“Stop this Madness and protect our Freedom of Religion”
The Chairman of the European Jewish Association (EJA) Rabbi Menachem Margolin and dozens of Jewish Leaders from Communities all over Europe, including the Presidents of Paris, Milan, Madrid, Barcelona, Porto and Amsterdam today published an open letter to European, EU and Belgian Political leaders urging them to act against a Belgian prosecutor’s attempt to criminalize circumcision and to protect Freedom of Religion.
“All the words of politicians about the importance of Jewish life in Europe mean nothing if they do not act immediately to stop this injustice,” said the Leaders.
The letter comes as Antwerp Public Prosecutor’s Office intends to refer two Jewish ritual circumcisers, known as mohels, to the correctional court, effectively criminalizing the act of circumcision. The Mohels, extensively trained in religious circumcision, are not doctors.
In their letter, the Jewish Leaders said:
“We are horrified that the Antwerp Public Prosecutor’s Office intends to refer two Jewish ritual circumcisers, known as mohels, to the correctional court, effectively criminalizing the act of circumcision. In many countries a solution has been found that balances freedom of religion. In France, Holland and Germany for instance. We believe therefore, based on the Belgian authorities’ outright refusal to seek an accomodation, that this prosecution is antisemitic in nature, reminiscent of efforts taken in Europe against Jewish practice prior to the Second World War. That the same prosecutor’s office has too often closed clear cases of antisemitism but is now choosing to act against Jewish life itself confirms this belief.
We remind belgium that Freedom of religion is a fundamental right. This decision stands in direct contradiction to it. The message being sent here is clear: Jews are no longer welcome in Belgium. And Belgian jews are now Second class citizens with limited rights. Circumcision has been shown throughout decades of medical research to not be harmful to baby boys. In fact it has medical benefits – which is why so many people choose to circumcise their children outside of religion. Attacking circumcision in this manner – only when it relates to Jewish babies, is an attack on Jewish life in Europe.
All the words of politicians about the importance of Jewish life in Europe mean nothing if they do not act immediately to stop this injustice. We urge them and the Belgian Government to stop this madness. Circumcision is not a crime.”
