The heads of the European Union issued a statement to the Jews of Europe, following the rise of the ultra-right wing parties across the continent in general, and in Austria specifically.

European Parliament President Antonio Tajani said: “The strengthening of the Jewish nation and people is more important now than ever. We are extremely worried that the Jewish people do not feel safe in Europe, you have enriched the entire world.”

Tajani added that “The Jewish community and Jewish history are an integral part of European history. In these uncertain times it it is important to promote one’s identity through proper public relations and in the correct measure such as Rabbi Pinchas Goldschmidt has succeeded in doing. Without this, it would be more difficult to open certain doors. Without this it would be harder for nations to create a dialogue. I personally wish to thank Rabbi Pinchas Goldschmidt on his visit to the European Parliament and on presenting to us his book.”

Rabbi Goldschmidt’s new book – “To the Community and the World” is a collection of his essays about Jewish identity and the view of devout Judaism to keeping the mitzvos and etiquette of religion as well as a variety of topics that are pertinent to the European Jewish community.

The remarks were made at a special session of the European Parliament in which Rabbi Goldschmidt presented his book to the E.U. leaders. Rabbi Goldschmidt said in a speech he made during the presentation: “We all carry the collective responsibility of tolerance that will allow the existence of secure Jewish life in Europe.”

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)