A Blow for Europe

By COLlive reporter

President of the European Parliament Jerzy Buzek hosted a reception for the Jewish New Year on Wednesday, 21 September, 2011 in the Parliament building in Brussels.

It was organized by the European Jewish Union (EJU), the European Jewish Community Centre (EJCC) and the European Jewish Public Affairs (EJPA).

Gazing at a child named Shalom whose birthday was celebrated that day, Buzek said: “‘Shalom’ is not only a name but also a wish – that of “peace.” This is our duty as today’s generation, that when Shalom grows up, he will live in a world of tolerance and peace.”

Buzek was presented with a gold-plated Shofar by Italy’s Head Shliach Rabbi Gershon Mendel Garelik, CEO of the European Jewish Union Tomer Orni, its Vice President Vadim Rabinovitch, and the master of ceremonies Rabbi Levi Matusof.

Upon wishing him that “the Sound of Europe should be heard loud and clear,” the president of the parliament suggested to give it a try.

In front of a joyful crowd of over 600 including some 50 members of the parliament and diplomats from 16 countries, Buzek displayed his Shofar blowing skills.

Referring to Rosh Hashana as a time for reflection on the past, Buzek added: “it is also a time of optimism for the year to come. Last year saw many changes in the world, especially in the Middle East where the Arab Spring has brought a new hope – that peace can finally be achieved in the region.”

A proper sounding of the Shofar was later sounded by Rabbi Avi Tawil, co-director of the European Jewish Community Centre.

Mrs. Nehama Tawil, co-director of the EJCC, said in her opening remarks, “We are proud to belong to a Europe where all cultures have a respectful platform, not only to exercise their rights but also to share their joyous holidays with the extended European family.”

Orni announced the scheduled elections in October for the “European Jewish Parliament,” a democratically elected Jewish representative body in Europe. He also notified the launching of “Jewish New One,” a 24-hour worldwide satellite TV channel.

An exhibition “Polin: Thousand Years of Jews in Poland” was presented by the Polish Museum of the History of Polish Jews (MHPJ) under the Patronage of Polish Presidency of the European Council.

Corinne Evens, President of the European Association for the Polish Museum, urged the European Community to support the museum and to turn it into one of the greatest museums of the world.

She thanked the Polish authorities and the EP President, former Polish Prime Minister for their partnership and engagement in this educational project.

Jan Tombinski, Poland’s Ambassador to the EU and Representative of the Polish Presidency to the EU, praised the great work of the Polish Museum and thanked the Jewish Communities in Europe and in the world for helping the Museum to keep alive the memory of the history of Polish Jews who left a strong mark in the roots of the country.