The EAJC participated in a special meeting of the EJC Executive Committee in Rome

Photo: WJC 

A delegation from the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress (EAJC) participated in a special meeting of the Executive Committee of the World Jewish Congress (WJC), held in Rome and the Vatican on November 21-22. The forum gathered Jewish community leaders from over 50 countries worldwide. For the first time in the history of the Catholic Church, the Apostolic Palace — the official residence of the Pope in the Vatican — served as the conference venue. The parties agreed to foster collaboration between Jewish and Catholic organizations to provide global humanitarian assistance, particularly to those affected by the hostilities in Ukraine.

WJC President Ronald S. Lauder, addressing the Executive Committee at the Vatican audience hall, announced the launch of the "Kishreinu" initiative, designed to "secure a sustainable common future for Catholics and Jews while preserving their respective cultures and religious traditions." "Everyone gathered here is committed to strengthening our bond with the Catholic Church," Ambassador Lauder stated.

Pope Francis, in his welcoming address, highlighted the "special responsibility" of "both faith communities" to "work toward bringing people closer, combatting inequality, and promoting universal justice, ensuring that 'peace' is not merely a distant promise but a tangible reality."

EAJC President Dr. Mikhail Mirilashvili, addressing the delegates of the Executive Committee, reiterated that international Jewish organizations could serve as intermediaries in peace negotiations between the leadership of Russia and Ukraine. According to Dr. Mirilashvili, since the onset of the hostilities, EAJC leadership has consistently engaged in efforts to facilitate a ceasefire and initiate a peace dialogue.

"We remain firm in our conviction that the bloodshed must end. As the world's leading international Jewish organizations, we once again offer our services as potential facilitators in peace negotiations. We will continue to do everything within our power to help avert further tragedies of this war," Mikhail Mirilashvili stated.

Reflecting on the rapprochement between Jewish communities and other nations, the EAJC President noted that an increasing number of public figures and religious authorities from both the Christian and Islamic worlds are actively opposing anti-Israel rhetoric and advocating for peace — "we are witnessing the dawn of a truly new Middle East."

"We see how the peace process and its benefits — including extensive scientific, cultural, and technological exchange — yield far greater results than senseless animosity. This does not imply complete consensus on all matters, but rather that we are engaged in a civilized dialogue, capable of discussing our differences with patience and mutual respect," Mikhail Mirilashvili explained.