On February 10, 2008, an extraordinary session of the General Assembly of the European Jewish Congress took place in Paris with delegates from more than 40 European Jewish communities. After many years of strenuous efforts, a constitution was adopted: the new legal tool will enable the EJC to operate more efficiently.
The morning session was launched by a series of welcome addresses, followed by the introduction of the Constitution. The 85 members of the European Jewish Congress electing body were asked to vote on the Constitution, the extension of mandates for elected officers, the establishment of a working committee to reassess the demographic figures of European Jewry and to grant Hungary a permanent seat on the EJC Executive.
A 2/3 majority was required to adopt the constitution: 63 voted in favour, 22 against and 0 abstention. The confirmation of the new terms of mandate for EJC’s officers elected during the last General Assembly (June 2007) was passed by a vote of 51 in favour to 34 against. By a majority of 57 for and 28 against, delegates endorsed the creation of a working committee to reassess the demographic figures and the key of representation of the EJC communities.
A 2/3 majority was required to accept Hungary as a permanent Executive Committee member: 43 voted in favour, 41 against and 1 abstention.
Following the results of the four voting issues, the Representative Council of French Jewry (CRIF) announced their intention to suspend their membership in the European Jewish Congress. EJC President Moshe Kantor regrets CRIF’s decision and feels confident that unity will prevail again soon in the EJC.
Prof. Uzi Arad, founding head of the Institute for Policy and Strategy and Adviser to the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, reminded the audience of the threat posed by a nuclear Iran. Mike Whine, Director of Government and International Affairs at the Community Security Trust and EJC’s representative at the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), gave an update on the dangers and challenges lying ahead of the Durban II conference. Mr. Whine further commented on the growing situation of anti-Semitism in Europe.
Mr. Kantor recalled the Iranian nuclear threat, the dangerous rise of anti-Semitism and racism, the need to strengthen ties with the local communities and with European Jewish youth.
Yesterday, the European Jewish Congress reasserted its commitment to increase its activities in the fight against anti-Semitism and a greater participation of European Jewish youth.
