Moldovan Parliament adopted a law criminalising the glorification of Nazism and Fascism

On 23 April 2021 during the second reading The Parliament of the Republic of Moldova approved the bill on amendments and additions to certain legal acts. These amendments criminalise Holocaust denial and promotion of racism, xenophobia and fascism. The Jewish Community of the Republic of Moldova participated directly in drafting the bill.

Since it was firstly presented in 2013 the bill has been proposed to Moldovan Parliament multiple times; almost 8 years later the law is finally adopted by the Parliament. The leaders of the Jewish Community of the Republic of Moldova believe that the law will help to decrease the numerous acts of vandalism and lower the level of anti-Semitism in Moldovan society.

‘‘The Euro-Asian Jewish Congress welcomes the decision Moldovan Parliament made. It is the right path; we hope the law will help to decrease the level of intolerance and create the modern democratic society based on principles of respect for ethnic minorities, solidarity and memory of the past,’’ says the EAJC president D-r Michael Mirilashvili.

Gillian Merron takes seat in House of Lords

The former Chief Executive of the Board of Deputies of British Jews Gillian Merron has taken her seat in the House of Lords as a Life Peer

The news about Merron’s peerage was made public in last December and in January it was announced that she would be leaving her position as Chief Executive of the Board of Deputies which Merron has been taken for more than 6 years. Gillian Merron was also a representative of the United Kingdom in the World Jewish Congress. Prior her service for BOD Merron was a member of parliament for Lincoln between 1997 and 2010.

The EAJC President D-r Michael Mirilashvili send his congratulations on starting the work for the House of Lords to Baroness Merron, thanking her for the cooperation in the World Jewish Congress and wishing her success on the new position.

SHOAH – a new special project by EAJC

EAJC launched a new special project ‘Shoah’ devoted solely to the history of the Holocaust. The project is aimed to gather various unique, interactive materials about the Holocaust, helping younger generations learn and understand this subject deeper.

EAJC supports The Zoharim Village for at-risk Orthodox youths

Migdal Or is an NGO educational network that was founded almost 50 years ago by the mayor of Migdal HaEmek and The Chief Rabbinate Council member Rabbi Yitzchak Dovid Grossman. Today Migdal Or network includes dozens of daycare centers, preschools, primary and secondary schools, after-school clubs, vocational schools and academic institutions.

In 2011 Rabbi Grossman reorganised Kfar Zoharim treatment centre and created an educational facility for at-risk Orthodox youths. The Village has provided a safe home and rehabilitation to hundreds of runaway teenagers coming from challenging socio-economic backgrounds as well as helped them to complete their secondary education and adapt to Israeli society. More than 90% of the Zoharim Youth Village graduates have been enlisted to the Israel Defence Forces (TZAHAL), large number of them are the part of the IDF combat units.

At the initiative of EAJC board chairman Aaron G. Frenkel, the Congress supported the Zoharim Youth Village because of its social significance. EAJC regularly supports various social projects aimed to provide support to socially vulnerable and disadvantaged groups in Israel and the Diaspora.

At the initiative of Aaron G. Frenkel EAJC supports families of Israel’s fallen soldiers

The non-profit organization “Or le-Mishpahot”, created in 2008 by reserve lieutenant colonel Irit Oren Gonders with the aim of supporting parents whose children were killed in the Israeli wars, will once again hold this year its mourning events with the relatives of the fallen soldiers. The main task of “Or le-Mishpahot” is to provide year-round support for the parents of fallen soldiers, who often experience severe depression after the death of their loved ones.

“We try to inspire, entertain and support the families of the fallen, and in particular their parents, in a variety of ways, since many of them after the death of their children are in an extremely difficult condition – they stop leaving their homes, experience social distancing and sinking into grief. The state provides them with financial and psychological assistance, but they have almost no incentive to continue an active social life. We are becoming this incentive. We organize for them a variety of events, trips around the country, trips abroad and much more,” said the head of the development department Eldad Bronstein.

According to Bronstein, the organization activity would have been impossible without the constant financial support of the Chairman of the EuroAsian Jewish Congress Mr. Aaron G. Frenkel, who also serves as president of the “Or le-Mishpahot” organization.

The past year was not easy for “Or le-Mishpahot”, as well as for any public organizations around the world. The pandemic has made its own adjustments to the plans of the organization, and it had to adapt itself to new realities. However, the activity of “Or le-Mishpahot” during the past year did not stop for a minute, although it underwent some changes. Thus, due to the impossibility of attending concerts, organizing joint trips or flying abroad, “Or le-Mishpahot” continued to support the parents of the fallen soldiers via telephone conversations, personal meetings, gifts and group meetings with a limited number of participants. Today, as the coronavirus epidemic in Israel subsides, “Or le-Mishpahot” is returning to its usual activities.

