EAJC Chairman of the Board, Aaron G. Frenkel, met with Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković

EAJC Chairman of the Board, Aaron G. Frenkel, participated in the World Jewish Congress Executive Committee meeting in Zagreb, Croatia on October 17.

Jewish communal leaders from more than 40 nations gathered last week in Zagreb to weigh their next steps in responding to the terrorist group Hamas’ attack on Israel and expressed solidarity with the people of the Jewish State.

As part of the event, the WJC Executive Committee delegation met with the Prime Minister of Croatia, Andrej Plenković.

“The government of Croatia stands united and in solidarity with Israel. We have strongly condemned the terrorist crimes of Hamas and its murder of civilians, including women and children,” said Plenković.

“As we continue to voice our support to Israel, we must also do so for Jewish communities around the world. Jewish citizens must feel comfortable to practice their faith, and the Croatian government will do everything possible to protect our Jewish community,” added the Prime Minister.

“On behalf of the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress leaders, please accept my gratitude and appreciation to the leaders of Croatia for expressing solidarity with Israel and taking a firm stand against terrorism. These days we need a voice of the civilized world condemning the inhuman brutality of Hamas terrorists. It is also a vulnerable time for Jewish communities outside Israel. In given conditions, we have to take precautions and strengthen the security of the Jewish communities worldwide, while strictly prosecuting any hate manifestation and violence toward Jews or the Jewish State. The Euro-Asian Jewish Congress is ready to assist any legal process in any country of our region, aiming to ban the Hamas terrorist organization and outlaw its supporters. So, we call on the heads of Jewish communities, state and municipal leaders to initiate and advance the anti-terror legislation. Now is the time!” – said EAJC Chairman of the Board, Aaron G. Frenkel.

Read full address to the WJC Executive Committee:

“On behalf of the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress leaders, please accept my gratitude and appreciation to the leaders of Croatia for expressing solidarity with Israel and taking a firm stand against terrorism.

We sincerely appreciate your proactive approach to fighting antisemitism in all its manifestations by adopting an IHRA definition of antisemitism this year, supporting the Jewish community, and honoring its history.

Now, in these most challenging days for the people of Israel, when the death toll of the atrocious terrorist attacks on our citizens rises daily, and we get more and more horrifying testimonies, we need a voice of the civilized world condemning the inhuman brutality of Hamas terrorists.

It is also a vulnerable time for Jewish communities outside Israel. In addition to the horrors committed in Israel, Hamas terrorists are determined to incite hatred toward Jews worldwide and encourage a wave of violence.

In given conditions, we have to act rapidly, taking precautions and strengthening the security of the Jewish communities worldwide, as well as strictly prosecuting any hate manifestation and violence toward Jews or the Jewish State.

Not only that, we see lots of social media campaigns supporting Hamas, legitimating their actions, and picturing them as so-called ‘freedom fighters’. We still have to catch up on it and devote much effort to social media advocacy and the fight against terror legitimization.

The Euro-Asian Jewish Congress is ready to assist any legal process in any country of our region, aiming to ban the Hamas terrorist organization and outlaw its supporters. So, we call on the heads of Jewish communities, state and municipal leaders to initiate and advance the anti-terror legislation. Now is the time!”

EAJC assists IDF soldiers and residents of southern Israel

Amidst Israel’s war with the terrorist group Hamas, which carried out a brutal attack on Israeli civilians on October 7, the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress (EAJC) announced a fundraiser and is actively involved in many activities, helping the Israeli healthcare system, soldiers and victims. Activities include facilitating the evacuation and temporary relocation of southern Israeli residents and purchasing necessary equipment for medical institutions and the IDF.

On the initiative of EAJC president Dr. Michael Mirilashvili, his WaterGen company installed innovative water generators at IDF bases to extract drinking water from the air.

Chairman of the Board, Aaron G. Frenkel, donated several hundred thousand dollars to key non-profit organizations in Israel. Funds donated to Israel’s largest volunteer organization, Yad Sarah, were allocated for the urgent purchase of medical equipment and assistance in rehabilitating wounded Israelis who suffered from the terrorist attack.

