The European Jewish Congress (EJC) held its General Assembly on 21 May in Jerusalem, bringing together leaders from Jewish communities across Europe to reaffirm their unwavering solidarity with Israel, reflect on recent developments, exchange best practices, and address the unprecedented and dramatic rise of antisemitism following the Hamas massacre of 7 October 2023.
Jewish communities gathered to democratically elect the representatives of the EJC for the upcoming mandate, with Dr Moshe Kantor securing a fifth term as President after receiving the support of nearly two-thirds of the delegates representing over 40 national Jewish organisations.
Francis Kalifat, former President of the Representative Council of Jewish Institutions in France (CRIF), was re-elected Chair of the Council.
The newly elected members of the EJC Executive include Yves Oschinsky (Belgium), Petr Papoušek (Czech Republic), Yaron Nadbornik (Finland), Faina Kukliansky (Lithuania), Albert Aflalo (Luxembourg), Nina Ofner Bokan (Montenegro), Jigal Markuszower (The Netherlands), David Joffe Botelho (Portugal), and Ralph Friedländer (Switzerland). The representatives of the largest Jewish communities in Europe are automatically represented in the Executive.
The meeting also included discussions on security and the rise of extremism, while communities had the opportunity to update their colleagues on the challenges and opportunities in their respective countries.
Prior to the beginning of the General Assembly, participants attended a Welcome Reception hosted by Chair of the Council, Francis Kalifat, which concluded with a moving visit to the Western Wall (HaKotel HaMa’aravi) in the Old City of Jerusalem.
The formal opening of the Assembly was marked by a special dinner hosted by EJC Executive Vice-President Raya Kalenova, which was honoured by the presence of Rabbi Israel Meir Lau, Chairman of the Yad Vashem Council and former Chief Rabbi of the State of Israel and of Tel Aviv-Jaffa. He addressed the audience with heartfelt and inspiring remarks.
Guests had the privilege of enjoying an evocative musical interlude by cellist Danielle Akta, followed by an emotional and uplifting performance from Israeli musician and IDF Reserve Soldier Noam Buskila, which added a powerful sense of unity and spirit to the evening.
At the close of the General Assembly, the EJC delegation met with Israeli President Isaac Herzog to discuss the escalating threat of antisemitism, the essential relationship between Israel and the Diaspora, and the collective responsibility for building a strong and cohesive Jewish future.
