The EAJC leaders have expressed grave concern about the manifestations of neo-Nazi sentiments in Ukraine and called on the authorities to put an end to the illegal neo-Nazi movements in the country.

On July 29, the Kiev Prosecutor’s Office announced the detention of a 17-year-old hacker, who allegedly uploaded an image of the Nazi swastika into the computer system of the Gorodok Gallery shopping center.

Thus, a huge luminous symbol of hatred and anti-Semitism was broadcast on the central staircase of the shopping center filled with numerous buyers.

On the same day, it became known about the ceremony of commemoration and reburial of the remains of Nazi collaborators from the SS division “Galicia” in the Zolochiv district of the Lviv region.

The ceremony was attended by the guards of honor unite of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, members of the Reserve Division “Galicia” in the Nazi uniform, priests, representatives of government and public organizations. In his speech, a representative of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine called collaborators the heroes and saints who deserve canonization. In honor of the Nazi accomplices, a military salute sounded.

“Obviously, the Ukrainian authorities are more vigilant about the dangerous manifestations of neo-Nazism. But this is not enough. State and public organizations must take a tough stance in order to put an end to the neo-Nazi movements in the country.

All manifestations of neo-Nazi ideology should be prohibited and persecuted under the law in force on the dissemination of Nazi symbols and the popularization of Nazism. We urge the Ukrainian authorities to follow the letter of the law and pay special attention to educating children and adolescents in the spirit of tolerance and mutual respect,” said Director General of the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress Haim Ben-Yaakov.

“As a result of the recent elections, it became clear that radical and neo-Nazi groups and parties have no weight and influence in Ukraine. None of them were elected to parliament.

We are grateful to the EAJC for support in this matter and are convinced that the shameful manifestations of neo-Nazism in Ukraine will gradually fade away. We are ready to render any assistance to the new president of Ukraine in his struggle against nationalist sentiments in the country,” the Jewish Confederation of Ukraine and the All-Ukrainian Jewish Congress joined the statement of the EAJC.

The Nesharim Jewish camp of the Jewish Community of the Republic of Moldova, which was held on July 2019 with the support of the EAJC, gathered more than a hundred children from all over the country.

During the ten-day sleepaway camp, the children learned a lot about Jewish history and got to know the bright historical characters, who visited daily and took part in the camp activities.

The Nesharim participants welcomed Shabbat together, listened to the fascinating stories about Moses and Joseph, the Exodus from Egyptian slavery, the destruction of the Jerusalem Temple and the dispersion of the people, about receiving the Torah and about 12 tribes of Israel.

Every day diverse thematic workshops were held in the camp: from business and rhetoric to dancing and making slimes. The kids showed excellent team qualities in sports competitions and intellectual games, and also enthusiastically discussed both Jewish and all-human challenges.

Special attention was paid to the history of the Jews in Moldova and discussion about the present and the future Jewish community of the country.

“The Jewish Community of the Republic of Moldova and the EAJC have united in a common effort to help children forming their Jewish identity. The annual camp “Nesharim” perfectly fulfills the task, attracting more and more children every year,” said EAJC President Mikhail Mirilashvili.

“The future of the Moldovan Jewish community is forming before our eyes, and we are happy to support the organizers of the long-term Nesharim program, who are optimistic about the Jewish future in the country,” said the director of the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress Haim Ben-Yaakov.

On July 2019, the EAJC Regional office in Montenegro in cooperation with the Jewish community of Montenegro hosted a group of young people with disabilities that came from Israel.

It was for the first time that such a journey for a diverse group of young Israeli Jews, Muslims, and Christians has been arranged by the national organization for people with intellectual disabilities AKIM Israel.

While the youngsters visited beautiful Montenegro, they were received with great hospitality and entertained with a special concert program by the folklore ensemble „Montenegro“ from Podgorica. Everybody was singing, dancing, and enjoying the company of each other.

This touching visit is a great example of public diplomacy in action, which ties together people’s hearts and minds.

In the foothills of Almaty, with the support of the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress, an international Jewish camp for teenagers has been opened. This summer, teens from Kazakhstan, the neighboring countries of Central Asia, and Israel are gathered here.

As part of the fascinating camp program, teens will get acquainted with the ancient Jewish tradition, make mountain hikes, and participate in the Maccabiah.

At the opening ceremony, the youngsters were greeted by the chairman of the Mitsva Association, a member of the Council of the People’s Assembly of Kazakhstan, Alexander Baron, who emphasized that from year to year the geography of the camp participants is expanding.

In her speech, the director of the community center “Rimon” Inessa Chugainova noted that many of the teenagers who visited the camp are now actively involved in community life.

“The importance of introducing young people to their roots the Jewish tradition is difficult to overestimate. It is they who will lead the Jewish communities in their countries, ”said EAJC President Mikhail Mirilashvili.

The camp, during which the teenagers will get acquainted with the basics of the Jewish tradition, will last until July 21.

President of the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress Mikhail Mirilashvili congratulated Milo Đukanović, the President of Montenegro, and Duško Marković, the Prime Minister of Montenegro, on Montenegro’s Statehood Day.

Recalling warmly the recent meeting with the President of Montenegro during his official visit to Israel in April 2019, Mikhail Mirilashvili wished the people of Montenegro peace, happiness, and prosperity.

“On behalf of the Eurasian Jewish Congress, I express a sincere hope that the friendly dialogue between our peoples will continue to grow and develop, providing new fruitful opportunities and connecting people”, – the EAJC President added.

A stage adaptation of the book The Diary of Anne Frank, probably the most famous and haunting stories to emerge from the Holocaust, is performing throughout Montenegro for the first time ever, with the support by EAJC.

This incredible play has premiered at the cultural center “Budo Tomović“ in Podgorica, on June 11, opening as well in Niksić on June 15 and in Bijelo Polje on June 16. The play got a great response from the young audience.

The play will travel to 15 other Montenegrin municipalities, reaching out to the young generation and inspiring to never forget the inhuman tragedy happened during the Holocaust.

“Thanks to the cooperation between the Jewish Community of Montenegro and the “Akord” Cultural Creative Centre, this remarkable play can touch the hearts of the young people of Montenegro. The rising anti-Semitic rhetoric and violence make this play more necessary than ever”, – said EAJC President Mikhail Mirilashvili.

“The tragedy of a Jewish girl and her family is one of the most enlightening and vital stories in the world. IWe are proud that the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress was instrumental in presenting the play in Montenegro for the first time”, – said EAJC Director General of the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress Haim Ben-Yaakov.