Toulouse victims remembered at Brussels synagogue ceremony

At a gathering in the Great Synagogue of Europe in Brussels, European leaders paid tribute to victims of Toulouse shootings and highlighted the importance of the European union in support of minority rights. Former Polish Prime Minister Jerzy Buzek was given the Lord Jakobovits Prize of European Judaism by the Conference of European Rabbis. European Parliament President Martin Schulz [pictured left] told the congregation that the killings of Jewish children had been a terrible shock. In his speech, he underscored the role of European integration after the Holocaust and said that the many different cultures formed the richness and the great heritage of the European continent. The Conference of European Rabbis (CER) bestowed the Lord Jakobovits Prize of European Judaism on Poland’s former prime minister and Schulz’ predecessor as head of the European Parliament, Jerzy Buzek, for his efforts in support of European Jewry.

The gathering at the Great Synagogue of Europe was organized by the CER with the support of the European Jewish Congress and the Jewish Community of Brussels. Officials from other EU institutions, ambassadors as well as chief rabbis and other representatives of European Jewish communities were also present, including Toulouse Chief Rabbi Avraham Weill [pictured right, second from left].

Speakers all condemned the Toulouse murders and expressed their sympathy with the victims’ families. In his address, CER President Rabbi Pinchas Goldschmidt vigorously condemned attempts by certain political leaders across Europe to win political capital and votes at the expense of religious minorities such as Jews and Muslims. He urged adequate protection of Jewish sites against terrorist attacks and said Jews would always act hand in hand with other minorities to defend freedom and human rights.

Awarding Buzek the new Lord Jakobovits Prize, Goldschmidt said: “Jerzy Buzek has always been a great friend of the Jewish people. Both as Polish PM and European Parliament president, he built bridges, vigorously fought anti-Semitism, helped to keep up the memory of the Shoah and was a supporter of the State of Israel.” The prize is named after CER’s second president, former British Commonwealth Chief Rabbi Immanuel Jakobovits (1921-99).

In his acceptance speech, Buzek highlighted the importance of tolerance and education about the Holocaust. He also said that the award was a tribute to the Polish people: “For centuries, Jews have settled there because they found a spirit of tolerance that is often lacking in other parts of Europe. For me personally, this award is the appreciation of my efforts that the lessons of the Holocaust will never be forgotten.” He said he accepted the prize on behalf of all members of the European Parliament.

At the ceremony at Brussels’ main synagogue, which in 2008 was consecrated by European Commission President José Manuel Barroso as Great Synagogue of Europe, a psalm was read for the victims of the Toulouse shootings.