On Yom HaShoah, Israel’s Holocaust and Heroism Remembrance Day, The Euro-Asian Jewish Congress has launched a special project – ‘Holocaust. An Attempt to Understand’.
The project presents an online exposition designed to introduce users to the topic of the Holocaust. The project is divided into three chapters: the first one immerses the visitor into the scale of the Holocaust with the help of numbers and proportions, the second one explains how it happened and how it became possible, the third one asks the question of why we should continue talking about the events of the Holocaust and invites to delve deeper on this complex subject.
The EAJC pays considerable attention to educational projects about the Holocaust.
Earlier this year, EAJC arranged the online premiere of the animated movie “263 Nights”, which reveals the story of 26 people hiding from the horrors of the Nazi occupation of Minsk in a dug basement for 263 days. The movie won an award at the Moscow Jewish Film Festival in October 2021. This year, Yefim Gimelstein, surviving witness of those events, lit one of the six remembrance torches at the official Yom HaShoah commemoration ceremony at Yad Vashem.
In 2020 EAJC launched a special website collecting educational materials about the history of the Holocaust (“SHOA”).
In 2021 EAJC supported the publishing of the book “Righteous Among the Nations. Ukraine”. As part of the events dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the Babi Yar tragedy, the book was presented to the President of the State of Israel, Yitzhak Herzog. The book is available online.
Azerbaijan inaugurated its first-ever embassy in Israel. The ceremony took place in Tel Aviv. It was attended by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan Jeyhun Bayramov, who arrived in Israel earlier on a special visit, the head of European Jews Community in Azerbaijan Alexander Sharovsky, the Director General of the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress Dr. Haim Ben Yakov and high-ranking politicians, diplomats, activists, officials and scientists from two countries.
Earlier this week, the Azeri Ambassador, Mukhtar Mammadov, submitted his letter of Credence to President Isaac Herzog. Azerbaijan has not had an official diplomatic representation in Israel for about 30 years. Nevertheless, Israel was one of the first countries in the world to recognize the independence of Azerbaijan in December 1991 and inaugurated an embassy there in 1993.
Recognized as a secular country, Azerbaijan is the first Muslim-Shiite country to establish an embassy in the State of Israel.
The thriving Jewish community, one of the largest in the Muslim world (12-18 thousand people) enjoys complete freedom of religion and worship.
Over the years, the EAJC has contributed to the deepening of Israeli-Azerbaijani cooperation. Thus, the issue of opening an embassy in Israel was previously raised during a work meeting between the EAJC leadership and Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev in 2019. Then he promised to gradually promote this issue. Congress’ leaders warmly welcomed the decision to open an embassy, noting this event as another step towards strengthening diplomatic relations between the two countries.
The Azeri diplomatic mission has become for Israel the first official representation of the state, the majority of whose population professes the Shiite branch of Islam. Following the leadership of the Jewish state, the leaders of the EAJC join in expressing gratitude to their Azeri colleagues for the development of bilateral partnership.
As EAJC President Dr. Michael Mirilashvili said, “Throughout the years of its independence Azerbaijan has consistently proved its status as 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 to strengthen external ties. At the very beginning of last year, Azerbaijan became one of the few Muslim countries where International Holocaust Remembrance Day is an official state 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 the starting point in a new round of joint cooperation between our states in the field of culture, science and economy”.
In several days we will celebrate the Passover – a somewhat starting point for our people. A holiday filled with symbols, meanings, and reflections. A holiday in which we have to turn the ancient into the actual year after year.
As a nation, we are going through difficult times filled with complex events. Recent history, and especially contemporary events, often seem incomprehensible to us. We ask ourselves why and for what reason did this happen to us? And we don’t always have the answer.
Although analyzing the events of ancient history, we can put the events in a consequential chain, bearing in mind a broad perspective. Among the enslaved people in Egypt, there were probably those who could not фссузе the situation, thought about how the Jews allowed themselves to be enslaved in the first place, and maybe lamented for what this fate befell them. Most likely, they did not find a consoling answer for themselves at that moment. However, looking at this history through the centuries, we know that this was only the initial and necessary stage in the formation of the spirit and character of our nation. A nation that had centuries of remarkable history ahead at the time.
May this teach us patience and a strong faith that whatever is happening makes sense and the best is yet to come.
