Amid escalating antisemitic threats across Europe, the Ministry of Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism, in partnership with the Yael Foundation, has launched a comprehensive security initiative aimed at safeguarding Jewish communities. The project will focus on bolstering communal resilience, with schools at the forefront, given their vulnerability to targeted attacks.
The project has identified Jewish communities most at risk, using intelligence and research to prioritize those in need of immediate support. The first phase will provide security measures, training, and community-building resources to Jewish populations in Italy, Romania, Georgia, and Belgium starting January 2025. This includes operational control, security officers, and the creation of voluntary patrols.
Minister Amichai Chikli emphasized the urgency of the initiative, stating that it is a direct response to the alarming rise of antisemitism. “By combining security, education, and community resilience, we are not just addressing immediate threats, but also securing a stronger future for Jewish communities,” he said.
With an initial investment of over one million Euros from both the Ministry and the Yael Foundation, the project aims to create a long-term, unified approach to combating antisemitism, supported by real-time intelligence and best practices.
Uri Poliavich, co-founder of the Yael Foundation, highlighted the necessity for a centralized strategy that adapts to the evolving nature of antisemitic threats. “This project is a vital step in ensuring Jewish communities are not only protected but empowered to thrive,” he said.
Founded in 2020, the Yael Foundation, led by Uri and Yael Poliavich, works in 35 countries to promote Jewish education and leadership. Their initiatives, impacting thousands of Jewish students, focus on strengthening Jewish identity and preparing the next generation of leaders to tackle challenges like antisemitism head-on.
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