Europe in the 21st century faces complex challenges involving identity, culture, migration, security, and social resilience. Within this reality, an increasing debate has emerged regarding the continent’s cultural roots and its ability to preserve the democratic and liberal values upon which it was built. One of the central subjects in this discussion is the role of Jewish heritage, whose contribution to the development of Western civilisation in general - and Christianity in particular - is immense, though not always sufficiently recognised.

Christianity, the religion that has shaped Europe more than any other faith for nearly two thousand years, emerged from the Jewish world. Jesus, his first disciples, the authors of the New Testament, and most of the key figures of early Christianity were Jewish. The Hebrew Bible, referred to by Christians as the Old Testament, remains an integral part of Christian scripture. In practical terms, Christianity as we know it today could not have existed without its Jewish foundations.

The Jewish Foundations of Western Civilization

Jewish heritage introduced a number of revolutionary ideas that eventually became cornerstones of modern Western society. These include the sanctity of human life, personal responsibility for one’s actions, the rule of law, social justice, the obligation to care for the vulnerable, and the belief that all human beings are created in the image of God.

These principles were adopted by Christianity, spread throughout Europe, and became deeply embedded in the moral and legal framework of Western societies. Modern concepts such as human rights, freedom of conscience, and equality before the law have also been influenced significantly by the Judeo-Christian tradition.

For centuries, these values provided the foundation for the development of legal systems, educational institutions, universities, and social structures that transformed Europe into one of the most influential centers of human civilization.

Jewish-Christian Relations: Beyond a History of Conflict

The shared history of Jews and Christians has included difficult periods marked by persecution, discrimination, and antisemitism. However, following the Second World War, a profound shift occurred in the relationship between major Christian denominations and Judaism. Increasingly, Christian leaders emphasized that Judaism is not merely an ancient religion but also the spiritual root of Christianity itself.

In recent decades, numerous Jewish-Christian dialogue initiatives have been established throughout Europe. Rabbis, priests, scholars, and public leaders work together to strengthen mutual understanding and deepen awareness of their shared heritage.

This trend is not solely a religious matter. It is also connected to a broader question: how can Europe preserve its cultural and moral identity in a rapidly changing world?

Europe’s Identity Crisis

Many scholars argue that Europe has experienced an identity crisis in recent decades. Accelerated secularization, declining religious influence, globalization, and large-scale migration have created a situation in which segments of European society struggle to define the common values that unite them.

When a society loses contact with its historical and cultural roots, it may find it more difficult to defend the institutions and principles upon which it is built. Such circumstances can create fertile ground for the influence of various forms of extremism - religious, political, or ideological.

In this context, many believe that strengthening awareness of the Judeo-Christian heritage can help build a stronger civic and cultural identity, one based not on the exclusion of others but on a deeper understanding of its own origins.

The Challenge of Islamist Extremism

It is important to distinguish between Islam as a religion, practiced peacefully by hundreds of millions of people around the world, and extremist Islamist movements that seek to advance radical political ideologies and, in some cases, promote violence.

Over the past decades, Europe has experienced a number of terrorist attacks carried out by organizations or individuals influenced by jihadist extremist ideologies. These events have sparked extensive public debate regarding how to address radicalization and prevent the emergence of isolated communities disconnected from democratic values.

Most experts agree that combating extremism cannot rely solely on police forces, intelligence services, or military measures. It also requires strengthening a shared civic identity, investing in education, promoting social integration, and reinforcing democratic values.

Within this framework, many view the Judeo-Christian heritage as an important source of values such as tolerance, personal responsibility, respect for the rule of law, and religious freedom - principles that can serve as a barrier against extremist ideologies seeking to undermine democratic institutions.

Shared Heritage as a Source of Resilience

The study of Jewish heritage is not merely an exercise in looking back at the past. It is also a tool for shaping the future. When students in Europe learn about the Hebrew Bible, Jewish history, and the contributions of Jewish communities to science, medicine, philosophy, economics, and culture, they gain a broader understanding of the foundations of the society in which they live.

This knowledge can strengthen a sense of connection to universal values that have evolved over centuries. It can also help combat antisemitism, which often serves as a gateway to other forms of hatred and extremism.

Numerous studies suggest that societies with a clear civic identity and strong cultural confidence are better equipped to cope with challenges related to migration, radicalization, and social polarization.

Lessons from History

European history demonstrates that abandoning fundamental values can have devastating consequences. During the twentieth century, Europe experienced both Nazism and totalitarian communism - two ideologies that caused unprecedented destruction.

Following the Second World War, many European nations chose to rebuild their societies on the foundations of democracy, human rights, religious freedom, and human dignity. These principles are closely connected to the Judeo-Christian tradition that helped shape their development.

For this reason, many argue that preserving historical memory and cultural heritage is not merely an academic endeavor but a strategic necessity.

Balancing Openness with the Protection of Values

Modern Europe is built upon openness, pluralism, and freedom of religion. These principles allow people of different faiths and backgrounds to live together within a common framework.

However, pluralism does not require the abandonment of identity. A society can respect diverse religions and cultures while also preserving the traditions and values upon which it was established.

Therefore, the discussion surrounding Judeo-Christian heritage should not be framed as opposition to any particular religion or community. Rather, it should be viewed as an effort to strengthen the cultural and moral foundations of European society. The stronger and clearer these foundations are, the better equipped Europe will be to confront all forms of extremism - religious, political, or social.

Conclusion

Jewish heritage constitutes one of the central pillars upon which Christianity was built and, consequently, a significant component of European and Western civilization. Values such as justice, moral responsibility, human dignity, and the rule of law were transmitted from Judaism to Christianity and subsequently influenced the development of modern democratic institutions.

At a time when Europe faces challenges related to identity, migration, and extremism, strengthening awareness of its Judeo-Christian roots may contribute to social cohesion, cultural resilience, and the protection of democratic values. This is not about opposing other religions or limiting their rights, but about recognizing that a society that understands and respects its own heritage is better prepared to meet the challenges of the future.

Ultimately, preserving the Judeo-Christian heritage is not merely an act of honoring the past. It is also an investment in Europe’s future as a free, democratic, and secure society.