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.

The Jewish community in the Diaspora and in Israel must come together and move from words to concrete action in the fight against antisemitism. This was the message delivered by Dr. Michael Mirilashvili, President of the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress (EAJC), during his speech at the World Jewish Congress (WJC) Assembly in Jerusalem.

“We live in a time when words are no longer enough. The time has come for action,” Dr. Mirilashvili stated. “The Jewish people are facing challenges that cannot be addressed through diplomatic language or slow bureaucratic processes. We must act — decisively, swiftly, and with courage.”

The EAJC President identified two critical issues that the WJC must focus its efforts on: antisemitism and the relationship between Israel and the Jewish Diaspora.

Speaking about antisemitism, Dr. Mirilashvili said:

“We already have a tool — the IHRA definition of antisemitism. It is not just a declaration; it is a clear and operational standard. It enables us to distinguish real hatred from political rhetoric.
We are obliged to stand firmly on this foundation.
Only then can we build partnerships with governments and societies based on clear expectations and shared responsibility, and insist — successfully — that the protection of Jewish communities becomes a matter of action, not just words.”

Regarding the relationship between Israel and the Diaspora, Dr. Mirilashvili emphasized:

“There is no future without respect. No future without unity.
This is not a time for argument — it is a time for mutual support.
The world must see that we stand together. Jews in Israel and Jews in the Diaspora are not separate peoples — we share a common destiny.
When we are united, diplomatic breakthroughs become possible. When we are divided, even victories can feel like defeats.
We must never forget: today, nearly every Israeli family carries the trauma of October 7.
We have survived exile, pogroms, and genocide only because we held on to one another — and then God helped us.
We are one people. And we share one fate.”

In closing, Dr. Mirilashvili expressed hope for the speedy release of the 58 hostages still held in the Gaza Strip, and for Israel’s ultimate victory in the war against Islamist terror groups.

Photo credit: Shahar Azran/WJC

A senior delegation from the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress (EAJC) took part in the Executive Committee meeting of the World Jewish Congress (WJC), held in Jerusalem from May 18 to 20. The forum brought together more than 350 delegates from 70 Jewish communities worldwide for a series of working sessions aimed at addressing organizational and procedural matters, electing new WJC board members, and discussing the state of global antisemitism following the events of October 7, 2023.

The EAJC delegation included EAJC President Dr. Michael Mirilashvili, EAJC Chairman of the Board Aaron G. Frenkel, EAJC Director General Dr. Haim Ben Yaakov, as well as leaders of Jewish communities from across the Euro-Asian region.

Notably, Aaron G. Frenkel was elected WJC Senior Vice President and Treasurer, becoming the first representative of the EAJC to assume such a distinguished position. He will continue to serve as Chairman of the EAJC Board. In addition, Alexander Bilinkis, Vice President of the EAJC, businessman, and head of the Jewish Community of the Republic of Moldova, was elected WJC Vice President.

During the Assembly, EAJC leaders actively contributed to discussions on the urgent challenges facing the global Jewish community amid Israel’s war with Hamas. Key topics included the sharp rise in antisemitism worldwide, the fight against terrorism in the Middle East, the Iranian threat to Israel, and strengthening the bond between the Jewish diaspora and Jerusalem. At the close of the second day, a special evening for global Jewish community leaders was held at the initiative of the EAJC, led by President Dr. Michael Mirilashvili.

The WJC Executive Committee concluded with the adoption of a resolution reaffirming the commitment of the World Jewish Congress and its affiliated communities to the State of Israel as the nation-state of the Jewish people with Jerusalem as its capital. The resolution emphasized unconditional support for Israel as a Jewish and democratic state, living in peace and security, with recognized and protected borders and the right to defend itself against all security threats.

Separately, WJC leaders issued a call for the release of the 58 hostages still being held by terrorists in the Gaza Strip, where they have been in captivity for over 592 days. On the third day of the forum, WJC delegates met with representatives of the hostages’ families and expressed solidarity with their struggle to bring their loved ones home.

The Euro-Asian Jewish Congress (EAJC) extends its heartfelt congratulations to Pope Leo XIV on his election as the new leader of the Roman Catholic Church.

For many years, the EAJC has maintained a constructive relationship with the Catholic Church, grounded in shared commitment to historical memory, the fight against hatred and anti-semitism, and the promotion of human dignity and interreligious understanding.

EAJC President Dr. Michael Mirilashvili stated:

“We trust that the pontificate of Pope Leo XIV will be marked by a deepened spirit of dialogue and moral clarity — especially vital in an era of global instability and growing polarization.“

„On behalf of the Jewish communities of the Euro-Asian region, I express our sincere hope for continued open exchange, guided by honesty, mutual respect, and a shared responsibility for the future of humanity.”