On Wednesday night, Jews from all over the world, regardless of where they live, which language they speak, and which political beliefs they have, will sit down at the table and read yet the same text of the Passover Haggadah and sing the same songs. That is what united our people for thousands of years. And on this holiday, I wish to believe that the unity of our people is still not only in ceremonies but in shared goals, values, hopes, and aspirations.
Kosher and Happy Holiday to you. Chag Kasher veSameach!
Euro-Asian Jewish Congress leaders took part in a session of the World Jewish Congress Executive Committee that took place in Madrid. The forum was partly related to the Spain future presidency of the Council of the European Union on July 1 and either the national plan to implement the European Strategy to Combat Antisemitism for 2023-2030 that Spain also approved last month.
Euro-Asian Jewish Congress high delegation consisted of EAJC President Dr. Michael Mirilashvili and EAJC Board Chairman Aaron G. Frenkel, EAJC Director General Dr. Haim Ben Yakov and EAJC
treasurer Menachem Bushuev held a meetings in Madrid with the King of Spain His Majesty Felipe VI, the country’s Foreign Ministry, high Spain diplomacy, ambassadors accredited in Madrid as well as a group of Government commissioners to combat anti-Semitism in the UN, Council of Europe, European Union, USA and Germany.
During the Summit in Madrid EAJC leaders also held a work meetings with Russian and Ukrainian Jewish Community leaders, where the actual humanitarian emergency issues were discussed.
At the official ceremony with the King of Spain Philip VI, in the presence of the President of the World Jewish Congress R. Lauder, after pronouncing the traditional blessing received at the meeting with the monarch, and words of gratitude for the hospitality, EAJC President Dr. Michael Mirilashvili said:
“As Israel develops, the worldwide Jewish community sees the Jewish state as a source of inspiration. The long-standing dream of Israel as the center of the Jewish world, a light source for the Jewish diaspora and the peoples of the world, has ceased to be just a dream and has all the means to realize it. The stronger the State of Israel becomes, the more responsibility it bears for the safety and well-being of the entire Jewish people. It is not enough just to talk about anti-Semitism. Today, the Jewish world needs a strong, reliable and cohesive Jewish state, ready to generously share innovations, cultural and scientific achievements with the world community.
Israeli innovative technologies make the world a better place, allow solving the problems of ecology, healthcare, agriculture and food security, solving, at the same time, the refugee problem that is relevant in modern Europe. New technologies make it possible to provide poor states with the opportunity to produce enough water and food and, thus, provide the population with everything they need in their homeland. I urge Jewish philanthropists, world leaders and political institutions to join forces to solve the universal problems of humanity.”
Albanian Culture Ministry has announced the establishment of the “Besa” Museum, a new cultural space in the heart of Tirana, which will celebrate the heroic actions of Albanians who rescued Jews during the Holocaust. According to “The Jerusalem Post”, the museum will be housed in a historic building that embodies the best of 19th-century Albanian architecture and has been designated a Cultural Heritage and Cultural Monument.
Earlier in October 2022 Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama announced the establishment of the new museum at a gala event honoring Albanian “Righteous Among the Nations” during his visit to Jerusalem.
А design competition for architecture design proposals, funded by Euro-Asian Jewish Congress Honorary President Alexander Machkevitch, will be opened by Albania’s Culture Ministry with the goal of finding the best design solution for the museum’s construction.
“I am humbled to be a part of this important project that will memorialize the bravery of Albanians who risked their lives to save Jews during the Holocaust,” Machkevitch said.
He added that the Albanian people, “and particularly Rama, have shown great commitment to preserving the memory of these heroic acts, and it is an honor to work alongside them. This project is a testament to the power of solidarity and compassion in the face of darkness, and I hope it will inspire future generations to continue this legacy of kindness.”
JPost also mentioned that “Besa” Museum will serve as a meeting point, a dialogue center for cultural exchanges, and beyond. It aims to be an added tourist attraction in Tirana, as well as a center for education and community engagement.
Albanian Prime Minister also pointed on inportance of this moment for “Tirana’s history, urban development, and architecture”: “I believe that we will finally be able to breathe a sigh of relief from a long-standing burden of obligation in relation to our children and visitors to our country, which is related to perhaps the most glorious page of Albanian history, the rescue of Jews during WWII”, he said.
Albania is one of the few European countries in which the number of Jews increased after the end of World War II. Due to the influx of refugees, the Jewish population turned out to be more than at the beginning of the war in 1939.
