A moving ceremony took place in Jerusalem to mark the inauguration of the new “Sha’ar ha-Kodesh” (“The Holy Gate”) prayer hall at the western section of the Western Wall complex, as well as the dedication of a new mikveh built in “Yad Sarah” nonprofit volunteer organization building dedicated to Daniella Rachel Frenkel, daughter of the Chairman of the Board of the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress (EAJC), Mr. Aaron G. Frenkel.

Both projects were made possible thanks to the generous support of Mr. Frenkel and his family. The ceremony was led by former Chief Rabbi of Israel, Rabbi Israel Meir Lau. The event was attended by EAJC Director-General Dr. Haim Ben Yakov.

“The dedication of a new mikveh and the opening of the Sha’ar ha-Kodesh prayer hall at the Western Wall are moments filled with purity, continuity, and sanctity,” Dr. Ben Yakov noted. “They touch upon the deepest values that connect generations. These moments of spiritual uplift and unity left a lasting impression on all present.”

A video report from the ceremony, as well as Aaron G. Frenkel’s congratulatory remarks, can be viewed on the official EAJC YouTube channel.

EAJC leadership remains committed to supporting initiatives that preserve Jewish tradition, heritage, memory, and spiritual continuity.

The UK-based academic publisher Routledge has released a four-volume series titled Documents on Israeli–Soviet Relations, 1954–1967, a joint scholarly project of the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Cummings Center for Russian and East European Studies at Tel Aviv University. The publication was prepared with the support of the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress (EAJC).

The collection was compiled by leading scholars in the field of international relations history, including Professor Yaacov Ro’i (Tel Aviv University), who served as the general editor of the project; Dr. Yehoshua Freundlich; and Dr. Boris Morozov, a research fellow at the Cummings Institute and a member of the academic board of the Institute for Euro-Asian Jewish Studies. The series is based on more than 600 archival documents from Israeli and Russian repositories, many of which are being published here for the first time. The new volumes continue a previous project covering the years 1941–1953, which was released in 2000.

The collection thoroughly examines the most dramatic and turbulent chapters in the history of Soviet-Israeli relations: from the reestablishment of diplomatic ties in the mid-1950s to the sharp deterioration during the Suez Crisis; from Cold War confrontations leading up to the Six-Day War to the severance of diplomatic relations in June 1967; from the struggle of Soviet Jews (refuseniks) for emigration to the emergence of global movements in their support. Particular attention is paid to the role of the Israeli embassy in Moscow and its connection with Soviet Jews, as well as to Israel’s place in Soviet Middle East policy.

This publication is a rare example of bilateral historical diplomacy: it includes materials from both the Israeli and Soviet sides, allowing readers to examine complex international processes in full context. As the editors note, the series highlights Israel’s unique position in Soviet foreign policy and the significant obstacles to productive dialogue posed by deep-rooted ideological differences—especially regarding the question of Soviet Jewry.

The authors extend their sincere appreciation to the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress, its President Dr. Michael Mirilashvili, and its Director General Dr. Haim Ben Yakov for their support and contribution to the realization of this publication.

The EAJC will continue to support academic research in the fields of Israeli history and Soviet Jewry, considering the preservation of cultural and historical heritage to be one of its core missions.

The Euro-Asian Jewish Congress has expressed deep concern regarding the damage inflicted upon Croatia’s consul and his wife during the recent Iranian missile attack on Tel Aviv.

In an official statement, the EAJC strongly condemned the attack that endangered diplomatic personnel and civilians alike. The organization voiced outrage at the Iranian regime’s deliberate targeting of civilian areas and its blatant disregard for diplomatic immunity.

The EAJC wished the consul and his wife a swift and complete recovery, and expressed solidarity with Croatia’s diplomatic corps during this difficult time.

Photo: Gage Skidmore

On behalf of the leadership of the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress and personally, President Dr. Michael Mirilashvili extended birthday greetings to the 47th President of the United States, Donald J. Trump, who turned 79 on June 14.

In a message sent by the Congress to the White House, it was stated:

“On behalf of the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress and personally, I extend my warmest congratulations on the occasion of your 79th birthday.

From the beginning of this year, as you once again took the helm of the most powerful nation in the world — the United States of America — you have clearly and resolutely reaffirmed your support for the State of Israel in its ongoing struggle against radical Islamism and terrorism spreading across the Middle East. Your courageous words and decisive actions have already begun to shift the regional dynamics, restoring strength and confidence to the voice of justice.

Earlier this year, I thanked you for your leadership in confronting one of the most troubling phenomena of our time — the alarming rise of antisemitism on American university campuses. At that time, I wrote:

“It is clear that any manifestation of hatred and violence against Jews — as against any people — must be outlawed. Calls for the destruction of Israel and the denial of the Jewish people’s right to self-determination are unacceptable, just as they would be if directed toward any other nation or people.”

