Description
Statistical data of 2010 indicate that 17% of pre-trial investigations concerning hate crimes were directly related to anti-Semitism and/or xenophobia. It is likely that even more hate crimes remained unreported because NGOs possess low capacity to look after the entire public space, including e-space, while society lacks knowledge in identifying and reporting occurrence of hate and intolerance driven expressions. Project aims to implement promotional campaign for democratic values, tolerance towards ethnic minorities and against xenophobia as well as enhance capacity in identifying hate and xenophobia driven expressions in public space. To achieve this project promoter intends to create social space “Bagel shop” designated to hold various types of events and raise public awareness of anti-Semitism and xenophobia. To make this social space visible “Bagel” awards “For tolerance promoting behaviour in society” are intended to be established. Project promoter will also create a tool and methodology for monitoring public space in regards to tolerance and xenophobia driven expressions. Target groups: ethnic minorities, NGOs, media, society at large.
Summary of project results
People of other races or ethnicities and other faiths are the most frequent victims of hate speech and hate crimes in Lithuania. Statistical data of 2010 show that 36 of 213 pre-trial investigations initiated over criminal acts of this kind were connected with incitement of anti-Semitism, and hatred towards different ethnic groups. NGOs as well as relevant state authorities often lack competence and capacity to react properly to those cases or engage in awareness raising activities to prevent similar acts in the future. The main goal of the project was to encourage tolerance and stop the sowing of anti-Semitism and other forms of hate. The project promoter has completed three types of activities: a) Monitoring of the public space. Monitoring of the most popular websites in the attempt to identify expressions of hate and intolerance. Results from the monitoring were analyzed and used in seeking more effective methods for controlling these sorts of expressions. b) Public campaign "Be Different". During this part of the project, for the first time ever in Lithuania "Bagel" nominations have been made for acts or behavior encouraging tolerance in society. Discussions have been also organized on topical human rights issues. A Bagel Shop Club was established on the premises of the Lithuanian Jewish Community, a space for generating and implementing ideas fostering tolerance. Continuous updates of useful information have been provided on the Lithuanian Jewish Community website
www.lzb.lt, the Community's Facebook page and via newsletter. c) Increasing organizational abilities. The activities of this group included different thematic training classes and seminars which increased the organizational potential of the Lithuanian Jewish Community and raised its profile among other Lithuanian NGOs and among the public. Project participant exchanges and visits by Norwegian partners were arranged, as joint events. It is evident that this project has made an impact on the society and NGOs in Lithuania as the effects of this will most likely continue beyond the project.
Summary of bilateral results
Project partner – Jewish Community of Oslo has cooperated in building new partnerships with Norwegian NGO’s in the field of protection of human rights, participated in capacity building seminar and “Beigel” award ceremony, exchanged experience in organizing tolerance campaigns, cooperated in spreading the good experience in Norwegian press, participated in project’s social media and organized educational visit for Lithuanian Jewish Community members in Norway. This partnership provided a possibility to have a look at the activity of Jewish Community of Oslo in a wider context. Based on this new experience Lithuanian Jewish Community is planning to take over the good experiences and practices in Lithuanian Jewish Community’s social centre, in working with youth and religious groups. Thanks to the project the cooperation with the partner Jewish Community of Oslo will continue further beyond the deadline of this project.