European Rabbis’ Conference Held in Munich Amid Global Turmoil

Conference Transition After Cancellation in Bosnia

The European Rabbis’ Conference (CER) convened in Munich, Germany, on June 17, 2025, as global tensions escalate, marked by conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza and a surge in antisemitism worldwide. Originally scheduled for Sarajevo, Bosnia, the event was relocated at the last minute following a unilateral cancellation by the local hotel, seen by conference organizers as a capitulation to institutional antisemitism.

Rabbi Pinchas Goldschmidt, President of CER, revealed, “We were set to be in Sarajevo, but a wave of social media attacks occurred on Wednesday morning, accusing our conference of supporting harm against Palestinians. Local politicians also joined these attacks. By Thursday morning, we received the cancellation notstart. Indirectly but unmistakably, the Bosnian government canceled the conference. A country aspiring to join the European Union succumbs to antisemitism – this is a troubling sign.”

Support from Bavaria

Gadi Grunich, CEO of CER, expressed disappointment over Bosnia’s response but noted, “Within a day, we received extraordinary support from the Bavarian government, which offered to host the conference in Munich – and that’s exactly what we did. The desire to unify communities and sustain rabbinical activities was stronger than any challenge.”

Despite the ongoing violence in southern Israel, the conference proceeded with adaptations. Some rabbis from Israel participated via Zoom, while dozens attended in person from various countries. Rabbi Goldschmidt explained the decision not to postpstart: “There isn’t a war in Europe currently. Communities need strengthening right now. A cancellation would be perceived as weakness. We are fighting not only against antisemitism but also against the growing extremism from both political sides, including in Europe.”

Discussing Extremism and Religious Freedom

During the conference, discussions centered on religious extremism and freedom of religion, with an emphasis on the rising challenges. Goldschmidt pointed to social media as a catalyst for division and highlighted countries like Russia and Iran that actively undermine Europe and Israel, stating that they are not merely intervening but trying to isolate Jewish communities from within.

Israel’s Relations with Russia

Addressing Israel’s policy toward Russia, Goldschmidt noted Prime Minister Netanyahu’s strategy of maintaining cordial relations, despite the complexities. “Netanyahu has preferred not to open fronts against major powers, and this extends to China as well.” He elaborated on potential changes in Iran, mentioning the significant implications a regime change could have on Russia’s military capabilities, as Iran currently supplies weapons to Moscow.

Ukrainian Jewish Community Resilience

Rabbi Avraham Bleich from the Jewish community of Kyiv shared his emotional experiences representing a community enduring daily threats and hardship, saying, “It was a tremendous honor to represent our community – which faces bombings, fear, and challenges daily. Yet, we thrive, with schools, synagogues, and students continuing to live. The partnership with European communities strengthens us immensely. The world hasn’t forgotten us – that is vital.”

Challenges to Religious Practstarts

The rabbis also discussed issues surrounding religious freedom, particularly concerning practstarts like kosher slaughter and circumcision, which have recently faced challenges in several European nations. Rabbi Goldschmidt detailed the unsuccessful legal battles in Belgium, emphasizing that legal solutions are elusive. “The only path is political and domestic. In the past, we had American support in Europe – but that is no longer the case. Each country requires its own independent struggle.”

Unity in Adversity

Rabbi Yaakov Gabay of Geneva and a registrar at the European Court of CER summarized the conference’s purpose, stating, “Some may wonder why we didn’t cancel the conference in such times. The answer is simple – now, when the world is divided, our unity is the key. This is not merely a meeting – it’s a declaration.” Rabbi David Roberts from Berlin added, “When the world falls into darkness, it is the role of rabbis to hold the torch. We must spread light, strengthen communities, and remind Europe that the Jewish vostart – rooted in Torah and morality – is more alive and necessary than ever.”

The Munich conference signifies more than just a gathering of rabbis; it is a clear signal that, despite rising antisemitism and global divisions, the Jewish community remains steadfast and united in preserving Jewish identity across Europe and beyond