AEPJ at the meeting of the Working Group on Combating Antisemitism and Fostering Jewish Life in Budapest

The European Association for the Preservation of Jewish Heritage had the honor of participating in the sixth meeting of the Working Group on the implementation of the EU Strategy on Combating Antisemitism and Fostering Jewish Life, held on September 20-21, 2024 in Budapest, Hungary. This important international forum, organized in collaboration with the European Commission and the Government of Hungary, brought together experts, government representatives, and community leaders from across Europe with the aim of strengthening efforts to combat antisemitism and promote Jewish life on the continent.

AEPJ Director Victor Sorenssen was invited as a speaker at the forum, presenting the NOA Guidelines on Fostering Jewish Life. In his address, Sorenssen emphasized the critical importance of these guidelines for the strengthening and revitalization of Jewish life in Europe, highlighting how Jewish heritage and culture can play a decisive role not only in combating antisemitism but also in building vibrant and sustainable Jewish communities.

The NOA Project (Networks Overcoming Antisemitism), where AEPJ participates together with the World Jewish Congress, the European Union of Jewish Students and CEJI, presented during the meeting, aims to offer concrete strategies and resources for Jewish communities across Europe. These guidelines provide a framework that integrates Jewish heritage and culture as an active tool in promoting Jewish identity and in crafting a positive narrative in response to antisemitism.

Sorenssen also pointed out that the forum was an enriching space for sharing experiences and strengthening alliances between European institutions and Jewish communities. “We are very proud to have represented the NOA project at this meeting and to see how both Jewish heritage and culture play a key role in combating antisemitism and fostering Jewish life,” he commented. “This meeting has been an invaluable opportunity to reaffirm the importance of our work in the field of Jewish cultural heritage,” he added.

AEPJ continues its firm commitment to preserving and promoting Jewish cultural heritage in Europe. Through the NOA project and other initiatives, the association remains actively engaged in creating a European environment where Jewish life can flourish safely and sustainably. Additionally, AEPJ reaffirms its willingness to continue collaborating with key institutions in Europe to develop strategies that strengthen Jewish communities and reduce the threat of antisemitism.

This forum marked an important step toward developing concrete actions that ensure Jewish heritage is both a source of pride and a fundamental tool in the fight against discrimination and hatred.