European leaders must speak out about protections for religious minorities after the European Union Court of Justice (EUJC) decision to uphold a ban on ritual slaughter, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu wrote in a letter to European leaders this week.

“I… would be very grateful if you announce that the freedom of religion of minorities will continue to be secure, and that religious slaughter will continue to be permitted,” Netanyahu wrote. “As a pivotal leader, your voice will send a powerful message throughout Europe.”

Netanyahu sent the letter to the leaders of France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Hungary, Spain, Portugal, Ireland and Finland, as well as to the presidents of the European Commission and the European Council.