The Euro-Asian Jewish Congress (EAJC) expresses its deep outrage over the fact that United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres sent a congratulatory message to the Iranian authorities on the anniversary of the 1979 Islamic Revolution — against the backdrop of ongoing mass repression in the Islamic Republic of Iran.

The President of the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress (EAJC), Dr. Michael Mirilashvili, publicly addressed the leadership of the United Nations with strong criticism of the letter sent by the head of the organization to the leader of the repressive regime in Tehran.

On behalf of the EAJC leadership and the leaders of Jewish communities across the region, Dr. Mirilashvili stated:

“I express my profound outrage regarding the recent public statements by the Secretary-General of the United Nations addressed to the Iranian leadership amid the harshest repression in the country. According to numerous assessments by independent human rights organizations, tens of thousands of citizens have been killed in Iran as a result of the brutal suppression of protests and internal terror. Tens of thousands more have been injured, subjected to arbitrary arrests, torture, and extrajudicial persecution.

In addition, Iran continues to systematically suppress freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, and the rights of women and national minorities.

Against this backdrop, public gestures that may be interpreted as congratulations or moral support for the current ruling elite in Tehran raise serious concern and deep misunderstanding.

The United Nations was established as an institution designed to defend human freedoms and dignity and to prevent crimes against humanity. At a time when the world is witnessing mass killings and grave human rights violations, the position of international institutions must be clear and morally unambiguous.

The history of the twentieth century has convincingly demonstrated that moral neutrality in the face of repressive regimes is inevitably perceived as their indirect legitimization.”

The Euro-Asian Jewish Congress calls on the leadership of the United Nations to take a series of urgent steps:

1. Provide a clear and unequivocal assessment of the large-scale repression in Iran;

2. Support an independent international investigation into reports of mass killings and torture in Iran;

3. Advocate for the release of political prisoners;

4. Strengthen international monitoring of the human rights situation in the country and call for the immediate resignation of the current UN Secretary-General.

The international community has no right to turn a blind eye to the suffering of the people. Silence and diplomatic ambiguity in such circumstances undermine trust in the very idea of international human rights protection.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

Dr. Michael Mirilashvili, President of the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress (EAJC), has sent an official congratulatory letter to Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana marking the 60th anniversary of the Knesset building in Jerusalem. The Israeli parliament building was officially inaugurated on August 30, 1966.

In his message, the EAJC President emphasized the symbolic significance of the Knesset as an embodiment of renewed Jewish sovereignty and noted that the parliament, as a reflection of Israeli society, should serve as a role model for all citizens of the country.

Full text of the congratulatory message:

Dear Mr. Speaker,

On behalf of the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress, I am honored to extend our warmest congratulations on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the Knesset building.

Since its inauguration, the Knesset building has stood as an enduring symbol of renewed Jewish sovereignty in our ancestral homeland and of Israeli democracy. Within its walls, momentous decisions have been made, vigorous debates have taken place, and defining chapters in the history of the State of Israel have been written.

As the parliament of the Jewish people, the Knesset reflects Israeli society in all its diversity. It serves as a forum for democratic discourse, the exchange of ideas, and decision-making that shapes the nation’s future. As such, the Knesset must serve as a role model for society as a whole — exemplifying dignified conduct, respectful dialogue, and steadfast commitment to democratic values.

The Jews of the Euro-Asian region’s communities, look upon the Knesset building with pride as an embodiment of the fulfilled Zionist dream. This magnificent structure, with its distinctive architecture and remarkable works of art, represents the harmonious blend of tradition and innovation, of past and future.

May the Knesset building continue to serve as the home of Israeli democracy for generations to come, and may the decisions made within its chambers bring blessing, prosperity, and peace to the State of Israel and the entire Jewish people.

n recent days, the situation in Syria—where the authorities are attempting to reassert control by force over territories that effectively became autonomous in the early 2010s—has caused profound concern worldwide, and particularly in Israel. There, growing alarm is being expressed over the rapidly deteriorating situation of the Kurdish community in Syria. In light of these developments, the President of the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress (EAJC), Dr. Michael Mirilashvili, has called on the Government of Israel and the international community to take action regarding the situation in Kobani, a Syrian-Kurdish city on the Syrian–Turkish border, which is facing a humanitarian catastrophe. According to the EAJC, what is currently unfolding in Kobani constitutes a grave violation of the fundamental norms of international humanitarian law and cannot be ignored.

