Attacks on Jews in Europe prompt rabbis to add self-defense training to annual meeting

Rabbis take part in a first aid training during the Conference of European Rabbis in Prague, Czech Republic, Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2015. Due to the recent attacks on Jewish communities in Europe, part of the conference was a self defense and first aid training. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek) (The Associated Press)

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PRAGUE – Rabbis from European countries have gathered in Prague for training in self-defense and first aid in a response to a wave of attacks against Jews and a rise of anti-Semitism on the continent.

During Tuesday's training sessions, dozens of rabbis have learned what to do to survive stabbing and how to treat injuries.

Rabbi Menachem Margolin says the idea is to demonstrate "the most basic stuff needed."

Tuesday's training is part of an annual gathering of rabbis organized by the Rabbinical Centre of Europe and the European Jewish Association headed by Margolin.

He says a lack of action from European governments to protect Jews in Europe has contributed to their decision to organize the training, first in Prague, and later in other European countries.