13TH PLENARY ASSEMBLY of the WORLD JEWISH CONGRESS

JERUSALEM, 26-27 JANUARY 2009

PRESS REVIEW

Selected Press Articles

WJC Brussels Office – Page: 1

WJC Brussels Office – Page: 2 Ronald S. Lauder confirmed as president of World Jewish Congress

European Jewish Press, Belgium 27 January 2009

Argentinian Eduardo Elsztain elected new chairman of Governing Board by: John Milner

Ronald S. Lauder, 65-year-old American businessman and former US ambassador to Austria. Photo: Andres Lacko

JERUSALEM (EJP)- Ronald S. Lauder was reelected as president of the World Jewish Congress (WJC) at the organization‘s plenary assembly in Jerusalem. The 65-year-old American businessman and former US ambassador to Austria was confirmed by the 400 delegates representing Jewish communities in over 80 countries and several affiliated international Jewish organizations.

In his speech to delegates, Lauder emphasized Diaspora Jewry‘s unwavering support for the State of Israel, especially in the face of threats by terrorist organizations. He criticized countries and international bodies such as the United Nations for applying ―double standards‖ when it comes to Israel and not providing enough support.

Eduardo Elsztain, a Jewish leader from Argentina was elected new chairman of the WJC Governing Board, succeeding Matthew Bronfman.

WJC Brussels Office – Page: 3

Argentinian Jewish leader Eduardo Elsztain, new Chairman of the WJC Governing Board.

WJC secretary-general Michael Schneider was also confirmed in his post. Cobi Benatoff of Italy will become new WJC treasurer, replacing Elsztain in this post.

Delegates also elected the following Jewish leaders vice-presidents of the World Jewish Congress: Rabbi Yaakov Bleich (Ukraine), Helena Glaser (Israel), Robert Goot (Australia), Flo Kaufmann (Great Britain), Charlotte Knobloch (Germany), Thomas Kraus (Czech Republic), Tamar Shchory (Israel), Rabbi Marc Schneier (USA), and Mervyn Smith (South Africa).

Roger Cukierman, a former president of CRIF, the umbrella body of French Jewish organizations, was appointed vice-president by the European Jewish Congress, the WJC‘s regional affiliate.

At the opening of the plenary assembly, Israeli President Shimon Peres told delegates that Israel was right to defend itself against thousands of rockets launched by Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip. "Instead of investing in the future the Palestinian people, Hamas is buying arms to fight against Israel."

Israeli Defense Minister and Labor Party leader Ehud Barak, Diaspora Affairs Minister Isaac Herzog and Likud Chairman Benjamin Netanyahu also addressed delegates.

WJC Brussels Office – Page: 4 Lauder re-elected to head WJC

Jewish Telegraphic Agency, USA 26 January, 2009

JERUSALEM (JTA) -- Ronald Lauder was re-elected president of the World Jewish Congress. The 13th Plenary Assembly on Monday in Jerusalem also confirmed Eduardo Elsztain of Argentina as the new chairman of the WJC Governing Board, succeeding Matthew Bronfman.

Speaking to the delegates, Lauder emphasized Diaspora Jewry's unwavering support for the State of Israel, especially in the face of threats by terrorist organizations. He criticized countries and international bodies such as the United Nations for applying "double standards" when it comes to Israel.

Israeli President Shimon Peres told delegates that Israel was right to defend itself against thousands of rockets launched by Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip. "Instead of investing in the future, the Palestinian people, Hamas is buying arms to fight against Israel," Peres said.

Two candidates in the Feb. 10 race for prime minister -- Defense Minister Ehud Barak, the Labor Party leader, and Likud Party chairman Benjamin Netanyahu -- addressed the delegates. Diaspora Affairs Minister Isaac Herzog also spoke.

WJC Brussels Office – Page: 5 Lauder: Sanctions will not block Iranian nuclear ambitions

Jerusalem Post, Israel 27 January 2009

Etgar Lefkovits

The president of the World Jewish Congress said Monday that economic sanctions against Iran will not stop the Islamic Republic from seeking to obtain nuclear weapons. "My concern is that they [the sanctions] will not stop Iran from their quest for a bomb," Ronald S. Lauder told The Jerusalem Post during a gathering of the New York-based organization in Jerusalem. "Economic sanctions always help [but] the question is how strong they are and what effect they have. They cannot affect a country in the short-term."

In defiance of the UN Security Council and years of increasing economic sanctions, Iran continues to enrich uranium, which nuclear experts say is the hardest part of building a bomb.

"We all know that the obfuscation and trickery of the mullahs in charge of that once great country have one clear goal - a nuclear bomb," Lauder said.

The American cosmetics heir also said that he was confident that US President Barack Obama would be supportive of Israel, noting that the first African-American president's popularity in the Arab world would likely further peace talks in the Middle East.

"I am totally confident that Obama and his administration will work as hard as they can to protect Israel and look for peace," Lauder said. "The fact that Obama will be accepted by the Arab world... is also a key to world peace."

His comments comes just two days before Obama's special envoy to the Middle East, George J. Mitchell, will arrive in Jerusalem for talks with Israeli and Palestinian leaders, and amid Israeli concern that the new US administration will pressure Israel.

In an earlier address, Lauder blasted the world's "double standard" in criticizing Israel's recent military operation in Gaza, noting that no other country in the world would accept having thousands of missiles rain down on their civilians for years.

"How long would your governments wait if you were threatened, not just by words that promised your destruction but by real rockets?" he said. "There is no question to how fast the US would have reacted."

Lauder also blasted both the Red Cross and the New York based-Human Rights Watch for their "skewed" treatment of Israel.

WJC Brussels Office – Page: 6 "These organizations pretend to be unbiased and care for all human beings..but from my observation they are nothing but pro-Palestinian fronts," he said.

The remarks come at a time when anti-Israel protesters around the world - as well as some foreign government officials - have been comparing Israel's actions against Hamas in Gaza to those of Nazi Germany.

"When I look at the double standards that the world applies to Jews...I come to the sad conclusion that with anti-Semitism the best we can hope for is that it goes away for a time, but like a persistent and deadly virus it re-energizes itself after a generation or two and comes back in all of its hideous forms," he said.

The WJC president said that the lesson of the 1930s was the need to immediately react to any anti-Semitic incident anywhere in the world, but especially in Europe, which has witnessed a spike of anti-Semitic incidents since the military operation against Hamas in Gaza began.

"Today in Europe the situation is as bad as it ever has been," he said.

"In reality, to my mind [being] anti-Israel and anti-Semitism are the same thing," he concluded.

In an earlier address, Likud leader Binyamin Netanyahu called for the establishment of broad alliance against anti-Semitism and the "creed of hate," with both Christians and moderate Muslims around the world.

"I have no doubt that ultimately militant Islam will lose the battle against modernity and freedom," Netanyahu said. "The question is [at] what price until that defeat is assured."

WJC Brussels Office – Page: 7 Peres blasts 'misrepresentation of facts' on Gaza op

Jerusalem Post, Israel 27 January 2009

Greer Fay Cashman

Speaking on Monday at the opening session of the 13th plenary of the World Jewish Congress, President Shimon Peres sought to correct what he termed "misunderstandings" and the "misrepresentation of facts" about the disproportionate number of Palestinian casualties in Operation Cast Lead.

During the period 2000-2009 there had been 5,792 Qassam rockets and 4,411 mortars launched from Gaza against Israel, the overwhelming majority in the last two years. "I don't know of any other country that went through such an experience," said Peres.

Citing statistics of Israeli casualties of Palestinian terrorism, Peres said 842 civilians and 325 soldiers had been killed in recent years, making a total of 1,167 fatalities.

"So where is the disproportion?" he queried, making the point that more than a thousand Israeli lives were lost in attacks from Gaza, in addition to others from attacks in the West Bank.

Contrary to charges that Israel did not permit the transfer of food and fuel into Gaza, Peres said that 42,327 trucks transporting essential supplies had been allowed into Gaza. "The whole story of a siege is totally unfounded. There was never a shortage of fuel. There was never a shortage of food," he said.

As for the smuggling of weapons, Peres referenced an example of a stockpile discovered on September 12, 2005, that included 300,000 kg of dynamite, 20,000 weapons that included rockets, rifles, machine guns and pistols, and half a million kilograms of ammunition.

