EAJC President: "We are living in an era where words are no longer enough. The time has come for action."

The President of the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress, Dr. Michael Mirilashvili, addressed the assembly of the World Jewish Congress in Jerusalem. The full text of his statement is provided below:

“Distinguished colleagues, dear friends!

First and foremost, I wish to congratulate the newly elected leadership.

Mr. Lauder,

You are not merely an outstanding leader of the Jewish people. You possess the rare and invaluable ability not only to guide others, but to continuously evolve, adapt, and remain closely attuned to the demands of our times.

Mrs. Safra,

We are sincerely pleased to continue our collaborative efforts with you. You have already demonstrated your ability to cultivate an atmosphere of trust, attentiveness, and mutual respect. I am confident that under your chairmanship, our dialogue will become even more profound and meaningful.

Dear Aaron,

As the Russian saying goes: “A great ship demands a great voyage!”

We are proud to have had the opportunity to work alongside you. It is no secret that everything you touch becomes more refined and successful. We look forward to your continued association with the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress in your new capacity.

We live in an era where words are no longer sufficient; the time has come for action.

Today, the Jewish people face challenges that can be resolved neither by diplomatic phrasing nor by slow bureaucratic maneuvers. We must act decisively, swiftly, and with courage.

Allow me to outline two critical matters requiring our immediate attention.

First is the alarming rise of antisemitism.

We are witnessing its return—altered, insidious, and highly adaptable, much like a virus evolving to fit a new reality. It penetrates spaces where we once believed it could not exist. It disguises itself under the guise of political criticism, social slogans, and cultural 'sensitivity.'

We possess a vital instrument—the definition of antisemitism adopted by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA). This is not a mere declaration; it is an explicit criterion that distinguishes genuine hatred from political rhetoric.

We must stand firmly upon this foundation.

Only in this manner can we establish partnerships with sovereign states and communities based on clear expectations and accountability, demanding—and securing—that the protection of Jewish communities is supported by concrete, immediate actions rather than mere declarations.

Second is the relationship between the Diaspora and the State of Israel.

During these days of Sefirat HaOmer, we recall the tragedy of Rabbi Akiva’s disciples. Their failure to show mutual respect resulted in catastrophe. We are duty-bound to learn from that historical pain: there is no future without mutual respect and unity.

Today is not a time for division; it is a time for unwavering mutual support.

The world must witness our unity. The Jews of Israel and the Jews of the Diaspora are not separate entities; we share a single destiny.
When we stand united, diplomatic breakthroughs become possible. When we are divided, even victories turn into defeats.

We must remember that nearly every Israeli family today bears the scars of the tragedy of October 7th.
We have survived exile, pogroms, and catastrophes solely because we maintained our solidarity. And in doing so, the Almighty sustained us.

We are one people, with one destiny.

Let us be worthy of our great heritage. Let us work together to defend, build, and unite.

The souls of all Jewish people are interconnected. In keeping this awareness, we are better able to fulfill the commandment to 'Love thy neighbor as thyself.' This commandment is exemplified in the highest form by the soldiers of the Israel Defense Forces. We pray for the swift release of all hostages and a decisive victory over our adversaries.

Thank you! Am Yisrael Chai!”