On November 3^rd 2021, the Vice-President of the European Commission for the Promotion of the European Way of Life Mr. Margaritis Schinas had a meeting with members of the Presidium of the Central Board of Jewish Communities in Greece (KIS) at the offices of the Organization. Mr. Schinas was accompanied by the head of the E.C. delegation to Greece, Mrs. Niovi Rigou, and his assistant on policy issues, Mr. Elias Iordanidis. Starting his introductory remarks, Mr. Schinas emphasized the clear commitment of the European institutions, the Commission and himself personally, to the fight against anti-Semitism. The members of KIS Presidium, the President David Saltiel, the Vice-President Manos Alchanatis, the General Secretary Victor Eliezer and the General Treasurer Daniel Benardout, updated the E.C. Vice-President on crucial issues concerning the Greek Jewry.

The discussion focused mainly on anti-Semitism and on the security of sacred sites of Jewish interest in Europe in general, but also in Greece in particular, as well as on the programs launched by the E.U. - especially after the recent announcement of the E.U. Strategy on combating antisemitism and fostering Jewish life (2021-2030). It was pointed out that synagogues and Jewish cemeteries are often targets of anti-Semitic violence and Mr. Schinas reassured KIS that both he and the European Commission are determined to protect Jewish life in Europe.

Particular mention was made to the realization of the project of the Holocaust Museum of Greece in Thessaloniki, the importance of which was underlined by the E.C.  Vice-President, who, in the context of the preservation of memory and educational programs, stressed his personal interest and that of the European institutions willing to actively support its completion.

Earlier that morning, Mr. Schinas and his entourage had visited the Jewish Museum of Greece (JMG) where they were welcomed by the President of the JMG, Makis Matsas, the Vice-President Mikis Modiano, the General Secretary Benjamin Albalas, the Treasurer Guy Natan and the General Treasurer of KIS, Mr. Daniel Benardout. They were guided through the JMG collection by the director of the Museum, Mrs. Zanet Battinou. The tour was followed by a short brief from the President of the JMG on the Museum’s work, with special focus on the educational programs related to Holocaust history.