Although he has "never given up on peace," Peres sees no alternative to fighting terrorism.

"When you fight terrorism you can't have a victory characteristic of conventional war, because there is no uniform, no front, no army. The only way we have to stop terrorism is to hit terrorists hard."

While expressing the hope that Hamas had learned its lesson, Peres was well aware that it would take something more than Operation Cast Lead for the lesson to have long lasting effect.

WJC Brussels Office – Page: 8 "Now they want a cease-fire for one-and-a-half years," he said. "They want our agreement that after one-and-a-half years they can shoot again, and they want the right to bring in arms."

Declaring Hamas to be "the greatest Arab problem," Peres asserted that many Arab people know that their problem is not Israel but Hamas. "The President of Egypt came to the conclusion that Hamas is a danger to Egypt and the Arab world," he said, charging Hamas with bringing shame to the Arab people and to Islam.

Peres welcomed the appointment of George Mitchell as the new US Middle East envoy, saying it was timely and that "there is no reason to postpone anything."

Quoting media reports that America will put pressure on Israel, Peres was faintly amused. Making peace, fighting terror, having a Palestinian state alongside the State of Israel and finding solutions to the economic meltdown are all issues on which Israel and the US are in accord, he said.

"What pressure can America place on us?" he asked. "Where is the contradiction?"

Peres remained confident that a peace agreement with the Palestinians was still possible, saying, "The problems are bridgeable."

For all that, Peres made it clear that if Hamas resumes its attacks on Israel, there will be a severe, hard-hitting response. While Israel is willing to pay a price for peace, he said, "We are a moral country under attack. We fight to fulfill an historic mission."

To a question from a British delegate about Israel's vilification in Parliament and demands for an international inquiry into Israel's conduct during Operation Cast Lead, Peres retorted that there was no Geneva convention on terrorism, and asked if there was a Geneva convention that permits the firing of 90 missiles a day without discrimination.

"Is there a convention that a nation under threat cannot defend itself?" he asked.

Peres lambasted those who would judge Israel without knowing all the facts, and asked where they were when Israelis were being killed in bus explosions, saying, "Did they ever demonstrate? Did they say a word? Is our blood less meaningful?"

WJC Brussels Office – Page: 9 Peres: Arabs know problem lies with Hamas, not Israel

YNet News, Israel 26 January 2009

President Shimon Peres, who addressed the World Jewish Congress in Jerusalem on Monday, said that "many of the Arabs, be it overtly or covertly, have come to realize that the problem is not Israel, it is Hamas.

"Even Egypt's (President Hosni) Mubarak has realized that Hamas in a danger not only to Israel, but to Egypt and the entire Arab world." (Ronen Medzini)

WJC Brussels Office – Page: 10 Shimon Peres

AP Photo, USA 26 January 2009

Israeli President Shimon Peres speaks at the opening the World Jewish Congress at a Jerusalem hotel, Monday, Jan. 26, 2009.

WJC Brussels Office – Page: 11 Benjamin Netanyahu

AP Photo, USA 26 January 2009

Israel's Likud Party leader Benjamin Netanyahu speaks during the opening session of World Jewish Congress at Inbal Hotel in Jerusalem, Monday, Jan. 26, 2009. A poll conducted immediately after Israel ceased fire in the Gaza Strip put Likud as front-runner in Israel's upcoming elections with 29 of parliament's 120 seats. Israelis vote for parties, not for candidates. Seats in the parliament are divided among the parties in proportion to the votes they get, and the leader of the largest party is chosen to form a new government.

WJC Brussels Office – Page: 12 News in brief - Barkat: Jewish majority at risk in capital

Jerusalem Post, Israel 27 January 2009

Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat said Monday that Israel's capital will lose its Jewish majority within a quarter- century if current demographics trends continue. Barkat said that 17,000 Jews were leaving Jerusalem each year for other Israeli cities and towns, primarily in search of affordable housing and job opportunities.

"As shareholders of the city, we cannot allow ourselves to let the current situation continue," Barkat told a gathering of the New York-based World Jewish Congress meeting in Jerusalem. "We must remain focused on our goal of keeping Jerusalem Jewish and united." * Etgar Lefkovits

WJC Brussels Office – Page: 13 PM: Gaza op restored Israeli deterrence

Jerusalem Post Online, Israel 26 January 2009

Etgar Lefkovits

The recent military operation in the Gaza Strip against Hamas has restored Israeli's deterrence among its enemies and in the perception of the whole world, Prime Minsiter Ehud Olmert said on Monday.

"We have reestablished in the perception of the whole world the power and deterrence Israel has always enjoyed," Olmert told a gathering of the New York- based World Jewish Congress in Jerusalem. "It is not worthwhile starting a war with Israel."

The premier said that the 22 day-long attack on Hamas in Gaza was "essential, fundamental, and also successful."

"The lesson was taught which hopefully will change realities," Olmert said. "Those who thought Israel was afraid of using power, would hesitate, and not have the courage now know we will not hesitate to use our force to defend our country."

Olmert added that in light of the bruising military operation, the international community was determined to stop weapons smuggling to the Gaza Strip, and at the same time he voiced the hope that Palestinians living in the Hamas-controlled territory would reject the Islamic regime and soon live in peace with Israel.

"We are not that far away from achieving a full comprehensive peace with the Palestinians," Olmert concluded.

WJC Brussels Office – Page: 14 Ehud Olmert

AP Photo, USA 26 January 2009

Caption: Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert speaks at the World Jewish Congress in Jerusalem, Monday, Jan. 26, 2009. The latest polls for the Feb. 10 election in Israel show Benjamin Netanyahu's hawkish Likud Party leading Kadima, the party of outgoing Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and its candidate for premier, Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni, by about five seats in the 120-seat parliament. (AP Photo/Dan Balilty)

WJC Brussels Office – Page: 15 Barak: Half of weapon smuggling tunnels destroyed along Gaza border

Jerusalem Post Online, Israel 26 January 2009

Etgar Lefkovits

Defense Minister Ehud Barak said Monday that Egypt can "dramatically reduce" Palestinian weapons smuggling along the Gaza border, and is more inclined to act following Israel's recent military operation in Gaza.

"We have found that Egypt is much more ready to work seriously than in the past, and I am convinced that with enough energetic actions smuggling could be reduced dramatically," Barak told a gathering of the New York-based World Jewish Congress in Jerusalem.

Barak said that Israel had destroyed about half of the "active" weapons-smuggling tunnels along the Gaza-Egypt border during the recent 22-day military operation in Gaza.

WJC Brussels Office – Page: 16 IAF attacks Hamas tunnels under Philadelphi Corridor

Jerusalem Post Online, Israel 27 January 2009

JPost.com staff and Yaakov Katz , THE JERUSALEM POST

IAF aircraft struck three arms smuggling tunnels under the Philadelphi Corridor over Tuesday night.

The IDF Spokesman confirmed the strikes in an announcement, saying they were a response to a bomb attack against a military patrol along the border with the Gaza Strip which killed a warrant officer and wounded three others on Tuesday morning, including one who was severely hurt.

The IDF holds Hamas responsible for preserving the peace in Israel's South, and will respond harshly to any attempt at undermining it, the announcement added.

On Tuesday the IDF had received a green light to respond harshly to the bomb attack, though defense officials would not provide details on the planned response, but said it would be in line with Israel's new policy to respond aggressively to any attack following the end of Operation Cast Lead earlier this month.

A Beduin tracker was killed and an officer was seriously wounded when a large bomb exploded next to their patrol along the border near the Kissufim Crossing. Two other soldiers were lightly wounded. The bombing was the first lethal attack by the Palestinians since Israel withdrew from Gaza last week.

The family of the fatality requested that neither his name nor his photo be published.

Following the incident, the IDF fired at several targets inside Gaza, and soldiers briefly crossed the border in search of the attackers. The troops left Gaza by nightfall after discovering several additional explosive devices that had been planted nearby. IDF sources said the terrorists had likely taken advantage of the heavy fog Tuesday morning to plant and detonate the device.

Defense Minister Ehud Barak called an urgent meeting of top defense officials after the bombing. "This is a serious attack, and we will respond, but there is no point in elaborating," Barak said.

Israel closed its Gaza border crossings to humanitarian aid traffic after briefly opening them Tuesday morning. Gaza border official Raed Fattouh said Israeli officials had informed him the closure was due to the attack.

