years.

For more information reach out to us:
Florian Eisheuer, EPNA programme lead
Email: practitionersnetwork@dialogueperspectives.org

Launching the EPNA Brochure: Overview of the Networks’ Work and Key Demands

We launched the brochure Forward Together: Emerging Strategies for Combating Antisemitism in Europe at the EPNA Conference in Berlin this February. (more…)

Not your grandma’s antisemitism, nor her internet.

🎙️ United Against Antisemitism: Stories from the Field, Episode 7.

“This isn’t your grandma’s antisemitism anymore. And it’s not her internet either.”

With this motto Adina and Evan examine how the internet operates—where accuracy competes with popularity—and explore technology’s deep entanglement with long-standing discrimination and hate. In our conversation, they discuss these dynamics and highlight the crucial role of knowledge transfer through deep learning.

Check out their initiative WHO BY TECH?

Also, check out Mozaika, a Spanish organisation promoting Jewish culture, as well as UNESCO’s Global Forum Against Racism and Discrimination and Paideia, that they work with.

For feedback or comments, write us.

Intro: Bethany Odd I Audio-Edit: Gal Yaron Mayersohn I Music: Hopeful Start by John Bartmann is licensed under a CC0 1.0 Universal License I Illustration: Saskia Schlarmann I Project Lead: Jo Frank, Johanna Korneli | © 2025 DialoguePerspectives e.V. | https://against-antisemitism.eu/⁠ I insta: dialogueperspectives_epna

Overview of the 2024 European Alliance Programme

The European Alliance Programme has successfully concluded all its 2024 initiatives. (more…)

Date: 13 February 2025
Time: 4:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Location: German Federal Foreign Office, Werderscher Markt 1, 10117 Berlin

The conference will feature a panel discussion titled “Combatting Antisemitism across Europe. Challenges Ahead and Political Responses” with leading experts and policymakers actively working to combat antisemitism, including the following participants:

In addition, attendees will have the opportunity to connect with participants and European practitioners over food and drinks, learn about innovative approaches to combating antisemitism, and gain insights into the outcomes of the collaborative work of the European Practitioners Network Against Antisemitism (EPNA), including emerging strategies for addressing antisemitism in Europe.

Register here!

Let’s move forward together in the fight against antisemitism in Europe.

Challenges and Opportunities in Countering Antisemitism Online

🎙️ United Against Antisemitism: Stories from the Field, Episode 6.

Join us for a panel discussion live-recorded during the EPNA workshop in Belgrade this November. Featuring key voices like Katharina von Schnurbein (@europeancommission), Friedrich Enders (@tiktok_deutschland), and others, the panel explores the rise of online antisemitism, the role of legislation, and collective strategies to foster safer digital spaces.

For feedback or comments, write us.

Intro: Bethany Odd I Audio-Edit: Gal Yaron Mayersohn I Music: Hopeful Start by John Bartmann is licensed under a CC0 1.0 Universal License I Illustration: Saskia Schlarmann I Project Lead: Jo Frank, Johanna Korneli | © 2024 DialoguePerspectives e.V. | https://against-antisemitism.eu/⁠ I insta: dialogueperspectives_epna

The Power of Arts and Culture in Creating Dialogue

🎙️ United Against Antisemitism: Stories from the Field, Episode 5.

Listen to Umit Ozturk from the Euro-Mediterranean Resources Network located in Brighton (UK) as he introduces his work on how to use culture and arts as a form of getting to know each other as well as telling stories to create understanding and overcome prejudices.

On his initiatives he collaborates with the organisation United for Intercultural Action in Hungary.

Check out also: The No Hate Speech Campaign of the Council of Europa

For feedback or comments, write us.

Intro: Bethany Odd I Audio-Edit: Gal Yaron Mayersohn I Music: Hopeful Start by John Bartmann is licensed under a CC0 1.0 Universal License I Illustration: Saskia Schlarmann I Project Lead: Jo Frank, Johanna Korneli | © 2024 DialoguePerspectives e.V. | https://against-antisemitism.eu/⁠ I insta: dialogueperspectives_epna

Insights from the Belgrade Workshop “Exploring Antisemitism and Disinformation in the Digital Space.” (13-15 November 2024)

Tackling antisemitism online requires a strong and effective transnational collaboration between tech platforms, civil society, and politics. Social media platforms must actively engage with civil society organisations, embracing their expertise to address hate speech and disinformation online. Hate speech and disinformation online have direct and dangerous consequences, as they fuel the spread of antisemitic narratives and deepen societal divisions.

