European rabbis present manifesto against antisemitism in Brussels
In Brussels, Belgium, the Conference of European Rabbis presented a seven-point manifesto, “A Call to End Violent Hatred.” The document calls on European governments not to limit themselves to the physical protection of Jewish institutions, but to counter the ideological and financial infrastructure that, according to its authors, contributes to growing hostility toward Jewish communities, reports the Jerusalem Post.
The manifesto was presented at the Representation of the Free State of Bavaria to the EU in the presence of politicians, officials and journalists. The president of the Conference of European Rabbis, Chief Rabbi Pinchas Goldschmidt, said that heightened security at Jewish schools and synagogues must not become a normal reality. According to him, the standard should be the ability of Jewish life to flourish openly, safely and with dignity, rather than merely survive behind protective barriers.
Proposals for religious institutions
The first point provides for the training and certification of religious leaders. In particular, religious figures arriving from abroad must meet minimum language requirements and understand democratic rights and responsibilities. The document also proposes introducing educational programs on freedom of religion and Holocaust remembrance, as well as allowing authorities to revoke visas, licenses or permits for clergy who incite hatred or glorify terrorism.
More current news is available on the UA.News Telegram channel Telegram.
Other provisions concern registers of major foreign donations to religious organizations, investigations into funding linked to extremist states or organizations, and the withdrawal of charitable status from entities that spread antisemitism or contribute to radicalization. The manifesto proposes standard external audits of places of worship and religious charities under the supervision of a recognized body. If grounds for concern arise, educational materials and staff should be checked.
Online space and public actions
The conference also proposes that every religious institution appoint a trained person responsible for community protection. This person should monitor hate incidents and warning signs, ensure reporting procedures and cooperate with police and civil society organizations.
A separate point is devoted to the internet: the document’s authors called for expanding the application of the EU Digital Services Act to enable stricter and faster regulation of incitement, as well as requiring technology companies to promptly remove such content. The sixth proposal provides for “zero tolerance” of antisemitic intimidation during public demonstrations, organizers’ liability in cases of repeated incitement, and bans on organizations that repeatedly glorify terrorism. The seventh proposal is the creation of a European Register of Responsible Institutions that publicly commit to complying with these standards.