Support was also provided to Or Le’Mishpachot, an organization helping families who have lost their loved ones during the IDF service. Also, on the initiative of the Chairman of the board, 5,000 mattresses were purchased for soldiers.

With the help of Congress vice-president Mark Shabad, the EAJC launched a program to assist Israelis with special needs and families temporarily evacuated from settlements in the southern part of the country.

Additionally, the EAJC supports numerous volunteer projects initiated throughout the country since the beginning of the war. Specifically, one such volunteer center in Netanya was provided with provisions, hygiene products, drinking water, and other essentials needed to swiftly integrate mobilized IDF reservists on Israel’s northern and southern borders.

The EAJC has started accepting applications from those in need of such assistance. To apply, send us an email to at [email protected]. All requests will be promptly reviewed.

EAJC staff continue to monitor the situation and promptly respond to numerous calls for help from Israeli citizens affected by this war, providing all possible support to the Israel Defense Forces defending our borders.

“The State of Israel must respond with full force to the act of terror initiated by terrorists from the Gaza Strip on October 7 and continuing to this day. The people of Israel are united against the enemy like never before. In such a critical situation, the leaders of the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress and all the Jewish communities of the Euro-Asian region — cannot stand by and feel their duty to help those in need and support Israel during these challenging times. Together, we will prevail,” noted EAJC president Dr. Mikhail Mirilashvili.

WaterGen Helps Israel Defense Forces

The Euro-Asian Jewish Congress (EAJC) continues to assist the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in confronting the unprecedented attack by terrorists from the Gaza Strip and Lebanon.

At the initiative of the EAJC President Dr. Michael Mirilashvili, his company WaterGen sent innovative generators to extract drinking water from the air to the IDF soldiers. Yesterday, two generators were installed at one of the southern military bases.

Earlier, the EAJC opened applications for those in need of such assistance. To submit a request, send us an email at [email protected]. All applications will be promptly reviewed.

The technology used by Watergen’s generators allows for the production of clean and fresh drinking water from the air’s moisture with no need to connect to a water source. It is a unique solution for regions with insufficient access to drinking water. The devices use a standard electrical connection or solar panels, producing up to 6,000 liters of daily drinking water.

EAJC president thanked UAE ambassador to Israel for condemning the attack on Israel

EAJC President Michael Mirilashvili sent an official address to the Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to Israel, Mohamed Mahmoud Al Khaja, thanking him for the UAE’s stance against terrorism.

Your Excellency Mr. Ambassador,

On behalf of the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress leaders, please accept my gratitude and appreciation for UAE’s firm stand against terrorism.

In these most challenging days for the people of Israel, when the death toll of the atrocious terrorist attacks on our citizens rises daily, and we get more and more horrifying testimonies, we need a voice of the civilized world condemning the inhuman brutality of Hamas terrorists, and we are grateful to the UAE governmental leadership and personally the Minister of Foreign Affairs, His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, for doing so.

EAJC President thanks US for aid to Israel

EAJC President Michael Mirilashvili sent an official address to US Charge d’Affaires in Israel Stephanie Hallett, thanking the US for its tough stance against Hamas terrorists and its broad support for Israel.

Your Excellency Ms. Hallett,

On behalf of the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress leaders, please accept my appreciation for the US firm stand against terrorism and such devoted support of Israel.

In these most challenging days for the people of Israel, when the death toll of the atrocious terrorist attacks on our citizens rises daily, and we get more and more horrifying testimonies, we need a voice of the civilized world condemning the inhuman brutality of Hamas terrorists. We need our biggest strategic partner and friend behind us in such times.

We are very grateful to US President Joe Biden, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, and other officials for condemning Hamas terrorism, expressing unconditional support to the people of Israel, and providing our state with any assistance needed.

We would also like to express our deepest condolences for the death of American citizens in this barbaric attack on the State of Israel.

