Rabbis from Muslim Countries Including Iran Attend Historic EU Conference in Brussels

A historic conference of rabbis from Muslim-majority countries was held in Brussels, the capital of the European Union, under the invitation of the EU leadership. The event took place in the European Parliament building and included participation from prominent rabbis such as Iran's Chief Rabbi Yehuda Gerami, alongside rabbis from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Nigeria, Albania, Gibraltar, Azerbaijan, Tunisia, Morocco, Tanzania, and Belgium. The conference was organized and led by Rabbi Menachem Mendel Hitrik of Turkey, chairman of the Union of Rabbis in Islamic Countries.

During the conference, the rabbis met with senior EU officials, including European Commissioner for Home Affairs Magnus Berner, Croatian politician Dubravka Šuica, European Commissioner for Health Oliver Várhelyi, and various diplomats and members of the European Parliament. Discussions focused on the challenges faced by Jewish communities in Muslim countries, with particular attention to the approximately 20,000 Jews living in Iran. EU officials expressed interest in religious freedom for Jewish communities and pledged to maintain ongoing communication with the rabbis.

Dubravka Šuica praised the rabbis for demonstrating how Jewish life can coexist and flourish alongside Muslim majorities, citing historical examples such as the ancient Sephardic synagogue in Dubrovnik. She emphasized the EU's commitment to combating discrimination, persecution, and violence against minorities. The rabbis exchanged ideas on improving kosher certification, mikvahs, Jewish marriage, and burial services, sharing best practices across communities.

The conference also featured participation from Nikolay Mladenov, CEO of the Trump Peace Council, and Arie Lichtstein from the Peace Council. EU coordinator for combating antisemitism and promoting Jewish life, Katharina von Schnurbein, highlighted the EU's dedication to eradicating antisemitism and supporting Jewish communities across Europe. She shared her personal motivation rooted in Holocaust survivor testimonies and pledged to ensure Jews can openly wear kippot in European streets. The event concluded with the presentation of a commemorative gift from the Union of Rabbis in Islamic Countries to the EU dignitaries.

This unprecedented gathering marks a significant step in fostering dialogue and cooperation between Jewish communities in Muslim countries and European institutions, aiming to strengthen Jewish life and religious freedom in these regions.