Brussels, Belgium – Partners from Belgium, France, Germany, Spain, and the Netherlands gathered in Brussels today to officially launch “Neighbours II: Building Bridges, Challenging Prejudice, Strengthening Communities”. Coordinated by HIAS Europe, the initiative brings Jewish, migrant, and other local communities together to counter antisemitism, Islamophobia, xenophobia, and other forms of discrimination through dialogue, education, and joint community action. The project will run from September 2026 to August 2028.
Building on the successful “Getting to Know Your Neighbour” model developed by the Amsterdam Liberal Jewish Community, as well as the previous EU-funded Neighbours project, the initiative seeks to create meaningful encounters that challenge stereotypes, build trust, and strengthen social cohesion at a time of growing polarisation across Europe.
Over the next two years, Neighbours II will engage approximately 1,500 young people through educational visits to synagogues and Jewish community spaces and establish five local interfaith and intercultural coalitions bringing together Jewish, Muslim, Christian, secular, migrant-led, and community organisations to address discrimination and promote solidarity.
“At a time when divisions are deepening across Europe, creating opportunities for people to meet, learn from one another, and work together to address shared problems is more important than ever. Neighbours shows that dialogue and direct encounters remain powerful tools for building inclusive and resilient communities,” said Ilan Cohn, Director of HIAS Europe.
The initiative is implemented by a consortium of diverse Jewish community partners, including the European Jewish Community Centre in Brussels, Dorvador in Paris, the Jewish Community HaKochaw in Unna, the Jewish Cultural Association Aviv in Valencia, and the Liberal Jewish Community of The Hague, each of which will lead activities in their respective cities. Through local activities in five European cities and the exchange of good practices across borders, the project seeks to contribute to wider European efforts to strengthen social cohesion and combat prejudice.
“What makes Neighbours II unique is its explicit focus on building bridges rather than fences, and its emphasis on direct human connection. Young people and community members will not learn about one another through assumptions or social media narratives, but through genuine conversations and shared experiences. These encounters have the power to reduce fear, build empathy, and create lasting relationships that continue long after the project ends,” said Wanda Teplitsky, President of Masorti Europe and Board Member of the Jewish Cultural Association Aviv in Valencia.
By empowering local leaders, young facilitators, and community organisations, Neighbours II aims to create sustainable networks for dialogue and concrete cooperation while contributing to broader European efforts to combat antisemitism and foster inclusive societies.
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are those of HIAS and our partners only, and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the granting authority. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
Contact
Ilan Cohn, Director, HIAS Europe
Phone: +32 478 15 37 65
Email: ilan.cohn@hias.org
About HIAS Europe
HIAS Europe is the European HQ of HIAS, the 145-year-old international Jewish organization that is dedicated to transforming the lives of refugees, asylum seekers, and immigrants. With a sharpened focus, we deliver vital support through protection services, mental health care, economic empowerment, Jewish community engagement, and robust advocacy—defending the rights of all displaced people to rebuild their lives and creating a world of welcome, safety, and opportunity.
