Commenting on the statement from Chancellor Sebastian Kurz and Federal Minister for the European Union Gernot Blümel that there will be no limits on availability of kosher meat in Austria, Chief Rabbi Pinchas Goldschmidt, President of the Conference of European Rabbis, said:
“It is deeply encouraging to hear these words of reassurance from Chancellor Sebastian Kurz and Federal Minister for the European Union Gernot Blümel and their reiteration that religious freedom and a commitment to protecting Jewish life, is a crucial value for Austria. The original proposal regarding kosher meat was farcical and it is important that it has now been rejected in such a public way.
At a time of rising tension in Europe, it is significant for minority groups to know that their freedoms and fundamental rights will be upheld."