European Rabbis Confront Antisemitism and Community Challenges at Jerusalem Conference

From January 25 to 27, 2025, approximately 300 Orthodox rabbis from across Europe convened in Jerusalem for the Conference of European Rabbis (CER) annual convention. Originally scheduled for Baku, Azerbaijan, the event was relocated due to credible terror threats, following an incident in January where three individuals were arrested for allegedly planning an attack on the Israeli embassy in Baku. The conference, themed “Identity, connection and unity in a changing world,” marked the 70th anniversary of the CER, which was established to rebuild Jewish religious life in Europe post-Holocaust.

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Discussions at the conference highlighted significant concerns regarding the future of Jewish life in Europe, particularly in the wake of the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel. Rabbis addressed the escalating antisemitism, legal restrictions on Jewish practices, and internal community divisions. Rabbi Pinchas Goldschmidt, CER president, noted that while larger communities are thriving culturally, smaller communities are struggling. The frequency of antisemitic incidents has surged, with 96% of Jews in Europe reporting at least one incident annually prior to October 2023.

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Some rabbis expressed frustration with the Israeli government, claiming it has neglected the needs of European Jewry. Gady Gronich, CER director general, criticized Diaspora Affairs Minister Amichai Chikli for aligning with far-right European parties, stating, “I told Chikli we feel like Europe isn’t on his map.” This sentiment reflects a growing disconnect between European Jewish communities and Israeli leadership.

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Legal challenges to fundamental Jewish rituals, such as kosher slaughter and circumcision, were also a focal point. In Switzerland, kosher slaughter has been banned since 1893, and recent legislation in Belgium poses significant obstacles to kosher practices. Belgian MP Michael Freilich emphasized the need for clearer regulations regarding circumcision, which has faced scrutiny from authorities. Rabbi Goldschmidt noted that opposition to these rituals often stems from broader anti-immigration sentiments, with Jews becoming “collateral damage.”

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The conference also addressed the dynamics within Jewish communities, where theological differences and competition for resources can lead to conflict. In cities like Warsaw and Prague, rivalries among Orthodox, Reform, and Chabad communities have emerged. Conversely, some communities, such as in Düsseldorf, exemplify peaceful coexistence among different Jewish denominations.

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Migration trends indicate a complex response to rising antisemitism. In France, Rabbi Daniel Dahan reported an increase in middle-aged families considering emigration to Israel, driven by concerns for their children's future. Meanwhile, some Israelis have moved to France seeking stability post-October 7.

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Rabbis at the conference emphasized the need for a sustainable Jewish identity that transcends merely combating antisemitism. Rabbi Noam Hertig of Zurich articulated that a community must be engaging and meaningful to retain its members. “Continuation can’t be just for the sake of continuation,” he stated, underscoring the importance of Jewish education and community engagement.

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• “This was the first time we ever held the conference in Israel, and it has helped to strengthen Israeli ties to Europe,” — Rabbi Pinchas Goldschmidt, CER President

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• “I told Chikli we feel like Europe isn’t on his map,” — Gady Gronich, CER Director General

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• “A Jewish identity built solely on a negative definition like ‘fighting hate’ is unsustainable,” — Rabbi Noam Hertig, Zurich Chief Rabbi

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The conference served as a critical platform for European rabbis to address the multifaceted challenges facing their communities, emphasizing the need for unity and proactive measures to ensure the vitality of Jewish life in Europe.

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