President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen said while attending EuroChanukah at the EU in Brussels, she said “I was devastated by the horrific shooting in Australia on Bondi Beach. It is simply heartbreaking.”
She added “In times when Jewish life is so much under pressure, I welcome all the more, the creation of the House of Jewish Life in the heart of the European quarter, dear Nehama, and Avi.”
While pledging EU funds for securing Jewish communities she stressed, “Jewish culture is European culture and Jewish life must be able to flourish for Europe to flourish.”
The initiative comes amid growing antisemitism in Europe and aims to affirm, on a lasting basis, the place of Jewish life at the center of Europe.
Shluchim Avi and Nehama Tawil are doubling down their efforts for a vibrant Judaism with joy and pride by opening a brand new state of the art Jewish Center right across the EU Commission headquarters.
The event, organized by the European Jewish Community Center (EJCC) in cooperation with the European Jewish Association, brought together approximately 500 participants for the public lighting of the EuroMenorah in the heart of the European institutions district.
The President shared the message of Chanukah to millions of her followers and was widely covered in European media.
