EU leader worries Jewish flight could threaten future of Euro
Special to WorldTribune.com
LONSON The European Union has expressed concern over the prospect of a Jewish exodus.
A senior official has warned that the flight of European Jews could harm member states. European Commission Vice President Frans Timmermans acknowledged rising anti-Semitism and said a Jewish exodus would challenge the core of European integration.
European Commission Vice President Frans Timmermans.
In some [EU] states the majority of the Jewish community is not sure they have a future in Europe, Timmermans said.
In an address in Brussels on Jan. 21, Timmermans compared the prospect of Jewish flight to the future of the Euro, Middle East Newsline reported. He did not elaborate.
We can talk till kingdom come about the euro, about internal markets, about whatever initiative we take, Timmermans, a Dutch national, said. But if this fundamental value in European society, which is that there is a place for everyone whatever your creed is, whatever your background is, your race is, the choices you make in society if that is challenged, we have to answer that challenge by a policy that offers hope and prospects for everyone in European society.
Officials said tens of thousands of Jews were fleeing Europe for Canada and Israel. They said the biggest flight was in France, with the largest Jewish community in Europe.
France is your homeland, French President Francois Hollande said. The government is taking measures to make sure synagogues, as well as Jewish businesses and schools, are protected. But I want to go further than this.
Jewish leaders have confirmed the prospect of massive flight amid rising anti-Semitism. They said many Jews view Europe as being similar to that on the eve of World War II.
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EU leader worries Jewish flight could threaten future of Euro