Statement by the President of the EAJC, Dr. Michael Mirilashvili:

“The Euro-Asian Jewish Congress is receiving, with deep concern, information about the rapidly deteriorating humanitarian situation in the Syrian-Kurdish city of Kobani, which is presently under blockade and subjected to armed pressure.

According to media reports, the city is encircled on all sides; water and electricity supplies have been cut off; regular food deliveries have ceased; and communications and internet access are intermittently blocked. Civilians remain trapped under siege in Kobani—children, the elderly, and families deprived of the most basic conditions necessary for survival.

We regard what is taking place as a severe humanitarian catastrophe and a gross violation of the fundamental principles of international humanitarian law. Collective punishment of the civilian population, deprivation of essential life-sustaining resources, and attempts at violent suppression cannot be justified by any political or military considerations.

Kobani already became a symbol of resistance to barbarism and extremism in 2014. Today, the city’s Kurdish community is once again appealing to the world for help.

The Euro-Asian Jewish Congress calls upon the international community, the institutions of the United Nations, as well as human rights and humanitarian organizations, to immediately demand an end to the blockade of Kobani, to ensure unimpeded humanitarian access to the city, and to take urgent measures to protect the civilian population.

We address a separate and special appeal to the Government of the State of Israel. Israel is a state born out of the tragic experience of systematic annihilation and decades of global silence. For this very reason, Israel cannot and must not remain indifferent to the fate of people who today are facing the threat of destruction.

We are convinced that Israel’s historical memory, moral responsibility, and international standing both enable and oblige it to employ all available political, diplomatic, and humanitarian instruments to protect the civilian population of Kobani and to prevent further escalation of the conflict.

The historical experience of the Jewish people teaches us clearly: silence in the face of darkness and systematic violence is unacceptable. We consider it our moral duty to speak out in defense of those who find themselves in mortal danger.

Kobani must not be left in darkness—physical, political, or moral.”

The Euro-Asian Jewish Congress (EAJC) warmly welcomes the U.S. Senate’s decision to confirm Rabbi Yehuda Kaplun as the Special Envoy of the U.S. Department of State for monitoring and combating anti-Semitism, granting him the rank of ambassador.

Dr. Michael Mirilashvili, President of the EAJC, stated:

“The appointment of Rabbi Yehuda Kaplun as the U.S. Special Envoy for combating anti-Semitism is a timely and important step. We commend the U.S. Senate for approving this appointment. Today, anti-Semitism is not merely a local issue; it is a global, well-coordinated, and increasingly brazen threat that demands responsible and professional leadership.

I have known Rabbi Kaplun for many years and can personally attest to his deep commitment, seriousness, and consistency in confronting anti-Semitism in all its forms. He is fully aware of the significant challenges facing Jewish communities today and the responsibilities that come with this role.

The Euro-Asian Jewish Congress, which represents the interests of Jewish communities across Eurasia, greatly appreciates the U.S. administration’s commitment to ensuring the continuity and effectiveness of this vital institution. We look forward to constructive cooperation with the Special Envoy in safeguarding Jewish life, human dignity, and historical truth.”

The EAJC also applauds Rabbi Kaplun’s active involvement in international efforts to coordinate the fight against anti-Semitism, including the forum for Special Envoys and National Coordinators for Countering Anti-Semitism (SECCA), which remains one of the most important international platforms for collaboration between government bodies of various nations and Jewish organizations.

The Euro-Asian Jewish Congress is dedicated to international cooperation in combating anti-Semitism, racism, and xenophobia and is eager for active dialogue with state and international partners.

