URSULA VON DER LEYEN'S “TALMUDIC VALUES” STATEMENT.
A THREAD!
Recently a video has circulated online of Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, stating that “Europe has the values of the Talmud.” The statement has sparked debate about what it might mean if she, or any European leader, did tie Europe’s identity to a religious framework like the Talmud, a foundational Jewish text. And In this thread, we'll be exploring the statement and its implications in both a positive and negative light, while also reflecting on why blending religious views with politics can be a very slippery slope.
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THE POSITIVES.
If Von der Leyen were to link Europe to “Talmudic values” one could interpret it as a celebration of ethical principles that have influenced Western thought. The Talmud, a centuries-old compilation of Jewish law, ethics, and philosophy, emphasizes justice, community responsibility, and intellectual rigor. In a positive light, this could signal Europe’s commitment to universal values like compassion like for example the Talmud’s focus on charity, or tzedakah, debate-driven progress, and resilience through adversity, qualities that echo Europe’s recovery from wars and its push for social cohesion.Imagine a Europe that draws on such principles to strengthen its policies and enforces a robust welfare system inspired by communal care, or a legal framework that prizes fairness and dialogue. For supporters, this could frame Europe as a moral leader, bridging its Christian heritage with Jewish intellectual traditions to create a richer, more inclusive identity. It might even appeal to those who see Europe’s diversity as its strength, aligning with von der Leyen’s broader push for unity amid crises like migration and climate change.
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THE NEGATIVES.
On the flip side, tying Europe to “Talmudic values” could ignite criticism. Europe’s population is vastly diverse with Christians, Muslims, Atheists, Hindus and others forming its fabric. Elevating one religious tradition risks alienating those who don’t identify with it. The Talmud, while profound is specifically Jewish, suggesting that it defines Europe might feel like a dismissal of other cultural and spiritual roots, from Enlightenment secularism to Islamic contributions during the Middle Ages. Critics could argue it’s a tone-deaf move in a continent still healing from historical divisions, including the Holocaust, where Jewish communities were targeted, not embraced.Moreover, the statement could fuel conspiracy theories already swirling online, as seen in some X posts claiming it proves Europe is “Jew-owned” or under covert influence. Such rhetoric taps into antisemitic tropes, twisting a potentially innocent comment into a political weapon. Von der Leyen’s leadership which often balances technocratic pragmatism with lofty ideals, might suffer from perceptions of overreach. Why risk inflaming tensions when Europe’s challenges like economic stagnation and geopolitical threats demand practical and not theological, solutions?
WHY RELIGION AND POLITICS SHOULD STAY APART.
This scenario underscores a broader truth, religious views in politics are a double-edged sword best left sheathed. Governance thrives on reason, compromise, and inclusivity, qualities that dogma mostly undermines. History backs this up. Europe’s wars of religion, from the Thirty Years’ War to the Troubles in Northern Ireland, show how faith, when wielded as a political tool breeds conflict rather than unity. The Talmud itself, with its intricate debates, might caution against oversimplifying its lessons for a pluralistic society.Secularism isn’t about erasing religion, it’s about ensuring no single creed dominates the public square. Von der Leyen’s political record, like her push for the Green Deal or Ukraine support, shows she’s most effective when focusing on tangible goals, not symbolic gestures. Politicians should inspire through shared human values like justice, freedom and solidarity, without tying them to any sacred text, lest they exclude as much as they unite.
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