Copyright © European Union, 2025
Our members, Chief Rabbi Albert Guigui and Imam Yahya Pallavicini, were invited to participate in a High-Level Dialogue last week with European Commissioner Magnus Brunner alongside other distinguished religious leaders from across Europe. We thank Commissioner Brunner for calling this important meeting to discuss the growing polarisation of our societies, which has been steadily increasing in recent years. We firmly believe that such engagement between political institutions, religious institutions, and civil society is vital in combating polarisation and mistrust while defending the core values of pluralism and freedom of religion and belief.
Copyright © European Union, 2025
Imam Yahya Pallavicini shared his thoughts on the meeting:
“ The best and concrete action to respond to polarization is MJLC in Europe, a shared council of European Rabbis and Imams working together to develop fraternity through the respect of unity in diversity, supporting the training of a new generation of Jewish and Muslim Ambassadors and organizing a 2026 tour of Rabbis and Imams in several cities in Europe to show a counter narrative to polarization and hate speech Meetings such as the annual High-Level meeting of Religious leaders with the European Commission and Parliament are very important in these historical times. These meetings provide inspiration and updates on the leadership of citizens and believers, developing policies on the added value of religious pluralism, dignity and freedom in European society. ”
Chief Rabbi Albert Guigui shared the following statement on the meeting:
“ On November 17, European Commissioner Brunner took a valuable initiative: he brought together representatives of the various faiths present on our continent at the European Commission to reflect together on the worrying phenomenon of polarization in our societies. We know that when tensions rise and misunderstandings multiply, mistrust sets in, followed by fear and, all too often, hatred. In such a climate, religious discourse must return to its primary purpose: to bring people together, to enlighten, and to appease. This meeting highlighted an essential truth: when we sit down at the same table, when we share our impressions, when we dare to really listen to each other's stories, then a new space opens up. This space is not simply one of debate or tolerance, but one of shared responsibility. A responsibility that says: we live together in Europe, and together we must build the conditions for social peace. Today more than ever, as polarization gains ground, prejudices are reforming at an alarming rate, and international tensions sometimes reverberate in our neighborhoods, the MJLC appears as a model of lucidity and hope. It shows that another path is possible: that of constant, patient, demanding dialogue; that of regular meetings that become places of inner transformation; that of a shared commitment where peace is not a slogan but a daily task.”