EAJC condemns baseless accusations against Israel

Leaders of the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress condemn South Africa’s false and baseless allegations in a lawsuit against Israel in the UN International Court of Justice.

On 29 December, South Africa filed a lawsuit accusing Israel of intending and actually committing genocide in the fighting in the Gaza Strip. The arguments presented by the prosecution in court are nothing more than a superficial, one-sided, misleading and politically motivated slur against the Jewish State.

As the Israel Defence Team correctly states, military conflicts are always, unfortunately, accompanied by casualties, destruction and humanitarian crises. To position Israel’s actions in defence of its citizens as genocide is a dilution of the essence and nothing more than a slogan based on no laws of international humanitarian law. The prosecution hardly mentions the barbaric attack by Hamas terrorists on 7 October, which, according to all norms of international law, should be interpreted as a declaration of war, and therefore justifies and gives Israel every right to engage in hostilities to protect civilians.

The international laws of war regulate the balance between humanitarian considerations and military necessity, calling on the parties to minimize humanitarian harm to the extent possible, while allowing military advantage to be gained and objectives to be achieved. The prosecution completely ignores the Israeli army’s world-unprecedented efforts to protect civilians, often to the detriment of military interests, to provide humanitarian assistance and to legally assess military action. The evidence for all of this has been exhaustively presented by the Israeli defence. The inevitable dire consequences of any military conflict, however tragic they may be, often do not even amount to a violation of the laws of warfare, let alone such heavy charges as genocide.

Moreover, the charge completely ignores the methods of warfare of Hamas terrorists, which in turn violate virtually all laws of international humanitarian law, as also evidenced by the defence.

The portrayal of statements by Israeli politicians as genocidal intentions is nothing more than a misleading selection of quotations, often taken out of context and interpreted in an exaggerated manner. Moreover, the prosecution has provided no evidence that individual statements in any way shape policy and are expressed on the battlefield. Completely ignored are the numerous statements by members of the narrow war cabinet and the highest levels of the war leadership actually directing military operations about the clear objectives of the war, the distinction between enemy forces and civilians, and Israel’s full adherence to the laws of international humanitarian law.

Therefore, it can be concluded that the statements of the prosecution are misleading, backed by an extremely weak evidentiary basis, one-sided and politically motivated, and therefore not worthy to be presented before an international court.

The EAJC leaders condemn the cynical use and dilution of the important term of genocide, the definition of which in international law was largely shaped by the terrible events of the Holocaust, and call on the court to unequivocally dismiss the lawsuit and halt this shameful process, preserving the court’s reputation as a respected body of justice.

EAJC leaders also express their deep appreciation to the Israeli legal team for their responsible approach, which left no stone unturned on South Africa’s false and baseless allegations.

EAJC strongly condemns the neo-Nazi march in Yerevan

EAJC leaders condemn the disturbing incident that took place on 1 January in the Armenian capital. A neo-Nazi group of 15-20 people organised a march through the centre of Yerevan shouting Nazi slogans.

Leaders of the Congress are alarmed by the increasing number of anti-Semitic incidents in Armenia. The EAJC President addressed the Armenian Prime Minister:

“Dear Prime Minister,

Let me share with you our deep concern about the neo-Nazi march that took place in Yerevan on 1 January.

In today’s world, due to the lack of education and attempts to rewrite history, the terrible crimes of the Nazis against the Jewish people and the whole world are subjected to moral revision by some marginalized groups.

But the marginality should not mislead us. It is a dangerous phenomenon that should be nipped in the bud.

Nazi ideology, imbued with virulent anti-Semitism, is not only dangerous for Jews. Ideologies of hatred and racial superiority ultimately corrode society itself and threaten its foundations.

Therefore, the sprouts of such movements must not be allowed to develop freely. Especially in a time of significant increase in anti-Semitic incitement in the world, when violent rhetoric can swiftly turn into physical violence.

We call on you to take decisive action against this dangerous phenomenon and we are ready to provide any support in this endeavour.”

The procession was organized to commemorate the birth date of Garegin Nzhdeh, who collaborated with the Nazis during the Second World War. The EAJC strongly opposes the rewriting of history and the glorification of Nazi collaborators, whatever the motives behind their actions. This is a dangerous precedent and a very “slippery slope” that threatens to further expand the legitimization of Nazi ideology. Society must be unequivocal in condemning individuals who collaborated with the world evil.

De Gruyter published the first volume of a series on the Jews of the post-Soviet space

Authoritative German academic publisher De Gruyter has released the first volume of the series ‘The Transformation of Post-Soviet Jewry’ (‘Post-Soviet Jewry in Transition’), developed jointly with the Institute for Euro-Asian Jewish Studies (IEAJS).

