EAJC Condemns the Honoring of SS Veteran in Canadian Parliament

During a ceremony on September 22nd, marking the visit of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to the lower house of the Canadian Parliament (House of Commons), its Speaker Anthony Rota honored 98-year-old Ukrainian World War II veteran Yaroslav Gunka. It was later revealed that Gunka had served in a Nazi unit implicated in the mass murder of Jews — the 14th Waffen Grenadier Division of the SS (also known as “Galicia”). The plenary session hall greeted Gunka with applause.

This move drew justified condemnation from prominent Jewish organizations in Canada, such as the Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center (FSWC) and the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA).

The Euro-Asian Jewish Congress (EAJC) joins in the strong condemnation of the incident and demands a thorough investigation into the circumstances. We appreciate the apology from the Speaker of the House of Commons of Canada, Anthony Rota, and find his decision to resign from his position justified. However, the proportionality of this consequence can only be determined by a comprehensive review. Only such a review can help prevent similar incidents in the future.

It’s essential to understand that this isn’t merely about political machinations or factual errors. The memory of the gravest tragedies of the past, especially the catastrophe of European Jewry during World War II, is foundational in the political and humanitarian landscape of the modern world. We often encounter attempts to deliberately distort the memory of the Holocaust. Those who allow themselves such actions ignore objective data and testimonies, showing no interest in historical truth. They replace reality based on their immediate political interests. We must never give these individuals a reason to doubt the firm, united, and sound position of the Jewish community and, more broadly, the global community on the most crucial historical issues.

As we see today, the echoes of World War II events, as well as the malicious distortion of history, result in new major tragedies and the death of innocent people. Regrettably, officials from various countries merely seek reasons to continue referencing the catastrophe of European Jewry, drawing contrived and inappropriate historical parallels with current events. The EAJC strongly condemns what happened in the lower house of the Canadian Parliament and insists on the need for a comprehensive investigation of the incident. Such incidents must not be allowed in the future.

EAJC leaders congratulate Moldovan President on Independence Day

The leaders of Euro-Asian Jewish Congress expressed their heartfelt congratulations to the Republic of Moldova on its 32nd Independence Day. In a letter to President Maia Sandu, EAJC President Michael Mirilashvili expressed his appreciation for the country’s efforts in combating antisemitism and honoring the history of the Jewish community.

“We sincerely appreciate your proactive approach to fighting antisemitism in all its manifestations and supporting the Jewish community by honoring its history. The recent unveiling of a memorial in the Coșăuți forest and other initiatives commemorating the thousands of Jews who perished during the Holocaust is a significant gesture that underscores this commitment. We believe that such actions, aimed at valuing the shared history and learning its lessons while fostering stronger bilateral relations, resonate not only in the Republic of Moldova itself but globally as well”, wrote President Mirilashvili.

EAJC organized the first meeting of the Ambassador of Azerbaijan with the Mayor of Tel Aviv

On June 12, with the support of the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress (EAJC), a meeting was held between the Ambassador of Azerbaijan to Israel, Mukhtar Mamedov, and the Mayor of Tel Aviv, Ron Huldai. EAJC Director General Dr. Haim Ben Yaakov also participated in the meeting, during which cooperation in culture and tourism was discussed.

“We warmly welcome the busy work of Azerbaijan’s recently opened diplomatic mission in Israel. Establishing connections at the intergovernmental and municipal levels leads to a comprehensive development of relations between our peoples and countries. The leaders of the EAJC are happy to facilitate meetings between representatives of diplomatic missions from countries in the Euro-Asian region with the Israeli state and municipal leaders. We are also grateful to Tel Aviv Mayor Ron Huldai for his warm reception and readiness for cooperation.”

The Embassy of Azerbaijan in Tel Aviv officially opened in March 2023. The Azerbaijani diplomatic mission became Israel’s first official representation of a state whose majority population professes Shiite Islam.

Earlier, EAJC leaders took part in the first official celebration of the Independence Day of the Republic of Azerbaijan in Tel Aviv and a special reception on the occasion of the embassy’s opening, with the participation of Azerbaijan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Euro-Asian Jewish Congress mourns the death of Sir Ben Helfgott

The leaders of the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress are grieving the passing of the Claims Conference board member Sir Ben Helfgott. His remarkable life story, from surviving the Holocaust to becoming an Olympian and champion weightlifter, serves as a great inspiration to us all. As a public figure, he was a true role model, as his dedication to promoting Holocaust education has left an indelible mark on the world.

Our heartfelt condolences, thoughts, and prayers are with the family during this difficult time.

May his memory be a blessing.

Baruch Dayan Ha’Emet.

EAJC General Director participated in Azerbaijan’s Independence Day celebration

The Embassy of Azerbaijan in Tel Aviv held the first-ever official event dedicated to the Republic’s Independence Day. High-ranking politicians, diplomats, scientists, businessmen, journalists, as well as public and state figures of Israel and Azerbaijan took part in the solemn ceremony. Among them are Israeli Intelligence Minister Gila Gamliel, Deputy Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan Fariz Rzayev, head of the inter-parliamentary group between the two countries MK Vladimir Beliak, head of the Israeli Our Home Israel party Avigdor Lieberman and Israeli Defense Ministry General Director Eyal Zamir.