The Euro-Asian Jewish Congress (EAJC) has received with profound grief and outrage the reports of a horrific terrorist attack that took place on December 14 during Hanukkah celebrations in Sydney, in the Bondi Beach area. Approximately 2,000 people took part in the “Hanukkah by the Sea” event, organized by Chabad emissaries.

We extend our deepest condolences to the families of the victims, share the pain of the entire Jewish community of Australia, and pray for the swift recovery of those who were wounded. The EAJC declares its full solidarity with the Jewish community of Sydney and its readiness to provide any assistance that may be required.

The EAJC has repeatedly warned that tolerance of antisemitic rhetoric, the normalization of hatred, and inaction by authorities inevitably lead to violence and the loss of human life. Today we see the horrific outcome of such complacency — terror has struck a place where people had gathered to light Hanukkah candles and celebrate life.

The EAJC calls on the Australian authorities to conduct an immediate, firm, and transparent investigation, to identify all perpetrators and organizers of the attack, and to ensure they are held fully accountable. The protection of Jewish communities, religious events, and public spaces must be guaranteed without delay and without compromise.

The EAJC stresses that the fight against antisemitism is not a matter of rhetoric, but of human lives. Further delay is unacceptable.

EAJC President Dr. Michael Mirilashvili stated:

“Since October 7, 2023, the world has been swept by a new wave of aggressive antisemitism. Time and again, we warned that hatred left unanswered kills. Today, that hatred has taken Jewish lives in Australia. This is the price of inaction and self-deception. Jews must not pay with their lives for political convenience or fear of calling evil by its name. We expect decisive action from the authorities — action now, not after the next tragedy.”

The Euro-Asian Jewish Congress warmly extends its greetings on the occasion of Hanukkah — the Festival of Light, faith, and inner strength.

This year, we welcome Hanukkah in an exceptionally dark and тревbling time. On the very first day of the holiday, the world was shaken by a horrific terrorist attack in Sydney, which claimed the lives of innocent people who had gathered with their families to light the Hanukkah candles. This tragedy has resonated with deep pain in the hearts of Jews around the world.

It is precisely in moments like these that the meaning of Hanukkah reveals itself with particular clarity. The story of this festival is the story of the heroic Maccabean revolt — a story of resistance to darkness, despotism, and attempts to destroy Jewish faith and erase Jewish identity. It is a story of how the few proved stronger than the many, and how light prevailed over darkness.

Hanukkah teaches us to believe in miracles even when fear and confusion surround us. Each candle we light is a reminder that the Jewish people have endured, will endure, and will continue to move forward, carrying the light of hope, dignity, and life.

May the glow of the Hanukkah lights bring comfort to the bereaved, strength to those who defend our people, and faith that justice and life will prevail. Light will surely overcome darkness.

Chag Hanukkah Sameach!

Euro-Asian Jewish Congress

Bar-Ilan University hosted a roundtable discussion titled “Strategy for Realizing and Developing the Potential of Russian-Speaking Repatriation of the Last Decade.” The event, held on November 5, was organized by Bar-Ilan University, the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress (EAJC), and the NGO Institute for Strategic Leadership.

The roundtable was initiated by Professor Evgeny Smirnov, Head of the Department for the Study of New Russian-Speaking Jewish Repatriation and Director of the Institute for Strategic Leadership. Professor Smirnov outlined three main areas of cooperation between the Institute, the Congress, and the University: identifying and promoting leadership projects and programs; developing strategies for the growth of organizations, business structures, and municipalities — including the successful integration of repatriates; and supporting initiatives and projects related to civil dialogue, public diplomacy, and the advancement of Israel’s interests.

In his opening remarks, Bar-Ilan University Vice President Roni Vinnikov emphasized the importance of the topic, noting that assistance and support for repatriates have been one of the university’s three core missions since its founding. He also expressed the university’s readiness and interest in launching joint educational programs with the EAJC and the Institute for Strategic Leadership — in particular, a master’s program in public policy for leaders of Jewish organizations.

