Bright fall season of the Russian Union of Jewish Students

The Russian Union of Jewish Students (RUJS) was created in 2015 on the initiative of the head of the Union of Israeli Students (Jewish Club) MGIMO Shota Mirilashvili, and from the first steps, the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress became the general partner of the young organization.

“We are proud to support the innovative initiatives of the RUJS leaders who develop new creative approaches to working with the student community. The development and strengthening of the Jewish student fraternity are one of the key activities of the EAJC, ”said Dr. Haim Ben Yaakov, EAJC Director General.

Currently, the Russian Union of Jewish Students unites 17 university Jewish clubs and comprehensively supports the development of the Jewish student community in Russia.

On November 8, the MSU Jewish Club, with the support of RUJS, introduced Jewish culture and the State of Israel on National Cultural Day at the Moscow State University. Jewish and Israeli cuisine, as well as the creative composition “Shma Israel”, were warmly received by the public.

RUJS aims to preserve and pass the historical memory of the Jewish people. On October 31, the third meeting with former Nazi prisoners took place as part of a joint project of the Russian Union of Jewish Students (RUJS) and the Moscow Association of Jews – former prisoners of the ghetto and Nazi concentration camps.

RUJS was among the organizers of the International Youth Conference “The Second World War: Truth for Peace,” which was held on November 6-9 in Moscow.

The conference was attended by young historians, teachers, politicians, student and youth organizations as well as media professionals from 27 regions of Russia and 21 states. At the invitation of the RUJS, delegates from international youth Jewish organizations of Europe and Israel also attended the conference.

RUJS is perfectly integrated into the dynamic life of the global Jewish student community. On November 6-8, the RUJS leaders welcomed a delegation of their partners from the World Union of Jewish Students and the European Union of Jewish Students. Besides, on November 8-10 the RUJS representatives took part in the International Youth Shabbaton in Rome.

The Russian Union of Jewish Students helps students successfully shape their professional future. EAJC welcomes the new agreement between the RUJS and the Israeli-Russian Business Council. One of the joint projects will be a series of lectures by leading experts from Israel and Russia for students of Moscow and regional universities.

EAJC congratulates the Jewish Community of the Republic of Moldova on its anniversary

30 years ago, the Jewish Community of the Republic of Moldova resumed its activities and eventually united all the Jewish regional organizations and communities of the country.

We sincerely congratulate the Chairman of the community and EAJC Vice-President, Mr. Alexandr Bilinkis, as well as the entire leadership of the community on this wonderful anniversary!

Over the course of three decades, you have achieved tremendous success in reviving Jewish life in the Republic of Moldova. Your fruitful cooperation with the Moldovan authorities and strategic partners is a bright example for other Jewish leaders of the Euro-Asian region.

This year alone, a new synagogue opened in Chisinau, and more than 100 children from all over the country gathered in the summer Jewish camp “Nesharim”. An independent Council for the Prevention and Elimination of Discrimination and Ensuring Equality, which operates in Moldova, aims to track and combat anti-Semitism.

The Euro-Asian Jewish Congress happily and proudly supports the strategic projects and activities identified by community leaders. We are pleased to have a fruitful cooperation with the EAJC Vice-Presidents Alexandr Bilinkis and Emmanuil Grinshnpun, who represent the community in Congress and make a significant contribution to the activity of the EAJC.

The Euro-Asian Jewish Congress intends to continue and strengthen our cooperation for the benefit of the Jewish people and for the sake of preserving the unique Jewish community, which has long been living in Moldova.

An exhibition of biblical illustrations opened in Tel Aviv University

An exhibition of biblical illustrations, created by Israeli artists Ella Byshevskaya and Mikhail Yakhilevich for the unique Torah edition, opened at the Center for Jewish Traditions at Tel Aviv University, with the support of the EAJC.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, EAJC Director-General Dr. Haim Ben Yaakov said: “This important exhibition serves the noble purpose of bringing Israel and the diaspora closer together, as well as providing a better understanding of the eternal text by students and the younger generation in general. It is said that the Torah has 70 faces, and modern illustrations by Yakhilevich and Byshevskaya demonstrate the richness and relevance of the meanings and ideas presented in the Book of Books.”

Illustrations based on the unique experience of understanding the eternal text also appeal to rabbinical literature. This was discussed at the opening by art critics and biblical scholars.

