Australia’s B’nai B’rith Anti-Defamation Commission (ADC) has welcomed the appointment of Ms. Katharina von Schnurbein as the EU’s first coordinator on combatting antisemitism.
Ms. von Schnurbein will liaise with the Jewish community and inform the EU commission about issues of concern that need to be addressed. In addition, Ms. von Schnurbein will assist the EU with developing a comprehensive strategy to counter hate crimes and speech, intolerance and discrimination.
Dr. Dvir Abramovich, Chairman of the ADC, said: “This is certainly good news. The ADC has long called for the appointment of a dedicated EU envoy at the highest level possible to tackle the growing threat of antisemitism. The EU has vital stake and role in countering the dramatic escalation in anti-Jewish incitement and vilification which has resulted in violent attacks and murders. It is our hope that through the work of Ms. von Schnurbein, effective measures to counter antisemitism will be developed and implemented through concrete action. Ms. von Schnurbein is facing an enormous challenge in making European Jews feel more secure and in the battle against antisemitism and we wish her well in this new post.