European Jewish Groups Launch Medical Certification for Ritual Circumcision

In response to increasing attempts to restrict or ban ritual circumcision in Belgium and other European nations, the European Jewish Association (EJA) and the Rabbinical Centre of Europe (RCE) have announced the establishment of the Center of Excellence for Religious Circumcision (CERM). This initiative launches what is described as the first comprehensive medical and professional certification program for qualified ritual circumcisers outside of Israel.

The program aims to address legal and political challenges surrounding circumcision by enhancing medical and safety standards and implementing a structured oversight system. Oliver Varhelyi, the European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety, praised the initiative, stating that Jewish life and traditions are integral to Europe and that it is Europe's responsibility to ensure these ancient customs can continue under the highest standards of child welfare, medical safety, and professional responsibility.

Based in Brussels, CERM will provide supplementary medical and safety training, practical assessments, and professional certification for already trained circumcisers. The program will be supervised by an international network of urologists, pediatricians, physicians, and scientists, with a medical and scientific council overseeing clinical protocols, certification exams, and professional standards. CERM plans to collaborate with European health authorities to gain professional recognition for certified circumcisers, ensuring their competence is judged by rigorous medical and independent professional standards rather than political debate.

The curriculum covers all medical and safety aspects of circumcision, including infant assessment, hygiene, infection prevention, infant welfare, bleeding and wound care, complication identification, emergency response, infant resuscitation, and post-circumcision follow-up. The certification process will include practical exams, clinical scenarios, and emergency simulations, emphasizing the recognition of warning signs, professional boundaries, and knowing when to postpone the procedure or seek medical assistance.

Rabbi Menachem Margolin, chairman of both the EJA and RCE, stated that with growing challenges to performing the commandment of circumcision, the response must go beyond defending religious freedom. He emphasized the goal of creating the best professional framework to ensure its continuation, offering a comprehensive program for certified circumcisers outside Israel for the first time. Rabbi Margolin stressed the "excellence" sought by CERM, particularly concerning a child's safety, aiming for transparency and verifiable standards.

CERM's establishment follows years of legal and political disputes over circumcision in Europe, particularly in Belgium where the status of non-physician circumcisers faces significant uncertainty. The program is designed to strengthen medical safety, professional standards, and oversight, while helping Jewish communities maintain a fundamental aspect of Jewish life in Europe. Rabbi Margolin added that CERM offers a practical European solution to protect religious freedom by demanding and demonstrating excellence.