What’s new

10.07.2024

On July 10, EUCARE, in collaboration with the Landesverband Regensburg Community, organized a conference and security awareness training in Regensburg, Germany. The event brought together heads and representatives of Jewish communities, along with stakeholders from local law enforcement and government entities in Bavaria.

During the conference, Itay Ron, our Public Affairs lead and Manager for the Western & Nordic Hubs, provided a macro-overview of the project and shared EUCARE’s future vision. He emphasized the importance of outreach and collaboration in light of increasing threats and antisemitism facing Jewish communities.

Rebekka Catten, our Lead Trainer in Germany, delivered a speech on the significance of EUCARE’s presence in Germany. She followed this with a comprehensive security awareness training session for all participants, highlighting the need for such training to be available to each community member to enhance both individual and community resilience.

At EUCARE, we firmly believe that collaboration like this will pave the way for safer and more resilient communities across Bavaria.

We would like to extend our gratitude to the Jewish community of Regensburg for their warm welcome and hospitality, and to the Landesverband for assisting us in organizing this important event.

24.06.2024

From June 23-24, over 20 participants, including the EUCARE project management team and trainers from across Europe, gathered in the beautiful city of Sofia, Bulgaria, for a dynamic two-day seminar.

Hosted by our esteemed partner, the Shalom Organization, the seminar focused on team building and the exchange of best practices to enhance the impact of the EUCARE project among Jewish communities across the EU.

Through a variety of sessions, the seminar addressed multiple tactics to expand our reach, both online and offline, and optimize the use of our existing resources, such as training programs, awareness videos, and eLearning platforms.

Key sessions included:

• Media and Dissemination: Emphasizing the importance of online presence and the dissemination of activities through media channels.

• Project Advantages and Challenges: A workshop identifying the strengths and challenges of the project to meet our key indicators.

• Success Stories: Personal success stories from three participating countries, highlighting their main achievements and the way forward.

• eLearning and Youth Engagement: Discussions on the significance of reaching both youth and adults, especially during summer camps and the start of the school year in September.

The seminar fostered fruitful, constructive, and interactive discussions, facilitating the exchange of knowledge and information. This collaboration was important in developing a mini roadmap for the next three months, during which all trainers will intensify their efforts to achieve the desired results within their communities. The goal is to amplify the EUCARE message, enhancing security awareness and building community resilience across the EU.

18.12.2023

The European Union Community Awareness Resilience Education (EUCARE) project has taken a significant step forward by launching its inaugural Train-the-Trainer program in Malmo, Sweden. This milestone marks the beginning of an extensive training initiative designed to boost security awareness, resilience, and preparedness within Jewish institutions and communities throughout Europe.

One of the distinctive features of this initiative is its adaptive approach, recognizing the diversity within communities. Each country involved in the EUCARE project is empowered to create a tailored timeline and adapt the training program to address the unique needs of various groups within their communities. This includes members of the community, staff, and different age groups, ensuring that the training is relevant and effective for everyone involved.

In the case of Malmo, the training program has been designed to cater to the specific requirements of the local Jewish institutions and community members. The timeline is designed to accommodate the pace and preferences of the participants, ensuring that the training is not only informative but also engaging and accessible. The Train-the-Trainer program serves as a cascading model, where individuals from within the community are equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to become trainers themselves. This decentralized approach ensures sustainability and widespread dissemination of crucial information related to security awareness and preparedness.

By focusing on a community-centric strategy, EUCARE aims to create a network of trained individuals who can effectively contribute to the safety and resilience of their respective communities. The initiative recognizes that different groups within the community may have unique challenges and concerns, and the training program strives to address these specific needs.

As the EUCARE project progresses, it is expected that similar training initiatives will be rolled out in other European locations, each adapted to the distinctive characteristics of the local communities. This collaborative and adaptive approach underscores the commitment to enhancing security measures and fostering resilience across diverse communities within the European Union.

13.11.2023, Brussels

We’re thrilled to announce the official public kick-off of the EUCARE project with our groundbreaking conference on “Raising Awareness in Challenging Times.” Together, we delved into crucial discussions on the rising challenges of antisemitism, Jihadism, and radical groups in Europe. Pooling our knowledge and dedication, we stand together, stronger than ever before, committed to combating these critical issues. The significance of this EU project was highlighted, emphasizing the paramount importance of spreading awareness within the Jewish community.

