Europeans Toast the New Year

It has already become a tradition in Brussels for hundreds of diplomats, ambassadors, parliamentarians, and public figures to gather each year for cocktails just before Rosh Hashanah.

This year, for the first time, this event was held with the support of the president of the European Commission Jose Manuel Barroso and the Italian government, which currently holds the rotating presidency of the European Union.

At the event, organized by the Jewish community of the European Union, run by Rabbi Avi Tawil and the Federation of Jewish Organizations at the EU, led by Rabbi Menachem Margolin, more than 250 diplomats, parliamentarians, ambassadors, and other respected public figures were present.

The president of the European Commission gave a sharp speech in which the EU apologized for needing to address issues of rising anti-Semitism and he promised that it would fight anti-Semitism uncompromisingly.

The event began with a special exhibition arranged by the Jewish Museum in Venice, sponsored by the municipality of Venice and the Ukrainian government.

Mrs. Nechama Tawil was the emcee. At the beginning of her address, she mentioned that Rosh Hashanah is the anniversary of the creation of Adam, from whom all of humanity is descended and the future of the world is dependent upon our actions.

Rabbi Avi Tawil spoke about the power vested within cultural activities and that Rosh Hashanah is an opportunity to start the New Year by striving for a prosperous, productive life for every citizen of Europe.

Other speakers included Katharina Von Schnurbein, European Commission, Stefano Sannino, Italian Permanent Representative to the EU, Paolo Mignati, President of Jewish Community of Venice, and Roberto Ciambetti, Minister of Veneto Region.

Violinist Joelle Strauss performed.

In his speech, Rabbi Menachem Margolin said that the administration of the EU was responsible to ensure that Jews can live in safety and that everyone present should know that every single one of them is able to bring about a change.

Rabbi Michael Rosenblum, Rabbi of the European Synagogueblew the shofar.