The Jewish community in the Diaspora and in Israel must come together and move from words to concrete action in the fight against antisemitism. This was the message delivered by Dr. Michael Mirilashvili, President of the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress (EAJC), during his speech at the World Jewish Congress (WJC) Assembly in Jerusalem.
“We live in a time when words are no longer enough. The time has come for action,” Dr. Mirilashvili stated. “The Jewish people are facing challenges that cannot be addressed through diplomatic language or slow bureaucratic processes. We must act — decisively, swiftly, and with courage.”
The EAJC President identified two critical issues that the WJC must focus its efforts on: antisemitism and the relationship between Israel and the Jewish Diaspora.
Speaking about antisemitism, Dr. Mirilashvili said:
“We already have a tool — the IHRA definition of antisemitism. It is not just a declaration; it is a clear and operational standard. It enables us to distinguish real hatred from political rhetoric.
We are obliged to stand firmly on this foundation.
Only then can we build partnerships with governments and societies based on clear expectations and shared responsibility, and insist — successfully — that the protection of Jewish communities becomes a matter of action, not just words.”
Regarding the relationship between Israel and the Diaspora, Dr. Mirilashvili emphasized:
“There is no future without respect. No future without unity.
This is not a time for argument — it is a time for mutual support.
The world must see that we stand together. Jews in Israel and Jews in the Diaspora are not separate peoples — we share a common destiny.
When we are united, diplomatic breakthroughs become possible. When we are divided, even victories can feel like defeats.
We must never forget: today, nearly every Israeli family carries the trauma of October 7.
We have survived exile, pogroms, and genocide only because we held on to one another — and then God helped us.
We are one people. And we share one fate.”
In closing, Dr. Mirilashvili expressed hope for the speedy release of the 58 hostages still held in the Gaza Strip, and for Israel’s ultimate victory in the war against Islamist terror groups.
