The European Jewish Congress held its General Assembly on January 30-31, 2024, in Vienna. Leaders from over 30 Jewish communities across Europe gathered in Austria to discuss recent developments, exchange best practices, and address challenges ahead in the aftermath of the Hamas massacre on October 7, 2023.
The General Assembly was held in cooperation with the EJC’s Austrian affiliate, the Jewish Community of Vienna (IKG), headed by Oskar Deutsch.
EJC President Dr Ariel Muzicant, Chair of the Council Francis Kalifat, and Executive Vice-President and CEO Raya Kalenova chaired the General Assembly.
The meeting included discussions on security, the rise of the far right and far left ahead of the 2024 European Elections, the relations between Israel and the diaspora, and the dramatic surge of antisemitism both online and offline following the brutal attack by Hamas.
Israeli Minister Benny Gantz addressed a special video message to the EJC.
Participants had the opportunity to exchange views with H.E. David Roet, Ambassador of the State of Israel to Austria, Representative of the Forum of Families of Israeli Hostages Ambassador Daniel Shek, and Israeli leading expert in security and defense Raphaël Jérusalmy.
Members of the General Assembly also heard presentations of SACC by EJC CEO Ophir Revach, EUJS President Emma Hallali, and Information and Communication Center for Israel CEO Yael Hay.
A solemn and high-level ceremony was held in the Austrian Parliament where the European Jewish Congress awarded Austrian National Council President Wolfgang Sobotka with EJC’s highest honour, the Golden Vision Award. Ministers, ambassadors, dignitaries including former Chancellor Sebastian Kurz and leaders of the Austrian Jewish community were among the guests.
During their visit to Vienna, the EJC delegation was received by Federal Minister for the EU and the Constitution Karoline Edtstadler in the Federal Chancellery where a reception was held in honour of the EJC delegation.
Credits of the picture: IKG/Schmidl
