Report on EPNA International Conference 2025.
February 12-14, 2025, in Berlin
The EPNA International Conference 2025 marked the conclusion of the first phase of the European Practitioners Network Against Antisemitism (EPNA) and celebrated its achievements over the past 1.5 years.
Over the past 18 months, EPNA has grown into a network of more than 60 European organisations dedicated to combating antisemitism. During this period, a strong sense of community and solidarity has taken shape, emerging as a support network in the challenging aftermath of the 7th October massacre. In a time of crisis, being there for one another became essential, reinforcing the foundation of collaboration and mutual support within the network. The network has established effective collaboration structures, enabling joint projects under the European Alliance Programme. In 2024 alone, 10 multilateral projects were successfully implemented, with their outcomes displayed in an exhibition at the public part of the conference in the German Federal Foreign Office.
The three-day event successfully brought together European practitioners, policymakers, and experts to reflect on progress, share experiences, and develop strategies for the future. Participants attended lectures, engaged in skills training, and contributed to the public part of the conference at the Foreign Office, which included a panel discussion and a presentation of EPNA members’ work. The event was realized in cooperation with the German Federal Foreign Office.
The EPNA conference provided a platform for discussions, workshops, and networking, allowing members to reflect on their work and strengthen their strategies for combating antisemitism. Throughout the conference, participants engaged in sessions that examined key challenges and responses to antisemitism in Europe today.
In addition to discussions and networking, the conference featured three specialized workshops aimed at equipping participants with practical skills. A session led by a trainer from the organization OFEK, a counseling center that specializes in antisemitism and community-based counseling for victims, focused on strengthening mental well-being and resilience, addressing theimportance of setting personal boundaries, strategies for sustainable activism: “Helping others without losing yourself”, and creating space for reflection and peer support. Jo Frank, Director of DialoguePerspectives e.V., led a workshop on advocacy in parliamentary democracies, guiding participants through the complexities of cooperation between civil society and government institutions, and providing insights into navigating parliamentary mechanisms for effective legislative cooperation. Another workshop, led by Veronica Sartore from Wertansich(t), explored the intersections of justice and the fight against antisemitism, encouraging participants to develop inclusive and systemic strategies for tackling discrimination.
The conference also featured a panel discussion on the challenges and political responses to antisemitism across Europe. Moderated by Benjamin Fischer, Chair of the Board at CeMAS and Advisory Board member at Democ, the panel brought together Ambassador Christian Heldt, Special Representative of the German Federal Foreign Office; Alina Bricman, Director of European Union Affairs at B’nai B’rith International; Michael Whine, UK Member of ECRI and co-founder of the Community Security Trust; and Rosa Jellinek, content creator, political educator, and activist. The discussion addressed topics such as the application of European legislation not only in EU member states but also in Council of Europe states: Whine highlighted the strong legal frameworks in Europe, while also ackn
owledging that these laws are not always effectively applied. Jellinek emphasized the need for greater pressure on online platforms to combat hate speech, as well as increased financial support for Jewish communities and educational initiatives on antisemitism. Bricman put up for discussion the necessity of content-driven capacity building, the relevance of interdisciplinary collaboration, and depoliticising antisemitism as well as strengthening solidarity.
The EPNA International Conference 2025 was a great success, highlighting the network’s achievements and strong bond of solidarity, and thus showing the critical role the network plays in combatting antisemitism across Europe. With the continuation of the EPNA programme confirmed, the event set the stage for further collaboration, innovation, and initiatives in the coming years.
For more information reach out to us:
Florian Eisheuer, EPNA programme lead
Email: practitionersnetwork@dialogueperspectives.org
