The European Jewish Congress held a meeting of Directors of its affiliated Jewish communities on 9–10 November 2025 in Brussels and Antwerp. The Ukrainian Jewish community was represented at the forum by Inna Ioffe, Director of the Jewish Confederation of Ukraine.
Representatives from Jewish communities across Europe travelled to Belgium to discuss recent developments, exchange best practices, and address the opportunities and challenges ahead.
The participants provided updates on the situation in their respective countries, outlining the difficulties their communities continue to face, while emphasising the importance of strengthening advocacy, enhancing security, supporting community engagement, and deepening cooperation with the EJC.
EJC Executive Vice-President Raya Kalenova opened the meeting by praising the unity and solidarity of European Jewish communities. She emphasised the importance of continuing to work together to defend traditions and values in the face of rising antisemitism, and to foster a positive and proud Jewish identity.
Participants had the opportunity to engage with Katharina von Schnurbein, the European Commission Coordinator on Combating Antisemitism and Fostering Jewish Life. She outlined the EU’s efforts to counter rising antisemitism, identified opportunities for further action, and reviewed progress in implementing the EU Strategy on combating antisemitism and fostering Jewish life.
The directors of Jewish communities also exchanged views with MEP Alice Teodorescu Måwe, Chair of the Working Group against Antisemitism, who provided insights into the situation within the European Parliament, the challenges facing Europe, and the need to strengthen democracies in the face of radicalisation and extremism.
A briefing was delivered by SACC by EJC - Security And Crisis Centre by EJC CEO Ophir Revach on the Manchester synagogue attack of October 2025. He highlighted the lessons learned, the overall security situation in the European continent, and how communities can better prepare against fundamentalist threats, offering his support and providing an overview of SACC’s work in training law enforcement and enhancing community resilience.
His report was followed by a presentation from Dr Yuval Bitton, a former Israeli prison dentist and intelligence officer in the prison service, who shared his professional expertise and analysis of the terrorist group Hamas, the events of the October 7 massacre, and his personal experiences gained from decades of work in security and intelligence.
The following day, participants enjoyed a day trip to the city of Antwerp, immersing themselves in its rich Jewish history and vibrant cultural identity. The programme included a visit to the Hollandse Synagogue, a tour of the Jewish Quarter, and a visit to the Antwerp World Diamond Centre Foundation. Lunch was hosted at the traditional Hoffy’s Restaurant in the presence of Baroness Regina Sluszny-Suchowolski, President of the Forum of Jewish Organisations (FJO), followed by a visit to the renowned Kleinblatt Bakery.
Afterwards, participants visited the Red Star Line Museum, which tells the story of Jewish emigrants who left Europe for the Americas through the port of Antwerp. The museum highlights the journeys of notable passengers such as Albert Einstein, Irving Berlin, and Golda Meir, among others, and explores Antwerp’s pivotal role as a point of departure for thousands seeking refuge and new opportunities across the Atlantic.
