Calls grow for resignation of Commission coordinator who tried to shut down humanitarian action for Palestinians

A grassroots charity initiative by EUStaff4Peace which involved baking cakes and cooking meals to raise funds for the people of Gaza has been strongly condemned by one of the European Commission’s highest officials tasked with combating anti-Semitism, in another embarrassing episode for the EU amid Israel’s genocide.

The initiative saw EU civil servants and retired staff voluntarily preparing food, from pies to kebabs, with all proceeds intended for humanitarian relief in Gaza following the devastation suffered at the hands of Israel.

Yet Katharina von Schnurbein, the European Commission’s Coordinator for Combating Anti-Semitism and Promoting Jewish Life, took a deeply troubling stance.

According to a leaked diplomatic cable, Von Schnurbein described the charity event as evidence of “pervasive anti-Semitism” and suggested that such solidarity actions create a “hostile atmosphere” for Jews.

This chilling attempt to delegitimise peaceful, humanitarian action in support of Palestinians triggered immediate backlash from elected representatives across the EU.

A public letter has since been signed by 26 Members of the European Parliament from the Greens, the Left, Socialists, and Liberals, calling for Von Schnurbein’s immediate dismissal, stating that her actions “go far beyond the mandate” of her office and “undermine” the fight against actual anti-Semitism.

Von Schnurbein’s comments reflect a broader, more dangerous trend: the deliberate conflation of legitimate criticism of Israel’s policies – including its ongoing massacre of civilians in Gaza – with anti-Semitism.

This cynical tactic has long been used to suppress dissent and silence solidarity with Palestinians, even when that solidarity takes the form of a simple cake sale.

In a statement, EUStaff4Peace expressed deep concern over Von Schnurbein’s alleged remarks and called on her to clearly deny or retract her position. The group has continued its charitable actions, including a similar event held this week at the EU’s External Action Service.

Meanwhile, the European Jewish Congress rushed to Von Schnurbein’s defense, calling the outrage against her an “unfounded campaign” and praising her nearly decade-long tenure. The European Commission declined to comment on what it called “unconfirmed leaks from a closed meeting.”

At a time when Gaza lies in ruins, a top EU official has chosen to target those showing basic human decency toward Palestinians. In doing so, she has not only discredited her mandate, but also fuelled the growing perception that the EU protects Israeli impunity at any cost.

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