The EAJC President addressed the Jerusalem Post Conference in Miami

Dr. Michael Mirilashvili, President of the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress, attended the annual conference of the Israeli publication The Jerusalem Post, held on December 9-10 in Miami. Lead diplomats, influential politicians, opinion leaders, technological innovators, and heads of Jewish communities from across the globe gathered to discuss the implications of the tragedy of October 7, 2023, and Israel's ongoing war against pro-Iranian forces in the region.

The EAJC President delivered a recorded address, calling upon the international community to seek new frameworks for institutions designed to maintain global peace and justice. The EAJC President further noted that the UN and the international courts in The Hague have become venues for political maneuvering, failing to fulfill their designated purposes. Additionally, he emphasized the critical necessity of isolating the Iranian regime and its proxies, which represent a genuinely destructive force in the Middle East.

Furthermore, the EAJC President observed that the time has come for peace agreements and post-war resolution, urging international leaders to engage in bold and groundbreaking diplomacy at this pivotal historical junction.

Full recording of the conference:

Full text of the address:

Respected Colleagues and Friends,

Allow me to welcome you to the conference of The Jerusalem Post, the world's leading media platform, and to express my gratitude for this opportunity to address you at this profoundly critical juncture.

The military operation of the Israel Defense Forces, launched in response to the Hamas terrorist attacks of October 7, triggered a massive global surge of antisemitism and a series of unjust allegations against Israel, challenging its fundamental right to security and the protection of its citizens.

While Hamas and its supporters celebrate the International Criminal Court’s decision to issue arrest warrants for Israel’s Prime Minister and former Minister of Defense, we must not remain silent. This represents a transparent injustice, and the world must hold this truth in view.

We call on all member states of the International Criminal Court to reject this dangerous ruling and openly refuse to enforce these arrest warrants.

Israel remains committed to securing the safety of its citizens, conducting an immensely complex war against terrorism wherein the enemy employs the most duplicitous tactics.

Even accounting for any potential operational errors, it is unacceptable to draw an equivalence between the leadership of a democratic nation and the commanders of a terrorist organization responsible for the brutal massacre of thousands of innocent civilians.

In recent years, we have witnessed the profound dysfunction of entities established to preserve international peace and justice. The UN and the international courts in The Hague have descended into arenas for political maneuvering, detached from real justice and conflict resolution. Consequently, their decisions serve only to exacerbate already volatile conflicts. It is clear that the current institutional architecture is obsolete. Global leaders must establish new, highly effective paradigms.

We appreciate the United States administration’s decision to veto the recent UN Security Council resolution. That draft resolution demanded an unconditional ceasefire from Israel while failing to demand that Hamas immediately and unconditionally release the hostages. This defies rational judgment and represents a prime example of destructive diplomacy that serves only to worsen the crisis.

We are also grateful to the United States Senate for rejecting three anti-Israel resolutions by an overwhelming majority. Resolutions aimed at cutting off military assistance to Israel set a dangerous precedent, and we welcome the recognition by the majority of American lawmakers of the vital importance of supporting their strategic ally.

It must be clearly understood that any attempts to restrict Israel's capacity to defend itself against Iranian-backed terrorists amount to encouraging the very forces seeking the destruction of Israel and the broader Western civilization, which is founded upon liberty and the sanctity of human life. This reality must be recognized by European leaders as well.

For as long as Iran continues to exert a highly destabilizing influence in the region, it must be thoroughly isolated, and its ability to intervene in the sovereign affairs of other nations must be severely curtailed.

We endorse the agreement regarding Lebanon and emphasize the absolute necessity of ensuring that the state is governed by its legitimately elected representatives, rather than Iranian proxy forces.

In such highly complex geopolitical circumstances, there is an urgent need for constructive diplomacy. A prominent example is the Abraham Accords—a hallmark achievement of American Middle East foreign policy that fundamentally transformed the region. These accords established a new precedent for peace and cooperation between Israel and its neighbors, demonstrating the profound results achievable through courageous and visionary leadership.

Agreements that once seemed impossible have restored hope to the people of Israel and the wider region, demonstrating that a more peaceful and stable future may be far closer than anticipated. Although these measures required immense effort, they proved that even long-established regional frameworks can be transformed. Change is possible, and we possess the capacity to shape a future defined by reason, constructive dialogue, and a pursuit of peace.

Yet today, I wish to address not only past achievements but future imperatives. Over the past several years, brutal wars have increasingly defined our daily lives, making peace appear distant. We must not allow ourselves to grow accustomed to this condition. The time has come to advance forward.

The time has come to initiate discussions on a post-war resolution. However, no such dialogue can take place absent the fulfillment of several foundational terms.

First, there must be an unconditional recognition of the State of Israel. It is unacceptable that in the 21st century, the Jewish people's right to national self-determination is subjected to skepticism. It is unacceptable that modern actors attempt to challenge the historic decisions of the international community that established the State of Israel.

Second, Israel’s fundamental right to peace and security must remain absolute.

The right of the Jewish state to exist in peace, to protect its citizens, and to secure its borders cannot be compromised. This is the baseline prerequisite for any discussion regarding the future of the Middle East.

Moreover, we must reassess our own responsibilities. It is evident that we cannot rely on external actors to deliver a prepackaged peace formula. We must actively engage in defining new solutions and discovering compromises, even as we stand firm upon our core national requirements.

At this critical historical juncture, I address the leadership of Israel once again. The current moment demands maturity, wisdom, and responsibility. The Jewish people, both in Israel and throughout the Diaspora, look to you for actions that foster unity rather than division. We stand at a historical crossroads where every decision you make will shape our collective future for decades to come. In such moments, the role of a politician is insufficient; history demands statesmanship.

We live in an era of rapid transition and significant trials. While each epoch presents its unique challenges, it also introduces unprecedented opportunities. I recognize that this conference has convened individuals who are not merely observers of global shifts, but active architects of them.

As I speak to my colleagues in this hall today, I am reminded that the hope for transformation is not an abstract concept. It is sustained by the people, in their readiness to build bridges where barriers once stood, and in their shared resolve to foster a world wherein mutual respect and security supersede hostility and apprehension.

It is here, among the leadership of the Jewish world, that I find confidence that change is not merely possible, but inevitable.

The Euro-Asian Jewish Congress stands prepared at all times to facilitate any initiative capable of securing a more peaceful and prosperous future.

Thank you for your time and consideration.