Confronted by Antisemitism, European Rabbis Train in Martial Arts 

Yanki Farber

In light of the increasing harassment against Israelis and people with Jewish appearance in the streets of European cities, dozens of community rabbis from across Europe are currently undergoing special self-defense training and Krav Maga combat instruction. The seminar, held in Eindhoven, the Netherlands, is organized by the Rabbinical Centre of Europe (RCE), the primary umbrella organization representing over 850 rabbis across the continent.

Rabbi Menachem Margolin, chairman of the Rabbinical Centre of Europe and also chairman of the European Jewish Association (EJA), said that the current reality, in which every rabbi in Europe is exposed to the threat of assault during any walk down the street, is a real alarm for European governments. He emphasized that they must strengthen the security of Jewish centers and significantly increase penalties and enforcement against antisemitic attacks.

Rabbi Arie Goldberg, Director General of the Rabbinical Centre of Europe, stated that the decision to hold Krav Maga training sessions was made in response to numerous requests from rabbis who fear walking in the street and feel vulnerable to physical attacks at any moment.

In addition, the European Jewish Association (EJA) expressed deep concern regarding the conduct of Belgian authorities toward two Israelis who participated in a festival held in Belgium and were investigated by Belgian officials following a complaint alleging that, as IDF soldiers, they committed war crimes. EJA chairman Rabbi Menachem Margolin stated that “the investigation, which stems from political motives, reflects distorted and flawed morality, as IDF soldiers act within the legal framework of defending their country – roles similar to those of any soldier serving in a democratic state – while the complainant is a figure known for publicly supporting Hezbollah, a terrorist organization responsible for the deaths of many civilians.”

“Granting legitimacy to such actors undermines the credibility of Belgium’s law enforcement institutions and encourages extremism,” Rabbi Margolin asserted, adding, “Once again, we are witnessing a troubling distinction and a double standard. We do not see the same enthusiasm to launch investigations when it involves figures from regimes such as Iran, Turkey, China, or even Western democracies involved in foreign conflicts. Why is it always Israel that is singled out?”

Belgian parliament member Michael Freilich, who also serves as EJA’s special envoy for combating antisemitism, stated that Belgium must remain a country where Jews and Israelis can feel safe and welcome, not a place where they are politically persecuted under the guise of human rights.