USCIRF Releases Report on Antisemitism in Europe and Implications for U.S. Policy

Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today released a new report titled “Antisemitism in Europe,” which assesses antisemitism in select European countries and implications for U.S. policy.

Antisemitism in Europe - Jews around the world face government and societal obstacles, which can often contribute to feelings of insecurity and ostracization. This report focuses on levels of antisemitism in 11 countries in Europe based on three factors: the prevalence of antisemitic attitudes among the public; the number and nature of antisemitic incidents; and the tolerance for antisemitic rhetoric in public. It also examines U.S. foreign policy as it relates to combating antisemitism in Europe. Through interviews with current and former policymakers, the report provides actionable recommendations for Executive and Legislative branch agencies that play significant roles in foreign policy aimed at supporting the global Jewish community.

The release of this report follows a USCIRF Conversation held in September 2020 regarding antisemitism in Europe which highlighted new antisemitic trends since the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic. In October 2020, USCIRF published a factsheet on ritual slaughter laws in Europe that threaten access to kosher and halal meat.

USCIRF will be holding a webinar to launch the report today at 10:30 AM ET.  Please register for this event here.

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The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) is an independent, bipartisan federal government entity established by the U.S. Congress to monitor, analyze, and report on religious freedom abroad. USCIRF makes foreign policy recommendations to the President, the Secretary of State, and Congress intended to deter religious persecution and promote freedom of religion and belief. To interview a Commissioner, please contact USCIRF at [email protected].

This op-ed was originally published by the Wall Street Journal, on April 11, 2021.

By USCIRF Chair Gayle Manchin and Vice Chair Tony Perkins

Pancasila is a founding concept of Indonesia, comprising of five principles: monotheism, civilized humanity, national unity, deliberative democracy, and social justice. This concept came about at the onset of Indonesia’s independence from the Netherlands in 1945 to unify the population and emphasize moderation and tolerance.

As Indonesia has witnessed the rise of Islamist extremist activities and sentiment in recent decades, President Joko Widodo’s administration has prioritized emphasizing Pancasila and Indonesia’s historically moderate version of Islam to confront this trend. USCIRF Policy Analyst, Patrick Greenwalt joins us today to discuss the impact this has on religious freedom.

Featuring:
Dwight Bashir, Director of Outreach and Policy, USCIRF
Patrick Greenwalt, Policy Analyst, USCIRF

Read USCIRF’s Factsheet on Indonesia's Pancasila