On June 5, 2025, during the annual conference of the European Rabbinical Centre (RCE) in Krakow, Poland, a European rabbi refused to pray for certain Israeli hostages taken during the October 7 attacks. The incident sparked significant controversy and discussion. The rabbi in question is Rabbi Yirmiya Cohen, who serves as a member of the RCE presidency and heads the Paris rabbinical court. The refusal to pray for the hostages was reportedly based on their political affiliations and activities, specifically mentioning the Meretz party and the Nova music festival. The RCE’s annual conference in Krakow, Poland, is a significant event where rabbis and community leaders gather to discuss religious and communal issues. The conference provides a platform for addressing contemporary challenges faced by Jewish communities across Europe. This year's event was marked by the unexpected controversy surrounding Rabbi Cohen's remarks. The incident has led to widespread reactions within the Jewish community and beyond, highlighting the complexities of political and religious divisions. The RCE has not issued an official statement regarding the incident, and it remains to be seen how the organization will address the controversy moving forward.