The existing illustrations for the Torah were mostly created in Galut and are largely based on the artistic imagination. Unlike their predecessors, Yakhilevich and Byshevskaya live in Israel, literally on the site of biblical events. Therefore, their illustrations are distinguished by a deep understanding of the spirit and beauty of the Promised Land.

Ella Byshevskaya was born and studied in Dushanbe, Mikhail Yakhilevich – in Moscow. In Israel, artists have lived for almost 30 years.

The illustrations presented at the exhibition are included in the unique edition of the Torah, released by the Moscow synagogue at Chistye Prudy. A series of illustrations by Mikhail Yakhilevich and Ella Byshevskaya was presented and warmly received in Moscow and Riga.

EAJC honors the contributors to the monument dedicated to the heroes of besieged Leningrad

A ceremony to honor the contributors to the Memorial Candle Monument dedicated to the heroic defenders and residents of besieged Leningrad, held in Jerusalem. The ceremony was attended by the Mayor of Jerusalem, Moshe Leon; Vice-Governor of St. Petersburg, Vladimir Knyaginin; Knesset members Yoel Razvozov, Mark Ifraimov and Evgeny Sova; EAJC President, Dr. Michael Mirilashvili; EAJC Board Chairman Aaron G. Frenkel; World Chairman of Keren Hayesod – UIA, Sam Grundwerg; RJC President, Yuri Kanner; KKL-JNF Global Resource Development Director, Ronnie Vinnikov.

EAJC President Dr. Mikhail Mirilashvili welcomed the initiators, sponsors, and partners, who made this important project possible: following the special cornerstone laying ceremony held recently in Jerusalem, the opening of the Memorial Candle Monument is expected in January, 2020. In particular, he said:

“The Euro-Asian Jewish Congress consistently opposes historical distortions and promotes the memorialization of Jewish heroes. Therefore, we backed the initiative of the former Knesset member, Leonid Litinetsky, the Council of World War II Veterans, and the Association of the Victims of the Leningrad Siege in Israel to erect a monument dedicated to the heroes of the Leningrad Siege in Jerusalem.

With all my heart, I am grateful to the Jerusalem Municipality and the Government of St. Petersburg for their support and cooperation.

I would like to take this opportunity to once again thank Victor Vekselberg, the Jewish National Fund – Keren Kaymet le Israel, Keren Hayesod, and the Russian Jewish Congress who together with the EAJC support this important project.”

As a symbolic gratitude for the fruitful cooperation, Dr. Mikhail Mirilashvili presented models of the future monument to the project participants.

Jerusalem Hosts Cornerstone Laying Ceremony of the Monument Dedicated to Heroes of Besieged Leningrad

On November 12, 2019, Jerusalem hosted the special cornerstone laying ceremony of the Memorial Candle Monument dedicated to the heroic defenders and residents of besieged Leningrad. The ceremony was attended by the Mayor of Jerusalem, Moshe Leon, Minister of Jerusalem Affairs, Zeev Elkin, Vice-Governor of St. Petersburg, Vladimir Knyaginin, Russian Ambassador to Israel, Anatoly Viktorov, EAJC President, Dr. Michael Mirilashvili, businessman and philanthropist, Viktor Vekselberg, World Chairman of the Keren Hayesod – United Israel Appeal (UIA), Sam Grundwerg, RJC President, Yuri Kanner, project mastermind, Leonid Litinetsky, Chair of the Union of World War II Veterans, Abraham Grinzaid, Chief Rabbi of Russia, Berel Lazar.The monument was funded by the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress (EAJC) and Viktor Vekselberg. Jewish National Fund (KKL), Keren ha-Yesod, and the Russian Jewish Congress (RJC) also sponsored the project.

The Euro-Asian Jewish Congress, which opposes historical distortions and promotes the memorialization of Jewish heroes, supported the initiative of the former Knesset member, Leonid Litinetsky, the Council of World War II Veterans and the Association of the Victims of the Leningrad Siege in Israel to erect a monument dedicated to the heroes and victims of the Leningrad Siege in Jerusalem.

EAJC President Dr. Michael Mirilashvili said: “For many years, I lived in St. Petersburg and know firsthand what a deep scar the siege has left in the life of every Leningrad resident. Among the defenders and residents of the besieged city were around 150,000 Jews, tens of thousands of whom perished. Many Jews voluntarily took to arms and joined the ranks of the people’s militia. The Memorial Candle monument in Jerusalem not only appeals to our shared memory but also serves as a reminder that the world remains to be a precarious place. It is up to us to uphold the truth and preserve the memory of the terrible war so that the tragedy of our peoples never repeats.”