WJC Brussels Office – Page: 17 Amos Gilad, head of the Defense Ministry's Diplomatic-Security Bureau, said Israel's response would not be limited to closing the crossings into Gaza.

"The response will not be the way it used to be," Gilad said in a speech at the Institute for National Security Studies in Tel Aviv. "The equation has changed."

In the afternoon, a helicopter gunship struck a motorbike in Khan Yunis that was reportedly carrying a Hamas operative involved in the attack.

The IDF said it was possible that the bombing had not been carried out directly by Hamas, but by other Palestinian terror groups.

IAF helicopters hovered in the air firing machine gun bursts, Palestinian witnesses said. An IAF jet set off a loud sonic boom over Gaza City not long afterward, possibly as a warning. Palestinians reported that several people were wounded when IDF tank shells hit residential buildings in the Strip.

Not long after the bombing, a 27-year-old Gaza farmer was killed by Israeli gunfire along the border several kilometers away, according to Dr. Moaiya Hassanain of Gaza's Health Ministry. Two other Palestinians were wounded.

The army had no comment, and it was unclear whether the two incidents were related.

There was no claim of responsibility for the attack, but Hamas leader Mushir al- Masri said Israel was to blame for continuing to fire into Gaza. Masri said his group had not agreed to a full cease-fire but only to a "lull" in fighting.

"The Zionists are responsible for any aggression," he said.

Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni told a gathering of the New York-based World Jewish Congress in Jerusalem on Tuesday that Israel would no longer show restraint against Palestinian attacks from the Gaza Strip. "Israel is going to act according to a new equation. We are not going to show restraint anymore," Livni said. "We need to change the rules of the game until they learn that the rules have changed and the equation has changed."

Livni added that Israel needed to negotiate with the Fatah leadership in the West Bank toward a two-state soluyion, while continuing to fight against Hamas in Gaza.

"For me, an agreement with Hamas is not an option," she declared.

WJC Brussels Office – Page: 18 Ehud Barak

AFP/Getty Images, USA 26 January 2009

Ehud Barak, Israel's Defense Minister, leader of Labor party and a leading candidate in the upcoming general elections delivers a speech at the opening of World Jewish Congress (WJC) in Jerusalem on January 26, 2009. Hawkish former prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu is the clear favourite to become Israel's next premier after February 10 elections, according to an opinion poll published today. The right- wing Likud party leader is favoured by 29 percent of Israelis, while 16 percent support Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni of the centrist Kadima, according to the survey published by the Haaretz daily's Internet edition. Nine percent said they would support Defence Minister Ehud Barak, leader of the Labour party.

WJC Brussels Office – Page: 19 Ehud Barak

AFP/Getty Images, USA 26 January 2009

Ehud Barak, Israel's Defense Minister, leader of Labor party and a leading candidate in the upcoming general elections delivers a speech at the opening of World Jewish Congress (WJC) in Jerusalem on January 26, 2009. Hawkish former prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu is the clear favourite to become Israel's next premier after February 10 elections, according to an opinion poll published today. The right- wing Likud party leader is favoured by 29 percent of Israelis, while 16 percent support Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni of the centrist Kadima, according to the survey published by the Haaretz daily's Internet edition. Nine percent said they would support Defence Minister Ehud Barak, leader of the Labour party.

WJC Brussels Office – Page: 20 Livni: Israeli restraint in Gaza is over

Jerusalem Post Online, Israel 27 January 2009

By ETGAR LEFKOVITS AND JPOST.COM STAFF

Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni said Tuesday that Israel will no longer show restraint against Palestinian attacks from the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip. "Israel is going to act according to a new equation. We are not going to show restraint anymore," Livni told a gathering of the New York-based World Jewish Congress in Jerusalem.

Her remarks came after an Israeli soldier was killed and three others were wounded in an attack near the Gaza border in the most serious assault since a temporary cease-fire went in effect last week.

"We need to change the rules of the game until they learn that the rules have changed and the equation has changed," she added.

Livni said that Israel needed to negotiate with the Fatah-run Palestinian leadership in the West Bank towards a two-state solution, while continuing to fight against Hamas in Gaza. "For me an agreement with Hamas is not an option," she concluded.

Likud chair Binyamin Netanyahu also responding to the fatal attack on Tuesday, saying, "Sooner or later we will need to finish the job in Gaza, and that we will do." Speaking at an event opening the Likud election campaign, Netanyahu called on Prime Minister Ehud Olmert to order "an immediate strike with an iron fist."

WJC Brussels Office – Page: 21 Tzipi Livni

AFP/Getty Images, USA 27 January 2009

Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni speaks at the plenary assembly of the World Jewish Congress in Jerusalem on January 27, 2009. Israel's deadly war in the Hamas-run Gaza Strip can advance the Middle East peace process, Livni said on January 26 ahead of a visit by the new US peace envoy to the region George Mitchell.

WJC Brussels Office – Page: 22 Tzipi Livni

AFP/Getty Images, USA 27 January 2009

Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni speaks at the plenary assembly of the World Jewish Congress in Jerusalem on January 27, 2009. Israel's deadly war in the Hamas-run Gaza Strip can advance the Middle East peace process, Livni said on January 26 ahead of a visit by the new US peace envoy to the region George Mitchell.

WJC Brussels Office – Page: 23 Tzipi Livni

AFP/Getty Images, USA 27 January 2009

Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni speaks at the plenary assembly of the World Jewish Congress in Jerusalem on January 27, 2009. Israel's deadly war in the Hamas-run Gaza Strip can advance the Middle East peace process, Livni said on January 26 ahead of a visit by the new US peace envoy to the region George Mitchell.

WJC Brussels Office – Page: 24 Tzipi Livni

AFP/Getty Images, USA 27 January 2009

Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni speaks at the plenary assembly of the World Jewish Congress in Jerusalem on January 27, 2009. Israel's deadly war in the Hamas-run Gaza Strip can advance the Middle East peace process, Livni said on January 26 ahead of a visit by the new US peace envoy to the region George Mitchell.

WJC Brussels Office – Page: 25 'Opportunity' in US dialogue with Iran, ex-Mossad chief says

Jerusalem Post, Israel 28 January 2009

Etgar Lefkovits

The new US administration's willingness to begin a dialogue with Iran over its uranium enrichment program is an "opportunity" for Israel, even though the Islamic Republic's track record in international negotiations is one of "prevarications, lies and master manipulators of time," former Mossad chief Efraim Halevy said Tuesday.

"On the issue of Iran, the aims of the US and Israel are identical," Halevy said in an address to a gathering of the New York-based World Jewish Congress in Jerusalem. "If they want to try a different [approach] on Iran, we should not consider this as a threat, but as an opportunity."

His remarks came one day after US President Barack Obama reiterated in an interview with an Arabic-language satellite TV network - his first formal TV interview since being sworn in last week - that he was interested in engaging Iran in dialogue.

The former spymaster said that Israel must be "cool-headed" in its approach to the Islamic Republic, which he called "one of the most implacable foes" the Jewish state has had to confront since its establishment 60 years ago.

He noted that Iran was motivated by religion, but would do everything to ensure the preservation of its regime.

"If they feel the regime is in danger, they will change their views," Halevy said, citing the Iranian decision to call for a cease-fire during the Iran-Iraq War after Saddam Hussein's US-backed regime began bombarding Teheran with missiles.

"In extreme cases we might even find [the] Iran of today changing course," he said.

Halevy, who immigrated to Israel from the UK as a teenager in 1948, has previously broken ranks with the Israeli establishment over the seriousness of the Iranian threat, as well as by advocating talks with Hamas despite the group's open commitment to Israel's destruction.

Israeli officials have previously voiced concern that the new US administration will take a softer line against the Islamic Republic.

In his address, the former Mossad chief said that the hour of reckoning with Iran was "fast approaching," and noted that the Islamic Republic was facing a wave of internal tensions, sparked by falling oil prices. He cited a 30-percent inflation rate

WJC Brussels Office – Page: 26 and unprecedented unemployment figures some months before its presidential elections.

Halevy opined that an "indestructible" Israel should be "serious, anxious, but confident" as it deals with the looming nuclear threat.

