DDCP-YD/CHS (2014) 44
23 October 2014
FOLLOW-UP GROUP
7th Meeting
23-25 October 2014
Youth campaign for human rights online
European Action Day
9 November
International Day against Fascism and Anti-Semitism
Draft concept
Introduction
Europe as we know it today is built on the ashes of the Holocaust, and institutions were created in
order to prevent Europe from perpetrating and witnessing similar horrors ever again. Much effort has
gone into developing legal mechanisms and fostering civil societies who reject discrimination, racism
and fascism. However, the rise of extreme and populist parties as well as growing hate of all shades
confronts us with the stark reality that much must still be done in order to achieve a tolerant, inclusive
European society.
Background and rationale
Reflecting on the darkest parts of Europe’s history, the 9th of November commemorates the
“Kristallnacht” or “Novemberprogrome”. During the night of November 9–10 1938, the Nazis staged
violent pogroms — state sanctioned riots — against the Jewish communities of Germany, Austria, and
the Sudetenland. Kristallnacht was a turning point in the NSDAP’s anti-Semitic policy that would
culminate in the Holocaust—the systematic, state-sponsored mass murder of the European Jews. AntiSemitism however was not invented by Nazis. Anti-Semitism (ethnic/racial) and anti-Judaism
(religious beliefs and practices) have infected Europe for millenia, and have maintained stubborn
roots that have evolved and persist to this day.
Today’s Europe is experiencing worrisome developments on many levels: Extremist and radicalized
voices of varying ideologies are becoming louder both on Europe’s street and in our parliaments.
Minority groups are increasingly victims of harassment or even hate crimes. Over the past years, antiSemitism and anti-Semitic attacks have been on the rise in the majority of European countries. Calls to
ban religious slaughter and ritual circumcision (e.g. Poland, Denmark) threaten the religious practice
of both Muslims and Jews, attempts to “whitewash” history and distort the facts of the Holocaust by
nationalist groups (e.g. Hungary’s Fidesz party and their “German Occupation Memorial”) are on the
rise and there have been deadly terror attacks on Jews in Toulouse (2012) and Brussels (2014). In the
United Kingdom during the summer of 2014, the reported anti-Semitic attacks rose by 400%,
compared to last year’s data. (Source: http://rt.com/uk/184976-rise-anti-semitism-britain/). In France
nearly twice as many anti-Semitic actions or threats were registered up to the end of July, against the
same period of last year. (Source: http://www.crif.org/fr/actualites/communiqu%C3%A9-du-spcj%C2%AB-antis%C3%A9mitisme-en-france-%C2%BB-du-1er-janvier-au-31-juillet-2014/52662 )
The Action Day on 9 November aims at tackling fascism and anti-Semitism. On the one hand, this
document aims to give an insight on what fascism and anti-Semitism mean supported with some
statistical data, on the other hand, it provides some information on the historical backgrounds of the
Action Day.
Why 9 November? “Kristallnacht”- The Night of Broken Glass
9 November commemorates the “Kristallnacht” aka “The Night of Broken Glass” or the
“Novemberpogrome”, which is also considered as symbol of the beginning of the Holocaust. This
night in 1938 involved an organized destruction of thousands of Jewish businesses and homes in
Munich, as well as the beating and murder of Jewish people. Joseph Goebbels, Nazi minister of
propaganda, ordered it as a revenge for the earlier act of a 17-year-old German Jewish refugee,
Herschel Grynszpan, who shot and killed a German ambassador, Ernst vom Rath. Grynszpan had
intended to prevent the deportation of his father to Poland and the ongoing persecution of Jews in
Germany by killing the German ambassador.
During the Night of Broken Glass Goebbels ordered "spontaneous demonstrations" of protest against
the Jewish citizens of Munich. The order laid out the blueprint for the destruction of Jewish homes and
businesses. The local police were not to interfere with the rioting storm troopers, and as many Jews as
possible were to be arrested with an eye toward deporting them to concentration camps. The night is
called “Kristallnacht” because of the numerous broken shop windows and the shattered glass on the
ground.
No Hate Speech Movement and the International Day against Fascism and Anti-Semitism –
Action Plan 2014
Objectives
a.
To raise awareness about the rise of anti-Semitism in Europe, extremism, and the
dangers these movements represent to the European society;
b.
To call for action against anti-Semitic and fascist hate speech online and offline, and
to propose ways in which youth organisations and young people themselves can take steps
towards a more inclusive, tolerant society.
c.
To discuss and learn about the manifestations of anti-Semitism.
d.
To promote engagement with Jewish culture and communities.
e.
To give a voice to young people who experienced anti-Semitism and fascism, and
create a safe space to share experiences and best practices.
f.
To provide a platform and visibility for youth organisations and young people to
express their commitment and wish for an inclusive society.
g.
