Senior Rabbi Calls for European Action on Iranian Revolution
Europe's most prominent rabbi has issued a powerful appeal for European nations to significantly increase their support for protesters seeking to overthrow the Iranian regime, while directly accusing Tehran of orchestrating a dangerous rise in global antisemitism.
Holocaust Memorial Day Warning
Speaking exclusively to Sky News on Holocaust Memorial Day, Rabbi Pinchas Goldschmidt, president of the Conference of European Rabbis, delivered a stark assessment of the current threat facing Jewish communities worldwide. He emphasised that antisemitic sentiment has escalated to perilous levels, affecting Jews regardless of their political views, religious observance, or stance on the Gaza conflict.
The rabbi warned of the prospect of antisemitic acts targeting Jews anywhere in the world who have no connection to the Israeli government or the state of Israel itself. His comments come amid growing concern about the safety of Jewish communities across Europe and beyond.
Iran's Central Role in Antisemitism
Rabbi Goldschmidt placed responsibility for this alarming trend squarely on Iran, describing Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as sitting at the centre of a web that actively seeks to undermine, damage, and ultimately destroy both Israel and Jewish people globally. He argued that extremists from both the far right and far left in the United States and Europe are receiving support and backing from Tehran.
"All these people who went and discredited the Jewish people in Israel over the last two years - I don't see them on the streets regarding Iran," he observed. "I don't see one voice talking about the 30,000 civilians killed in Iran. Why not?"
European Response and Double Standards
The rabbi expressed frustration at what he perceives as a double standard in international responses to different conflicts. While acknowledging legitimate criticism of Israel's military actions in Gaza, he distinguished between valid political discourse and antisemitism, which he defined as delegitimising Israel's existence or making unfounded allegations.
Rabbi Goldschmidt noted that since the 7 October 2023 attacks and Israel's subsequent military response, antisemitic hate crimes have surged dramatically across Europe, including in France and the United Kingdom. More than 70,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza during this period.
Practical Steps for European Support
The religious leader outlined concrete measures European countries could take to support Iranian protesters seeking regime change. He suggested offering asylum to demonstrators and providing support for politicians and security force members who switch sides. Rabbi Goldschmidt emphasised that Western nations could do "much more" to assist those challenging Tehran's authority.
Regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, he proposed that Gaza should not be controlled by Israel but rather administered by a consortium of Arab countries supervised by the United States and other Western powers. This arrangement would provide security and economic support for Gaza's Palestinian population.
Two-State Solution and Iranian Obstacles
When questioned about a potential two-state solution creating a separate Palestinian state, Rabbi Goldschmidt offered a nuanced response. "Yes, but in the same way that the European Union was impossible as long as Nazi Germany existed, so the two-state solution is impossible as long as Iran is creating failed states and terror hubs all over the Middle East," he explained.
This perspective underscores his belief that Iran's regional influence fundamentally obstructs peaceful resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, making a successful Iranian revolution essential for broader Middle Eastern stability.
Praise for British Protection Efforts
Despite his concerns about rising antisemitism, Rabbi Goldschmidt praised British institutions for their efforts to protect Jewish communities. He dismissed suggestions that British Jews might seek asylum in America, an idea reportedly floated during the Trump administration.
"I think the Jews are much better off in London," he stated. "I think the government in England has done a lot to protect the Jewish community. The government is friendly, the King is friendly with the Jewish community. The attack in Manchester was the exception to the rule."
Wider Resonance and Regional Anxiety
While not considered an extreme voice within Jewish communities, Rabbi Goldschmidt's perspective resonates widely and reflects growing anxiety in the region. Many in Israel had hoped to see Iranian protesters prevail and Ayatollah Khamenei fall from power, developments that have not materialised.
The rabbi acknowledged that European nations have attempted to tackle antisemitism, and his praise for the UK's efforts appeared genuine. However, he maintained that the dangers posed by Iran require more decisive action and stronger support for those challenging the Tehran regime from within.
His intervention comes at a sensitive time, as Jewish communities worldwide navigate increasing security concerns while political tensions continue to shape international responses to Middle Eastern conflicts.