Among the guests of the event was also the Director General of the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress (EAJC), Dr. Haim Ben Yaakov. During the conversation with the heads of the Azerbaijani diplomatic mission, the parties agreed on an official meeting of the Ambassador with the Congress leaders in order to discuss in detail bilateral relations between Jerusalem and Baku, as well as issues related to the Jewish community of Azerbaijan.

Opening the event, Azerbaijani Ambassador to Israel Mukhtar Mammadov spoke about the history of the independent state and pointed to the “strategic level” of cooperation between Jerusalem and Baku, achieved in recent years.

Israeli Intelligence Minister Gila Gamliel called the key to close relations between the two countries “mutual respect and trust.” She recalled her meeting with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and stressed that the leaders of the two states “are working together to ensure peace and stability in the region and throughout the world.” According to her, the Jewish community living in Azerbaijan plays a special role in the development of relations between the two countries.

Deputy Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan Fariz Rzayev noted that 2023 marks the 105th anniversary of the establishment of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic and the 100th anniversary of the national leader Heydar Aliyev. He also congratulated the guests of the event on the 75th anniversary of Israel’s independence, celebrated in April 2023. The Deputy Minister stressed that cooperation between Azerbaijan and Israel in various fields continues and pointed to the “great potential” for its further development.

The Embassy of Azerbaijan in Tel Aviv officially opened in March 2023. The Azerbaijani diplomatic mission has become for Israel the first official representation of the state, the majority of whose population professes the Shiite branch of Islam.

“All the years of its existence, Azerbaijan has invariably proved its status as an authoritative, tolerant, multicultural, and multi-confessional state. The combination of traditions and historical heritage, on the one hand, and openness to the values of the modern world, on the other hand, allows it not only to pursue a balanced domestic policy but also strengthen external ties. At the beginning of last year, Azerbaijan became one of the few Muslim countries where International Holocaust Remembrance Day was declared as an officially marked date. Today we see another step towards the Jewish people and the State of Israel – the opening of an embassy in Tel Aviv. I am convinced that this gesture will become yet another milestone in joint cooperation between our states in the field of culture, science and economy,” noted EAJC President Dr. Michael Mirilashvili.

EAJC Director General took part in the Aliyah Commission of Knesset

Director General of the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress, Dr. Haim Ben Yakov, took part in the special meeting of the parliamentary commission on Aliyah, Integration, and Diaspora. The discussion on Monday, May 15, was devoted to the report of the Minister of Diaspora Affairs, Amichai Chikli.

During the meeting, Minister pointed out the growth of anti-Semitism in the world: in the first quarter of 2023, an increase of 22% occurred more than in the same period last year. Furthermore, the number of incidents where violence accompanied anti-Semitic manifestations increased by 48%. In addition, 68% of anti-Semitic statements in social networks, such as delegitimizing and demonizing the State of Israel, were classified as “new anti-Semitism”.

Minister of Diaspora Affairs Amichai Chikli said: “Our rule of thumb in the Ministry is that we react to anti-Semitism wherever it occurs around the world. We have to pay close attention to the development of the new anti-Semitism in the world, which is the delegitimization of the State of Israel.”

“The problem of anti-Semitism in the world requires careful consideration, harsh reaction, and vigorous action to prevent intolerance. Techniques, however, should be adapted to every region’s conditions, especially considering the rapidly changing situation. Therefore, we are ready to start systematic professional work with the Ministry in all aspects of Jewish life in the Euro-Asian region, which is going through a severe humanitarian and political crisis. These very days we are carrying out extensive counseling between the EAJC and the Ministry of Diaspora Affairs”, Dr. Ben Yakov said.

Avi Cohen Skalie, Director General of the Ministry for Diaspora Affairs, referred to the aid that the Ministry provides to the Jews of Ukraine during the war: “We allocate a significant budget that goes to the needs of physical protection of the communal facilities. Beyond that, we are allocating a budget of about 12 million shekels to strengthen the community and mental resilience of the Jews in Ukraine and arrange summer camps for refugees.”

The EAJC has supported the opening of a new “mobile bomb shelter” in southern Israel

A solemn ceremony was held in Kibbutz Ruhama, located on the southern border of Israel in the Shaar HaNegev Regional Council, to open a mobile bomb shelter. The shelter will protect against rocket attacks by terrorist organizations from the Gaza Strip. The event was attended by public and state figures, politicians, and prominent scientists. Among them were Dr. Michael Mirilashvili, President of the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress; Professor Michael Zinigrad, a renowned Israeli chemist and former Rector of Ariel University; Professor Zeev Hanin, Scientific Director of the Institute of Euro-Asian Jewish Studies (IEAEI); retired IDF General and Chairman of the Israel Aerospace Agency, creator of the national cybersecurity system Professor Isaac Ben-Israel; Dr. Haim Ben Yaakov, CEO of the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress; Menachem Busheev, Treasurer of the Congres; Robert Tivyayev, Deputy Chairman of JNF-KKL; Igal Yasinov, CEO of JNF-KKL-Eurasia; Roni Vinnikov, Deputy CEO of JNF-KKL. The project was financially supported by Dr. Michael Mirilashvili, President of the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress.