May their memory and the memory of all those killed be a blessing.

EAJC expresses its deepest condolences on the death of EAJC Director General’s son

We deeply mourn the passing of the EAJC Director General’s son Yuval Ben Yaakov among casualties in the early days of the war launched by Hamas terrorists against the State of Israel.

We are deeply shocked by this news. EAJC President Michael Mirilashvili on behalf of all EAJC leaders and staff extends our deepest condolences to Dr. Haim Ben Yakov and his family. There is no tragedy worse than the loss of a child, and our thoughts and prayers are with your family.

Yuval fell heroically while serving in the Israel Defence Forces and defending the Jewish state from enemy attacks.

May his memory be blessed and may G-d avenge the blood of all those who died in this war!

Baruch Dayan haEmet.

EAJC statement on the barbaric attack by Hamas terrorists on the State of Israel

Dear friends,

On the last day of the High Holidays, the holiday of Simchat Torah, we awoke to terrible news. Beginning at 6:30 in the morning and continuing through Saturday night, more than 4,000 rockets and missiles were fired towards Israel, Hamas terrorists infiltrating our territory and launching a series of unprecedented terror attacks against civilians. So far, 200 dead and more than 1,500 wounded are known. Unfortunately, there is no doubt the death toll will be much bigger. The actual scale of the tragedy is far from clear.

Israeli civilians are under horrific attack by the terrorist organizations Hamas and Islamic Jihad. Those organizations are recognized as terrorists by both the US and the EU. I sincerely hope that after today’s barbaric attack, other countries and organizations will condemn these events and take action against Hamas and its sponsors. The gravity of the situation is reminiscent of the most tragic terrorist attacks in modern history.

The ordeal is far from over. Long and difficult days lie ahead.

We express our sincere gratitude to the countries and organizations that have supported Israel already and will support it in the following days. As the situation continues to change intensively and remains highly complex, I must stress that Israel is committed to respecting international law and, at the same time, has every right to defend itself against attacks by a terrorist organization that does not hesitate to violate norms and international agreements. We ask that you show your support and do not remain silent. Support Israel in your social media, statements, and press releases, as well as at the level of governments and parliaments in your countries, on the international stage, and in civil societies.

As President of the Euro-Asian Congress, I would like to state that we fully support the Israeli government and army and will do everything we can to support and protect Israeli citizens. We will endeavor to help those in need, build international ties, and attract support for Israel.

Over the past few years, aware of the challenges and dangers, we have made significant efforts to strengthen security along the border with Gaza: we have taken part in the construction of a “security road”, the installation of dozens of bomb shelters, and the planting of a barrier grove.

Against the backdrop of today’s tragic loss of life, I would like to express my deepest condolences to their grieving loved ones. In particular, our partner and colleague Ofir Liebstein, head of the Sha’ar HaNegev Settlement Council, fell in defence of his native land in battle with terrorists.

When I met this man, I immediately realized how important it was for him to ensure the security of the areas bordering the Gaza Strip and how valuable the lives of the people of the land of Israel are to him. Together, we worked on projects to build mobile bomb shelters in Shaar HaNegev and a “security road” in the border kibbutz Nir Am.

Only six months ago, one such shelter was opened in Kibbutz Ruhama. Unfortunately, that did not save the bloodthirsty terrorists from their atrocities. They did not limit themselves to firing rockets and invaded southern Israeli settlements, taking hostages.

We will not let this go. Israel will respond to terror with all its might. A response like the Middle East has never seen before. We will win this war.

May the souls of those killed rest in peace, and may their memory be a blessing.

Wishing all of us peaceful days,

Dr. Michael Mirilashvili
President of the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress

EAJC Condemns Desecration of Christian Holy Sites in Jerusalem

The State of Israel has always strived to ensure equal rights for all religions throughout its history.

The Euro-Asian Jewish Congress (EAJC) strongly condemns any illegal attempts to harm, offend, or damage Christians. We believe that the recent increase in hooliganism against Christian pilgrims in the Old City of Jerusalem must stop, and those responsible for these actions must be held accountable under Israeli law. We therefore support the swift actions of law enforcement, which detained the suspects in the illegal acts the day after the incident.

