European Rabbis Urge Action on Antisemitism Ahead of High Holidays
Days before Rosh Hashanah, the Conference of European Rabbis (CER) held events in Brussels, issuing a stark warning to European leaders to move beyond condemnations and take concrete action against centers of incitement, extremism, and terrorism. The CER stated that expressions of concern are not a strategy and that increased security measures are proof of strategic failure.
These remarks were made in light of data presented at the event, indicating a sharp rise in attacks and attempted attacks by jihadist elements across Europe since October 7, 2023, with synagogues, educational institutions, and Jewish individuals frequently targeted. Rabbi Pinchas Goldschmidt, President of the CER, highlighted the normalization of heavy security around Jewish institutions, noting that "almost every Jewish school and synagogue in Europe today requires armed guards, steel fences, or concrete barriers." He warned that Europe's inability to protect its Jewish citizens means it cannot protect its values or all its citizens, stating, "Jews may be the first to be harmed, but they are never the last."
Shimon Cohen, a senior advisor to the CER, described the daily reality for Jews, including stringent security checks at synagogues and being advised not to wear a kippah in public in Brussels. The CER presented a manifesto with seven demands to EU interior ministers, including stricter oversight of foreign religious leaders, transparency in funding for religious institutions, monitoring of educational materials, and revoking benefits from institutions promoting incitement. They also proposed training community members to identify extremist use of religious texts and called for increased online enforcement, bans on pro-terrorist demonstrations, and prosecution of inciters.
Rabbi Goldschmidt also linked local boycotts against Israel to increased street-level antisemitism, arguing that when public officials endorse boycotts, it emboldens those who would harm Jews. He emphasized that this is not just Israel's struggle but a test of Europe's own values of freedom and democracy. Gadi Gronich, CEO of the CER, addressed the influence of the Muslim Brotherhood in Europe, claiming that some European countries are hesitant to confront the issue openly due to fear of uncovering a more disturbing reality.
During an annual reception, EU Commissioner Oliver Varhelyi affirmed the commitment to Jewish life in Europe, stating, "You belong here. Jewish life belongs here, and Europe is not Europe without its Jewish communities." He stressed that religious freedom includes the right to practice fundamental traditions like kosher slaughter and circumcision. European Parliament Vice-President Dr. Katarina Barley echoed concerns, stating that Jews fearing to wear a kippah or speak Hebrew in public should be a red flag for policymakers. Rabbi Goldschmidt concluded by urging European leaders to act, stating, "Europe has been warned. The time for declarations has passed, now is the time to act."