EAJC values the close historical ties between the Albanian and Jewish peoples: during the 2nd World War, many Albanias were saving Jews, often risking their own lives. In this regard, the Jewish people and the State of Israel express their gratitude to the people of Albania.
In addition, an important episode in the partnership between the Albanian authorities and the EAJC was the joint evacuation of refugees from Afghanistan to Albania and then to Canada back in 2021. Emergency assistance was provided to 40 men and women by several organizations and individuals, including EAJС Honorary President Alexander Mashkevich and EAJC Chairman of the Board Aharon G. Frenkel.
Euro-Asian Jewish Congress (EAJC) Director General Dr. Haim Ben Yakov has met with the Chisinau Mayor Ion Cheban. During the conversation they discussed the preparation activities for the special events dedicated to the Holocaust victims memory and particularly to the 120th anniversary of the Chisinau pogrom as well. Another point of conversation was combating anti-Semitism and cooperation with the Jewish community of Moldova on a number of memorial and educational initiatives.
The 4th Kyiv Jewish Forum (Kyiv Jewish Forum) was held online by the Jewish Confederation of Ukraine (JCU), the Combat Antisemitism Movement (CAM), and the Center for Jewish Impact.
This year, KJF was wholly dedicated to the devastating war on the territory of Ukraine, the international support for this country, and the role of the world Jewish community in saving human lives, among which there are many Ukrainian Jews. In addition, influential speakers from around the world discussed scenarios for ending the bloodshed and restoring the post-war world.
The first day of the Forum was marked by speeches of Israeli President Yitzhak Herzog, Chairman of the Jewish Confederation of Ukraine Boris Lozhkin, former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, General Director of the US Anti-Defamation League Jonathan Greenblatt, Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, Ukrainian Ambassador to Israel Yevhen Korneichuk, Israeli Ambassador to Ukraine Mikhail Brodsky, head of the American Jewish Committee (AJC), ex-US Senator Ted Deutsch, as well as many diplomats, scientists, politicians, public and state figures of world renown from all over the world.
The second day of the Forum was attended by the Director General of the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress, Dr. Haim Ben Yakov; the Defense Minister of Ukraine, Oleksiy Reznikov; the Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine, Igor Klymenko; the Minister of Diaspora Affairs of Israel, Amichai Shikli; Member of the Parliamentary Commission on Ukrainian-Israeli Cooperation, MK Zeev Elkin, former head of the Jewish Agency, activist and public figure Natan Sharansky, Chief Rabbi of Ukraine Moshe Reuven Azman, alongside many diplomats, scientists, politicians, public and state figures of world renown from all over the world.
The press office of the EAJC cites the EAJC Director General, Dr. Haim Ben Yakov’s address to the organizers and participants of the Kyiv Jewish Forum:
Dear friends.
I am glad to welcome the organizers and participants of the 4th Kyiv Jewish Forum. First, I would like to thank our dear partner and friend, the First Vice-President of the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress, Boris Lozhkin, for this important ongoing initiative.
We are pleased to cooperate with the Jewish Confederation of Ukraine for the benefit of one of the largest Jewish communities in the post-Soviet space and are grateful to Boris Lozhkin for his significant contribution to Ukrainian Jewry.
Kyiv Jewish Forum has become a powerful platform among global Jewish leadership, and I am happy to represent the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress here today.
In this challenging time for the whole world and the Jewish community in Ukraine, I would like to express my deep gratitude to everyone who did not leave those in need without support. Our gratitude goes to all those who contributed and assisted in the evacuation of citizens to safe places, to local Jewish leaders who did not leave their communities and continued to provide the Jews who remained in Ukraine with everything they needed, to donors, Jewish organizations and leaders around the world who donated generously for the numerous needs of the war victims.
Last year, the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress devoted its primary efforts to providing substantial financial and humanitarian aid to those affected by the war. At such times, more than anything else, saving lives – is our true mission and purpose.
In this complex reality, we, the leadership of the leading Jewish organizations in the world, must unite, be ready to react quickly, respond to requests, and come to the rescue when and where needed.
We must continue to strive and do whatever we can to end this deadly war. But, in a sincere hope that it will end soon, we have to consider “the day after” as well – how will the Jewish world look and whether the Jewish communal life in the region will be affected?
Therefore, this forum is an important platform that allows us to reflect on what has already been done, assess potential opportunities and risks, and discuss our next steps.