The first volume of the series, which was released in late November, was based on the extensive study of the Jewish population in five countries of the former USSR, conducted in 2019-2020 by the EAJC. The goal of the study was to analyze: the development of Jewish identity; trends in the formation of Jewish communities; mechanisms of joining the Jewish collective by people of non-Jewish and mixed origin; migration dynamics and socio-economic status of different groups of Jews; Jewish attitudes towards Israel etc.

“After the collapse of the Soviet Union, more than two million Jews migrated to the United States, Israel, Central Europe, Canada, Australia and other places. At the same time, some 900,000 Jews and their families still live in the former Soviet Union countries, despite various demographic trends. Our aim is to analyze trends within those groups, identify problems and develop recommendations accordingly”, said the President of the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress, Dr Michael Mirilashvili.

Dr. Haim Ben Yakov, Director General of the EAJC, pointed out that “Russian-speaking Jews around the world retain their unique identity, worldview and social ties, and create their own cultural and social reality. They form a new, transnational sub-ethnic group of the Jewish people, the Russian-speaking Jewish diaspora, whose collective identification is being formed on the basis of gradual disintegration from the former Soviet Jewish identity. We see that regardless of where they live, most Russian-speaking Jews do not often assimilate with the external environment and form their own separate communities. ‘The Transformation of Post-Soviet Jewry’ series sheds light on post-Soviet Jewry around the world – a new type of contemporary Jewish diaspora in transitional period of time,” he added.

The Institute for Euro-Asian Jewish Studies (IEAJS) operates under the auspices of the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress (EAJC) as a think-tank of leading experts on the problems of Jewish communities in the former Soviet Union, Eastern Europe and the Balkans, as well as Western, Central and East Asia. IEAJC has been functioning since 2018. One of the two main co-editors and authors of the project is the academic director of IEAJC, Professor Ze’ev Khanin.

EAJC supported a charity marathon to help Israel

The Euro-Asian Jewish Congress (EAJC) supported an international marathon to aid Israelis affected by the October 7 Hamas terrorist attack. Held on November 5, the 15-hour marathon attracted prominent music, theater, and movie stars from Israel, the United States, and the former Soviet Union. It raised $663,000.

The event was organized by a Russian-speaking group of Israeli volunteers with the support of the Center for Jewish Impact Foundation. On the initiative of First Vice President Teimuraz Khikhinashvili, the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress supported the event financially. Mr. Khikhinashvili said that “EAJC’s participation in the marathon demonstrated once again the solidarity of Diaspora Jews with terror-stricken Israelis. The people of Israel are united in both joy and hardship.”

The marathon’s guests and hosts broadcast live from the studio in Petah Tikva, Israel, and online from all over the world. One of the marathon participants was EAJC Director General Dr. Haim Ben Yakov. He shared his emotions and thoughts about the October 7 terrorist attack, Israel’s war against the Hamas terrorist organization, and the courage of IDF soldiers.

The campaign’s YouTube broadcast received more than 500,000 views from users in more than 30 countries. More than 7,800 people made donations. Due to the continuous flow of contributions, the organizers decided to continue fundraising until November 20, when the campaign’s official resources will announce the final amount collected.

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EAJC leaders addressed the higher officials and ambassadors of more than 20 countries

Following the horrific terror attack on the State of Israel on October 7th, EAJC leaders addressed presidents, governments, parliaments, and diplomatic missions of the Euro-Asian countries, including Armenia, Georgia, Croatia, Moldova, New Zealand, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Ukraine, Kosovo, Japan, Sri Lanka, and Albania.

EAJC called state leaders on unconditional condemnation of the Hamas terrorist organization, supporting Israel’s right to carry out a military operation in response and taking measures to guarantee the security of local Jewish communities. EAJC also suggested considering legal measures aimed at recognizing Hamas as a terrorist organization and outlawing its public support.

“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. 

The Euro-Asian Jewish Congress is ready to assist any legal process, aiming to ban the Hamas terrorist organization and outlaw its supporters. Today we call on the heads of Jewish communities and state leaders to initiate and advance the anti-terror legislation. It would mean much for the Jewish people and could be a strong move in bilateral relations with the Jewish State.

This is also a vulnerable time for Jewish communities outside Israel. In addition to the horrors committed here, Hamas terrorists are determined to incite hatred toward Jews worldwide and encourage a wave of violence. In given conditions, we have to takе precautions and strengthen the security of the Jewish communities worldwide, while strictly prosecuting any hate manifestation and violence toward Jews or the Jewish State.”

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.