Programme
Conferences & Expert Dialogue
Circumcision, Religious Freedom and the Future of Jewish Life in Belgium
European Jewish Association conference · Wednesday 24 June 2026 · Lab62, Brussels. The conference brought together medical, legal, religious and political voices and helped inform the subsequent development of CERM.
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CERM as a convening platform
CERM can organise conferences, debates, study days, professional networks and expert working groups to connect medicine, law, public policy and religious practice.
The centre’s role is not limited to publishing standards. It can bring together experts and institutions to examine medical evidence, regulatory questions, legal developments and practical implementation across Europe.
The 24 June 2026 Brussels conference shown below was organised by the European Jewish Association and helped inform the development of CERM.
Future CERM activity
This page is the archive for CERM conferences, policy roundtables, scientific meetings, professional study days and partner events as they are organised.
Prefer to watch on YouTube? Open the full conference recording.
From conference to centre
The event examined how high medical standards, child welfare and religious freedom can be addressed together. Its programme included European Commission voices, medical specialists, a presentation of the UK training model, legal and public-policy discussion and representatives of Jewish, Muslim and Christian communities.
This was an EJA conference that informed CERM’s development — not a CERM event.
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Programme highlights
| Time | Session | Participants |
|---|---|---|
| 10:00 | Opening & religious freedom | Rabbi Menachem Margolin; message by EU Commissioner for Health Olivér Várhelyi |
| 10:15 | Why Circumcision Matters | Chief Rabbi Binyomin Jacobs; Imam Nordine Taouil; Rev Rik Hoet · Moderator: Ralph Pais |
| 10:45 | EU & pan-European perspective | Katharina von Schnurbein, European Commission Coordinator on Combating Antisemitism and Fostering Jewish Life |
| 11:00 | Medical Reality & Best Practice | Dr Sas Barmoshe; Dr Michael Ben Akon; Dr Nuphar Veiga · Moderator: Alex Benjamin |
| 11:30 | The UK model of training & standards | Dr Joseph Spitzer, Medical Officer, The Initiation Society |
| 11:45 | Politics, Law & Public Policy | Jinnih Beels; Prof Rik Torfs; Andre Gantman · Moderator: Ralph Pais |
| 12:15 | The Future of Jewish Life in Europe | Baroness Regina Sluszny; Jonathan Arkush OBE; Eliezer Sternlicht · Moderator: Rabbi Menachem Margolin |
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Core takeaway
Institutional framing
The strongest public-policy response is not confrontation. It is a framework that can demonstrate safety, competence, accountability and respect for religious freedom in practical terms.