"We must prepare ourselves in a cool-headed manner for a day when all other means are exhausted," he said. "It is necessary to be aware of the threat, but we should be imbued with confidence that we are able to meet it head-on if necessary."

In a separate address, former ambassador to Iran Uri Lubrani said that "nothing" would prevent Iran from attaining nuclear capabilities.

Lubrani, who served as Israel's envoy prior to the 1979 Islamic Revolution, said that Israel needed to do "whatever possible" to prevent Iran from attaining nuclear weapons, but added that it was nearly "mission impossible."

"It is not a question of whether they will have it or not, but who is in charge and who will have the finger on the button," Lubrani said.

He added that he did not envision any reason why the Islamic regime would want to forgo its nuclear weapons program when it was "on the threshold" of attaining a bomb, short of the Iranian people - backed by the West - taking action.

"The Iranian regime is on a war-path with the West," he said. He proposed tightening and deepening sanctions "so that they really bite."

"The people will not stand [for] this indefinitely," he concluded.

WJC Brussels Office – Page: 27 Candidly Speaking: Diaspora Jews and the war

Jerusalem Post, Israel 27 January 2009

Isi Leibler

The virulent global response to our struggle to defend our citizens against a cruel and evil foe confirms that Balaam's biblical depiction of Jews as "the people that dwells alone" remains valid to this day. Notwithstanding unprecedented efforts to minimize noncombatant casualties among enemies ruthlessly exploiting their own women and children as human shields, we were once again demonized. Diaspora Jews had to endure a new torrent of frequently violent anti-Semitism with demonstrators displaying placards proclaiming obscene messages like "Death to the Jews," "We are all Hamas" and "Jews to the gas." Even more shocking, purportedly respectable liberals joined in some of these murderous hate fests.

Despite being vastly outnumbered by Muslims (other than in the US) and enveloped in a violent anti-Semitic climate reminiscent of the 1930s, most Jewish communities maintained their support for Israel. The fact that this time Israeli spokesmen effectively articulated their case undoubtedly encouraged many of the traditionally more timid Jewish leaders in smaller communities to speak up.

American Jewry, encompassing the vast majority of Diaspora Jews, remained steadfast in its support. AIPAC, despite having been the target of a radical Jewish campaign seeking to discredit it, retained its standing as a responsible and effective lobbying group supported by the leading American Jewish agencies.

It was gratifying to observe that the highly vocal fringe groups like J Street, Israel Policy Forum and other left-wing clusters who had been urging the US administration to exert pressure on the government were marginalized and to date have been utterly ineffective.

ELSEWHERE, THE response of the smaller Diaspora Jewish communities was sometimes more problematic and largely determined by the attitudes of individual leaders. The vast majority displayed considerable fortitude and responded to the anti-Israeli and anti-Semitic venom with public expressions of solidarity. Most Jewish community leaders were also attacked in the media for their support of Israel by people of Jewish origin, many of whose only involvement in Jewish affairs related exclusively to Israel bashing.

WJC Brussels Office – Page: 28 In Europe, the French under the leadership of CRIF, once again emerged as the most robust Jewish community. In the UK, even the Board of Deputies of British Jews which has a penchant for lying low and trying to avoid rocking the boat, responded to pressure from grassroots activists and endorsed public meetings expressing solidarity which were well attended.

Predictably, the obsequious Board of Deputies launched a major appeal for funds to provide medical assistance to be equally divided between civilians in "Gaza and in Israel" presumably to demonstrate that Anglo Jewry is no less distressed concerning the plight of Palestinians than about their own kinsmen. Supporting the humanitarian needs of Palestinians is, of course, commendable. Even residents of the South who endured Hamas missile attacks for eight years contributed aid to noncombatants in Gaza. However it is doubtful whether the "noble" sentiments displaying equal concern to both parties conveyed in the Board of Deputies appeal will impress anyone, including the general British public and certainly not the supporters of Hamas. One can imagine the response during the World War II Blitz had Anglo-Jews sought to divide funds raised to alleviate the suffering of British civilians with German noncombatants.

IN CONTRAST to the UK, the Australian Jewish community has a long tradition of maintaining a proactive approach. When prime minister John Howard, renowned for over a decade as one of Israel's greatest friends, was defeated, there was considerable concern that Australia's policy toward Israel could tilt toward the European model with its propensity to endorse moral equivalence. To the relief of the Jewish community, the new Labor Party Prime Minister Kevin Rudd unequivocally maintained his predecessor's policy of friendship to Israel. However last November, his government stunned the Jewish community by endorsing a UN resolution which went to the lengths of accusing Israel of breaching the Geneva Conventions. The Jewish community rallied and protested in a robust but responsible manner.

Subsequently, when the Gaza war erupted, the Australian government again emerged as one of Israel's few friends in the international arena and in the UN consistently justifying its right to take measures necessary to defend its citizens. This demonstrates how even a small Jewish community can have a positive impact if it is willing to stand up and be counted.

In that context, one must commend the courageous South African Jewish Board of Deputies which was not deterred from promoting the case for Israel despite the hostile environment surrounding it.

ON THE ORGANIZATIONAL level, the poor performance of the New York-based World Jewish Congress whose Plenary Assembly opens in Jerusalem today was highly disappointing. The raisin d'être of this global Jewish body is to provide

WJC Brussels Office – Page: 29 leadership and direction to the smaller Jewish communities, especially during periods of crisis. To his credit, WJC president Ronald Lauder did participate in the American Jewish Presidents Conference solidarity mission to Israel. Likewise, the European Jewish Congress, an autonomous offshoot of the WJC, did encourage its constituents to support Israel. But despite the global tsunami of anti-Semitism and its obligation to raise its voice in defense of Israel, the New York head office of the WJC has been virtually invisible over the past month.

Their incompetence is also exemplified by the ongoing Chavez fiasco. Last year, the WJC was criticized for groveling to Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez after he had mumbled a few words about opposing anti-Semitism and signed a statement with the Argentinean and Brazilian presidents "condemning anti-Semitism and anti- Islamism." Despite being aware that Chavez remained totally committed to Iran and had been facilitating the penetration of Hizbullah into Latin America, the WJC leaders lavished him with praise and predicted that the Venezuelan ambassador previously withdrawn from Israel would soon return to Tel Aviv.

When the war against Hamas erupted, Chavez accused Israel of inflicting a "holocaust" on the Palestinians, demanded that their leaders be charged with war crimes, expelled the Israeli ambassador and called on Venezuelan Jews to dissociate themselves from Israel. The head of the local Jewish community, Avraham Benshimol, courageously defended Israel and condemned Chavez.

Following this, WJC secretary-general Michael Schneider was urged to speedily issue an appropriate statement and delete the lead story on the World Jewish Congress Web site which continued extolling the virtues of Chavez. Yet, weeks later, after Chavez had already formally severed relations with Israel and virtually every major Jewish organization had condemned the Venezuelan government, the WJC statements praising Chavez remain the lead story. Hopefully the global Jewish body will get its act together after its assembly.

If history is to be any guide, one can expect that sooner or later there will be another upheaval that will again put the Israel-Diaspora relationship to the test. One of the prime tasks of the new government following the February elections should be to resurrect the ministry of Diaspora affairs which went into cold storage after the retirement of former minister Natan Sharansky. This ministry should become an essential instrument for the strengthening of ties between Jews everywhere in peace as well as in war. [email protected]

WJC Brussels Office – Page: 30 Israel says soldier killed in Gaza bomb attack

Associated Press, USA 26 January 2009

By MATTI FRIEDMAN

JERUSALEM — The Israeli military says one soldier has been killed and three wounded in a bomb attack on the Gaza-Israel border. The bombing Tuesday marks the first serious clash along the border since a cease-fire began on Jan. 18, ending a punishing three-week offensive by Israel against Hamas. No militant group has claimed responsibility, but a Hamas leaderexpressed support for the attack.

Israeli troops crossed into Gaza and searched the immediate area. Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak said Israel will respond to the attack but did not elaborate. It was not clear if the bomb had been planted after the cease-fire went into effect or if it was an older device.

