About us

As a result of the dual forces of enlargement and globalization, European cultural and social diversity is significantly increasing. A number of recent events have highlighted the challenges facing diverse societies, revealing tensions amongst its citizens that often lead to discrimination, and generating questions on integration models, 'European values' and showing the fragility of social cohesion. The need to tackle discrimination and to develop integration policies is on the political agenda of all EU institutions and Member States. 2007 was declared the European Year of Equal Opportunities for All, with 2008 the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue.

In this context, CEJI's aim to provide a 'Jewish contribution to an inclusive Europe' is more relevant than ever.

In order to achieve our aim of a truly inclusive society, we are:

Delivering diversity education to empower people to fight prejudice and discrimination

• CEJI is a leading provider of education and training opportunities that develop respect for diversity and the skills to succeed in a multicultural Europe.
• CEJI offers a wide range of programmes through well-functioning, self-sustainable national and European structures to address the specific needs of schools, young people and public authorities. These are supplemented by training modules addressing particular thematic needs, including Religious Diversity & Anti-Discrimination and Gender Discrimination & Homophobia.

Facilitating and contributing to networks to combat discrimination in all its forms

• CEJI facilitates ACODDEN (A Classroom of Difference™ Diversity Education Network) and plays a supporting role in the youth network EPTO (European Peer Training Organisation).
• We also actively participate in other networks facilitating continued research and development, promoting intercultural and interreligious learning and combating discrimination.

Enhancing interfaith and intercultural dialogue

• In CEJI's vision, the various cultures that make up Europe today bring to the continent a richness that needs to be cherished. Recognising this enhances the respect people have for each other. Interfaith and cultural dialogue, which is crucial in fostering this respect, is a key aspect of CEJI's work.
• In recognition of the need to foster dialogue and understanding between Muslim and Jewish communities to tackle intercultural tensions and build on untapped potential for solidarity and cooperation, CEJI is at the forefront of a new European Jewish-Muslim co-operation initiative.

Actively contributing to European policy-making processes dealing with antisemitism, racism, xenophobia, discrimination and diversity education

• CEJI plays a major lobbying role at the institutions of the European Union, the OSCE, the Council of Europe and within the wider spectrum of European organisations and networks active in areas of CEJI's concern.
• Our advocacy activities include participating in meetings and consultative fora, contributing policy recommendations, holding monthly EU lunch debates (Shiurim) and actively participating in European networks.

Facilitating the involvement of Jewish communities at a European level

• CEJI acts as a point of reference on EU matters and works to empower local Jewish organisations to become more interculturally and internationally active.
• Our key activities in this field are our biennial 'European Encounters' capacity-building sessions for Eastern and Central European Jewish community organisations, and our European Jewish Youth Leadership Internship programme.