We call on the Israeli authorities to take decisive preventive measures to prevent the recurrence of such incidents.

Insults against Christians and their holy sites are unacceptable. This has been stated by the chief Sephardic and Ashkenazi rabbis of Israel and the Prime Minister of the Jewish state. In addition to violating objective moral and legal norms, such actions harm the reputation of the State of Israel on the international arena.

The EAJC will continue to actively develop interfaith and transcultural dialogue programs in the spirit of the International Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, which is taking place in Kazakhstan with the participation of representatives of the Catholic Church, headed by Pope Francis.

Photo: T

EAJC Condemns The Attack on Yerevan Synagogue

On the night of Tuesday, October 3rd, the media reported an attack on a synagogue in the Armenian capital of Yerevan. According to the published information, windows of the building were shattered, and the walls were defaced with paint. The group “Armenian Secret Army for the Liberation of Armenia” claimed responsibility for the incident. In the message accompanying the attack, Jews were called “enemies of the Armenian people.”

The Euro-Asian Jewish Congress (EAJC) strongly condemns such acts of vandalism and anti-Semitism and calls on Armenian law enforcement agencies to conduct a thorough investigation of the incident. It is essential to identify the true motives of the authors of the threats and the vandals who desecrated the synagogue, establish their identities, and hold them accountable for their actions. We urge the Armenian authorities to do everything possible to prevent such actions in the future.

Commenting on the incident, EAJC General Director Dr. Haim Ben Yaakov noted: “The rhetoric used by the vandals who published threats against the Jews of Armenia is a real “red flag” for the global Jewish community. Such slogans were used in the last century to justify the most heinous crimes against the Jewish people. We cannot allow individuals using such actions and words for intimidation and threats to continue committing crimes with impunity. The vandals who desecrated the synagogue building, as well as the authors of the anti-Semitic statement, must be punished to the full extent of the law.”

EAJC President Meets with Head of Yad Vashem

Dr. Michael Mirilashvili, President of the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress (EAJC), held a working meeting with Dani Dayan, the Chairman of Yad Vashem, the World Holocaust Remembrance Center. The meeting took place at the EAJC office in Herzliya.

The parties discussed current issues related to preserving the memory of the Holocaust and outlined work plans for the upcoming Jewish year 5784.

The Chairman of Yad Vashem presented to the EAJC President new publications from the International Institute for Holocaust Research at Yad Vashem. Among them are books titled “Unwanted Memory: The History of Holocaust Monuments in the Soviet Union”, “Distrust, Hostility and Solidarity: Jews and Non-Jews during the Holocaust in the USSR”, and others.

“Our meeting is extremely important for transmitting and preserving information and memories of the catastrophe of European Jewry. But not only that. Joint educational work is meant to remind us all of the devastating consequences of wars and the value of human life.

By presenting new stories, facts, and perspectives on the horrific events of the past, we bring freshness to the dialogue, continue it, and do not let it fade. It is extremely important in today’s world to convey information using various formats – literature, scientific research, visual and fine arts. The Euro-Asian Jewish Congress considers the perpetuation of the memory of the Holocaust as one of the most important priorities of our activity, and it is a great honor for us to support joint projects with the Yad Vashem Memorial Center,” noted EAJC President Dr. Michael Mirilashvili.

The Moshe Mirilashvili Center for Research on the Holocaust in the Soviet Union, under the International Institute for Holocaust Research at Yad Vashem, has been operating since 2016. The Center’s mission is to initiate and promote innovative research in the history of Jews during World War II on territories that were part of the USSR at the time of Nazi Germany’s invasion on June 22, 1941.

The Moshe Mirilashvili Center organizes conferences and seminars on various topics, conducts research, implements internet projects, and prepares various materials for publication. In addition, the Center supports the publication of books, collections of articles, and annotated collections of archival documents.