EAJC Director General Dr. Haim Ben Yaakov, in his address, outlined strategic approaches to enhancing the utilization of the academic and professional potential of repatriate scholars for the benefit of Israel. He highlighted examples of repatriate scientists whose invaluable contributions have played a key role in the development of the State of Israel.

The discussion framework was proposed by Professor Zeev Khanin, Professor of Sociology at Bar-Ilan University and Academic Director of the Institute for Euro-Asian Jewish Studies (IEAJS).

The keynote presentation was delivered by Dr. Mikhail Men, Academic Curator of the Department for the Study of New Russian-Speaking Jewish Repatriation and Migration at IEAJS. Dr. Men shared preliminary findings from the latest EAJC-initiated study on Russian-speaking repatriation.

A separate focus of the discussion was the study’s findings on the high level of integration of new repatriates into Israeli society, their acceptance of Jewish national and cultural values, their commitment to social cohesion, and their willingness to contribute to improving the work of public institutions — particularly the efficiency of services assisting new immigrants.

Alex Zernopolsky, Head of the Committees on Repatriation and Immigration of the Israel Bar Association, addressed the legal aspects of working with repatriate scholars, emphasizing the critical role of intellectual repatriation in strengthening Israel’s leadership in the socio-economic sphere.

Additionally, Natalia Tsesarskaya, Head of the Department for Aliyah and Integration of the Be’er Sheva Municipality and Chair of the Israel Association of Heads of Municipal Departments for Aliyah and Integration, presented innovative administrative solutions in this field and outlined plans for future cooperation with the EAJC.

A conference and presentation of the four-volume publication “Documents on Israeli–Soviet Relations, 1954–1967” took place at Tel Aviv University (TAU). The project is a joint academic initiative of the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Cummings Center for Russian and East European Studies at TAU. The conference, as well as the preparation and publication of the collection, were carried out with the support of the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress (EAJC).

The event featured addresses by Dr. Yaakov Livne, Head of the Department of Public Diplomacy and Deputy Director General of the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Dr. Haim Ben Yaakov, Director General of the EAJC; Professor Ofra Goldstein-Gidoni, Director of the Zvi Yavetz School of Historical Studies at TAU; and Professor Vera Kaplan, Head of the Cummings Center for Russian and East European Studies at TAU.

Among the speakers were the co-editors of the collection: Professor Yaacov Roi, patriarch of the Israeli academic school for the study of Soviet and East European history; Dr. Yehoshua Freundlich, former Director of the Israel State Archives; and Dr. Boris Morozov — author of several books on the history of Jewish emigration, research fellow at the Cummings Center for Russian and East European Studies at TAU, and member of the Academic Council of the Institute for Euro-Asian Jewish Studies (IEAJS).

Also among the speakers were Professor Dmitry Adamsky, faculty member at the Lauder School of Government, Diplomacy and Strategy at Reichman University; Professor Amir Weiner, Director of the Center for the Study of the USSR and Central Europe at Stanford University; and Dr. Dmitry Asinovsky, postdoctoral fellow at Tel Aviv University.

The four-volume collection “Documents on Israeli–Soviet Relations, 1954–1967”, published in the summer of 2025, was prepared by leading scholars of international history — Professor Yaacov Roi (Editor-in-Chief), Dr. Yehoshua Freundlich, and Dr. Boris Morozov. The series is based on more than 600 archival documents from Israeli and Russian archives, most of which are published for the first time. The new volumes continue the previous project covering the years 1941–1953, first published in 2000.

The series offers a comprehensive account of some of the most dramatic and turbulent periods in the history of relations between the USSR and the State of Israel: from the restoration of diplomatic ties after their first rupture in 1953 to their cooling during the Suez Crisis; from the pre–Six-Day War confrontation to the final severing of relations in June 1967; from the struggle of Soviet Jews for the right to emigrate to Israel to the rise of the mass international movement supporting their cause in Israel and the West. Special attention is devoted to the interactions between the Israeli Embassy in Moscow and Soviet Jewry, as well as to Israel’s role in the USSR’s Middle Eastern policy.

The Euro-Asian Jewish Congress will continue to support academic research in the field of Israeli history and the history of Soviet Jewry, considering the preservation of cultural and historical heritage one of its key missions.

