The Jewish Community of Estonia held presidential elections and elected Eduard Klas as President.
He has extensive professional experience and a strong background in social engagement, having made a significant contribution to the development of Jewish life in Estonia.
“The main task today is to help the community develop a new growth strategy and to involve as many members as possible in decision-making processes. We have a new, active, and professional council. I am confident that together we can successfully achieve this goal,” emphasised Eduard Klas.
He tressed that his objective is to support and promote Jewish life in Estonia while passing on leadership to the younger generation.
“I am ready to dedicate all my experience to the development of the community,” he stated. “The priority is to create an environment where young people can build an open and dynamic community. I am confident that in the near future, new young presidential candidates will emerge, and my generation will take pride in seeing the fruits of their work.”
Eduard Klas expressed his gratitude to the community council for their trust and extended special thanks to Alla Jakobson, who has led the Jewish Community of Estonia for many years.
“Alla is a true leader of the Estonian Jewish community. I have deep respect for the tremendous work she has done at the helm of the community,” said Klas. “I am pleased that Alla supports me and is willing to work together towards new achievements. The Jewish Community of Estonia is entering a new stage of development, with significant challenges and great opportunities ahead.”
Eduard Klas is a journalist, social activist, and entrepreneur. He was born in Tallinn and studied vocal performance at the Tallinn State Conservatory. In 1975, he emigrated to Israel, where he completed his education.
From 1977, he lived in Germany, where his family had fled from the Nazis in 1936. He worked for the television and radio network “Deutsche Welle” until his return to an independent Estonia.
Since 2013, he has been a member of the Council of the Jewish Community of Estonia.
According to the new statutes of the Jewish Community of Estonia, the President fulfils representative functions both domestically and internationally and contributes to the development of Jewish community life.
