The Blogs: Confronting antisemitism in a turbulent Europe

Portugal has experienced a notable week of initiatives aimed at supporting the Jewish community and countering antisemitism, amid a broader rise in such incidents across Europe since the Hamas attacks on Israel on 7 October 2023.

The surge in antisemitism has been documented in several European countries, with increased reports of vandalism, harassment and online incitement. In Portugal, the latest Relatório Anual de Segurança Interna (RASI) — the country’s annual internal security report — highlights a 6.7 per cent rise in hate crimes overall, with security services expressing particular concern over incidents targeting the Jewish community, including threats and acts of desecration. Against this backdrop, three significant developments unfolded in recent days.

First, the Israel Allies Foundation (IAF) held its European Chairman’s Conference at the Portuguese Parliament. Portugal, which established its Parliamentary Israel Allies Caucus in November 2024 — becoming the 20th European nation in the organisation’s global network — hosted lawmakers from 15 countries. The summit focused on addressing modern forms of antisemitism and anti-Zionism, with the stated goal of shifting political discourse toward fact-based dialogue and reinforcing bilateral relations between Portugal and Israel based on shared democratic values.

Separately, the inaugural Portugal-Israel Strategic Forum on Civil Resilience took place in Valongo. The event marked the official launch of Sar-El Portugal, the local branch of the Israeli volunteer organisation Sar-El, which mobilises civilians worldwide in support of essential tasks in Israel. The forum emphasised practical cooperation in civil defence and resilience-building, with the participation of Israeli officials and Portuguese community leaders.

Finally, I am pleased to announce that this week we also welcomed the organisation StandWithUs to Portugal, coinciding with its 25th anniversary. Founded in Los Angeles in 2001 during the Second Intifada, StandWithUs is an international, non-partisan Israel education and advocacy group that operates on six continents. Its core mission is to educate people of all ages and backgrounds about Israel, challenge misinformation, and combat antisemitism through factual information, campus programmes, community outreach and legal advocacy. The organisation has consistently emphasised that education and accurate knowledge are the most effective tools for fostering understanding and reducing intolerance.

In a Europe facing what many describe as its most serious challenges since the Second World War — including rising extremism and geopolitical instability — StandWithUs’s arrival in Portugal underscores a commitment to proactive engagement. The group maintains that, in an era of widespread disinformation, providing clear, evidence-based information remains the surest route to meaningful dialogue and long-term peace.

These events occur at a time of heightened vigilance. While the situation remains concerning, Portuguese authorities and civil society have demonstrated a clear determination to address the issue directly. In moments like these, inaction is not an option. The response must be resolute.