A landmark conference in Krakow brought together nearly 250 rabbonim and shluchim from across the continent to affirm the strength of Jewish life in Europe and confront the urgent threat of rising antisemitism. The conference also marked 25 years since the establishment of the Rabbinical Center of Europe (RCE).
The Rabbinical Center of Europe (RCE) marked its 25th anniversary with a landmark gathering this week in Krakow, Poland, bringing together close to 250 rabbonim from across the continent. The event emphasized the vitality of Jewish life in Europe while issuing a powerful call to confront the rising tide of antisemitism.
One of the most moving moments of the conference was a visit to the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration and extermination camp. Hundreds of rabbonim walked the grounds, reciting tefillos in memory of the kedoshim and delivering a strong message of Jewish endurance: “No more silence.”
Reflecting on this poignant experience, Rabbi Menachem Lazar, shliach in Rome, shared, “After two days spent in the company of rabbis from all over Europe, visiting the cemetery of Krakow and the Auschwitz camp, I return to Rome with the feeling of having touched with my own hands the living memory of immense pain, but also the strength of hope and resilience. An experience that leaves a profound mark, difficult to express in words, and that recalls the duty of witness and responsibility.”
Rabbi Menachem Margolin, Chairman of the RCE, affirmed the commitment of European rabbis, stating, “Rabbis across Europe will continue to fight with strength and determination to preserve Jewish life on this continent. We call on Europe’s leaders to stand behind their words with real action.”
Rabbi Mendy Chitrik, the Ashkenazi Head Rabbi of Turkiye and Chairman of the Alliance of Rabbis in Islamic States, highlighted the unifying nature of the gathering, remarking, “Bringing rabbis of all different backgrounds and countries… finding so many rabbis of various backgrounds in one room was truly remarkable, and a good measuring point for the depth and vitality of the RCE for the future of Jewish life in Europe and beyond.”
Merkaz Rabbanai Europa (Rabbinical Center of Europe) is the leading umbrella organization for over 800 rabbis across the continent. It supports religious leaders, promotes religious rights, and advocates for stronger partnerships between European governments and faith communities.
A notable moment during the conference was the presentation of a prestigious award to Duvi Honig, Founder and CEO of the Orthodox Jewish Chamber of Commerce, in recognition of his work in Jewish advocacy, economic empowerment, and communal responsibility. The award was presented by Merkaz Rabbanai Europa in the presence of Israel’s Chief Rabbis, Rabbi Yitzchak Yosef and Rabbi Kalman Ber, alongside leading rabbonim from Europe, the U.S., and Israel.
The Orthodox Jewish Chamber of Commerce is an international nonprofit that connects faith-based communities with economic and policy platforms. In his remarks, Honig described the award as “a symbol of unity and shared responsibility between the Orthodox Jewish Chamber of Commerce and Merkaz Rabbanai Europa for the wellbeing of Klal Yisrael.” Rabbi Menachem Margolin praised Honig’s leadership, noting his unique ability to “connect Torah values with effective public service” and his dedication to “protecting and empowering Jewish communities.”
The Rabbinical Center of Europe’s 25th-anniversary gathering in Krakow served as a powerful reminder of both the historical pain endured by the Jewish people and the ongoing need for vigilance and action in the face of contemporary challenges. The event underscored the vital role of the RCE in supporting Jewish life across Europe and its unwavering commitment to combating antisemitism.
Photo/video credit: Josh Aronson
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