Israel's Likud Party leader Benjamin Netanyahu speaks during the opening session of World Jewish Congress at Inbal Hotel in Jerusalem, Monday, Jan. 26, 2009. A poll conducted immediately after Israel ceased fire in the Gaza Strip put Likud as front-runner in Israel's upcoming elections with 29 of parliament's 120 seats. Israelis vote for parties, not for candidates. Seats in the parliament are divided among the parties in proportion to the votes they get, and the leader of the largest party is chosen to form a new government. (AP Photo/Dan Balilty)

WJC Brussels Office – Page: 31 Netanyahu Says He'd Expand Existing West Bank Settlements If Elected

FoxNews.com, USA 26 January 2009

Jan. 26: Israel's Likud Party leader Benjamin Netanyahu speaks during the opening session of World Jewish Congress at Inbal Hotel in Jerusalem. [AP]

JERUSALEM — The front-runner in Israel's upcoming election said in published comments Monday that he would expand existing West Bank settlements to allow for the "natural growth" of the communities — a policy liable to put him on a collision course with the Palestinians and the new U.S. administration.

The comments by opposition leader Benjamin Netanyahu appeared in an Israeli newspaper just two days before Washington's new Mideast envoy, George Mitchell, is expected to make his first visit to the region. Mitchell, a critic of Israel's West Bank settlements, is expected to focus on ways to revive peace talks in the wake of Israel's recent offensive in the Gaza Strip.

Netanyahu, an opponent of current U.S.-backed peace talks, was quoted by the Haaretz daily as telling international Mideast envoy Tony Blair at a meeting Sunday that would not build any new settlements if elected. However, he said he would continue Israel's policy of allowing existing settlements to expand to allow for "natural growth" of the local population.

WJC Brussels Office – Page: 32 "I have no intention of building new settlements in the West Bank," Netanyahu was quoted as saying. "But like all the governments there have been until now, I will have to meet the needs of natural growth in the population. I will not be able to choke the settlements."

A Netanyahu spokeswoman, Dina Libster, confirmed the quotes were accurate. Blair's office did not return messages seeking comment.

Settlement construction in the West Bank has been a key obstacle to peace talks over the years. The Palestinians claim all of the West Bank as part of a future independent state that would also include the Gaza Strip and east Jerusalem. They say Israel's settlements, now home to 280,000 people in the West Bank, make it increasingly difficult for them to establish a viable state.

Nearly all Israeli settlement construction over the past decade has taken place in existing West Bank communities. And Netanyahu's positions do not significantly differ from outgoing Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, who has allowed construction in existing settlements to continue even while holding peace talks with the Palestinians.

Still, Mitchell's appointment has some Israeli leaders worried that the new administration of President Barack Obama will be tougher on Israel than the Bush administration was. In 2001, Mitchell called for a freeze on all Israeli settlement construction when he led an international commission to investigate violence in the Middle East.

Polls show Netanyahu's Likud Party handily winning Feb. 10 elections, a victory that would allow him to reclaim the premiership he held between 1996 and 1999. Netanyahu has said he would try to refocus peace talks on building the Palestinian economy and governing institutions.

That approach does not fly with Palestinian negotiators, who want the talks to continue focusing on resolving the key disputes with Israel over settlements, final borders, the fate of disputed Jerusalem and a solution for Palestinian refugees.

Further complicating the talks is the Hamas militant group's takeover of Gaza. Israel recently ended a devastating three-week military offensive against Hamas to make the Islamic group stop firing rockets at Israel.

In Gaza, the EU's top humanitarian official, Louis Michel, announced euro58 million ($74 million) to Palestinians, including euro32 million ($41 million) earmarked to "respond to the dramatic humanitarian situation in Gaza." But he said none of the funds would be channeled to Hamas, which he said "is acting in the way of a terrorist movement."

WJC Brussels Office – Page: 33 The EU, like Israel and the U.S., considers Hamas a terrorist group. Still, voicing the comments in the heart of Hamas' stronghold carried extra significance.

Michel also called for those responsible for the recent violence to be investigated on both sides. The Israeli offensive, launched to halt years of Hamas rocket attacks, killed nearly 1,300 people, more than half of them civilians, and caused extensive damage to Gaza's infrastructure. Thirteen Israelis also died in the fighting. Israeli and Palestinian negotiators have agreed that the foundation for any peace accord would be the internationally backed "road map" peace plan, which explicitly bans all settlement construction and requires the Palestinians to dismantle militant groups.

Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni met on Monday with U.S. Ambassador James Cunningham in preparation for Mitchell's visit, which is to begin on Wednesday. The ambassador also updated Livni on U.S. efforts to recruit additional forces to an international effort to halt arms smuggling into Gaza, Livni's office.

WJC Brussels Office – Page: 34 Summit on Holocaust: Gaza war legitimized equating Jews with Nazis

Ha‘aretz (English edition), Israel 28 January 2009

By Cnaan Liphshiz

The operation in Gaza put an end to the European taboo on equating Jews to Nazis. That message was one of the conclusions of the first international panel discussion on anti-Semitism following the Gaza invasion, which was held in Jerusalem Monday on the eve of International Holocaust Remembrance Day.

Speaking at the panel, which was part of the World Jewish Congress plenary assembly, Professor Dina Porat said, "the comparison has now become self- understood." She added this applied not only to Muslims in Europe, but among "leftist circles."

Porat, an international authority on anti-Semitism and head of Tel Aviv University's research body on this phenomenon, added that Operation Cast Lead has "left no doubt" that Muslims in Europe had, "prepared in advance a public campaign against Jews and Israel, which they see as one and the same."

"[Muslims] were waiting for a signal or a pretext to launch this campaign and the Nazism comparison," she said.

This tactic, she elaborated, proved most effective when Europeans from the left wing "worked in unison" with Muslims.

"Europeans are burdened by the Holocaust, and accusing the victims of being like the Nazis helps distribute some of the burden and guilt," Porat told the 500 people who came to the event, at the Inbal Hotel.

WJC Treasurer Cobi Benatoff of Italy, who attended the panel, urged Jewish communities to "complain less and do more."

He hinted criticism of European coreligionists in comparing the level of involvement in the Middle East by Muslims in Europe to that of the continent's Jews. "I don't remember demonstrations by Jewish Europeans when the Negev came under Palestinian fire every day," he said.

Also speaking at the event was Lina Filiba of the Jewish Confederation of Turkey.

"There was much preparation in the reaction of Muslims," she said. "The first rally came on the day of the first attack in Gaza." She added the operation exposed anti- Semitism in Turkey's highest levels of government, including Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who called for Israel's exclusion from the United Nations.

WJC Brussels Office – Page: 35 She showed a picture of a group of people holding a dog outside a shop near Istanbul with a poster hanging over it reading, "Jews and Armenians are not allowed, but dogs are allowed". Despite Jewish protests, she said, the poster was not removed until 15 days later, following intervention from liberal groups.

Anne Sender, head of the Jewish community of Oslo, spoke of an "explosion of violence" in anti-Jewish protests, which, according to her, the likes of which had never occurred in the past. She also mentioned the case of a Norwegian diplomat who, as reported by Haaretz, last week sent an e-mail saying that Jews, "learned from the Nazis."

Preliminary analyses by Jewish organizations estimate that during the Gaza operation, the volume of anti-Semitic attacks in Europe multiplied more than four- fold compared to the correlating time last year.

WJC Brussels Office – Page: 36 Israeli Air Force strikes at Hamas arms smuggling tunnels

Sindh Today, India 28 January 2009

Jerusalem, Jan.28 (ANI): The Israeli Air Force (IAF) has reportedly destroyed a number of arms smuggling tunnels under the Philadelphi Corridor. There were no immediate reports of injury, but hundreds of people reportedly fled the area, The Jerusalem Post reports.

The IDF spokesman confirmed the strikes in an announcement, saying they were in response to the bomb attack against a military patrol along the border with the Gaza Strip on Tuesday morning in which one warrant officer was killed and three others were wounded, including one severely.

The IDF sees Hamas as responsible for preserving the peace in Israel‘s South, and will respond harshly to any attempt of undermining it, the announcement added.

Defense Minister Ehud Barak called an urgent meeting of top defense officials after the bombing. ‗This is a serious attack, and we will respond, but there is no point in elaborating,‘ Barak said.

Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni told a gathering of the New York-based World Jewish Congress in Jerusalem on Tuesday that Israel would no longer show restraint against Palestinian attacks from the Gaza Strip.

