Brussels, September 9-11, 2024 — Representatives from five ENCATE member organizations—CEJI, KIgA, Anne Frank Zentrum, Solutions not Sides, and Haver Hungary—met in Brussels as a working group focusing on antisemitism and intersectionality. We have previously conducted online meetings, exploring the interconnectedness of antisemitism with other forms of discrimination. Together, we aim to produce a position paper and guidelines for the network on implementing intersectional theory and principles in our practice of countering antisemitism.

We are grateful to CEJI, our partner in the ongoing Dare Together project, for arranging the insightful study visit and their continuous efforts in developing the position paper and the guidelines.

Understanding Intersectionality and Antisemitism

Intersectionality is the recognition that people experience discrimination in ways shaped by multiple aspects of their identity, such as race, religion, gender, and more. While many organizations fighting discrimination have adopted the intersectionality framework, its application in antisemitism prevention remains largely overlooked. With this in mind, we aim to bridge this gap by developing a pragmatic approach that incorporates the principles of intersectionality for cases of antisemitism.

Conversations with EU Policy Officers

During our study visit, we met with Tanja Florath, Policy Officer from the EU’s Coordination Office on Anti-Racism, and Wester Meijdam, Policy Officer in the Office of the European Commission Coordinator on Combating Antisemitism and Fostering Jewish Life. Our discussions highlighted the nuanced ways the EU addresses different forms of discrimination. While racism, antisemitism, and Islamophobia are all considered significant, the varied terminology and framing—such as referring to Islamophobia as “anti-Muslim hatred”—can lead to feelings among minority groups that their experiences are not equally acknowledged or addressed.

These distinctions may exacerbate tensions and contribute to the perception of unequal treatment, sometimes described as a “victimhood Olympics.” While the EU emphasizes solidarity and intersectionality in its policies, there remains a gap in effectively integrating these principles into both policy frameworks and practical implementation. It is an ongoing process, with much still to be learned to ensure that all forms of discrimination are treated with equal attention and seriousness.

Acknowledging Diversity Within Jewish Communities

What does it mean to counter antisemitism while embracing the diversity within Jewish communities? Jewish identity is not monolithic; it spans different ethnic backgrounds, including Ashkenazi, Sephardi, Mizrahi, Jews of Color, and Black Jews, each with distinct historical experiences. Other identity factors—such as gender, disability, sexual orientation, and socio-economic status—further contribute to this diversity.

Recognizing this complexity is crucial because reductive generalizations are inherently discriminatory and dehumanizing. Treating communities as homogenous erases individuals’ unique experiences and perpetuates stereotypes. Emphasizing diversity within minority groups is not just an acknowledgment of difference; it’s a core strategy in fighting discrimination. By understanding the varied layers of identity, we can create more inclusive approaches that address the full range of experiences within any minority, ensuring that counter-discrimination efforts are relevant and effective for all.

Allyship and Intersectionality

Supporting marginalized communities and vocally advocating for their rights, we highlighted the importance of allyship and raised some questions surrounding it. For instance, what does it take for minorities to support each other when their struggles overlap in complex ways? Does allyship require complete agreement about all of the relevant issues?

Though we don´t have a definitive answer to all of our questions, we concluded that effective allyship requires a shared commitment to human rights, not a perfect agreement. It involves confronting antisemitism while also addressing other forms of discrimination, even amidst tense relations between the Jewish minority and other minorities. True allyship means actively supporting people’s intersectional struggles and untangling how discrimination forms may exacerbate each other.

Moving Forward: Developing Guidelines

So, where do we go from here? The insights we gained during our study visit will be used to create a position paper and practical guidelines for ENCATE members. These will help apply an intersectional approach to tackling antisemitism, ensuring that diversity within Jewish communities is acknowledged and that a broader understanding of interconnected struggles informs efforts to counter antisemitism.

This study visit reinforced the importance of viewing antisemitism within the broader context of discrimination and power dynamics, ensuring a holistic approach to building a more inclusive and just society. We are excited to continue developing these resources and to support our members in this crucial work.