Mirilashvili at the EAJC Executive Committee Meeting in London: 'The Time Has Come to Stand Against Antisemitism'

Left to right: David de Rothschild, Chairman of the WJC Governing Board; Chella Safra, WJC Treasurer; Ronald S. Lauder, WJC President; Michael Mirilashvili, EAJC President; and Gad Arieli, Chairman of WJC-Israel. Photo: Shahar Azran.

On September 11, the Executive Committee of the World Jewish Congress (WJC) convened in London to address the issue of global antisemitism. The meeting featured addresses by WJC President Ronald Lauder, WJC CEO Robert Singer, Chairman of the WJC Governing Board David de Rothschild, and WJC Treasurer Chella Safra. The Euro-Asian Jewish Congress delegation was led by EAJC President Michael Mirilashvili. The delegation also included Aaron Frenkel, Chairman of the EAJC Governing Board; Maxim Pasik, EAJC Vice-President; Menachem Bushuev, EAJC Treasurer; and Dr. Haim Ben Yakov, EAJC Director General.

World Jewish Congress President Ronald Lauder stated that the primary objective of the WJC in the coming years must be to strengthen unity among the Jewish people, as part of collective efforts to ensure the security and independence of Jewish communities in the face of rising antisemitism. "Antisemitism is rising across the globe and targets all Jews, whether Orthodox or Reform, left-wing or right-wing," Lauder said. "The most critical task facing the WJC today in our daily struggle against antisemitism is preventing divisions and maintaining unity among all Jewish organizations, regardless of religious views or political affiliation."

Michael Mirilashvili emphasized in his address that "Jewish values and the heritage of the Jewish people are unique," stating: "The Russian-speaking diaspora on the Euro-Asian continent is a rich source of these values. Our ancestors have always distinguished themselves by their pursuit of knowledge, great discoveries, cultural heritage, and understanding of their roots. There is no doubt that the current generation is incredibly talented. However, without the cultural component, values, and spirituality—the foundations of our people—there is a danger of losing our way and our Jewish self-identity. Against this backdrop, our objective must be to preserve that foundation, without which our people would not have remained so unique to this day, and without which the Russian-speaking diaspora would not continue to be a source of rich Jewish cultural heritage."

Touching upon the issues of terror and antisemitism, the EAJC President noted: "On this day 16 years ago, one of the most horrific terrorist attacks in human history occurred. Exactly 16 years ago, we believed the world had changed, opened its eyes, and realized that terror knows no borders. Unfortunately, since then, terrorist attacks worldwide have not ceased, and bloodshed in the Middle East, whether by Bashar al-Assad or the Islamic State, continues. Yet, despite this, the UN has adopted far more condemnatory resolutions against Israel than against all other states combined, regardless of what events occur globally. What is this, if not a modern manifestation of antisemitism? When will the international community realize that Israel is the sole bastion of democracy and the outpost of the civilized world in the fight against terror in the Middle East? The time has come to resist. The time has come to push back against antisemites."