The organizers of the ceremony emphasized that the location of the mobile bomb shelter was not chosen by chance. Kibbutz Ruhama is one of the leading tourist destinations in southern Israel. Every February, thousands of guests from all over the country come here to witness the blooming of red anemones.

In September 2022, the press service of the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress reported on the completion of a project to build ten mobile protective structures in Israeli settlements on the Gaza Strip border. In addition to the bomb shelters, the program also included the construction of a so-called “security road” in the border kibbutz of Nir-Am.

The JNF-KKL leadership noted the particular contribution of Dr. Michael Mirilashvili in financing projects aimed at ensuring the safety of residents of the southern Jewish state.

“It’s essential that we build bomb shelters exactly where they are needed, including places many tourists visit. Often, funds are allocated only to build objects in the central districts to be visible, but not where they are actually needed. This case is just the opposite,” said Igal Yasinov, CEO of JNF-KKL-Eurasia, thanking Dr. Mirilashvili for initiating the project.

According to the officials of the Fund, the previously erected mobile bomb shelters demonstrated their effectiveness during the IDF’s anti-terrorism operation “Shield and Arrow” in the Gaza Strip, which took place from May 9 to 14.

Additionally, the “security road” built with active financial assistance from the President of the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress helped the IDF to evacuate the residents of the border kibbutz of Nir-Am during the operation.

Recall that the decision to launch a project to build several dozen mobile protective structures in southern Israel, as well as in kibbutzim located directly on the border with the Palestinian enclave, was made ten days after the end of the IDF’s anti-terrorism operation “Guardian of the Walls” in the Gaza Strip in late May 2021. Its implementation occurred in close coordination between JNF-KKL, local settlement councils, and the Israeli Ministry of Defense. Particular attention was paid to the area of border agricultural land to ensure the protection of farmers during potential shelling from the Gaza Strip.

The “Guardian of the Walls” military operation lasted from May 10 to 21, 2021. It began in response to the massive rocket attacks on Israeli territory from the Gaza Strip by terrorist organizations Hamas and Islamic Jihad. During the escalation of the conflict, about 4,360 rockets were fired from the enclave toward the country’s southern cities.

EAEC and KKL honored repatriate scientists during the annual event in the Negev

A ceremony was held at the Grove of Repatriate Scientists in Kibbutz Ruhama, located in northern Negev, to acknowledge the valuable contributions made by scientists from the former Soviet Union to Israeli science.

The event was organized by the Jewish National Fund (JNF-KKL) and supported by the Eurasian Jewish Congress (EAJC). The ceremony was attended by EAJC President Dr. Michael Mirilashvili, prominent Israeli chemist and former rector of Ariel University Prof. Michael Zinigrad, research director of the Institute for Euro-Asian Jewish Studies (IEAJS) Prof. Ze’ev Khanin, retired Israel Defense Forces General, Chairman of the Israel Aerospace Agency and Creator of the National Cyber Security System Prof. Yitzhak Ben Israel, EAJC General Director Dr. Haim Ben Yakov, EAJC Treasurer Menachem Bushuyev, JNF-KKL Vice Chairman Robert Tivyaev, and JNF-KKL Deputy General Director Rony Vinnikov.

During the ceremony, the scientists were presented with certificates of gratitude on behalf of the leaders of the EAJC and JNF-KKL. The organizers acknowledged the significant contribution of repatriated scientists to the development of academic life in Israel and agreed to continue celebrating their achievements at a symbolically important venue.

The Jewish National Fund’s Planted Grove of Repatriate Scholars was established in 2021 with the generous backing of the EAJC. The grove honors the exceptional contributions of repatriate scholars to the advancement of Israeli science.

EAJC holds a conference on the Law of Return

Due to the security situation in Israel conference was postponed. A new date will be announced later on.

Peres Academic Center ,in conjunction with the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress, announced a conference ‘Law of Return. What’s Next?’ on the 10th of May.

As a broad political and public debate on the Law of Return is going on in Israel, the conference, hosting political and public leaders, scholars, opinion makers, and activists, will address multiple aspects of this complex issue.

The event will occur at the Peres Academic Center in Rehovot and will be held in Hebrew. It will also be broadcast live.

Registration is required: bit.ly/law-of-return

EAJC congratulates on the 75th anniversary of the State of Israel!

Today the Jewish world celebrates 75 years since the beginning of a new chapter in our history. When our ancient nation, having returned to the land of our ancestors, found a modern state.

75 years since a seemingly forgotten name reappeared on the world map. 75 years of every Jew on earth having his own home. 75 years as the Jewish people independently decide their fate. 75 difficult years full of events, challenges, victories, and successes.

From the bottom of our hearts, we congratulate the citizens of Israel and Jews around the world on the Independence Day of the Jewish state.