In the heart of Europe, we united representatives from EU institutions, law enforcement across the continent, and esteemed members of the Jewish community’s security representatives. The event gave stage to amazing experts in:

• Counterterrorism: Marc Hecker, Peter Neumann, Laurence Binder
• Resilience:Moran Bodas, Ayelet Shmuel, Kenneth Taylor
• Policing and training: Waut Es, Maria Ismaela Murgia
  
  

Jonathan Chetrit honored us with his presence and gave a testimony about the events that happened in Toulouse on March 19, 2012.

Our keynote speaker Pascale Falek reminded us how dedicated the European Commission is to the fight against antisemitism.
Danny Neumann gave an incredible workshop in the end of the conference. The event was moderated by Jacki Davis.

#EUCARE stands for unity, collaboration, and resilience. Together, we pave the way forward in facing these challenges head-on. Let’s stay, aware united, and #FearlessTogether

In a groundbreaking initiative, the EUCARE team undertook a comprehensive survey spanning June to September 2023, focusing on 18 European countries to gauge the security perceptions within Jewish communities. The survey, conducted with invaluable assistance from local partners, involved a multi- stage approach, including questionnaires, interviews, and online research to validate and enrich gathered data.

The participating countries were categorized into three hubs: Eastern Hub (Bulgaria, Greece, Croatia, Slovakia, and Slovenia), Western Hub (Belgium, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain), and Nordic Hub (Austria, Czech Republic, Germany, Finland, Hungary, Poland, and Sweden).

The primary objectives of the survey and subsequent analysis were threefold: (1) gaining deeper insights into regional and country-specific security risks facing Jewish communities, (2) identifying collaboration opportunities, and (3) tailoring EUCARE materials to address specific security needs at the national level.

Results from the survey, despite being conducted before October 7, 2023, shed light on the disturbing rise of antisemitic movements across Europe. The findings, supported by metrics highlighting local nuances, serve as a benchmark for assessing and planning improvements in security measures.

An essential dimension of the survey is its forward-looking approach. Unlike previous surveys conducted solely for informational purposes, this initiative lays the groundwork for a pan-European antisemitic monitoring system. This system aims to track trends at both national and international levels, utilizing a consistent set of key indicators.

EUCARE expresses gratitude to all partners who played a crucial role in supporting this initiative. With a collective commitment to address fearlessly emerging challenges, the organization pledges to build upon the survey’s insights. The ultimate goal is to provide customized solutions tailored to the local context, fostering improved overall security across Europe.

10.10.2023

In the aftermath of the horrific and unprovoked assault on Israel by the Hamas terrorist group on October 7, 2023, a day etched in tragedy that claimed over 1,400 Israeli lives and left  240 Israelis abducted, including innocent children and women, we find ourselves confronted with a barbaric act of terrorism against the Jewish people. This event stands as one of the most heinous attacks since the Holocaust, a stark reminder of the persistent threats faced by the Jewish community worldwide.

As we bear witness to the resurgence of antisemitism, radicalism, and terrorist threats in Europe, it is paramount that we stand together, fortifying our shared values and renewing our commitment to safeguarding the Jewish community. The Community Awareness Resilience Education (C.A.R.E.) project in EU countries takes on unprecedented significance, uniting us in our collective resolve.

Now, more than ever, we must unite against the forces of hatred and extremism, standing stronger together. The EUCARE project stands as a testament to our unwavering commitment to safeguard the values of tolerance, diversity, and peace. It is our determination to overcome the challenges that threaten our societies, emerging as a united front against hatred and violence. Together, we shall be the change that stands against darkness, the shield against terror, and the symbol of resilience that lights the path toward a safer, more tolerant world.

This initiative is designed to bolster the capacity of Jewish communities across Europe, empowering them to protect their places of worship and nurture local resilience against threats. By focusing on individual members of society rather than just institutional capacity building, the EUCARE project strives to address the very root of terrorism – the fear factor that fuels radicalism and extremist activity.

With its two pivotal pillars—raising awareness and resilience among ordinary citizens and the physical protection of buildings—the EUCARE project is a testament to our unity, transcending borders, and recognizing the diverse needs of different European countries. Together, we stand stronger in the face of adversity, ready to defend our values and protect our communities from the forces of darkness.

Recent years have seen a disturbing rise in antisemitism, radicalism, and terrorist threats across Europe, with Jewish places of worship increasingly becoming targets. In response to this growing concern we have launched the Community Awareness Resilience Education (EUCARE) project. The project’s primary aim is to enhance the capacity of Jewish communities in Europe to protect their places of worship and build local resilience to threats, with a specific focus on community members.

The EUCARE project is driven by the understanding that neutralizing the gravitational pull of terrorism, which often centers on the fear factor, requires a proactive approach. Rather than solely focusing on institutional capacity building, the project zeroes in on individual members of society.