(Wednesday, 8 February 2023) EJC General Assembly unanimously confirmed the mandate of Dr. Ariel Muzicant as Interim President until the end of 2024, expressing its complete confidence in his leadership. At the same time, EJC and SACC by EJC budget for 2023 and 2024 was confirmed.
The European Jewish Congress held its General Assembly on 6-7 February 2023 in Brussels. Leaders from over 30 Jewish communities across Europe gathered in Belgium to discuss recent developments, exchange on best practices, and address opportunities and challenges ahead.
EJC President Dr. Ariel Muzicant, Chair of the Council Francis Kalifat, and Executive Vice-President and CEO Raya Kalenova chaired the General Assembly.
Dr. Ariel Muzicant laid out EJC’s priorities for 2023 and insisted on the importance of continued efforts in the fight against antisemitism, fostering of Jewish life and culture, and joint action against threats to religious rights in Europe.
A large number of initiatives were discussed for the following years including Jewish education, cultural programs, and outreach to smaller communities to preserve and foster Jewish life.
Community leaders had the possibility to exchange views with H.E. Amb. Haim Regev, Head of the Mission of Israel to the European Union and NATO and Sharon Buenos, Global Director of Zikaron BaSalon.
The General assembly was concluded with a gala dinner at the Théâtre du Vaudeville, which brought together ambassadors, Members of the European Parliament, high-level officials of the European union institutions, members of the diplomatic corps, as well as Jewish leaders, professionals and experts.
European Commissioner for Equality Helena Dalli honored the EJC with her presence and expressed her commitment and the one of the EU to fostering Jewish life in all its diversity: “We want to see Jewish life thriving again in the heart of our communities. As it should. We owe it to those who perished in the Holocaust, we owe it to survivors and we owe it to future generations.”
European Parliament Vice-President and Chair of the Working Group against Antisemitism (WGAS) Nicola Beer also addressed the audience, ensuring her unwavering support to European Jewish communities in the fight against antisemitism and the flourishment of Jewish life and culture.
EJC Members payed tribute to the Belgian victims of the Shoah by visiting the temporary exhibition “236- LAND (ES) CAPES from the 20th Convoy” at the Jewish Museum of Belgium.
