Building Bridges in Turbulent Times

IMPAC’s Vision for Coexistence and the Fight Against Antisemitism

By Nigel Goodrich

I am often asked how we champion dialogue between communities while firmly opposing extremism. For progressive Jews valuing both shalom and the battle against antisemitism, this question is at the heart of our work.

IMPAC was founded in 2019 by Patricia Teitelbaum and me. As an international NGO, we advance human rights, social justice, freedom of religion or belief, tolerance, and mutual understanding. We combat disinformation, extremism, and discrimination through advocacy at European institutions, interfaith initiatives, education, and policy. Brussels serves as our laboratory for practical coexistence – concrete action that protects Jewish communities while promoting justice (tzedek, tzedek tirdof – justice, justice you shall pursue).

Our approach rests on two inseparable truths. Antisemitism is a live virus that mutates across ideologies – far-right conspiracies, far-left denial of Jewish self-determination, and Islamist glorification of violence – threatening pluralistic societies. Its only sustainable antidote is education, dialogue, and accountability, tools that also combat other forms of hatred and radicalisation. Fighting antisemitism and extremism are one and the same.

In 2019, our campaign against Belgium’s Aalst Carnival gathered over 24,000 signatures for a UNESCO petition after the event featured grotesque antisemitic floats. This contributed to the carnival’s delisting as Intangible Cultural Heritage. It was never about cancelling tradition but insisting cultural heritage cannot shield hate.

In March 2026, we organised and moderated a major conference in the European Parliament - “Combating Antisemitism in Europe by Confronting Extremism", co-chaired by Bert-Jan Ruissen MEP and Ernest Herzog (World Jewish Congress). Over 240 people attended, with speakers from Jewish, Christian, Muslim, Druze, Yazidi, Iranian, and Kurdish communities, including HE Imam M. Tawhidi. We examined radical ideologies in schools, campuses, and online spaces, calling for scrutiny of polarising educational materials and EU funding to hate-platforming groups."

We take the same balanced approach to the Israel-Palestinian conflict: condemning terrorism, hostage-taking, and radicalisation while supporting security and dignity for both Israelis and Palestinians. We spotlight groups like Samidoun and work to dismantle hatred on all sides.

Education remains central. Our report Shaping Minds, Shaping Society urges digital literacy, critical thinking, and accurate history in Belgian schools, including the Holocaust and Jewish self-determination.

We mark UN observances with interfaith events and stand with persecuted minorities worldwide. Collaborating with major Jewish organisations, we have protested antisemitic exhibitions in various Parliaments

In turbulent times, IMPAC rejects simplistic slogans for the harder path of honest dialogue paired with moral clarity. We insist that protecting Jewish life in Europe and fostering genuine coexistence with our Muslim and Arab neighbours are mutually reinforcing goals.

To progressive Jews building a bridge – gesher – between safety and solidarity, IMPAC is your partner. Join us through joint events, educational initiatives, or advocacy in European institutions. True coexistence demands courage: the courage to name hatred and the courage to build bridges – livnot g'sharim – anyway. This work is as essential as it is sacred.

Nigel Goodrich is General Secretary and Co-Founder, International Movement for Peace and Coexistence (IMPAC)