Support the organization

On the evening of 13 April 2021 Israel marks Memorial Day for the fallen soldiers and victims of terrorism. The official events begin at 8:00 PM with a moment of national silence heralded by a one-minute siren. After that, the central event will start in front of the Western Wall, where the President of the State of Israel, the Chief of General Staff of the Israel Defense Forces and the families of people who have lost their relatives in wars and terrorist attacks will take part.

Remembrance Day ceremonies commence at 11:00 AM at all IDF military cemeteries located throughout the country, following a two-minute blast of the siren. They are attended by the families of the fallen, public figures and representatives of the government, police and the security forces. The main service is held at the military cemetery on Mount Herzl in Jerusalem.

On Memorial Day for the fallen soldiers and victims of terrorism, the citizens of Israel unite in memory of of those killed in terrorist attacks and in all Israei wars. This day is observed each year on the 4th of the Hebrew month of Iyar or in proximity to that date, and it is always marked one day before Independence Day, emphasizing and symbolizing the connection between the sacrifice of the fallen and the establishment of the State of Israel.

Happy Passover from EAJC

Pesach – the celebration of our Exodus and freedom – falls out this year at sundown on Saturday, March 27.

Pesach is one of the most important and meaningful Jewish holidays which requires a lot of preparation. We are glad that the Congress has been helping to prepare properly for this holiday in communities in Euro-Asian region for over 15 years in a row. Despite the global pandemic situation the EAJC continues to provide Jewish community members from Euro-Asian region with matzot.

This year Pesach is special – not only because of the continuation of the pandemic crisis. This Seder falls out at sundown on Shabbat HaGadol. On the Shabbat right before the Exodus – the very first Shabbat HaGadol –  Children of Israel were in great danger confronting the Egyptians but they were protected and saved by G-d because of their firm belief.

We would like to wish each of you the same firm and sincere belief, which helps to overcome the challenges you face. 

Wishing you kosher, joyous and meaningful Pesach. Hag Sameach!

Dr. Michael Mirilashvili, EAJC President 

The 4 million vaccinated received a vaccine at the Yad Sarah screening

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Health Minister Yuli Edelstein arrived at the National vaccination complex at Yad Sara Frenkel center a short time ago, congratulated the 4 million vaccinated person Theodore Selsen and called on people aged 50+ to be vaccinated soon to enjoy the benefits of the green label.

Netanyahu praised Rabbi Uri Lupolianski and EAJC Chairman of the Board Mr. Aaron G. Frenkel for the initiative to assist in the vaccination effort through the immunization complex at the Yad Sarah emergency room in the Frenkel Center and for transporting housebound people to vaccination stations throughout the country.

EAJC leaders express condolences on the death of American businessman and philanthropist Sheldon Adelson

The leaders of the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress express their deepest condolences on the death of the businessman, public figure and philanthropist Sheldon Adelson. Sheldon Adelson was a true American patriot, a Zionist who loved Israel and did a lot for its sake. Sheldon was a great man and a great Jew, who supported many projects aimed at the prosperity of the Jewish people. His passing is a heavy loss for all of us.

Once again, we would like to express our sorrow and condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Adelson.

Baruch dayan ha-emet. May his memory be a blessing.

M. M. Mirilashvili
A. G. Frenkel
H. Ben Yakov

EAJC organizes publication of Yitzhak Ilan’s biography

On the initiative of the family, the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress is organizing publication of the biography of Yitzhak Ilan, the former deputy head of the General Security Service (Shabak), who passed away in October 2020.

Ilan, who was born in Georgia, graduated with honors from the Physics and Mathematics School in Tbilisi and immigrated to Israel in 1973. After serving in the IDF, he began his career in Shabak, which lasted 31 years and ended in 2012 in the rank of deputy head of the General Security Service.

Yitzhak Ilan was a hero who made a huge contribution to the Israeli security. He left behind a unique legacy and a life story worthy to be widely published. These days, the famous Israeli military journalist and writer Yoav Limor began working on a biographical book about Yitzhak Ilan.

If you are interested in supporting the “Yitzhak Ilan’s Book Project”, you can make a donation to:
Euro-Asian Jewish Congress (Amuta – non-profit organization number: 580617843). Account number IL25-0127-7800-0000-0498-271.

For every donation of 1000 NIS, 5 books will be sent, signed by the author.

To confirm a receipt of donation, please contact the following phone number: +972546205762 (Yonatan). A donation receipt will be sent to the address you provided.

Happy birthday to the EAJC Vice-President Rami Levi!

President of the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress Dr. Mikhail Mirilashvili congratulated vice-president of the EAJC, Israeli businessman, philanthropist and public figure Rami Levi on his birthday.

In the personal letter, Dr. Mirilashvili wished Mr. Levy good health, longevity and achievement of his goals. He also conveyed his warmest congratulations and best wishes to the Rami Levi’s family.

“I wish you good luck in all your endeavors and success in your projects. May good fortune be always on your side. We are very glad that you are a part of the Congress team and make significant contribution to the development of the Jewish life in Diaspora and Israel!”, – wrote the president of the EAJC in his congratulatory letter.