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The Combat Antisemitism Movement (CAM) and European Association for the Preservation and Promotion of Jewish Culture and Heritage (AEPJ), with the support of the Kiriaty Foundation, have announced a new joint venture, the “European Cities Embracing Jewish Heritage” project.
The aim of the initiative is to leverage municipal-oriented approaches to foster knowledge and understanding of European Jewish heritage and highlight the social and cultural contributions of Jewish communities across the continent today, against the backdrop of the ongoing post-October 7th global surge of antisemitism.
The project will help municipal authorities devise and implement effective action plans and programming against antisemitism, including promotion of activities surrounding the annual European Days of Jewish Culture.
“Celebrating Jewish heritage in cities is crucial because cities serve as vibrant cultural hubs where diverse communities come together,” said CAM Director of European Affairs Oriana Marie Krüger. “By honoring the rich history and contributions of European Jews, we not only acknowledge their unique role in shaping municipal identities, but also nurture deeper social understanding and intercommunal unity.”
AEPJ President François Moyse stated, “Advocating for Jewish heritage and culture cannot be done in a vacuum, therefore we salute this unprecedented cooperation to fight prejudice against the Jews in today’s troubled society.”
Kiriyati Foundation President Judith Kiriaty-Matalon commented, “Antisemitism, like any racist activity, is a disease that harms not only the victim, but also the body of humanity as a whole.”
Founded in 2019, CAM is a global coalition engaging more than 850 partner organizations and five million people from a diverse array of religious, political, and cultural backgrounds in the common mission of fighting the world’s oldest hatred. CAM acts collaboratively to build a better future, free of bigotry, for Jews and all humanity.
AEPJ, created in 2004, is a network of European institutions — including public bodies, private foundations, federations of Jewish communities, and NGOs — that serves as a platform to develop cultural initiatives and educational programs to European Jewish sites. The AEPJ network acts as a channel for intercultural dialogue and promoting better knowledge and understanding of European history, creating awareness of cultural diversity, and strengthening European citizens’ cultural identity.
The Kiriyati Foundation, established in 1982, is a philanthropic entity that supports cultural, educational, and art ventures and enterprises. Among them are the Peace Academy in Israel and a project to restore and preserve the ancient synagogues in Izmir, Turkey.
For additional information, please contact CAM Director of European Affairs Oriana Marie Krüger: oriana@combatantisemitism.org
Learn more about the AEPJ here — Preserving and Promoting Jewish Culture and Heritage in Europe: Director Victor Sorrensen Explains the AEPJ’s Vital Mission
