The Vice-President of the European Commission Margaritis Schinas said on Friday 14 May "
very concerned
" by demonstrations and acts of anti-Semitism in the EU and called on member states to "be
vigilant
".
To read also: "No longer confronting anti-Semitism is gradually becoming commonplace"
“
Deeply concerned about the recent attacks on Jewish communities and premises in the EU. These are clear manifestations of #antisemitism that must be strongly condemned
, ”he said in a message posted on his twitter account. “
We stand alongside our Jewish communities and call on our member states to remain vigilant for their safety,
” he added. In charge of the fight against anti-Semitism with a large portfolio that covers the promotion of the European way of life and migration, Margaritis Schinas clarified referring to manifestations of hostility towards the Jewish communities in Germany, Austria, Spain and UK.
Germany "
will not tolerate anti-Semitic demonstrations
" on its soil, warned the government spokesman Angela Merkel on Friday, after excesses at rallies linked to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. In France, the government banned a demonstration in support of the Palestinian people, scheduled for Saturday in Paris, for fear of "
serious disturbances to public order
" and "abuses against synagogues and Israeli interests. In Austria, an investigation was opened after anti-Semitic remarks were made during a demonstration in support of the Palestinians on Wednesday in Vienna.
A new cycle of violence has been opposing Israel and the Palestinians since Monday after days of tension and clashes in Jerusalem, especially in holy places. The head of European diplomacy Josep Borrell called on Wednesday for “an immediate end to
the violence in order
to avoid a wider conflict”. Rockets fired at Israel and Israeli strikes on the Gaza Strip have left more than 100 dead according to the latest tolls on Friday. This conflict has consequences for Jews all over Europe, with "
a sharp increase in anti-Semitic incidents
"
and
"
this situation is very worrying
", deplored the European Union of Jewish Students (EUJS), quoted by the Commissioner.
