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Iran war: 'Fear shouldn't dictate Jewish life,' rabbi says

Simon Young interviews Rabbi Teichtal
March 11, 2026

More than 100 rabbis from around Europe gathered in Berlin to exchange views and information on Jewish life across the continent. The conference came amid rising antisemitism and concerns prompted by the war in Iran.

https://p.dw.com/p/5A969

Rabbi Yehuda Teichtal from Berlin's Chabad community is one of the organizers of the conference. Below is an excerpt from the interview.

DW: Antisemitism is a growing problem here in Germany ... It has been for some years. There's more than 170 Jewish and Israeli buildings and sites in Berlin alone that are under police protection. Is that something that gives you a sense of security, or is it really just a sign of how bad the problem is?

Rabbi Yehuda Teichtal: Well, it's both. We have a very positive cooperation, trustful cooperation with the security service and the police. And for that we are very thankful. At the same time, it is sad that it has to come to this and we hope and dream for the day, but it will not be necessary. But until then, we all have to be ourselves. Lighthouses, looking around to trying to do all we can to make sure there's more tolerance and respect for all people in society.

For more, watch the video above.