Introduction

The EXODUS EU Project is at the forefront of the fight against antisemitic crimes, seeking to develop effective practices and enhance cooperation among stakeholders. A significant step towards these goals was the organization of a workshop in Thessaloniki, held from January 26-28, 2025, coinciding with the International Holocaust Remembrance Day. This pivotal event aimed to strengthen collaboration, develop effective strategies against antisemitic behavior and prejudice, and explore the European dimension of antisemitism.

Partners and Panel Participants

The workshop was a collaborative effort, between the Athens Lifelong Learning Institute, the Center for Security Studies and the Jewish Community of Thessaloniki playing a key role in its design and implementation. The event saw active participation from a diverse group of stakeholders, including police and judicial authorities, members of the Jewish Community of Thessaloniki, institutions, organizations, and European experts.

Distinguished speakers and panelists contributed their expertise to the discussions. Mr. Lazaros Sefiha, Vice President of the Jewish Community of Thessaloniki, delivered the opening speech. Mrs. Chryssoula Aliferi, Ambassador – Special Envoy for Combating Antisemitism and Defending the Memory of the Holocaust, and Mrs. Efi Theodoraki, Deputy Mayor of Education & Lifelong Learning in the Municipality of Thessaloniki, also addressed the event. Panelists included representatives from the World Jewish Congress, the Greek National Commission for Human Rights (GNCHR), DAKA Solutions, the European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI), the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA), the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, The European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Training (CEPOL), the Ministry of Interior of Finland and the Ministry of Justice of the Hellenic Republic.

The panels were moderated by the partners of the project:

• The Hellenic Police

• Ministry of Justice of the Hellenic Republic

• Jewish Community of Thessaloniki (JCT)

• Center for Security Studies (KEMEA)

• Athens Lifelong Learning Institute

• Institute for the Prevention & Treatment of Violence and the Promotion of Gender Equality (VIA-STOP)

• Greek National Commission for Human Rights (GNCHR)

Summary of Findings The workshop facilitated fruitful discussions and exchange of views on critical issues related to combating antisemitism. Key topics included:

• Defining antisemitic behavior and symbolism. 

• Recognizing antisemitic prejudice indicators and hate behaviors. 

• Exploring the European dimension of antisemitism. 

• Developing international strategies for confrontation. 

• Addressing the roles and operational needs of involved agencies. 

• Discussing educational needs and requirements for combating anti-Semitic crimes.
The workshop also highlighted the importance of synergies in research, with presentations from the SPIRIT and PARTES projects, focusing on hate crimes against religions and minorities.

Next Steps 

The outcomes of the workshop are crucial for the advancement of the EXODUS project’s objectives. Specifically, the insights gained will contribute to the drafting of the report focusing on “Antisemitic crimes’ stakeholders training needs” (Deliverable 2.3). This deliverable aims to assess stakeholders’ training needs through focus group discussions and interviews with experts, ultimately leading to a more effective training content and curriculum, which will lead to developing the necessary skills among law enforcement officers and relevant stakeholders for the identification, investigation, prosecution, and victim assistance of antisemitic crimes.
The deliverable will be soon available through the project’s website. 

Thank You 

The success of the workshop was made possible by the active participation of all attendees, the valuable contributions of the partners, and the support of the Jewish Community of Thessaloniki for hosting the event. The EXODUS project extends its gratitude to everyone involved in this collaborative effort to combat antisemitic crimes and promote a safer, more inclusive society.