European Parliament Hosts Rare Gathering of Rabbis from Muslim Countries to Discuss Jewish Community Security

A unique conference recently took place at the European Parliament building in Brussels, bringing together rabbis from Muslim-majority countries worldwide to discuss the status and challenges facing Jewish communities. Among the notable attendees was the Chief Rabbi of Iran, Rabbi Yehuda Gerami, alongside rabbis from Asia, Africa, and Europe. The event was initiated and led by Rabbi Menachem Mendel Hitrik, chairman of the Union of Rabbis in Muslim Countries and a rabbi from Turkey.

During the conference, the rabbis met with several Members of the European Parliament, European Commissioners, and senior diplomats to highlight the needs of Jewish communities in Muslim countries and to emphasize religious freedom. European Union representatives included Magnus Berner, Commissioner for Home Affairs; Dubravka Šuica, Commissioner for the Mediterranean; and Oliver Văcărescu, Commissioner for Health. They expressed interest in the situation of Jewish communities, especially in Iran, and pledged ongoing cooperation with the Union of Rabbis to support Jewish life.

A key moment was when Commissioner Šuica shared the story of the ancient synagogue in Dubrovnik, Croatia, which survived earthquakes, wars, and sieges. She praised the rabbis for representing the coexistence of Jewish life within Muslim-majority societies and stressed the importance of opposing discrimination and violence against minorities.

The conference included rabbis from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Nigeria, Albania, Azerbaijan, Tunisia, Morocco, Tanzania, and Belgium, among others. They exchanged knowledge on Jewish religious practices such as kosher laws, ritual baths, marriage, and burial. EU coordinator for combating antisemitism, Katharina von Schnurbein, also addressed the participants, sharing her personal motivation to fight antisemitism and pledging support for Jewish communities. She presented the rabbis with kippahs bearing the EU emblem and committed to ensuring Jews can safely wear them throughout Europe and beyond.