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The Conference of European Rabbis federates Jewish religious leaders in over 40 European countries and includes all the continent's chief rabbis and senior rabbinical judges. The CER holds consultancy status as an international non-governmental organisation at the Council of Europe and within the institutions of the European Union.

A Statement from the Conference of European Rabbis BRUSSELS - 19-Jan-12 In recent weeks we have seen two disappointing extremes at different ends of the Jewish spectrum. In Israel, an insular and self absorbed community showed no respect for anyone falling outside of their bubble and in Amsterdam, a community that is too concerned with what their secular peers believe, has penalised their Chief Rabbi for re stating the Torah’s opposition to same sex unions. As contemporary traditional Jews we have an obligation to uphold Torah values whilst living as responsible citizens. The Conference of European Rabbis is already in talks with the Community and will be sending a representative to meet ... more

European Rabbis call for protection of Religious Freedoms in Egypt Brussels - 12-Jan-12 The Conference of European Rabbis has called on the government of Egypt to ensure the protection of religious rights after Egypt advised Jewish pilgrims not to visit the country for an annual pilgrimage at the grave of a saintly rabbi. CER President Chief Rabbi Pinchas Goldschmidt said that protecting the rights of non-Muslim groups in Egypt “is the ultimate test of the success of the Arab Spring and the progress of democracy and human rights” in the country. “The world is looking at how Egypt protects the rights of all religious minorities in the country. To now describe as ‘inappropriate’ a peaceful ... more

European Jews Mourn Passing of Vaclav Havel Brussels - 18-Dec-11 Vaclav Havel with Prague Chief Rabbi and fellow Charta 77 signatory, Rabbi Karol Sidon The Conference of European Rabbis mourns the passing of Václav Havel, the former president of Czechoslovakia and the Czech Republic and a longstanding fighter for human rights. In a letter to the president of the Czech Republic, Václav Klaus, CER President Chief Rabbi Pinchas Goldschmidt described Havel as “the emblematic symbol of peaceful change from totalitarianism to democracy” in eastern and central Europe.” “Václav Havel always recognised the importance of cultural freedom as being indispensable from political freedom. He was a longstanding friend of Israel and of the Jewish People and we deeply mourn his loss,” Rabbi Goldschmidt said. Havel passed away on ... more