European Jewish groups launch circumcision certification program

The European Jewish Association and the Rabbinical Centre of Europe have launched the Centre of Excellence for Religious Male Circumcision (CERM), a Brussels-based certification program for Mohalim (Jewish circumcisers). The initiative aims to provide advanced medical and safety training, practical evaluations, and professional certification under the supervision of medical specialists, including urologists and pediatricians.

The program focuses on critical areas such as hygiene, infection prevention, newborn assessment, emergency procedures, and recognizing complications. It is designed to establish an independently assessed medical framework to ensure child welfare and safety standards are met.

The launch comes amid legal and political challenges regarding religious circumcision in Belgium and other European nations. In Belgium, authorities have previously prosecuted Mohalim for allegedly violating laws that require surgical procedures to be performed by recognized medical personnel. European Commissioner for Health and Animal Welfare Oliver Várhelyi described the program as a “credible model” for maintaining religious practices while adhering to European medical standards.