‗Israel is going to act according to a new equation. We are not going to show restraint anymore,‘ Livni said. ‗We need to change the rules of the game until they learn that the rules have changed and the equation has changed,‘ Livni said. (ANI)

WJC Brussels Office – Page: 37 US-Iran talks “opportunity” for Israel – former Mossad chief

IranVNC, USA 27 January 2009

Washington, 27 January (IranVNC)—The former head of the Israeli intelligence service Mossad said today that Israel should consider talks between the U.S. and Iran as ―an opportunity‖, the Jerusalem Post reported.

―On the issue of Iran, the aims of the U.S. and Israel are identical. If they want to try a different [approach] on Iran, we should not consider this as a threat, but as an opportunity,‖ said Efraim Halevy.

In his address to the World Jewish Congress in Jerusalem, Halevy acknowledged that Iran‘s record in international negotiations is one of ―prevarications, lies and master manipulators of time,‖ the Jerusalem Post reported.

But he noted that the Iranian government would do everything to ensure its own preservation.

―In extreme cases, we might even find [the] Iran of today changing course,‖ Halevy said.

His remarks come as US President Obama renewed his pledge to pursue diplomacy with Iran.

In an interview with the Dubai-based Al Arabiya satellite network, Obama said yesterday that ―if countries like Iran are willing to unclench their fist, they will find an extended hand from us.‖

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton today echoed the president‘s comments, saying that Tehran has a chance to show that it is ready to ―engage meaningfully‖ with the international community. The U.S. and Israel both suspect that Iran is seeking nuclear weapons. Tehran rejects that charge, insisting that its nuclear program is entirely peaceful.

Israeli officials have in the past voiced concern that the Obama administration would take a softer line against Iran. However, Obama has warned of tougher sanctions against the Islamic Republic if it refuses to curtail its nuclear ambitions. Halevy, who served as Mossad‘s director from 1998 to 2003, has previously broken ranks with Israeli officials over the seriousness of the Iranian threat, the Jerusalem Post reported. The former Mossad chief also said that Israel must be ―cool-headed‖ it is approach to Iran, the Post added.

Sources: Jerusalem Post, Al Arabiya, US State Department website

WJC Brussels Office – Page: 38 Grapevine: Standing by Israel, and standing with Obama

Jerusalem Post, Israel 28 January 2009

Greer Fay Cashman n WHEN ISRAEL is in trouble or appears to be in trouble, world Jewry not only sits up and takes notice but its leaders come to Israel to see the situation for themselves and to find out what they can do to help. There's been a steady flow of such visits over the past month, with probably the largest solidarity demonstration by the World Jewish Congress, which chose to have its 13th plenary in Jerusalem this week under the heading of "We Stand by Israel."

A few days prior to the arrival of the WJC, a delegation of the heads of the European Council of Jewish Communities under the leadership of President Jonathan Joseph of the UK arrived in Israel to tour the south and assess the situation, meet with mayors and other figures and to attend a conference of the Union of Local Authorities, so as to be better informed in making the case for Israel in Europe. The ECJC has NGO status at the Council of Europe and the European Union, with a network of Regional Representative Offices in London, Berlin and Kiev. The delegation also met with President Peres, who outlined Israel's policies on Hamas and Iran.

[…] n THERE'S A rabbi in the Jerusalem zoo. His friends refer to him as Rabbi Marc and just about everyone agrees that he has the courage of a lion. In fact he is a lion, and he was named this week after Rabbi Marc Schneier, President of the Foundation for Ethnic Understanding and a leading figure in the World Jewish Congress, in celebration of his 50th birthday. Schneier's family wanted to honor him in some way in Jerusalem in a manner that would excite the curiosity of and bring joy to young people while simultaneously supporting a valuable cultural institution which is not always the top of the lists of charitable giving. They thought that with Schneier's personality, pairing him up with the King of the Beasts would be an ideal match, especially because the lion is the symbol of Jerusalem. Accompanying the Schneier family to the zoo for the naming ceremony was newly re-elected President of the WJC Ronald Lauder, who only a week earlier had attended the ceremony in Washington for the inauguration of President Barack Obama.

[…]

WJC Brussels Office – Page: 39 World Jewish Congress seeks a new beginning

Jerusalem Post, Israel 26 January 2009

Haviv Rettig Gur

It's been a rough few years for the World Jewish Congress. Allegations of financial mismanagement, investigations, audits and charges of corruption and cronyism have sent the prestige of the once-vaunted organization crashing.

Now under a new leadership - liquor magnate Edgar Bronfman was replaced in June 2007 by cosmetics heir Ron Lauder as the group's president - the organization is hard at work rehabilitating its image and influence.

At Monday's 13th Plenary Assembly of the WJC, it will hold its first truly competitive elections for the organization's top positions.

Little competition is expected for the top spot - only longshot outsider Vladimir Herzberg from Beersheba is even running against Lauder - but competition has reportedly heated up for the next slots, the chairmanship of the board of governors and the vice presidency.

The intensity of the race is easy enough to see: This election comes complete with a smear campaign.

Supporters of Eduardo Elsztain, an Argentinean real estate magnate and candidate for board chairman, are hard at work badmouthing his rival, Kazakh minerals tycoon and Euro-Asian Jewish Congress chairman Alexander Mashkevitch, over an eight-year-old legal proceeding in Belgium against him.

The mainly ceremonial position of vice president has garnered some 20 candidates.

Besides a new spirit of competition among the oligarchs, the organization is also seeing a new focus on young activists.

To encourage the inclusion of young people in the delegations from some 60 countries, the WJC has decided that communities can include young members without their counting toward each community's delegate quota.

"Renewal means getting young people to begin to take part and take responsibility for the problems and opportunities faced by the Jewish people worldwide," says Michael Schneider, the WJC's secretary-general and a former head of the JDC. As its chief executive, Schneider is the force spearheading the organization's rehabilitation.

WJC Brussels Office – Page: 40 WJC officials also speak proudly of a new "rule of law," with a new constitution replacing the 1975 document that, "in fact, was ignored over the last 25 years." The new constitution mandates a higher level of transparency and accountability, incorporating checks and balances among the power centers of the organization.

According to Schneider, "we're no longer owned by one individual who is the ruler of the WJC. We will have a much more active chairman of the Board of Governors. We're also officially forming a policy council," which will work independently of the WJC's other leadership centers.

Some of the organization's detractors question whom the group, which bills itself as "the leading Jewish organization in the world," actually represents. American Jewry, comprising up to 80 percent of the Diaspora, is organized bottom-up in a myriad of free-associating institutions that change dramatically as the Jewish community itself changes. To the question of who speaks for US Jewry, the answer is certainly not the WJC.

Outside the United States, however, most communities are organized in top-down umbrella organizations that are the state-recognized representatives of the Jewish community, often acting as the recipients of state funds for communal institutions. Sometimes the Jewish leadership is even partially appointed by the national government.

For such communities, and dozens of tiny clusters of organized Jewish life elsewhere, the WJC has a significance, say organization officials. It is the recognized representative of the combined communities, giving it some influence particularly in many European and Latin American capitals.

It is that influence that the organization hopes to regain through a better organization, governance and image than it has had in the past few years.

"Many of the 400 delegates are coming from small countries where Jews are weak. In some places they feel fear or trepidation," says Schneider. "Belonging to a world Jewish club, no matter how small they are, gives them some sense of security."

But the organization is not just a support group, he says. It seeks to be "a vehicle in 80 countries that can take action and fight the fights of the Jewish people. The WJC franchise is an important one, in my opinion. Everyone knows we've had some bad years that kept us down. We're over that now."

WJC Brussels Office – Page: 41 Conference Circuit

Jerusalem Post Online, Israel 25 January 2009

THE 13th Plenary Assembly of the World Jewish Congress (WJC), will take place over a two-day period in Jerusalem under the motto "We stand by Israel". More than 400 representatives from around the globe are expected to attend to discuss the military conflict in Gaza and other threats against Israel, as well as the repercussions for Jewish communities around the world, specifically the resurgence of violent anti-Semitism. Debates on other international developments, such as the recent Mumbai terror attacks, efforts to delegitimize Israel in international bodies, and the situation in Venezuela, also feature prominently on the agenda.

