DUBLIN - WJC's Executive Vice President Maram Stern and Director of European Affairs Dany Levin Prist visited Dublin this week in preparation for the upcoming Irish Presidency of the Council of the EU starting on July 1. The visit took place ahead of Ireland’s assumption of the Presidency of the Council of the European Union and provided an opportunity to exchange views on key priorities for the period ahead, including issues of concern to Jewish communities in Europe.
During their visit, Stern and Levin Prist met with Thomas Byrne, Ireland's Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence, as well as senior officials in the Taoiseach’s Department (Prime Minister’s Office), the Department of Justice (An Roinn Dlí agus Cirt), and the Department of Foreign Affairs (An Roinn Gnóthaí Eachtracha). Discussions focused on the rising levels of antisemitism across Europe, both online and offline, and the need for sustained and coordinated action at EU level. Irish counterparts demonstrated a clear understanding of these concerns and engaged constructively on possible areas of cooperation during the Presidency.
A significant part of the discussions focused on the enforcement of EU rules and regulatory frameworks as key tools for addressing illegal hate speech and discrimination online. Central to the discussion was the clear online–offline link, with online incitement increasingly translating into real-world threats, including attacks and intimidation targeting Jewish individuals, communities, and sites. Emphasis was also placed on the importance of systematic recording of incidents and the effective prosecution of hate-driven offences.
The Irish indicated a clear willingness to support efforts to combat antisemitism during their Presidency of the Council of the EU, including through continued engagement with relevant EU frameworks and member states, and through ongoing dialogue with stakeholders such as the World Jewish Congress.
The World Jewish Congress worked in cooperation with its Irish affiliate, the Jewish Representative Council of Ireland, to carry out this mission.
