RESOLUTION – Not leaving our place at the table. EUJS and Student Spaces in Europe

Preamble:

“EUJS seeks to strengthen Jewish communities and European society through Jewish student activism and advocacy.” The European Union of Jewish Students as part of its mission has always engaged in work to connect with civic spaces in Europe and advocate for the voice of young Jews in Europe. EUJS is a member of the European Youth Forum (YFJ), of the European Student Union (ESU) and an accredited NGO of the Council of Europe’s European Youth Foundation. EUJS has fought for Jewish issues, minority rights and democracy in youth spaces for the last few decades. In the past, but especially since the 7th of October, Jewish advocacy has been increasingly difficult in European student spaces. Jewish student activists have faced increasing hostility and increasing antisemitism in youth organisations. EUJS has tried to navigate these difficulties in the last few months, but it has become increasingly difficult. The Unacceptable Events at the “Level Up!” Event of YFJ in April (noted in EUJS Press Release: “EUJS Statement on the Outrageous Level Up! Closing Plenary Events”) have put the Union at unforeseen new challenges. We believe that despite the increasingly hostile environment, young Jewish voices have to remain and fight for their space in European Youth contexts. Young Jews in Europe are part of European society. We are part of the student movements fighting for students and youth rights. We will not give up our seat at the table. EUJS has to remain part of the conversation.

EUJS notes that:

1. EUJS has been participating in and contributing to European civic spaces for decades.
2. EUJS was one of the founding members of the European Youth forum (YFJ) and is a  member in several Youth/student civic spaces in Europe.
3. EUJS has advocated for the implementation of the IHRA Definition in Civic spaces across Europe.
4. Jewish students are increasingly facing difficulties and antisemitism in European Youth/student Civic Spaces.

EUJS believes that:

1. Jewish Students need to be a part of democratic processes in Youth Civic Spaces.
2. Jewish advocacy is essential in conveying Jewish perspectives to other advocacy groups.
3. Withdrawing from youth spaces and giving up our seat at the table will only create more space for antisemitic believes within youth spaces.

EUJS resolves to:

1. Increase the participation of Jewish students in civic spaces in Europe.
2. Promote education on antisemitism, Israel and Jewish history in Student and Youth spaces.
3. Strengthen relationships with other Advocacy organisations, in order to promote Jewish perspectives on European topics.
4. Encourage member unions to join national youth councils and student unions.
5. Confront and fight antisemitic policies, events and incidents from within.