New study: "The field of research on contemporary antisemitism and Jewish life: Working towards a European research hub”

The field of research on contemporary antisemitism and Jewish life has limited structure or cohesion as it currently exists, and few means of consolidation as a research community. These are some of the key findings of an independent expert report published by the European Commission, as part of the EU Strategy on combating antisemitism and fostering Jewish life.

This report, titled “The field of research on contemporary antisemitism and Jewish life: Working towards a European research hub”, maps the current field of research on contemporary antisemitism and Jewish life. It makes key recommendations about how a dedicated European research hub should support and enhance research in this field. The report was written under the auspices of the Institute for Jewish Policy Research by Dr Boyd and Dr Kahn-Harris. The creation of a European research hub in contemporary antisemitism and Jewish life and culture, in cooperation with EU Member States and the research community, is one of the flagship actions of the EU Antisemitism Strategy.

The methodology for the study draws on the European Jewish Research Archive – the only comprehensive database containing work undertaken in this field since 1990 – to identify key researchers and institutions, and assess which topics and countries have greater or lesser research coverage.

Background

The first-ever EU strategy on combating antisemitism and fostering Jewish life (2021-2030) is an ambitious and comprehensive strategy adopted by the European Commission on 5 October 2021. Generations after the end of the Shoah, antisemitism is worryingly on the rise, in Europe and beyond. Antisemitism is incompatible with Europe’s core values. It represents a threat not only to Jewish communities and to Jewish life, but to an open and diverse society, to democracy and the European way of life. The European Union is determined to put an end to it.

The Strategy sets out a series of measures to prevent all forms of antisemitism, secure and foster Jewish life, promote remembrance and education about Holocaust. Its targeted actions are based on three pillars: Preventing and combating all forms of antisemitism (1), Protecting and fostering Jewish life in the EU (2), Education, research and Holocaust remembrance (3).

More information

EU Strategy on combating antisemitism and fostering Jewish life (2021 - 2030)

Factsheet on the EU Strategy on combating antisemitism and fostering Jewish life

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