Press Release: European Network Against Antisemitism met last week in Łódź

Press Release.

More Liberalism, less Antisemitism? In Times of Political Change: Finding Reliable Partners
for Europe’s Pluralistic Future. European Network Against Antisemitism meets in Łódź.

Łódź – Juni 15, 2024

In light of the results of last weekend’s EU elections and the rise of right-wing populist parties aiming to divide societies, it is more important than ever for civil society to stick together and form alliances.

The European Practitioners Network Against Antisemitism (EPNA) met in Łódź, Poland, from June 10 to 12, 2024, for its third gathering. The event was held in collaboration with the Marek Edelman Dialogue Center and brought together 30 practitioners working against antisemitism, as well as scholars from 9 European countries. The focus of the workshop was on the current situation in Poland. The discussions centered around the question of whether, following last year’s election of Donald Tusk and the subsequent rollback of illiberal and authoritarian political decisions under the PiS party, the challenge of weakening antisemitism in Poland can also be successfully addressed.
The developments in Poland were used as an example to demonstrate the connection between liberalization and the successful combat against antisemitism. The participants emphasized that the return to the rule of law and democratic principles is crucial for the effective fight against antisemitism. Florian Eisheuer, EPNA Program Director, further explains:
“Our discussions in Łódź have shown that the right political conditions at both European and national levels are crucial for effectively combating antisemitic ideologies and narratives.By promoting democratic freedoms and opportunities for participation, we can build a more inclusive and pluralistic society, thereby undermining the foundations of antisemitism.”

Key Points of the Workshop:
– Overcoming Authoritarian Structures: Jakub Jaraczewski from Democracy Reporting International highlighted the challenges currently faced by the Polish government in restoring the rule of law after eight years under the PiS government. Particularly noteworthy is Poland’s resilient and decentralised civil society, which contributed to the change of power last year. This emphasises the resilience and strength of Polish civil society actors.
– Status Quo of Antisemitism in Poland: Anna Zielinska from the Czulent Jewish Association analysed the current state of antisemitism in Poland. Since the massacre in Israel on 7 October 2023, antisemitic incidents have risen dramatically, with 90.5% of them taking place online. In these times, Poland’s civil society must take decisive action against antisemitism.
The workshop also promoted exchange among European practitioners. In working sessions, participants shared best practices and strategies in the fight against antisemitism to develop best practices.
Another network meeting will take place in Serbia in the fall of 2024.

For further information, please reach out to:

Florian Eisheuer – practitionersnetwork@dialogueperspectives.org – Mobil + 49 174 3772897

Some of EPNA workshop’s participants in front of the conference hotel