AEPJ participates in 20th ECCAR General Conference, presenting the NOA Guidelines on Fostering Jewish Life

30/09/2024

Last week, the European Association for the Preservation and Promotion of Jewish Culture and Heritage took part in the 20th General Conference of the European Coalition of Cities Against Racism (ECCAR) held in Heidelberg. The conference, under the theme “Don’t let Europe go backwards,” gathered municipal leaders, human rights organizations, and civil society representatives to discuss strategies for combating racism and fostering diversity across Europe.

Federico Szarfer, project manager of the European Days of Jewish Culture, represented AEPJ at the conference. In collaboration with Robin Sclafani from CEJI (A Jewish Contribution to an Inclusive Europe), they led a participatory workshop to gather input for the NOA Guidelines on Fostering Jewish Life. This document, part of the NOA (Networks Overcoming Antisemitism) project, complements the EU Strategy on Combating Antisemitism and Fostering Jewish Life, focusing specifically on the local level by addressing municipalities and civil society. The workshop provided a platform for engaging participants on best practices for fostering Jewish life in cities across Europe, reflecting the growing importance of inclusive policies at the local level.

Federico also participated in the panel “Telling plural histories of europe,” offering a Jewish perspective on the importance of sharing diverse and complex historical narratives. In his presentation, he highlighted the work of the AEPJ, emphasizing the organization’s efforts to promote Jewish heritage as an integral part of European history: “By promoting Jewish heritage, we are not just preserving the past: we are making sure it remains a living part of European identity for the future”. The panel sparked discussions on the need for local authorities to recognize and include marginalized histories in public narratives and policymaking, fostering a more inclusive understanding of European identity.

The conference also provided a valuable platform to introduce the Cities Embracing Jewish Heritage project, a partnership between the AEPJ and the Combat Antisemitism Movement. This initiative aims to encourage cities across Europe to actively participate in the EDJC by celebrating Jewish heritage through cultural events, exhibitions, and educational activities. Through this partnership, AEPJ and CAM will offer direct support to municipalities interested in joining the initiative, providing resources such as expert guidance, financial backing, marketing support, and didactic materials on Jewish culture and history. By engaging local communities in this way, cities can foster intercultural dialogue, promote inclusion, and take a proactive stance in combating antisemitism while celebrating the rich contributions of Jewish heritage to European society.

The ECCAR conference, which marked the coalition’s 20th anniversary, gathered over 100 municipalities, research institutions, and civil society organizations. Discussions ranged from combatting various forms of racism to promoting equality through practical municipal strategies. AEPJ’s contribution, particularly through the NOA Guidelines and its perspective on plural histories, was recognized as a crucial part of the broader conversation on fostering inclusive cities in Europe.

AEPJ’s participation in this significant event underscores its commitment to working with municipalities and international organizations to promote Jewish culture and heritage as a vital component of European diversity. The NOA Guidelines on Fostering Jewish Life are set to play a key role in the EU’s ongoing efforts to create a safer, more inclusive environment for Jewish communities across the continent.