(Washington, D.C., Sept. 30, 2021)–B’nai B’rith President Charles O. Kaufman and CEO Daniel S. Mariaschin have issued the following statement: 
​
B’nai B’rith International is deeply dismayed at today’s rulings by the Constitutional Court of Belgium to not strike down two laws that ban religious slaughter in the Belgian regions of Flanders and Wallonia. 

The decision to curb this fundamental religious practice is a painful blow to the freedom of religion and belief of the Jewish—as well as Muslim—communities of Belgium. The country is home to one of Europe’s largest Jewish communities, which will now face exceedingly difficult hurdles to access kosher meat. 

Today’s decision follows a ruling in December 2020 of the European Court of Justice (ECJ) which held that EU member states have the right to require stunning prior to the religious slaughter of animals, a requirement which would make kosher slaughter impossible. 

Belgium joins a shameful growing list of countries putting in place barriers to religious practice. The ECJ precedent of last year leaves room for other governments to follow suit. 

With this new decision, the need for European legislators to put in place EU-wide legislation to protect religious communities becomes all the more urgent. 

B’nai B’rith has a strong and long-lasting presence in Europe and will continue to support Jewish communities across the continent in any way possible. 

B’nai B’rith International has advocated for global Jewry and championed the cause of human rights since 1843. B’nai B’rith is recognized as a vital voice in promoting Jewish unity and continuity, a staunch defender of the State of Israel, a tireless advocate on behalf of senior citizens and a leader in disaster relief. With a presence around the world, we are the Global Voice of the Jewish Community. Visit www.bnaibrith.org.