To commemorate the Kristallnacht carried out by the Nazis throughout Germany and
Austria on November 9-10, 1938. (Commemorative efforts online and offline together with all the
campaign committees involved in the NHSM)
Educational and information materials to be produced
a. Fact sheets (under the format of infographics): Information on anti-Semitism and hate speech
– together with the partner organisations – definitions and statistics, state obligations, human
rights violations. 1 page: Catchy, typical misunderstandings, (buzzfeed)
b. Link collection to materials and campaigns which can be linked to the activities. Read further,
resources, useful links. (History, Jewish culture and tradition, organisations fighting
antisemitism)
Typical misconceptions about Judaism and Jewish people:
Jews killed Jesus
Jews use the blood of Christian girls to make the matza for Pesah (today widely circulated again in
the arab world)
Jews control the media
Orthodox Jews have sex trhough a hole on the sheet
Jewish people are all from Europe
People who aren’t Jewish can’t convert
Jews are planning to take over the world
All Jews are rich
Educational activities
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Are organised by youth organisations and national campaign committees in the countries
taking place in the campaign. (memes,
The fact sheets come to support them in doing so.
Logo and slogan production
- a logo based on the last year is to be produced for the day;
- a slogan raising the awareness of the importance of the issue is also to be produced – building on the
previous year’s slogan and taking it forward.
“Antisemitism? Not on my web!”
Partners to be involved in the action day:
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UNITED: their campaign will mainly focus on getting statements of people on this day and
their firm stand against fascism and anti-Semitism. The statements will be shared on the
website and social media. They will also create and publish a map displaying actions at local
level in Europe.
website: www.dayagainstfacism.eu
facebook page: UNITEDDayAgainstFascism
contact: Sergio Belfor: sbelfor@hotmail.com
The NCC of Poland will organise a Forum, which can be promoted during the EAD (waiting
for details and confirmation)
EUJS: European Union of Jewish Students (http://www.eujs.org/) and WUJS: World Union
of Jewish Students (http://wujs.org.il/) will assist in developing the informational and
educational material.
ENAR: European Network Against Racism (http://www.enar-eu.org/)
Recommended Actions
1. Express your wish for an inclusive society
Express your support to the Action Day against Fascism and Antisemitism.
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Use the slogan and the logo of the EAD.
Post and tweet the slogan of the Action Day.
Change your cover photo in support of the Action Day.
Put a badge on your profile picture (pickabadge).
Change your profile photo to the Action Day heart.
Hashtag: #9November #notoantisemitism #nohatespeech
2. Write and read a blog post
The NHSM is inviting partners and activists to write blog posts in relation to the theme of the action
day. We would like to give space for articles that concern anti-Semitic hate speech.
Ideas: experts, jewish young people and their experience
3. Upload your photo or video message
Upload your photo or video message to the No Hate Speech Movement website. Express your opinion
about raising anti-Semitism and fascism in Europe, and express your wish for inclusion and tolerance.
From last year: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=56-xj0NhWAY
4. Report hate speech
Report on hate speech against Jewish people. Report on any online content that spread hatred against
Jewish people, or content that promotes fascism and intolerance.
5. Promote the actions of the partners
Invite others to join the actions, share the content produced by the partner organisations. Share the
statements on social media platforms and state if you agree with them.
Get informed about the events and actions organized by partners and support them by displaying their
actions and results.
For further reading/resources
http://fra.europa.eu/sites/default/files/fra_images/infographic-hatecrime-frc-2013.jpg
http://www.european-forum-on-antisemitism.org/
http://engageonline.wordpress.com/
UK: http://www.jpr.org.uk/publication?id=3592#.VD6NtymSwnA
http://antisemitism.org.il/article/90877/40-european-jewry-suppress-jewish-identity-due-antisemitism
2013 report- present situation and tendencies:
http://antisemitism.org.il/webfm_send/97
Anti-Semitic incidents map: http://antisemitism.org.il/eventsmap/en/2013
http://www.publiceye.org/eyes/whatfasc.html
Fascism
Fascism is a form of extreme right-wing ideology that evolved in the early 20th-century Europe,
celebrating the nation or the race as “an organic community transcending all other loyalties”. It
originated in Italy in the immediate aftermath of World War I, combining more typically right-wing
positions with elements of left-wing politics, in opposition to liberalism, Marxism, and traditional
conservatism. Fascism also celebrates masculinity, youth, mystical unity, and the regenerative power
of violence. Sometimes it promotes racial superiority doctrines, ethnic persecution and genocide.
Anti-Semitism
Source:
http://www.european-forum-on-antisemitism.org/working-definition-of-antisemitism/english/
Working definition: “Antisemitism is a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as
hatred toward Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of antisemitism are directed toward
Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions
and religious facilities.”
In addition, such manifestations could also target the state of Israel, conceived as a Jewish collectivity.
