By REBECCA WALD
The recent raids in Belgium targeting illegal ritual circumcisions—including the practice of metzitzah b’peh—have understandably raised fears of antisemitism, and it’s essential to take those concerns seriously. But we must also be willing to confront uncomfortable truths that exist within the broader Jewish community.
A slew of alarmist articles have been appearing in Jewish outlets in response to the police investigation, with some voices framing it as a wholesale attack on Jewish religious life. This kind of rhetoric may stir fear, but it does little to advance thoughtful dialogue or protect the most vulnerable among us: our children.
When credible reports arise that babies are being subjected to dangerous and potentially unlawful procedures—especially those with well-documented health risks—the state has not only a right but a responsibility to investigate. That one of the initial complaints reportedly came from within the Jewish community itself should not be overlooked. Rabbi Moshe Aryeh Friedman deserves praise for having the courage to speak out and take action. Though often painted as a gadfly, he has shown moral clarity by putting children’s safety above communal politics and tradition.
It’s also important to recognize that Rabbi Friedman is not alone in his view. Rabbi Moshe Tendler, who was a renowned medical ethicist and dean at Yeshiva University’s rabbinical school, made his position clear: “There is no requirement to make metzitzah b’peh. The Talmud says plainly it is not part of the ritual but belongs to the medical, post-surgical component.” He went further, stating, “There is no doubt that insistence on metzitzah b’peh is wrong. I firmly believe that making metzitzah b’peh is a criminal act.” When respected Orthodox authorities are making such unequivocal statements, it’s time for all of us to listen.
To equate lawful investigations into potential harm to infants with an assault on religious freedom is to conflate scrutiny with persecution. Religious freedom is a cherished right, but it does not include the freedom to endanger a child’s life or bypass public health laws.
We must remember the Jewish principle Kol Yisrael arevim zeh bazeh—all Jews are responsible for one another. That responsibility must extend to safeguarding our children from harm, even when that harm is cloaked in the mantle of tradition. Judaism has always evolved—always responded to new knowledge and new ethical understandings. We are more than capable of honoring our traditions without harming our children.
The practice of metzitzah b’peh is not only medically dangerous but ethically indefensible. Those of us committed to Jewish continuity must insist that our most ancient rites be practiced with the highest standards of care and accountability. This moment should be seen not as an attack on Judaism, but as an opportunity for Jewish communities to lead with integrity, compassion, and moral clarity.
Rebecca Wald, J.D. is co-founder and executive director of Bruchim, a U.S.-based nonprofit that supports non-circumcising Jews in Jewish life, and offers The Bruchim Podcast as part of its effort to educate about the rich diversity of Jewish perspectives on circumcision and its ritual alternatives.
