AEPJ Presents Two Landmark European Handbooks on Jewish Heritage and Fostering Jewish Life at the European Commission Working Group
The European Association for the Preservation and Promotion of Jewish Culture and Heritage (AEPJ) was honoured to present two new European handbooks during the 9th Meeting of the European Commission Working Group on the implementation of the EU Strategy on combating antisemitism and fostering Jewish life, held in Vienna on 30 June – 1 July 2026.
The Working Group, coordinated by the European Commission, brings together National Coordinators on combating antisemitism and fostering Jewish life from EU Member States, representatives of European institutions, international organisations and leading Jewish organisations to exchange experiences and support the implementation of the EU Strategy across Europe.
Within this framework, AEPJ was invited to introduce two complementary publications commissioned by the European Commission over the past year: the Handbook on Jewish Heritage, presented by lead editor Brigitte Sion, and the Handbook on Fostering Jewish Life in Europe, presented by Victor Sorenssen, Director of the AEPJ.
Together, the two handbooks offer complementary perspectives on one shared objective: strengthening Jewish life in Europe by recognising both the importance of preserving Jewish heritage and the need to support vibrant, contemporary Jewish communities.
The Handbook on Jewish Heritage explores Jewish heritage as a living resource for education, culture, participation and democratic engagement, highlighting its contribution to Europe’s shared cultural landscape.
The Handbook on Fostering Jewish Life in Europe proposes a broader framework for understanding contemporary Jewish life, arguing that fostering Jewish life means creating the conditions in which Jewish communities can continue to participate, contribute and flourish as an integral part of Europe’s democratic future.
The publication of these handbooks marks an important milestone in the implementation of the European Union Strategy on combating antisemitism and fostering Jewish life. More than reference documents, they seek to provide practical frameworks to support public authorities, cultural institutions, municipalities, educators and Jewish communities in strengthening Jewish life across Europe.
The AEPJ would like to express its sincere gratitude to the European Commission for the trust placed in this project, and all the colleagues who contributed throughout the process. We also wish to thank the lead editors, Brigitte Sion and Luca Baraldi, together with the more than forty experts, practitioners and community representatives from across Europe whose knowledge and experience helped shape both publications.
