The European Parliament adopted a resolution on combating anti-Semitism.
The text adopted in plenary was tabled by the EPP, S&D and ALDE groups.
Members recalled that combating anti-Semitism is a responsibility for society as a whole. They called on the Member States and the Union institutions and agencies to adopt and apply the working definition of anti-Semitism employed by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) in order to support the judicial and law enforcement authorities in their efforts to identify and prosecute anti-Semitic attacks more efficiently and effectively.
Member States are called upon to take all necessary steps to actively contribute to ensuring the security of their Jewish citizens. In this regard, they welcomed the appointment of the Commission coordinator on combating anti-Semitism, and urged the Member States to appoint national coordinators on combating anti-Semitism.
Condemning anti-Semitism: Members encouraged members of national and regional parliaments and political leaders to systematically and publicly condemn anti-Semitic statements. Member States are called on to encourage the media to promote respect for all faiths and appreciation of diversity, as well as training for journalists concerning all forms of anti-Semitism.
Members called for the proper implementation of the Council Framework Decision on combating certain forms and expressions of racism and xenophobia by means of criminal law, so as to ensure that anti-Semitic acts are prosecuted by the Member States’ authorities in the online as well as in the offline environment. They encouraged cross-border cooperation at all levels in the prosecution of hate crimes, and for a comprehensive and efficient system to be put in place for the systematic collection of reliable, relevant and comparable data on hate crimes.
Tackling anti-Semitism at school: Member States are encouraged to promote the teaching about the Holocaust (the Shoah) in schools and to ensure that teachers are adequately trained for this task and equipped to address diversity in the classroom. It is also necessary to consider reviewing school textbooks to ensure that Jewish history and contemporary Jewish life are presented in a comprehensive and balanced way.
Members asked the Commission and the Member States to increase financial support for targeted activities and educational projects.
The Commission is also called on to request advisory status within the IHRA.
Lastly, Members encouraged each Member State to officially commemorate International Holocaust Remembrance Day on 27 January.