In Germany, expat Ukrainian and Russian Jews are mostly careful not to talk politics
One synagogue banned discussions about the war on its WhatsApp group. A piece to mark the first year of the Ukraine-Russia War.
Europe
Macron’s clear French victory underscores unease with Le Pen’s extremist baggage
French President Emmanuel Macron eases to victory among a public wary of challenger Marine Le Pen, who while having moderated her far-right image could not properly defend her past ties with Russia, her campaign fumbles, and, especially among Jews, the liability of her last name.
European conservatives stress importance of empowering nation-states amid global uncertainty
In an annual conference in Brussels, national conservatives outlined why they stand with Ukraine, just as liberals do. But what differs it their endgame and, by extension, the implications for Israel and other proud nation-states.
A shaken German Jewry opens arms to Ukrainian Jews
Outside of Ukraine, Germany is home to the largest population of Russian-speaking Jews in Europe. “They take it very personally because for us it’s still part of our identity; it’s not just another war on the map,” said Anna Segal, CEO of the Kahal Adass Jisroel congregation in Berlin.
If Amsterdam purges prostitutes and pot shops from city center, will Jewish sites suffer?
Forward, September 30, 2020 Will the pandemic lockdown inspire Amsterdam to purge the sex and drugs from its historic core and focus more on its Jewish cultural heritage? Some natives hope so — but not necessarily the Jewish community. Like most of its European neighbors, Holland closed its borders during the coronavirus along with its schools, restaurants, museums, and its notorious tourist magnets: weed shops and legal prostitution. As soon the country re-opened in mid-June, thousands of tourists from surrounding countries poured into the compact city center. Already in July, hotel occupancy spiked up from the lockdown’s 10 percent to 50 percent. But for some locals, the post-lockdown period is not attracting the tourists they had hoped for. Read the rest on forward.com