The European Jewish Congress (EJC) called on Monday upon the European Union member states to strengthen the existing legislation against racism and anti-Semitism.

The call follows the desecration of the Holocaust Memorial in Berlin as well as recent acts of anti-Semitism in countries around Europe, the Paris-based European Jewish body said.

German police said Saturday they were investigating the desecration of Berlin’s memorial to the Jews murdered during the Nazi era, after a caretaker for the monument discovered 11 Nazi swastikas on seven of the memorial’s pillars.

In July, a 28-year-old man was arrested by police after spray-painting anti-Semitic graffiti on the memorial. Vandalism has been reported there several times.

“We urge the European Union leadership to implement the legislation against racism and anti-Semitism and to promote a policy of tolerance and education in the European Union. This is the most fitting response,” said Moshe Kantor, president of the European Jewish Congress.

“Condemnations of these attacks need to be backed up by strong actions and governmental policies. The EJC is committed to developing tools and educational programs that encourage tolerance and understanding in Europe.”

The EJC President added: “The lessons of the Holocaust are universal ones, which serve to remind all of humankind of the dangers inherent with hatred, intolerance and ignorance.”

Inaugurated in 2005 and located in the heart of the German capital, the Holocaust Memorial to the 6 million Jews of Europe murdered during WWII, is a field of more than 2,700 gray concrete slabs situated close to Berlin’s Brandenburg Gate.