Conference of European Rabbis Annual Review 2017-2018 (5777-5778) 18 www.rabbiscer.org Interfaith and Antisemitism As can be seen from the previous section, a particular focus in 2017-2018 has been working with prominent and senior representatives of other religions to discuss common concerns and opportunities to collaborate effectively. CER delegation meeting with Defense Minister A. Lieberman at the Munich Security Conference (February 2017) On February 19th, a panel discussion organised by the CER was held as part of the 53rd Munich Security Conference. A meeting was held to discuss issues of ensuring the security of Jewish communities in Europe, as well as measures to counter radicalism and extremism. The discussion was attended by: member of the Knesset, former foreign minister and the leader of the Kadima party, Tzipi Livni, Deputy General Director of the World Jewish Congress on Diplomacy Maram Stern, political analyst and expert on terrorism, Professor Peter R. Neumann and Mr. Jürgen Storbeck, former director of Europol. The discussion was moderated by German journalist Richard Schneider. During the discussion, all the speakers noted that the Jewish population of Europe is still the number one goal for terrorists, therefore, not only should their leaders take part in the protection of communities, but their governments should too. “Many European Jews feel threatened by both radicalism and the political situation. They do not forget that something can happen to them”, said Rabbi Pinchas Goldschmidt, President of the CER, in his speech. As part of the discussion, the speakers talked about the current security state of Jewish communities in Europe. Mr. Peter R. Neuman said that even though Jews are the first targets of terrorists, all citizens are under threat. Meeting with Prince Albert of Monaco (November Monaco) A group of Europe’s top Chief Rabbis – including the UK’s Ephraim Mirvis – enjoyed a visit to the south of France to meet Prince Albert of Monaco. The trip was led by Chief Rabbi Pinchas Goldschmidt of Moscow, President of the Conference of European Rabbis (CER), who praised the Prince for his kindness to the Jewish community. The delegation discussed Monaco’s flourishing Jewish community as well as the many issues that are affecting Jews across Europe including the rise of antisemitic incidents, Islamic extremism and the rise of nationalism. Chief Rabbi Goldschmidt was accompanied on the visit by Senior Vice President Chief Rabbi Korsia of France, Associate President, Chief Rabbi Mirvis and the Rabbi of Monaco, Rabbi Torgmant. Reflecting on the meeting, Chief Rabbi Goldschmidt said: “Prince Albert has welcomed the Jewish community to Monaco and they are flourishing under his leadership. The Prince recognised the issues that the Jewish community is facing and has ensured that Monaco is a place where Judaism can flourish.” The meeting was part of the Conference of European Rabbis Standing Committee meeting, currently taking place in Monaco. The Rabbis are being hosted at the new Edmond Safra Synagogue in Monaco and during the visit. Following recent elections in Austria and Germany, the Standing Committee discussed the possible consequences for the Jewish communities involved. Sebastian Kurtz, the new Austrian President, wrote to the CER in advance of the meeting. The talks will allow the rabbis to explore the future of the Jewish community and how it will be able to respond to growing Nationalism across Europe. Chief Rabbi Goldschmidt said, “I have long described how European Jewry is stuck between the growing religious intolerance associated with Nationalism on the one hand and Islamic Extremism on the other. For many Nationalism has been a response to the terrorism related to religious extremism. But religious communities cannot be collateral damage. We need to find a way to protect religious communities who have prospered