On Friday, November 7, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that the Republic of Kazakhstan has joined the Abraham Accords. With this decision, Kazakhstan becomes the fifth nation to participate in the framework of agreements with Israel, alongside the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Morocco, and Sudan.

The Euro-Asian Jewish Congress (EAJC) warmly welcomes Kazakhstan’s accession to the Abraham Accords and expresses hope that this historic step will usher in a new era of unprecedented growth and cooperation between Jerusalem and Astana.

Statement by Dr. Michael Mirilashvili, President of the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress, on Kazakhstan’s accession to the Abraham Accords:

“The Euro-Asian Jewish Congress welcomes the historic decision of the Republic of Kazakhstan to join the Abraham Accords—an initiative that has opened a new chapter in the history of dialogue, understanding, and peace in the Middle East.

This step reflects Kazakhstan’s deep commitment to the values of peace, tolerance, and interfaith harmony—principles that have been a cornerstone of the country’s national policy since independence.

Kazakhstan’s accession to the Abraham Accords is not only a diplomatic achievement but also an expression of moral responsibility and far-sighted leadership—hallmarks of the Kazakh government’s vision and policy.

For us, the representatives of Jewish communities across Eurasia, this event carries special significance. It strengthens bridges between peoples and faiths, opens new horizons for cooperation among Kazakhstan, Israel, and other countries in the region, and creates opportunities to deepen cultural and humanitarian ties.

We express our profound appreciation to the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, and to Kazakhstan’s diplomatic corps for their consistent efforts in promoting peace and intercultural dialogue.

The Euro-Asian Jewish Congress stands ready to support the development of public diplomacy, educational, and interfaith initiatives that embody and advance the spirit of the Abraham Accords throughout the region.”

Today, the 7th of Cheshvan on the Hebrew calendar, Israel marks one of the most symbolic dates — Aliyah Day. This special day was established by the Knesset in 2016 to recognize the value of immigration as the foundation of the State of Israel’s existence.

Aliyah Day is symbolically linked to the weekly Torah portion “Lech Lecha,” which recounts the very first “aliyah” — Patriarch Abraham’s journey to the Land of Israel at the Almighty’s command. Millennia later, the path to Israel remains a challenging choice requiring tremendous resolve. Aliyah Day reminds us of the dedication of all those who choose to build their lives in the historic homeland of the Jewish people.

Over the 76 years of Israel’s existence, millions of Jews from every corner of the world have made aliyah. Each wave of immigration — from the early pioneers to today’s immigrants — has made an invaluable contribution to building and developing the country. It is thanks to these immigrants that Israel has become what we know today.

EAJC Director General Dr. Haim Ben Yaakov commented:

“The Euro-Asian Jewish Congress (EAJC) consistently champions the support of immigration processes and the integration of new Israeli citizens. Through its resolutions and statements, the organization has repeatedly emphasized that aliyah is not merely every Jew’s right, but a vital factor in strengthening the Jewish state. The EAJC actively works to create favorable conditions for the comfortable immigration of Jews from Eurasian countries, fostering the preservation of ties between the diaspora and Israel.

The Law of Return, enacted by the Knesset in 1950, remains one of the cornerstones of Israeli statehood. This law guarantees every Jew’s right to immigrate and obtain Israeli citizenship, embodying the very essence of the Jewish state as a home for the entire people, regardless of where they reside. It bears noting that at one of our conferences in 2022, former Chief Justice of Israel’s Supreme Court Professor Aharon Barak underscored the fundamental importance of the Law of Return to the Jewish state, emphasizing that given its symbolic significance, this law should be regarded alongside Israel’s Basic Laws, even though it was enacted as ordinary legislation.

This year, Aliyah Day occurs against the backdrop of a devastating two-year war whose outcome remains uncertain, lending particular significance to this occasion. Thousands of new immigrants continue arriving in Israel despite all challenges. However, we must track these trends and work to ensure that the decision to center one’s life in Israel becomes ever more accessible and appealing.”