The meeting with O'Flaherty to discuss antisemitism in Europe is no coincidence, as Luxembourg took over the presidency of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance in March.
Antisemitism has been on the rise in Europe over the last few years, as shown by a EU-wide study. Luxembourg too has seen its fair share of increasing antisemitism.
O'Flaherty firmly stated that problems causing and caused by antisemitism — and discrimination against other races — are issues for everybody in society. He explained that they are "our problems in society." As a result, society must resolve these issues, which in turn, according to O'Flaherty, calls for a high level of understanding and awareness to the issues.
He explained that the February Eurobarometer queried the public on antisemitism and many respondents believed it was not an issue. As O'Flaherty explained, this revealed much about the perception of the issue by the greater public as well as general education. This should help lawmakers discern priorities in the future.
Describing surveys sent to Jewish residents in the EU, O'Flaherty explained that Jews answered similar questions in both 2013 and 2018. And within that time frame, trends suggest a more urgent situation. 90% of Jews queried in the latest survey have claimed that antisemitism is a serious issue in society. They experienced harassment and discrimination and felt that it was futile to submit complaints to the government.
O'Flaherty told Luxembourg's MPs that the survey reminded the EU to work harder to support minorities.
In Luxembourg alone, there were 13 antisemitic acts reported in 2017. O'Flaherty urged politicians to do something, notably educating the public. His suggestions included investing in awareness campaign and Holocaust education, collaborating with Jewish communities, and offering security for Jewish facilities.
As for when such discrimination against beliefs or skin colour occurs, O'Flaherty believes that it mainly takes place in the workplace, but also in schools. Luxembourg desperately needs to combat this discrimination. He explained that the amount of discrimination against sub-Saharan Africans is "disturbingly high" in Luxembourg, much higher than the European average. He implored the chamber to resolve this issue.
The director of the FRA followed his meeting in the Chamber of Deputies with a debate with students at the Geesseknäppche forum to discuss discrimination in schools and online.