These words carry even greater urgency today, as we confront the world’s leading exporter of antisemitism — the Iranian regime of the ayatollahs. This is a regime that openly proclaims the destruction of Israel as its goal, seeks to destabilize the Middle East, and threatens global security. It is not merely a threat to the Jewish people, but to the very foundations of the free world.

With your leadership, we believe it is once again possible to restore greatness to the Middle East, just as you are restoring greatness to the United States — our closest and most enduring ally.

I am firmly convinced that, without your intervention, the world might already be on the brink of a third world war. Instead, you continue to seek paths of dialogue, offering diplomatic solutions and striving to bring Russia and Ukraine to the negotiating table. In a world exhausted by confrontation, this inspires profound respect.

We count on your continued resolve, clarity, and leadership — qualities that are so deeply needed in our time. May you be blessed with health, strength, and the continued fulfillment of your mission in defense of justice and human dignity.”

Dr. Michael Mirilashvili, President of the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress (EAJC), delivered a keynote address at the World Jewish Congress (WJC) Plenary Assembly in Jerusalem. Below is the full text of his statement:

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“Dear colleagues, dear friends,

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

Mr. Lauder,
You are not just an outstanding leader of the Jewish people. You have the rare and invaluable quality of not only leading others, but continuously growing, listening to the moment, and adapting to it. That is true greatness.

Ms. Safra,
We are genuinely pleased to continue working with you. You have already shown your ability to foster an atmosphere of trust, attentiveness, and empathy. I am confident that under your leadership, our dialogue will become even deeper and more human.

Dear Aaron,
As we say in Russian: “A great ship deserves a great voyage.”
We are proud to have worked alongside you. Let me share a secret: everything Aaron touches becomes better and more successful. We hope you will remain with us in the Euro-Asian Congress, even in your new role.

We live in a time when words are no longer enough. The time has come for action.

Today, the Jewish people face challenges that cannot be overcome with diplomatic phrasing or slow-moving bureaucracy. We must act — decisively, swiftly, and with courage.

Let me highlight two issues that demand our immediate attention.

First: the rise of antisemitism.

We are witnessing its return — in a new, insidious, ever-shifting form, like a virus adapting to a new reality. It appears in places we never expected. It wears masks: political criticism, social slogans, cultural “sensitivity.”

But we have a tool — the IHRA definition of antisemitism. It is not just a declaration; it is a clear and effective standard. It allows us to distinguish between real hatred and political rhetoric.

We must stand firmly on this foundation.

Only then can we build meaningful partnerships with governments and societies — based on clarity, responsibility, and the demand that the protection of Jewish communities become a matter of real and urgent action, not just empty words.

Second: the relationship between Israel and the Diaspora.

Today, during the days of Sefirat HaOmer, we recall the tragedy of Rabbi Akiva’s students. Their failure to respect one another led to catastrophe. We must learn from that pain: there is no future without mutual respect, without unity.

Today is not a time for disputes. Today is a time for mutual support.

The world must see our unity. Jews in Israel and Jews in the Diaspora are not separate peoples — we share one destiny.

When we are united, diplomatic breakthroughs become possible. When we are divided, even victories can feel like defeats.

We must remember: almost every Israeli family today bears the trauma of October 7.

We survived exile, pogroms, and genocide because we held on to one another. And when we did, God stood with us.

We are one people. And we share one destiny.

Let us live up to the greatness of our heritage. Let us protect, build, and unite — together.

All Jewish souls are bound together. And when we remember this, it becomes easier to fulfill the commandment: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”

No one fulfills this commandment better than the soldiers of the Israel Defense Forces. We pray for the swift release of all the hostages and for victory over our enemies.

Thank you. Am Yisrael Chai!”

Alexander Bilinkis, Vice President of the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress (EAJC), entrepreneur, and head of the Jewish Community of the Republic of Moldova, has been elected Vice President of the World Jewish Congress (WJC). The decision was made during the vote held at the 17th WJC Plenary Assembly in Jerusalem.

EAJC President Dr. Michael Mirilashvili personally congratulated Mr. Bilinkis on his election and wished him success, strength, and a productive term in such an influential position.

The EAJC’s member communities join in congratulating Alexander Bilinkis, wishing him success and meaningful achievements for the benefit of the global Jewish community and the continued strengthening of ties between Israel and the Diaspora.

Aaron G. Frenkel, Chairman of the Board of the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress (EAJC), has been elected Senior Vice President and the Treasurer of the World Jewish Congress (WJC). The decision was made during a vote held at the 17th WJC Plenary Assembly in Jerusalem.

Congratulating him on the occasion, EAJC President Dr. Michael Mirilashvili stated:

“Dear Aaron,

As we say in Russian:
‘A great ship deserves a great voyage!’
We are proud to have had the privilege of working alongside you.
Let me share a secret: everything Aaron touches turns out better and more successful. That’s simply the truth.”

It is important to note that Aaron G. Frenkel will continue serving as Chairman of the EAJC Board.

The EAJC’s member communities join in congratulating Aaron G. Frenkel and wish him great success and impact in his new role — for the benefit of the global Jewish people and in strengthening the ties between Israel and the Diaspora.