From 13 to 15 November, more than 40 practitioners from the Practitioners against Antisemitism network gathered in Belgrade for the fourth workshop, titled “Exploring Antisemitism and Disinformation in the Digital Space.” The Serbian capital, with its rich and complex history, provided a fitting backdrop for participants to address the pressing challenges of combating antisemitism in Europe and to collaboratively design forward-looking solutions.

The workshop began with insightful presentations that set the stage for deeper discussions. Monika Hübscher shared her research on “Antisemitism on Social Media,” shedding light on the dynamics that amplify antisemitic content in digital networks and how, especially among young people, such content is observed and used as a basis for shaping opinions. Nikola Burazer offered a Serbian perspective with his case study on “Russian Interference, Disinformation, and the Spread of Antisemitism,” exploring how targeted disinformation campaigns contribute to the proliferation of antisemitic narratives.

Participants later engaged in focused working sessions to develop “Future Practices”—innovative concepts aimed at addressing key issues such as online antisemitism, antisemitism among younger generations, and the intersectionality of antisemitism with other forms of discrimination. These ideas will be piloted in the next phase of the EPNA programme to evaluate their effectiveness and practicality, with the ultimate goal of creating sustainable strategies for combating antisemitism across Europe.

One of the workshop’s most memorable moments was the visit to Belgrade’s Jewish community at the Sukat Shalom synagogue and community centre. Participants received a warm welcome and engaged in a meaningful exchange on the realities of Jewish life in Serbia with community members, accompanied by Katharina von Schnurbein, the European Commission Coordinator on Combating Antisemitism.

Later, a public panel discussion titled “Countering Antisemitism Online – Challenges and Opportunities” took place at the EU Info Centre in the heart of Belgrade. The event opened with remarks from several ambassadors, followed by a lively debate with high-level experts on the challenges and potential strategies for addressing antisemitism in the digital sphere. One major challenge discussed was the lack of transparency in social media algorithms. For instance, companies like Facebook, TikTok, and X (formerly Twitter) do not share detailed information about their algorithms, making it difficult for researchers to analyse how harmful content is amplified or suppressed. This secrecy leaves civil society and policymakers with limited tools to understand the root causes of the proliferation of online hate. Additionally, while social media platforms reflect societal issues, they often fail to adequately manage hateful content, such as antisemitic memes or conspiracy theories, despite having the technological capability to do so. As for strategies, the panel highlighted the importance of implementing strict policies and regulations, particularly at the EU level. For example, the EU Digital Services Act (DSA) was cited as a first, but not sufficient, step forward in holding platforms accountable by requiring them to monitor and mitigate illegal content actively.

A special thank you goes to our friends from the Serbian NGO Terraforming for their invaluable support in organising the workshop. Their expertise and dedication were instrumental in ensuring the event’s success.

These three days of intensive collaboration once again underscored the importance of European-level exchange and cooperation. By bringing together diverse perspectives, the workshop created opportunities for insights and creative solutions that would not have been possible within a solely national framework.

We now look ahead with great anticipation to the EPNA Conference in February 2025 in Berlin. There, we will present the interim results of our work, reconnect with network members, and continue to strengthen the collective fight against antisemitism.

To develop effective strategies for combating antisemitism across Europe, it’s also essential to understand the local political contexts. In preparation for the upcoming EPNA workshop in Belgrade, Serbia, EPNA hosted an online check-in on October 31, 2024. The session offered insights from Nikola Burazer, a political scientist, Programme Director at the Belgrade-based think tank Centre for Contemporary Politics, and Executive Editor of European Western Balkans, a media portal focused on EU enlargement.

The session, attended by 15 participants, aimed to provide a better understanding of Serbia’s current political landscape. Nikola Burazer traced Serbia’s political developments over the past 35 years, highlighting significant shifts and challenges shaping the country today. His discussion covered Serbia’s democratic progress, the state of media freedom, and Serbia’s complex relationships with both the European Union and Russia. This historical and political overview outlined the challenges facing Serbian civil society, equipping EPNA members with essential context for discussing antisemitism and related issues at the upcoming workshop.

Learn more about Nikola Burazer’s analyses in these two films: Long Road to Europe (2021) and The Time of Stabilitocracy (2022).