Code of Conduct

Dear friends of JEWLIF, dear members and volunteers,

JEWLIF, Jewish Life in Europe (www.jewlif.org), is more than an association. We are a community that stands with conviction for a living, safe and visible Jewish life in an open and democratic Europe. We advance this through dialogue, education and our clear commitment against antisemitism and every form of discrimination.

This Code of Conduct is our shared compass. It sets out the values and principles that guide our actions and make JEWLIF a place where everyone feels welcome, safe and valued. It complements our statutes and applicable law and is binding on everyone who works for and with JEWLIF, from members and staff to partners and participants in our programmes. Those in leadership roles in particular set an example in anchoring these principles in everyday practice.

Out of the responsibility that arises from European history and the Shoah, we stand up for a flourishing Jewish life and for Israel’s right to exist as a Jewish and democratic collective. We firmly reject every form of discrimination and, in countering antisemitism, we are guided by the IHRA working definition.

We do not cooperate with individuals or organisations that demonstrably act against these fundamental values. This Code is meant to give all of us direction in pursuing our mission with integrity.

Warm regards,
Andrei Kovacs
Secretary General, JEWLIF, Jüdisches Leben in Europa e.V.

Contents

• The JEWLIF Code of Conduct
• Our mission: what drives us
• Our core values: the foundation of what we do
• Our commitment to law and justice
• How we treat one another: respectful, supportive and safe
• How we act externally: responsible and with integrity
• Our security in particular: mindfulness and prevention
• A guide to putting this into practice and dealing with breaches
• Who to contact with questions or about breaches
• A living document: our shared path
• Frequently Asked Questions

The JEWLIF Code of Conduct

As an overarching and binding framework, this Code of Conduct brings together the principles and standards of behaviour that guide and inspire our everyday work and the way we treat one another at JEWLIF. It rests on the applicable laws and legal provisions, on our statutes and on our internal rules and guidelines. Those existing requirements naturally remain in force and are complemented and made concrete by this Code.

All of us who are involved in JEWLIF, whether as a valued member, a responsible member of the Executive Board, the Secretary General, salaried or voluntary staff, a valued project partner, a freelancer or a participant in our events and programmes, are obliged and invited not only to know and understand this Code of Conduct but to bring it actively to life. Those in leadership and positions of responsibility within the association carry a particular role-model function here. They bear special responsibility for ensuring that this Code is deeply anchored in day-to-day work, is understood and serves as the basis for trusting and productive cooperation.

Our mission: what drives us

As JEWLIF, Jüdisches Leben in Europa e.V., it is our declared and passionate aim:

• To strengthen Jewish life in all its impressive diversity and rich tradition in Europe, to make it confidently visible and to celebrate it together.
• To actively foster and shape open and respectful dialogue and personal encounter within the diverse Jewish communities and with the non-Jewish majority society.
• Through sound educational programmes and continuous outreach, to counter existing prejudice with determination and to create a nuanced, empathetic understanding of Jewish history, culture, religion and the many realities of Jewish life today.
• To stand up actively, courageously and unwaveringly against antisemitism (in line with the working definition of the IHRA), racism and every other form of group-focused hostility and discrimination, and to position ourselves clearly for upholding and strengthening human rights and democratic values.
• To promote and defend a demonstrably safe, appreciative and supportive environment for Jewish life in all its facets in Europe.

These aims matter to us just as much as the path we take towards them, together and grounded in our values. The design and delivery of all our projects therefore follows clear, interlocking principles that reflect our identity and our aspirations. Our work is:

• Jewish at its core, European in perspective and society-wide in its impact.
• Carried by a democratic and pluralistic understanding.
• Always professional, audience-focused and well connected in its delivery.
• Bold enough to pursue disruptive and innovative approaches too, in order to set effective impulses for positive change.

Our core values: the foundation of what we do

These values are the beating heart of JEWLIF. They are the beacons that guide and inspire our decisions, our communication and our conduct as a whole. Rooted in a long tradition of Jewish ethics and universal humanity, they reflect our deep commitment to a living, self-determined and future-ready Jewish life in an open, plural, democratic and just Europe. Every letter of our name, JEWLIF, reminds us of these fundamental commitments:

J, meeting every person with dignity, and Jewish diversity as a strength

• We meet every single person, regardless of background, identity or worldview, with unconditional dignity (Kavod), sincere respect and natural courtesy. This attitude is the foundation of how we live and interact together in society.
• We recognise and value the immense Jewish diversity, and the plurality of society as a whole, in opinions, identities, experiences and ways of life, as a fundamental strength (Koach) and an indispensable enrichment. For us, fostering intercultural and interreligious dialogue is an expression of lived respect and a contribution to an open society.