Viktor Vekselberg said: “Times erases many things, especially painful memories of past tragedies. This is simply our coping mechanism. But we cannot let ourselves forget about such horrifying past events, as the Siege of Leningrad. Our common task is to remind the present and future generations about the heroism of the people of Leningrad and about the trials people had to endure during those 900 endless days and nights. Daniil Granin, who fought at the Leningrad front, wrote in his “Siege book” about “collecting the rocks of people’s memory” to return the debt of gratitude to the heroic act, the lesson in bravery which the people and defenders of the city taught the world. Today we are making the first step toward memorializing their heroism here in Jerusalem. I am confident that the Memorial Candle monument will be a sign of friendship between Russia and Israel for generations to come.”

As the president of the Russian Jewish Congress, Yuri Kanner, said, “the monument will be unveiled in January, on the day when it simultaneously marks 76 years since Leningrad siege was lifted and 75 years for the liberation of the Auschwitz death camp by the Red Army, in honor of which the United Nations established International Memorial Day Holocaust victims.”

President of Montenegro, Israeli Government Minister and EAJC President welcome the Mahar conference of Balkan Jewish communities

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 7th Mahar conference in Budva, the President of Montenegro, Milo Đukanović, thanked for the honor to host the most important forum of Jewish communities and organizations in Southeast Europe. He also expressed concern about the spread of anti-Semitism on social networks. “We must use modern technology to combat hatred, to achieve mutual understanding and tolerance in society,” said President Milo Đukanović.

The Mahar conference, a central meeting point for Jewish communities of Albania, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Croatia, Macedonia, Slovenia, Bulgaria, and Kosovo, is being held in Montenegro thanks to the efforts of the Montenegrin Jewish community under the patronage of the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress.

Greeting the conference participants, the President of the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress, Dr. Mikhail Mirilashvili emphasized: “Unlike in other regions of Europe, there are no records of antiSemitic incidents in Montenegro. On the contrary, Montenegro is a perfect example of the harmonious existence of a Jewish community in the diaspora. Thanks in large part to the community leaders and personally the President of Montenegro, Milo Đukanović.”

The meeting with the Minister of Religious Services of Israel, Yitzhak Vaknin, was attended by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Justice of Montenegro Zoran Pažin, the EAJC representative, Haim Blekhman, the President of the Jewish community of Montenegro, Djordje Raicević, the Chief Rabbi of Montenegro Ari Edelkopf, and others.

The Israeli minister expressed gratitude to the government and people of Montenegro for their sincere friendship with the Jewish people, as well as for their commitment to the universal values of peace, tolerance, and cooperation. Vaknin emphasized Israel’s willingness to share its advanced technological knowledge and enhance mutually beneficial economic cooperation with Montenegro.

The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Justice of Montenegro, Zoran Pažin, said at the meeting that Montenegro is proud of its traditional friendship with the Jewish people and the fruitful partnership with Israel. He also thanked the Jewish community of Montenegro for the significant contribution to the new legislation on religious freedom.

The Jewish community of Montenegro is one of the youngest Jewish communities in the world. Nevertheless, the organizers have managed to provide kosher food to about 500 conference participants of the 7th Mahar conference. This is the first such precedent in Montenegro.

EAJC Director-General addressed the WJC Executive Committee in Munich

Dr. Haim Ben-Yaakov, Director General of the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress, addressed the participants of the Executive Committee of the World Jewish Congress gathered in Munich for its biannual meeting.

Speaking about modern antisemitism at the meeting of the World Jewish Congress’ Global Security Department, Dr. Haim Ben-Yaakov presented the results of the new extended study “Jews of the Post-Soviet Space” conducted by the Institute for Euro-Asian Jewish Studies, the EAJC special project.

The study illustrates a significant departure from the state antisemitism of Soviet times and a reduction of the level of violence motivated by antisemitic views. For instance, in Ukraine no case of anti-Semitic physical violence has occurred for several years in a row.

However, this does not mean that antisemitism as a cultural phenomenon has vanished in these countries. According to the study findings, manifestations of anti-Semitism in post-Soviet states mostly feature crimes inspired by Judeophobia, incitement to hostility against Jews, media-sponsored public antisemitism, and antisemitic stereotypes.

Dr. Haim Ben Yaakov introduced the dynamic activity of the EAJC in the field of combating anti-Semitism, including research and monitoring, Public Diplomacy program, new revolutionary methods by which the Congress operates with Jewish studying youth, etc.

