As antisemitism surges across Europe, more than 20 cities are joining together to celebrate Jewish heritage, affirming their commitment to tolerance, dialogue, and cultural preservation.
The Combat Antisemitism Movement (CAM) reported a 44.2 percent rise in antisemitic incidents across the continent in the first eight months of 2025 — a stark reminder of old hatreds resurfacing just eight decades after the Holocaust. Against this backdrop, municipal leaders are choosing to highlight the enduring contributions of Jewish communities to Europe’s identity through the “Cities Embracing Jewish Heritage” project.
The initiative, co-organized by CAM and the European Association for the Preservation and Promotion of Jewish Culture and Heritage (AEPJ), with support from the Kiriaty Foundation International, coincides with the launch of the 2025 European Days of Jewish Culture (EDJC). The annual continent-wide festival, akin to Jewish American Heritage Month in the United States, features cultural events, exhibitions, concerts, and educational forums.
City-led activities this year include museum exhibitions, tributes to historic Jewish figures, public concerts, food festivals, art installations, and workshops designed to foster greater understanding between communities.
European Commission Coordinator on Combating Antisemitism and Fostering Jewish Life Katharina von Schnurbein has endorsed the project, describing it as a crucial step in strengthening resilience against antisemitism.
“We are proud to join forces with the AEPJ for this vital project highlighting the rich, diverse, and enduring legacy of Jewish life across Europe,” said Shannon Seban, CAM’s Director of European Affairs. “At a time when antisemitism is surging, it is more vital than ever to shine a light on the profound contributions of Jewish communities to our shared European identity. This initiative is not only a celebration of culture and history — it is a statement of unity, resilience, and hope.”
AEPJ Director Victor Sorenssen added: “Celebrating Jewish life and heritage is one of the most powerful ways to counter antisemitism. By opening spaces where communities can encounter the richness of Jewish history, culture, and creativity, we not only preserve memory but also nurture connection and understanding. This initiative turns remembrance into resilience, ensuring Jewish heritage is seen not as a relic of the past, but as a vital and cherished part of Europe’s present and future.”
The participating municipalities this year include Bialystok (Poland), Bonn (Germany), Lucena (Spain), Ljubljana (Slovenia), Vilnius (Lithuania), Tarazona (Spain), Płońsk (Poland), Magdeburg (Germany), Lviv (Ukraine), Kragujevac (Serbia), Fermo (Italy), Miskolc (Hungary), Lackenbach (Austria), L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue (France), Maribor (Slovenia), Glasgow (Scotland, UK), Cavaillon (France), Biatorbágy (Hungary), Łęczna (Poland), and Großwarasdorf (Austria).
For CAM, the initiative represents part of its daily cooperation with municipal authorities across Europe to secure Jewish life and strengthen intercultural ties. The effort will continue later this year at the 2025 Paris Mayors Summit Against Antisemitism, organized by CAM and chaired by Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo under the banner “Defending Values, Promoting Culture, Inspiring Change.”