Antisemitism frequently charges Jews with conspiring to harm humanity, and it is often used to blame
Jews for “why things go wrong.” It is expressed in speech, writing, visual forms and action, and
employs sinister stereotypes and negative character traits.
Contemporary examples of antisemitism in public life, the media, schools, the workplace, and in the
religious sphere could, taking into account the overall context, include, but are not limited to:
Calling for, aiding, or justifying the killing or harming of Jews in the name of a radical
ideology or an extremist view of religion.
Making mendacious, dehumanizing, demonizing, or stereotypical allegations about Jews as
such or the power of Jews as collective — such as, especially but not exclusively, the myth
about a world Jewish conspiracy or of Jews controlling the media, economy, government or
other societal institutions.
Accusing Jews as a people of being responsible for real or imagined wrongdoing committed
by a single Jewish person or group, or even for acts committed by non-Jews.
Denying the fact, scope, mechanisms (e.g. gas chambers) or intentionality of the genocide of
the Jewish people at the hands of National Socialist Germany and its supporters and
accomplices during World War II (the Holocaust).
Accusing the Jews as a people, or Israel as a state, of inventing or exaggerating the Holocaust.
Accusing Jewish citizens of being more loyal to Israel, or to the alleged priorities of Jews
worldwide, than to the interests of their own nations.
Examples of the ways in which antisemitism manifests itself with regard to the State of Israel taking
into account the overall context could include:
Denying the Jewish people their right to self-determination, e.g., by claiming that the
existence of a State of Israel is a racist endeavor.
Applying double standards by requiring of it a behavior not expected or demanded of any
other democratic nation.
Using the symbols and images associated with classic antisemitism (e.g., claims of Jews
killing Jesus or blood libel) to characterize Israel or Israelis.
Drawing comparisons of contemporary Israeli policy to that of the Nazis.
Holding Jews collectively responsible for actions of the state of Israel.
However, criticism of Israel similar to that leveled against any other country cannot be regarded as
antisemitic.
Antisemitic acts are criminal when they are so defined by law (for example, denial of the Holocaust
or distribution of antisemitic materials in some countries).
Criminal acts are antisemitic when the targets of attacks, whether they are people or property – such
as buildings, schools, places of worship and cemeteries – are selected because they are, or are
perceived to be, Jewish or linked to Jews.
Antisemitic discrimination is the denial to Jews of opportunities or services available to others and is
illegal in many countries.
Some statistics
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According to a survey conducted by the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights
(FRA) out of 6000 Jewish people 33% personally faced verbal or physical violence.
A report released by the European Jewish Association and the Rabbinical Center of Europe
shows that 40% of European Jewry suppress Jewish identity due to antisemitism
In countries where extreme right got into the Parliament in previous years, there has been an
increase in antisemitic incidents perpetrated by neo-Nazi groups during the past year. In
Hungary, the number of events also doubled from 34 events in 2012 to over 60 in the past
year. These included a number of violent attacks alongside desecration of cemeteries and
monuments, as well as anti-Semitic chants and burning of the Israeli flag.
66% of the Jewish population in Europe believes that Antisemitism is a big problem in their
country, and 76 % feel that the situation has worsened during the last five years.
About 25 % of European Jews are afraid to go outside with symbols identifying them as Jews
(such as Kippah or any other symbol). (researches made by FRA)
Recent cases of anti-Semitic incidents
Kiev’s oldest synagogue was the target of a firebomb that burst into flames outside the building on 24
September, the eve of Rosh Hashanah (Jewish New Year).
Budapest - The text "I am a Jew" was added to an election poster of a conservative mayor candidate.
London- on a bus full of Jewish school pupils man who was reported to have screamed: “I hate the
Jews, burn them, I’m going to burn this bus.”
Fact sheet
FRA 2013: Jewish people’s experiences of discrimination and hate crime in European Union Member
States:
https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/anti-semitism/euantisem2013.pdf
http://brandeiscenter.com/images/uploads/practices/factsheet_antisemtism.pdf
ENAR on antisemitism this summer http://www.enar-eu.org/Escalation-of-anti-Semitism-in
humorous:
have a lot of money - not true, money lending business, professional degrees, but as in any other
community have members from any socio-economic background
jews have big nose
Jews control the world
Jewish mother
Using blood for matza/blood libel
The Jews killed Jesus. Truth: The Romans killed Jesus. The Jews merely turned him over to
the Romans as a criminal.
Myth-The Jews are greedy.
Truth: Though not all Jews follow them, Jewish laws order that the Jews give 10-20% of their
incomes to charitable causes.
Myth-The Jews poison wells.
Truth: This old, medieval belief has no more credibility than the belief that the world is flat.
Myth-The Jews drink blood.
Truth: The Jewish religion prohibits the drinking of even one drop of blood.
Myth-The Holocaust did not actually happen.
Truth: During the holocaust, Hitler and his armies killed 6 million (6,000,000) Jews and 5
million (5,000,000) others.