Unusual Sight in Germany: Parliament Hosts 150 Rabbis

Rabbi Yehuda Teichtal of Berlin: “The Bundestag’s hospitality sends a clear message of Germany’s support for the Jewish people.”

In a rare and highly symbolic step during the ongoing war, the German parliament opened its doors to approximately 150 rabbis from across Europe.

The hall of the Bundestag in Berlin is not accustomed to such a sight: 150 rabbis from many European countries gathered in the parliament building today, invited by German authorities for a special event.

The rabbis—representing different communities and traditions throughout Europe—came together as part of a special conference organized by the Rabbinical Centre of Europe and hosted by Berlin’s Chief Rabbi, Rabbi Yehuda Teichtal. Seated around long tables beneath the building’s modern glass dome, they held discussions about the challenges facing Jewish communities across the continent: the rise in antisemitism, support for the people of Israel during the war, strengthening Jewish education, and outreach to the younger generation.

“To gather here in the Bundestag, 80 years after the Holocaust, is not something we take for granted,” Rabbi Teichtal said with emotion. “Germany is sending a clear and firm message of support for the Jewish people. No less importantly, it is a statement about the continued revival of the Jewish people and the flourishing of Jewish life in Germany in general, and in Berlin in particular.”

The event was seen as particularly symbolic against the backdrop of the war in Israel and the sharp rise in antisemitic incidents across Europe. Many participants noted that the very fact that the gathering took place in the German parliament represents “a powerful declaration of opposition to hatred and support for Jewish communities throughout Europe.”

Earlier in the day, the rabbis visited the famous Brandenburg Gate in the heart of Berlin.

“Am Yisrael Chai is not just a slogan,” Rabbi Teichtal said. “All these rabbis, who successfully lead their communities throughout Europe and who stand here today, are the best answer to the Nazis — the greatest light of Jewish continuity.”