European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen recently stated that “Europe holds the values of the Talmud,” referring to the central text of Rabbinic Judaism, which emphasizes principles such as justice, personal responsibility, and solidarity. The statement was made in the context of valuing the ethical foundations shared among different cultural and religious traditions across the European continent.
Her remarks quickly sparked diverse reactions on social media and in the press. While some praised the mention of universal values found in the Talmud, others expressed concern over the inclusion of religious references in European political discourse. Von der Leyen is right in recognizing that many of the principles found in the Talmud are deeply aligned with the founding values of the European Union. These values are part of a shared ethical heritage that has shaped Western culture over the centuries. By highlighting this connection, Von der Leyen underscores the importance of Jewish contributions to the building of a democratic Europe committed to human rights.
