The Jewish communities in Europe, whose centuries-old tradition is often only documented by commemorative plaques or monuments, were honored - especially in these difficult times with a rapidly growing, openly expressed anti-Semitism - by awarding the "International Charlemagne Prize of Aachen" to the President of the Conference of European Rabbis, Chief Rabbi Pinchas Goldschmidt, and the Jewish communities in Europe.
"In recognition of his outstanding work for peace, the self-determination of peoples and European values, for tolerance, pluralism and understanding, and in recognition of his significant commitment to interreligious and intercultural dialogue, the Board of Directors of the Society for the Award of the International Charlemagne Prize of Aachen in 2024 honors the President of the Conference of European Rabbis, Chief Rabbi Pinchas Goldschmidt, and together with him the Jewish communities in Europe. With this award, the Charlemagne Prize Board wants to send a signal that Jewish life is a natural part of Europe and that there must be no place for anti-Semitism in Europe. Jewish life is an important part of European history and the present - now and in the future. (...) Together with the President of the Conference of European Rabbis, Chief Rabbi Pinchas Goldschmidt, and the Jewish communities in Europe, the Board of Directors of the Society for the Award of the International Charlemagne Prize of Aachen in 2024 is honoring the outstanding representative of European Jewry and Jewish life in Europe, which has enriched our continent for centuries and will and must always have its place here."