As became known in early July, there will be no dedicated hub for developing policy solutions to combat antisemitism and support Jewish life in Europe.
The creation of such a hub had long been anticipated both by Jewish communities across the European Union and by experts in the field. However, Brussels ultimately decided that, instead of a permanent hub, a network of researchers would be established. The network will assist EU institutions in developing specific policy responses, as well as provide expertise on existing policies and practices.
Since the main participant in the network, around whom the programme is largely built, is based in London, the initiative is likely to become another important example of positive cooperation between European Union and British scholars and experts.
The name chosen for the network — “Neron” — is particularly interesting, as it refers to the history of Ancient Rome and the figure of the emperor Nero, who was known for his philosemitic stance.
Ultimately, however, whatever the new organisation is called, the key question is how effectively the network of specialists selected as leading experts on antisemitism and support for Jewish communities will operate.
Ensuring effective support for Jewish communities without harmful state interference or pressure is a major challenge. This was illustrated, for example, by the dispute between Belgian medical regulators and members of the Jewish community involved in circumcision. It would be unrealistic to expect this complex issue to be resolved completely, but establishing an effective system for protecting Jewish communities and providing financial support for cultural projects would already represent a positive outcome for programmes such as the Neron initiative.
The EU Strategy on Combating Antisemitism and Fostering Jewish Life, launched in 2021 and running through 2030, has highlighted an important problem: there is a shortage of university specialists professionally engaged with these issues.
Jewish Studies is attracting fewer students at universities across the EU, while there are also relatively few academics specialising in contemporary antisemitism and the development of Jewish communities over the past one or two decades.
A similar situation exists in the United Kingdom, where the sale of Yarnton Manor in Oxford for financial reasons, combined with cuts in funding for Jewish Studies, has further worsened the situation.
Against this background, perhaps a university — or a philanthropist comparable to the founder of Oxford’s Blavatnik School of Government — will emerge to establish a strong academic base for training experts capable of shaping the agenda in this increasingly important area of EU foreign and domestic policy, guided by the principles of objectivity and the interests of a united Europe.
Clearly, such an initiative would benefit everyone.
(Photo by Mary-Grace Blaha Schexnayder, Wikimedia commons).
Dr Oleh Kozerod