ENAR condemns anti-Semitic killing in Paris, France

Brussels, 12 January 2015 – The European Network Against Racism (ENAR) strongly condemns the anti-Semitic attack resulting in the death of four people at a Kosher supermarket in Paris on 9 January.

This act of hatred, which is linked to the killings at the offices of Charlie Hebdo, targeted individuals because they were Jewish. We call on political and public leaders to commit to curbing anti-Semitism and all forms of racism in European society. All communities must also show a united front in the face of violence and hatred.

Anti-Semitism is still a reality in Europe today. Over the 2014 summer, several attacks on Jewish shops and synagogues were reported and four people were killed in an attack against the Jewish museum in Brussels. Many European Jews experience growing fear for their life and well-being. Public authorities across Europe must take steps to prevent such acts of deeply-rooted hatred without stigmatising any community. We need policies and political will to combat discrimination, implement human rights and ensure social and economic inclusion for all European citizens and residents.

ENAR Chair Sarah Isal said: “This latest anti-Semitic killing shows the perverse effect of polarising communities and the lack of political will to address social exclusion and xenophobic discourses. Politicians across Europe have a responsibility to work on dialogue between communities and ensure everyone feels part of society. We expect them to move from lip service to concrete measures to fight hatred.”

For further information, contact:
Georgina Siklossy, Communication and Press Officer
Tel: +32 (0)2 229 35 70 – Mobile: +32 (0)473 490 531 – Email: georgina@enar-eu.org – Web: www.enar-eu.org

Notes to the editor:
1. The European Network Against Racism (ENAR aisbl) stands up against racism and discrimination and advocates for equality and solidarity for all in Europe. We connect local and national anti-racist NGOs throughout Europe and voice the concerns of ethnic and religious minorities in European and national policy debates.