The Euro-Asian Jewish Congress (EAJC) joins the international commemoration of the 52nd anniversary of one of the darkest moments in both Olympic and Jewish history — the terrorist attack during the 1972 Munich Games, in which 11 members of the Israeli Olympic delegation were brutally murdered by Palestinian terrorists from the Black September organization.

In memory of the victims, Jewish organizations across the Euro-Asian region will hold memorial ceremonies in the coming days. These events will include candle-lighting, prayer readings, and public tributes in synagogues, community centers, and youth clubs.

The central memorial event in Israel will take place on September 5 at 19:00 in the city of Bat Yam, at the park named in honor of the 11 slain Israeli athletes (6 Raziel Street).

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

“More than half a century later, the Jewish people continue to carry the pain of Munich ‘72. But we remember not only the tragedy — we remember the lesson: hatred, fueled by ideologies of terror, is far from gone. Today, we see the Iranian regime continuing to arm and direct terrorists, triggering waves of antisemitism around the world. Israel is fighting a just and righteous war against Hamas — and together with Israel, we must also fight the war against lies, hate, and the rising tide of antisemitic aggression disguised as political rhetoric. Memory is not only a candle. It is a call to action.”

The EAJC remains committed to defending the dignity, security, and rights of Jewish communities wherever they are.

The Euro-Asian Jewish Congress (EAJC) deeply mourns the passing of Rabbi Menachem Haсohen, an outstanding spiritual leader, public figure, scholar, and prolific author, who died at the age of 93.

Born in Jerusalem in 1932, Rabbi Haсohen dedicated his life to the Jewish people and the State of Israel. From his early service in the IDF and participation in key moments in Israel’s founding history to decades of public and educational leadership, his contributions were wide-ranging and deeply impactful. He served as the rabbi of the Moshavim Movement, the spiritual head of the Histadrut (Israel’s General Federation of Labor), a Member of Knesset, and the Chief Rabbi of the Jewish community of Romania. He also founded the Sapir Center for Jewish Education and Culture in Jerusalem’s Old City and authored numerous works on Jewish tradition and history.

For the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress, Rabbi Haсohen was a longtime colleague and partner in various initiatives, including the Limmud educational festival. He placed special emphasis on the integration of Jews from the former Soviet Union into the global Jewish world, the strengthening of Jewish unity, and the development of Jewish education, which he saw as the cornerstone of Jewish identity.

EAJC President Dr. Michael Mirilashvili stated:

“The passing of Rabbi Menachem Haсohen is a profound loss for the entire Jewish people. We have lost not only a spiritual guide and public leader but also a dear colleague who collaborated with EAJC for many years on educational and communal projects. His life was a shining example of service, dedication to unity, and unwavering commitment to the future of the Jewish people. His legacy will continue to inspire generations.”

The EAJC extends its heartfelt condolences to Rabbi Haсohen’s family, friends, colleagues, and all who were privileged to know him.

יהי זכרו ברוך

On August 26, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced that the country’s National Intelligence Service (ASIO) has obtained evidence directly linking Iran to terrorist attacks against the Australian Jewish community. The attacks targeted the Adas Israel Synagogue in Melbourne and Lewis’ Continental Kitchen restaurant in Sydney in 2024. In response, Australia has decided to expel the Iranian ambassador and recall its own diplomatic mission head from Tehran.

The Euro-Asian Jewish Congress (EAJC) welcomes these crucial steps in exposing Iranian terrorism and expresses gratitude to Australian intelligence services for uncovering these crimes. However, it’s important to note that incidents like those in Sydney and Melbourne were preceded by an atmosphere of verbal incitement and open anti-Israeli sentiment.

EAJC President Dr. Mikhail Mirilashvili stated:

“We emphasize that official rhetoric must be extremely cautious, and any manifestations of hatred must be immediately prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Irresponsible rhetoric and a sense of impunity allow extremist ideas to gain strength, which in this case helped Iranian terrorist activities take root in Australian society. As a result, we are now dealing with dire consequences – the Australian Jewish community has become a target for terrorists operating under the Iranian regime’s direction within a sovereign foreign state.

In recent years, we have consistently warned about the very fine line between legitimate state criticism and anti-Zionism – a form of antisemitism that affects Jewish communities worldwide. This is not an issue that can be dismissed; it requires strategic solutions at the highest level. This case perfectly demonstrates that it’s not just a Jewish community problem but primarily a concern for the state where such incidents occur.

We also warn countries in our region: the Iranian regime remains the world’s primary sponsor of terrorism and the main threat to regional and global stability. In their fanatical goal to destroy the State of Israel, this regime will stop at nothing, and even residents of countries far from the Middle East can fall victim to their terror.

We deeply regret that members of the Australian Jewish community had to suffer from Iran’s actions. We sincerely hope that all organizers and perpetrators of these crimes will face justice, and that Australian authorities will pay special attention to addressing antisemitism.”

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.”