As European Parliament President Martin Schulz is to host the annual EU Holocaust Remembrance day event in Brussels on Wednesdy, the European Coalition for Israel (ECI) launched an international ”Wear-A-Kippah” campaign in order to raise awareness about the current threat facing the Jewish communities in Europe.

The best way to honour the victims of the Holocaust this coming week is to make sure that Jews can live in safety and security in Europe today, knowing that they have the support of their fellow citizens, the ECI says.

‘’We cannot accept that Jewish communities in France and elsewhere in Europe have to live in fear 71 years after the liberation of Auschwitz, ‘’, states ECI Founding Director Tomas Sandell who expressed his concern over the resurgence of anti-Semitism in Europe.

He deplored the fact that after a Jewish teacher was stabbed by a 15 year old student in Marseille last week, some Jewish leaders have suggested that Jews should avoid wearing their kippah (the Jewish skullcap) in order to prevent any further attacks.

Sandell added : ‘’We will follow the example of the late King of Denmark, Christian X, who during the time of the Nazi-occupation of Denmark, responded to the threats that Jews should wear a yellow star by saying, "If the Jews have to wear a yellow star we will all wear it."

‘’We will wear a kippah in solidarity with the Jewish communities in Europe. As long as Jews are living in fear for wearing their religious symbols in Europe we are obliged to stand up in solidarity with them,’’ Sandell stated.

The campaign, which started on Sunday, will cover the International Holocaust Remembrance Day on Wednesday 27th January and come to a close next Sunday, encourages men to wear a kippah and post their photo on social media to raise awareness.

Women are encouraged to express their support in other ways, for example, by wearing a Jewish symbol or displaying the message #WearAKippah.

Local politicians and ministers are also asked to accept the challenge to wear a kippah and have their pictures taken in order to send a strong message to their communities.

People who do not own a kippah can buy one at the local synagogue or order one over the internet.

European Parliament President Martin Schulz has pledged to make the safety of Jews in Europe his number one priority during his presidency.