On Tuesday, delegates will mark International Holocaust Remembrance Day at a special ceremony at Yad Vashem. President Shimon Peres will address the conference at 9.30 a.m. on Monday at the Inbal Hotel. At 7.30 p.m. on the same date Prime Minister Ehud Olmert will address the conference at the David Citadel Hotel. Most of the conference meetings will be at the Inbal Hotel. Other speakers will include Foreign Minister and Deputy PM Tzipi Livni; Diaspora Affairs Minister Yitzhak Herzog; Likud Chairman Benjamin Netanyahu and Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat.

WJC Brussels Office – Page: 42 Jews need change, but not an Obama

Ha‘aretz (English edition), Israel 23 January 2009

By Anshel Pfeffer

I missed President Barack Obama's inaugural address this week on television, but did catch some of the coverage of the scenes of festivity in Washington - and of course I noticed how many black Americans queued outside in the freezing weather to celebrate the realization of a dream they had never believed would come true in their lifetimes.

I know I am far from the first person to reflect on the irony that despite all the achievements of the civil rights movement, the United States is getting its first black president long before the black community has risen, if it ever will, from its place on the bottom rung of American society, on average the most underprivileged citizens in the nation. I doubt that if American Jews' lot was anywhere near as bad, few would have seen the swearing-in of the first Jewish president as any significant consolation.

Despite the fact that among the impressive list of senior Jewish politicians in Washington and around the US, not one is deemed a realistic presidential candidate, I have yet to hear anyone seriously suggest that this is a sign that Jews are in any way not well-integrated, or suffer from any form of discrimination. There are even those who will quietly admit that a Jewish president might not be that good for the Jews, as he or she might become a focal point for anti-Semitism and any overenthusiastic support for Israel may seem suspect.

Be as it may, whether or not a Red Sea pedestrian occupies the Oval Office this century is probably irrelevant to the future of Jews in the US and elsewhere. The rise of Obama - and indeed the entire atmosphere of the past year, in which the excitement of a presidential campaign like none before it swept up not only America, but it seems the entire world - highlights a Jewish predicament: the total lack of any Jewish leadership, let alone a "Leadership for Change."

A year ago, Malcolm Hoenlein, the head of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, got himself into hot water for warning that "all the talk of change" surrounding Obama's campaign was "an opening for all kind of mischief." Hoenlein's worry was that the yearning for change without specifying what that change was supposed to be could lead to an erosion of American support for Israel. But in a wider context, his fear of change is something that characterizes the Jewish establishment, not only in the US but also in Israel and the rest of the Jewish world.

WJC Brussels Office – Page: 43 One just has to look at the options offered to the Israeli electorate two and a half weeks from now - two failed former premiers and one uninspiring technocrat - to see that change is the last thing we can expect in Israel in the next few years.

Take every major issue on the Jewish agenda: education, identity, who-is-a-Jew, the balance between Israel and the Diaspora, the question of how to support Israel while maintaining a degree of criticism, what is anti-Semitism in this day and age and how do we confront it, what are the implications for the way we should remember and learn from the Holocaust in the next generation, philanthropy and our dual responsibility for Jewish causes and the wider concerns of the human race. All these weighty issues require a leadership with an agenda of change, but it's not coming from any quarter.

Arguably the most dynamic and certainly the fastest-growing sector of the Jewish people, the ultra-Orthodox community is built entirely on an ethos of opposition to change and sanctifying a very specific version of the old order. But the secular "leadership" is no better, just more hypocritical.

I found a press release in my inbox this week concerning next week's plenary assembly of the World Jewish Congress in Jerusalem. I'll save you the names on the program, but the list of plutocrats and clapped-out political hacks masquerading as the leaders of the Jewish people ensures that the status-quo is to be cryogenically frozen for at least another couple of decades.

One of the real beauties of Jewishness is its inherent democracy, and we have no need for a pope or a king. Attempts by various groups to anoint a religious or secular messiah have been met with opposition by the great majority of Jews, and ultimately failed. Even most of us who pray three times a day for heavenly redemption and a return to the Kingdom of David are quite content to get along with our daily lives while leaving the messianic yearning firmly in the background.

We don't need an Obama since a Jewish version of a one-size-fits-all savior is inconceivable. What is urgently needed is a popular wave of derision and ridicule that will sweep aside this ossified layer of leaders in their own eyes only, and allow the creative and innovative forces currently being kept at bay to come to the fore.

WJC Brussels Office – Page: 44 LAUDER REMAINS WJC HEAD

Jewish Chronicle, UK 30 January 2009

RONALD S. Lauder has been re-elected as president of the World Jewish Congress at the 13th Plenary Assembly in Jerusalem. Eduardo Elsztain of Argentina was elected chairman of the WJC Governing Board, while the UK‘s Flo Kaufmann was re-elected as a vicepresident.

WJC Brussels Office – Page: 45 World Jewish Congress plenary assembly meets in Jerusalem

European Jewish Press, Belgium 25 January 2009 by: John Milner

World Jewish Congress President Ronald S. Lauder.

JERUSALEM (EJP) - Over 400 representatives from 80 Jewish communities from all continents attend Sunday in Jerusalem the 13th plenary assembly of the World Jewish Congress (WJC), the highest decision-making body of this organization.

During the two-day gathering, WJC president Ronald Lauder stands for re-election while the body will also elect the successor of Matthew Bronfman as Chairman of the Governing Board. There are two candidates for this post, Eduardo Elsztain from Argentina and Alexander Machkevitch from Kazakhstan.

The WJC assembly which takes places under the moto ―We stand by Israel‖, a few days after Israel‘s operation against Hamas in the Gaza Strip, will also discuss this conflict and other threats against Israel, as well as the repercussions for Jewish communities around the world, notably regarding the related surge in anti- Semitism, the WJC said in a statement.

"At this meeting, we want to give the people of Israel our full support and show them that they are not alone in the face of attacks by militant Islamists which threaten the very existence of the State of Israel,‖ WJC President Ronald S. Lauder said.

WJC Brussels Office – Page: 46 Other prominent topics on the agenda include the Mumbai terror attacks, efforts to delegitimize Israel in international bodies and the situation in Venezuela.

On 27 January, delegates will mark International Holocaust Remembrance Day in a special ceremony at Yad Vashem, Israel's Holocaust memorial institution in Jerusalem.

Senior Israeli politicians, including Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni, Diaspora Affairs Minister Yitzhak Herzog, Likud Chairman Benjamin Netanyahu and Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat, are expected to address the WJC‘s body.

The New York-based WJC was founded in Geneva in 1936. It serves as the diplomatic arm of the Jewish people to governments and international organizations. The plenary assembly meets every 4 years.

WJC Brussels Office – Page: 47 Netanyahu vows to keep Jerusalem undivided

Arab News, Saudi Arabia 29 January 2009

Mohammed Mar‘i

RAMALLAH, West Bank: Israeli opposition leader Benjamin Netanyahu said yesterday that he would protect the unity of Jerusalem if he were elected premier on Feb. 10. ―We have demonstrated in the past, and will continue to demonstrate our commitment to a complete, undivided Jerusalem,‖ said Netanyahu, former prime minister and chairman of rightist Likud Party, during the final day of the 13th World Jewish Congress Conference in Jerusalem.

Control over Jerusalem, which Israel captured during the June 1967 War, has been seen as the most sensitive and thorniest issue of Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

On Monday, Netanyahu stirred up another hornet‘s nest by saying if elected he would expand Orthodox Jewish settlements in the West Bank to accommodate the ―natural growth‖ of these settlers. Yesterday, he defended the expansion of housing in East Jerusalem.

―What would have happened had we not built all those neighborhoods?‖ Netanyahu asked. ―Jerusalem would have been choked.‖ Moreover, he said, ―transferring sovereignty over those areas to the Palestinian Authority is not an option. Everyone knows what will happen if we were to leave those areas and divide Jerusalem. Someone will enter — and that someone will be Hamas.‖

Netanyahu also vowed to fight any move by the Obama administration and leftist Israelis to turn the Old City of Jerusalem into an internationally administered site.

For his part, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas vowed on Tuesday to take a tough stance in talks with Israel and said he would tell newly appointed US Middle East envoy George Mitchell that Israel‘s Gaza offensive proved it was not intent on peacemaking.

