D emocratic institutions and liberal thought are being challenged by xenophobia in Western, Central and Eastern Europe. In central and eastern Europe, nationalist groups with strong antisemitic policies exist in Hungary, Poland, Romania, Croatia and Russia, among others.
Antisemitic publications continue to appear in Eastern Europe.
These feature the usual caricatures of Jews, the Protocols of the Learned Elders of Zion, and the depiction of the Star of David equated with the swastika. The future of the Jews of Western, Central and Eastern Europe will be determined by the underlying strength of democratic forces in these countries. Most of the countries concerned appear to be committed to democratic institutions and values and must take vigorous action against antisemitism and all forms of racism. It is encouraging that in Europe there has been a general appreciation among most sections of the population that antisemitism and racism are the enemies of freedom. In this complex situation, Canadian Jewish Congress will continue to monitor and bring to the attention of the governments concerned our vehement opposition to racist provocation and acts whenever they occur.