The European Jewish Congress (EJC) held a General Assembly Meeting in Tel-Aviv on 11th and 12th May 2015, providing a platform for Presidents from across its affiliated communities to bring forward, discuss and verify strategy on issues they currently face.
Over 25 presidents of European Jewish communities were present including some newly elected community Presidents who were introduced by the EJC to all participants. Reports and updates were delivered by the leaders of the largest Jewish communities.
Due to growing insecurity as a result of terrorism and rising Antisemitism, items that were discussed as a matter of priority included: the EJC Security and Crisis Management project (SACC) as well as the initiatives launched by the EJC at the EU level. The EJC office presented its activity report and future projects. Participants had thorough discussions and debates on how to tackle the threats posed to Jewish communities in Europe. The issue of the spread of radical Muslim networks on social media was also addressed.
Various experts gave briefings at the meeting specifically on security issues for Jewish communities and on foreign policy in the Middle East, including speakers from Community Security Trust (CST) UK, Service de protection de la Communauté Juive (SPCJ) France, as well as the Israeli Ministry of Strategic Affairs. The European Union of Jewish Students also shared with the participants their past and future projects, in collaboration with the EJC.
A dinner was held on the evening of the 11th May and special guests of honour included Mr. Avner Shalev, Chairman of the Yad Vashem Directorate and
Prof. Joseph Klafter, President of the Tel-Aviv University. Several senior representatives from the Israeli Foreign Affairs Ministry, European Embassies and European Union External Action Service also attended the dinner.
All those who participated appreciated the friendly and open atmosphere, which allowed for comprehensive discussions addressing the needs and specificities of each community present.