E, engagement for a just society, and empathetic togetherness

• We show tireless engagement (Me’oravut) for a democratic, plural and just society in which the human rights of all are respected. We actively oppose antisemitism, racism and every form of group-focused hostility.
• We nurture empathetic togetherness, listen actively and make an effort to understand the perspectives and lived realities of others. This capacity for empathy is the basis for relationships built on solidarity and for reducing prejudice.

W, widening our knowledge and growing through exchange

• We rely on the transformative power of knowledge (Yeda) and education to encourage critical thinking, enable cultural understanding and engage in a nuanced way with the past and the present. We share our knowledge to build bridges.
• We strive for continuous growth and personal development, as individuals and as an organisation, by seeking open exchange (Siach), reflecting on our work and remaining open to new insights and constructive criticism.

L, a readiness to learn as a way of life, and lively debate

• Our readiness to learn (Nemuchanut Lilmod) is more than a method, it is a way of life. We are curious, we question the status quo and we are willing to broaden our own perspectives in order to do justice to the complex challenges of our time.
• We nurture and encourage a lively discourse and a culture of constructive debate. In the spirit of the Jewish tradition of Machloket Leshem Shamayim, a disagreement for the sake of insight and truth, we see the effort to find the best solution and to debate respectfully as a path to deeper understanding and social progress.

I, integrity in action, and individual responsibility

• We act with unconditional integrity (Yosher) and according to clear, universally valid ethical standards. Our words and our deeds are aligned and marked by sincerity.
• We take individual responsibility (Achrayut Ishit) for our actions and their effects on those around us and on society. This includes the duty to learn from history and to work actively for a better future.

F, fairness as a principle, and standing by one another

• Fairness and justice are guiding principles (Ekron) for how we treat one another, our partners and society through our work. We stand up actively for equal opportunity and against every form of unjustified disadvantage.
• We stand by one another and practise active solidarity and respect. The Jewish concept of Kol Yisrael Arevim Zeh BaZeh, all of Israel is responsible for one another, inspires us to support each other and to build strong, resilient communities that also take responsibility beyond their own group.

Our commitment to law and justice

• No discrimination or incitement: We tolerate no form of discrimination, whether on the grounds of ethnic origin, nationality, sex or gender identity, sexual orientation, religion or worldview (this naturally includes antisemitism as defined by the IHRA and Islamophobia), disability, age or social status. We strictly reject bullying, sexual harassment and every form of degradation. We show absolute zero tolerance towards seditious, criminally punishable statements and behaviour, in particular the denial, trivialisation or relativisation of the Shoah or the glorification of terrorism and violence.
• The limits of freedom of expression: We stand firmly for the fundamental right to freedom of expression. At the same time, we are deeply aware that this freedom finds its limits where the rights, dignity and safety of others are violated or threatened. This applies in particular to statements and actions that amount to bullying, sexual harassment, defamation, slander, insult or the spreading of demonstrably untrue factual claims. Criticism of the policies of the State of Israel, as may likewise be voiced towards any other country in a comparable way, is not antisemitic in itself. It becomes antisemitic, however, when it, for example, calls into question Israel’s right to exist as a Jewish and democratic collective, draws on antisemitic stereotypes or conspiracy myths, or leads to the demonisation or delegitimisation of Israel or the application of double standards to it, as set out in the examples of the IHRA working definition of antisemitism.
• Compliance with laws and rules: Each of us familiarises ourselves with the laws, regulations and internal association rules relevant to our area of responsibility, and follows them conscientiously.

How we treat one another: respectful, supportive and safe

• Communication: We maintain honest, open, transparent and consistently respectful dealings with one another. We listen actively, let others finish speaking and meet differing opinions with appreciation.
• Feedback: We live a constructive and appreciative feedback culture, question the status quo with an open mind and use mistakes as a valuable opportunity for shared development and improvement.
• Conflicts: We recognise that conflicts can be part of a lively coexistence. We can bear them, we do not shy away from working through them and we actively seek fair, lasting and respectful solutions.
• Confidentiality and data protection: We treat all personal and confidential information with the utmost care and discretion and in line with the applicable data protection rules, in particular the GDPR. We actively protect this data against unauthorised access and any misuse.
• Safety: Together and actively, we take care to provide a physically and psychologically safe environment, free from any form of harassment, violence, threat or intimidation. We take every threat or safety concern extremely seriously and act accordingly.

