‘A Principled, Thoughtful, and Steadfast Ally’: CAM Reiterates Support for Embattled European Union Antisemitism Envoy Katharina von Schnurbein

The Combat Antisemitism Movement (CAM) joined dozens of Jewish organizations and communal bodies from across Europe and the globe on Monday in signing a letter of support for European Commission Coordinator on Combating Antisemitism and Fostering Jewish Life Katharina von Schnurbein, who has faced growing criticism and resignation calls recently from anti-Israel political officials and activists over alleged “bias” in her activities.

The letter — which was addressed to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and can be read in full HERE — said:

We, the undersigned, Jewish organizations and communities across Europe and beyond, write to express our unequivocal support and appreciation for Katharina von Schnurbein, the European Commission Coordinator on combating antisemitism and fostering Jewish life, in light of recent unfounded and pernicious criticism.

Over the past decade, Ms. von Schnurbein has worked tirelessly and with great integrity to strengthen European policies and initiatives that protect Jewish communities and ensure that Jewish life can flourish across our continent. Her mandate has always been grounded in European values, democratic principles, and the urgent need to defend the Jewish community against hatred and discrimination.

Ms. von Schnurbein has pioneered innovative methods to mobilize governments and strengthen Jewish communities in the face of persistent antisemitic hostility and attacks. The EU Strategy on Combating Antisemitism and Fostering Jewish Life that she has spearheaded has been an unprecedented milestone in addressing the scourge of antisemitism.

She has brought the EU closer to small Jewish communities and organizations often disconnected from the policy process and has created transnational synergies and fora for engagement for civil society.

She has become not only a trusted advisor but also a model for governments and communities in North America and elsewhere, which now face similar challenges.

In all her work she has listened to the lived realities of Jewish communities, including the tsunami of Israel-related antisemitism that has swept throughout Europe and the world since Oct. 7 2023, which she has been steadfast in addressing.

It is therefore deeply troubling to see her accused of “bias” simply because she refuses to trivialize or ignore threats against Jews. To attack her for defending Jewish dignity and security is, in effect, to challenge the European Union’s own credibility in combating antisemitism.

Please be assured that both in her person and through her office, Ms. von Schnurbein has been a principled, thoughtful, and steadfast ally and friend to Jewish communities across Europe.

There are few, if any, who have shown the same level of commitment, insight, and effectiveness in this role. Her work on behalf of the European Commission has set a strong example — one that many other governments and envoys around the world have looked to as a model. What she has achieved over the past decade is both significant and unprecedented. We believe her leadership is essential, and we trust this will continue in the years ahead.