Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament, warned at a conference in Brussels that 'Jewish life in Europe is under attack,' describing a sharp rise in antisemitism, violence, and fear within Jewish communities. Addressing more than 100 Jewish leaders and political representatives, she said attacks on synagogues, schools, and families reflect a broader failure to uphold European values.

The conference, organized by the European Jewish Association under the theme 'Jewish Communities on the Frontline of a Global Intifada,' focused on calls to grant Jews special protected minority status with binding legal and security guarantees. Participants cited increasing insecurity and the normalization of antisemitic rhetoric, particularly following the October 7 massacre.

Rabbi Menachem Margolin blamed European governments for failing to protect Jewish citizens, warning that without new rules and meaningful safeguards, the future of Jewish life in Europe would be at risk. European Commissioner Olivér Várhelyi echoed the concern, stating that protecting Jewish communities is essential to safeguarding democracy itself, as working groups at the conference began drafting proposals to strengthen legal protections, education, and freedom of religion.