“We are passionate about creating lasting change for the diverse Jewish communities of the Euroasian region and support legislation and actions that condemn anti-Semitism”, – said Dr. Haim Ben-Yaakov. “We appeal to the leaders of the Jewish communities of Eastern Europe and the countries of post-Soviet Euro-Asia, urging them to move toward a professional and efficient dialogue. The Euro-Asian Jewish Congress is determined to provide a platform for such activities and become a partner in this important work.”

The Executive Committee adopted a special resolution on combating anti-Semitism, calling all international organizations, governments, academic institutions, online and social media companies to unite forces and fight this dangerous phenomenon.

Photo: The EAJC leader at the WJC Executive Committee meeting in Munich.

World Jewish Congress awards German Chancellor Angela Merkel with Theodor Herzl Prize

The Theodor Herzl Prize for 2019 was awarded to German Chancellor Ms. Angela Merkel. The World Jewish Congress awards this prestigious prize to public and political figures for their significant contribution to making the world more secure and tolerant for the Jewish people.

WJC President Ronald S. Lauder presented the award to Ms. Merkel at the ceremony attended by the EAJC President Dr. Mikhail Mirilashvili and other EAJC leaders.

In his speech, Mr. Lauder emphasized Germany’s efforts after the Second World War, the country’s desire to overcome its bleak past: “You, Ms. Chancellor Merkel, are a genuine symbol of this incredible success. You are a symbol of all the best that is in Germany after the war. You have always supported the Jewish community in this state, you have always supported Israel. ”

Expressing her gratitude to the leadership of the EJC, Chancellor Merkel emphasized that “Jewish life in Germany must be supported – and protected.”

Recalling the attack on the synagogue in Halle over Yom Kippur, a “heinous crime that fills us with utmost shame,” Chancellor Merkel said: “These are deeply troubling developments; they are directed at Jews in our country, but by no means only them. Because they attack us all: Jews and non-Jews alike, everything that our country stands on, our values and our freedoms. They hit at the core of our shared existence because they flow from a deep hatred of democracy. We must never accept the fact that people in Germany have to live in fear because of their religious convictions. We must do everything in our power to make sure they can live their lives free and safe. Antisemitism and racism do not begin with violent acts; it is much subtler. We must make sure not to wake up only afterwards have become deeds.”

Mikhail Mirilashvili personally expressed his gratitude to Chancellor Merkel for her concern for the Jewish community of Germany and contribution to the fight against anti-Semitism in Germany as well as in Europe as a whole.

Previous recipients of the Theodor Herzl Award: the Rothschild family, former Secretary of State General Colin L. Powell, former US Vice President Joseph R. Biden, Israeli President Shimon Peres, Elie and Marion Wiesel, former secretaries of state Henry A. Kissinger and George P. Shultz, and, posthumously, Ronald Reagan and Axel Springer.

Chag Sukkot Sameach!

The EAJC wishes a happy Sukkot to all our friends and supporters, to all who attach their lives to the State of Israel and the Jewish people.

In ancient times Sukkot was one of three Jewish festivals that required the people to make a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. Thousands of Israelites would gather in the Temple courtyard and live in sukkot, the booths in which farmers live during harvesting or that the Israelites dwelt in the desert after the Exodus from slavery in Egypt.

Jewish unity is one of the central themes of Sukkot, and the four species we are holding – etrog (citron), lulav (palm frond), hadas (myrtle branches), and aravot (willow branches) – symbolize different types of Jews.

Bringing them together, holding them tightly, and blessing all four of them represents the Jewish unity despite all the differences among us. The Sukkot festival teaches us that by accepting one another, whatever our strengths or weaknesses, we become both happy and invincible!

In this incredible spirit of unity, we wish you all Chag Sukkot Sameach!

EAJC expresses condolences to victims of anti-Semitic attack in Halle

The leaders of the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress and representatives of the Jewish communities of the region are deeply saddened by the news of the terrorist attack in the German city of Halle that targeted the local synagogue and Jewish cemetery. We express our deepest condolences to the families of the victims and pray that the world wound be cured of of xenophobia and anti-Semitism.

According to press reports, during a prayer on Yom Kippur, when 70-80 people were present in the building, the offender tried to get into the synagogue, throwing Molotov cocktails, firecrackers and grenades. At the same time, a grenade was thrown at the Jewish cemetery located near the synagogue. Then the attacker went into the neighboring kebab shop and opened fire, as a result of which two people were killed, and two more were injured.