On behalf of the EAJC President, Dr. Michael Mirilshvili, and the leadership of the Congress, I salute all the forum participants and wish you fruitful work. We hope to see the practical outcomes in the nearest future.
Director General of the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress (EAJC), Dr. Haim Ben Yakov, and EAJC Treasurer Menachem Bushuev held a working meeting with the Israeli Minister of Aliyah and Integration, Ofir Sofer. During the conversation, the parties stressed the importance of maintaining a continuous repatriation process and providing maximum assistance to all repatriates arriving in the State of Israel, which remains the national home for Jews worldwide.
The EAJC Director General stressed that the proposals being discussed in Israeli society regarding changes to the law of return could significantly impact the relationship of the Jewish Diaspora with the State of Israel and inter-communal Jewish life. Therefore, it is essential to create a forum/platform for a broad dialogue among the leaders of the Jewish organizations of the Diaspora with the government of the State of Israel.
Euro-Asian Jewish Congress high delegation headed by EAJC President Dr. Michael Mirilashvili held a work meeting with Israeli Diaspora Affairs Minister Amichai Chikli. The meeting was held in the Ministry Jerusalem office.
During the conversation Congress’ leaders told minister about the organization activities. They also described the extremely difficult humanitarian situation with Jewish communities of Ukraine and pointed to the refugees issue. Besides, the parties discussed about possible areas of cooperation.
As conclusion to the meeting EAJC President Dr. Michael Mirilashvili wished a successful term to the Minister Chikli and expressed hope for the attentive and reverent attitude of the Israeli government to communities of the Eurasian region needs. The EAJC leaders proposed an initiative of Jewish diaspora leaders forum organization with the aim of discussion and summarizing of the urgent problems of the Jewish communities of the Diaspora, including, in particular, the issue of a possible law of return changes.
EAJC Director General Dr. Haim Ben Yakov emphasized the importance of regular consultations between the Israeli government and the leaders of community-based organizations in the Diaspora. “Diaspora communities and the State of Israel are a single organism. The creation of such a platform will serve the unity of the Jewish people and the development of informed decisions on issues of principle for the entire Jewish people” said Dr. Ben Yakov.
“I was happy to meet the entrepreneur and philanthropist Michael Mirilshvili together with the leadership of the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress, which carries out enormous philanthropic activity throughout the former Soviet Union, alongside extensive activity in the State of Israel. This is an opportunity to thank Michael and his team on behalf of the Government of Israel for their tremendous contribution to the strength of the State of Israel and the people of Israel”, Minister Chikli said.
The leaders of the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress congratulate the ministers of the 37th government of Israel on their inauguration. In a greeting letter to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, EAJC President Dr. Michael Mirilashvili pointed out the many difficult challenges facing the new government:
“On behalf of the leaders of the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress and my behalf, Icongratulate you on the formation of the 37th Government of the State of Israel. We wish you stable and productive work for the benefit of Israeli society and the entire Jewish World. I am convinced that your extensive experience as Prime Minister will help our State to achieve its goals.
Today, as Israel becomes more and more powerful, the worldwide Jewish community sees Israel as a great source of inspiration and pride. An old dream of a Jewish state as the center of the Jewish world, the light for the Jewish diaspora and nations of the world – is no longer just a dream. We have all the means to realize it. And we should always be aware – the Jewish world watches us with great expectations. Therefore, a responsible and balanced policy of the government concerning the diaspora is extremely important.
The EAJC, as one of the leading organizations of the Jewish world, and other Jewish leaders in the diaspora place great hopes on the new Minister for Diaspora Affairs and Minister of Aliyah and Integration. Their fresh approach to the work of their departments can give a new impetus to the implementation of one of the most vital missions of Israel as a national home for the Jewish people. At times of global humanitarian crisis, this mission becomes even more essential.
On our part, we will continue our work on securing and developing Jewish life in the Euro-Asian region and strengthening ties between the Jewish communities and the State of Israel. To be a part of this process is a great honor for us.
We hope that the 37th Israeli government will promote values of peace, plurality, Jewish unity, social justice, national identity, and Zionism, bearing in mind the bigger picture, taking into consideration our relations with the global Jewish world and playing an active part in the life of the Diaspora.
May the Almighty give us the strength to work together for the good of Israel and build a just and better future.”