How we act externally: responsible and with integrity

• Representation: When we represent JEWLIF externally, we always do so in line with our values, aims and this Code of Conduct. On every channel of communication, we make it transparent whether we are speaking or acting as a private individual or in the official name of the association.
• Dealings with partners and third parties: We always deal with our cooperation partners, funders, service providers and the general public professionally, honestly, transparently and respectfully. It is our clear and unambiguous policy that we do not work with or support organisations, institutions or individuals whose public statements or demonstrable actions are antisemitic within the meaning of the IHRA definition, who deny or relativise the Holocaust, or who fundamentally contradict our basic values of democracy, human rights and non-discrimination.
• Conflicts of interest: We always make decisions in the best interest of JEWLIF. We disclose possible private or professional conflicts of interest actively, early and transparently to the responsible bodies, and we abstain from voting on the relevant decisions.
• No corruption: We strictly reject every form of corruption, bribery and the improper granting or acceptance of advantages, and we avoid even the appearance of such conduct.
• Association assets: We handle the financial resources and other property entrusted to us carefully, responsibly and according to the principles of economy and thrift.
• Public statements (including social media): Even in private statements, particularly on social media and in other publicly accessible forums, we are aware of our connection to JEWLIF and the responsibility that comes with it. We exercise the moderation, care and restraint that does not harm the reputation, credibility and values of our association. Discriminatory, inciting, defamatory or violence-glorifying statements, in particular those that spread antisemitic content as defined by the IHRA or that deny or relativise the Holocaust, are to be refrained from in every case and under all circumstances.

Our security in particular: mindfulness and prevention

Given the specific and, sadly, often heightened threats facing Jewish individuals and organisations in Europe, a strong and ever-present sense of security is of existential importance for all of us at JEWLIF:

• Physical security: We are especially attentive in our premises and at all events. We carefully observe all security guidance and precautions and report suspicious observations or specific safety concerns without delay to the responsible people or the relevant authorities.
• Digital security: We protect our digital access, our IT systems and the association’s sensitive data by using strong, unique passwords, keeping software up to date and behaving prudently and critically online and in digital communication in general. We are especially vigilant towards phishing attempts, malware, ransomware and other forms of cyber threat. Protecting personal data, particularly of members and partners, is our highest priority. Security incidents must be reported without delay and in line with internal guidelines.

A guide to putting this into practice and dealing with breaches

The following questions can serve as an aid to reflection, helping you to check your actions against this Code of Conduct:

• Do my actions align with the values, mission and aims of JEWLIF, including our unambiguous commitment to actively combating antisemitism as defined by the IHRA?
• Am I conscientiously observing all relevant legal provisions and our internal association rules?
• Am I making decisions free from improper private or otherwise extraneous interests and solely in the best and properly understood interest of JEWLIF?
• Would my actions withstand critical and fair scrutiny by outsiders and help to preserve and strengthen the good reputation and integrity of JEWLIF?
• Can I fully reconcile my actions with my own conscience and our shared values?

If you can answer all of these questions with a clear and confident yes, your actions are very likely in line with this Code of Conduct. Where you feel uncertain or have doubts or questions, please proactively seek a conversation with the contacts named below.

Measures in the event of breaches: JEWLIF will follow up on every credible indication of a possible breach of this Code of Conduct, in particular antisemitic statements or actions as defined by the IHRA, as well as other serious forms of discrimination or misconduct, consistently, fairly and promptly. The aim is to create clarity through a transparent and comprehensible process and, where a breach is established, to find an appropriate response that is also intended to bring about a change in behaviour. Depending on the severity and nature of the breach, the measures can range from a clarifying and cautionary conversation and a formal warning to steps under employment law (for employees), exclusion from the association or from events, and the immediate termination of cooperations or project funding.

Who to contact with questions or about breaches

If you have questions about this Code of Conduct, are unsure how to behave in a particular situation, or notice a possible breach or are affected by one yourself, please turn with confidence at any time to:

• The General Secretariat of JEWLIF at the central email address: gs@jewlif.org
• Your direct contact person within the association
• An independent trusted representative or ombudsperson (contact details to follow, where established)

Every report and every enquiry is treated with the utmost confidentiality and sensitivity. No one will suffer any disadvantage for reporting a possible breach or asking for clarification in good faith and responsibly.

A living document: our shared path

This Code of Conduct is an expression of our shared will and our deep commitment to making JEWLIF a place of respect, safety, integrity and positive Jewish engagement in Europe. It is not meant as a rigid set of rules set in stone, but as a living document that should grow with us, adapt to new challenges and benefit from our shared experience. Your feedback, your suggestions and your critical engagement are therefore warmly welcome and expressly invited at any time.

Let us live these values together, bring them to life and defend them with conviction, for a strong, diverse, confident and safe Jewish life in Europe!