―We will do all we can to prove Israel committed crimes that would make your skin crawl,‖ Abbas said, referring to the Geneva Conventions. ―We want the world to give us justice for once. Israel does not want peace, otherwise it would not have done this. We need to understand this and tell it to those coming from Europe and America.‖

WJC Brussels Office – Page: 48 World Jewish Congress: We must finish off Hamas first before going to a two-state solution

Al Jazeerah.info, USA 26 January 2009

OCCUPIED JERUSALEM, (PIC)-- The World Jewish Congress is holding its 13th general meeting on Monday and Tuesday in the occupied city of Jerusalem, which indicates that the Israeli occupation government was intensifying judaization programs in the city.

Around 400 persons representing more than 80 Jewish organizations world-wide are attending the meeting, which, according to the organizers, aims to demonstrate solidarity with Israel in its war on Gaza.

More than 1330 innocent Palestinian citizens in Gaza Strip, the bulk of them were children and women, were brutally killed during the 23-day Israeli occupation aggression on Gaza. WJC president Roland Lauder said that the meeting in Jerusalem aimed at extending our full support to the "people of Israel", and to let them feel that they weren‘t alone in confronting the Islamic attacks that threatens the existence of Israel.

A spokesman of the WJC alleged that the the organization's vision for peace was built on two states, Palestinian and Israeli that coexist side-by side in peace, but, he added, this needs first to get rid of Hamas, defeat it, and strip it of weapons to ensure Israel's security. He also opined that anti-semantic waves were growing in European capitals, explaining that the WJC would ask European countries to deal with such orientations firmly.

Hebrew sources revealed that Israeli president Shimon Peres, Israeli premier Ehuld Olmert, Israeli foreign minister Tzipi Livni, and Likud party leader Binyamin Netanyahu will address the meeting.

For their part, Muslim leaders in Palestine, including Sheikh Raed Salah among other scholars condemned holding the meeting in Jerusalem, describing such step as "grave threat" to Jerusalem's Muslim identity.

"This (WJC meeting in Jerusalem) is part of the Israeli plan to judaize the city; and those who are accusing others of terrorism were themselves the real terrorists.. those who tear bodies of young children and women in Gaza were indeed the real terrorists", asserted Sheikh Ekrema Sabri, the president of the supreme Muslim council. Both Muslim leaders warned that Arabs and Muslims should act now to block the vicious Israeli schemes in the city.

WJC Brussels Office – Page: 49 A suffocating consensus of self-congratulation

Guardian Online, UK 29 January 2009

The role played by the World Jewish Congress as cheerleader for Israel does no favours for Jews around the world

By Seth Freedman

According to the constitution of the World Jewish Congress, the association's purpose is to "foster the unity, and represent the interests, of the Jewish people"; a weighty mantle to assume, especially given the sheer diversity of the various strands of world Jewry. Despite all the pomp and circumstance surrounding the WJC's 13th Plenary Assembly in Jerusalem, it was clear that the body had no chance of living up to such lofty expectations, precisely because of the make-up of the delegates and their failure to adhere to their own code of practice.

Instead of staying "politically non-partisan and represent[ing] the plurality of the Jewish people", the gathering was simply an opportunity for out-and-out posturing, from the top down. Ron Lauder, scion of the cosmetics family and WJC president, made it his mission from the off to express unambiguous support for the Israeli government, an example repeatedly followed by the rest of the delegates.

While the WJC is a fairly toothless and unrepresentative organisation, the high profile of its leadership means it has the pulling power to attract guests from the uppermost echelons of Israeli politics. Thus, in the space of eight hours, delegates were treated to live performances by the cream of Israeli politics: Shimon Peres, Bibi Netanyahu, Ehud Barak and Jerusalem mayor Nir Barkat, all appearing before an adoring crowd of disciples.

The overriding message from the stage was that Israel had conducted an incredibly moral and well-behaved war in Gaza; the overwhelming response from the audience was that they agreed entirely.

It was painful to witness the way in which the various government ministers were resoundingly applauded for Cast Lead. The more I've learned about the devastation wreaked by the IDF on Gaza, the more contrite I've become about my initial support for such an attack on Hamas. However, I was in a tiny minority at the WJC, and forced to listen to delegate after delegate standing up to congratulate Peres, Barak and Isaac Herzog for their roles in the operation.

WJC Brussels Office – Page: 50 "The spokesman's English was flawless, which really helped get Israel's point of view across," kvelled one eager attendee. "We all thought your PR campaign was brilliant this time round." Perhaps, but what about the savage bombing campaign in the first place? English-speaking apologists for the mass-killing of civilians are all well and good for an Israel-right-or-wrong audience in Anglophone countries, yet not so effective with Pakistani and Indonesian viewers who don't understand English, but who comprehend entirely pictures and video of dead women and children.

Barak asserted that "he found the support on the [Israeli] street heartwarming, with people proud of the IDF … and their attempts to minimise civilian casualties," a statement cueing yet more sycophantic applause from the audience, and a delegate responding: "We are very impressed by the way you handled this terrible war."

Peres maintained that objecting voices in Britain should be ignored, asking: "Did they protest the bombing of Israelis in the 90s?" He then chose to belittle the British activists and the BBC in one fell swoop: "With respect, the world is a bit wider than [just them] – they don't criticise us in India, and the majority of the US population understands what we're doing too."

Minister Herzog also mentioned the BBC in passing, noting that their decision not to air the DEC appeal "shows that people understand that there are two sides to every story", the implication being that any money donated to destitute and suffering Gazans will, by definition, be turned into weapons by Hamas (despite DEC assurances to the contrary).

Instead of adhering to the millennia-old Jewish tradition of healthy discourse and heated debate, as witnessed in every stage of the oral law's dissemination, the new way of thinking appears to be to show a constantly united front, particularly when it comes to Israel. As one prominent delegate told me chidingly, "It's better to stay silent than to criticise Israel, especially at the moment."

The "Keep it in the family" rhetoric was nothing new, but made all the more chilling precisely because if that's the way the leadership of the WJC try to "foster the unity of the Jewish people", they're getting into a dangerous game. Not least because they are playing right into the hands of those who would paint all Jews as ardent Zionists, and all Zionists as apologists for Israel's misdemeanours.

Just as numerous Jews routinely distance themselves from Israel's actions by declaring "not in my name", they should do likewise with regard to the WJC. Because, for all the self-important cheerleading going on inside the halls of the Inbal Hotel, the WJC represents only itself and its cosy group of acolytes. Shimon Peres is not the president of the Jewish people; nor is Ron Lauder. And the more

WJC Brussels Office – Page: 51 Jews speak out against the manipulative stances of both men, the better for the real interests of world Jewry – such as security, integrity and communal continuity.

WJC Brussels Office – Page: 52 German Bundestag president, Jewish leader to meet

Jewish Telegraphic Agency, USA 29 January 2009

BERLIN (JTA) -- Jewish leaders are working with the German government to resolve a "communication problem" that led to a Jewish boycott of the national Holocaust remembrance ceremony. Charlotte Knobloch, president of the Central Council of Jews in Germany, is scheduled to meet Thursday with the president of the Bundestag, Norbert Lammert, according to the Berlin Tagesspiegel newspaper.

Lammert said Central Council Secretary General Stephan Kramer has spread misinformation about why the council did not attend the annual ceremony Jan. 27. Kramer responded that there was clearly a communication problem. He said that, despite his best efforts, the Bundestag would not break protocol to greet the head of the Central Council at the ceremony. Thus Knobloch stayed away, Kramer said.

Bundestag spokesperson Christian Hoose told the Tagesspiegel that the Bundestag was informed that Knobloch could not attend because she was traveling to Israel for a meeting of the World Jewish Congress. When a representative for Knobloch was sought, there was no response from the Central Council, Hoose said, adding that only on the Friday before the ceremony did Kramer explain the council's reluctance to participate.

Kramer had told JTA that the Bundestag should at least welcome Knobloch, who survived the war years in hiding.

"That is a signal to make this event more than mere protocol," he said. "Anything else is not for real."

WJC Brussels Office – Page: 53 German umbrella group skips public Shoah event

Jewish Telegraphic Agency, USA 27 January 2009

BERLIN (JTA) -- Germany's Jewish umbrella turned down an invitation to attend the country's main annual Holocaust remembrance event. Stephan Kramer, general secretary of the Central Council of Jews in Germany, told JTA that council members - including those who survived the Holocaust - were not acknowledged publicly at the Bundestag during past ceremonies and were never invited to address the parliament floor. He said this contributed to the decision not to send high-level representatives to Tuesday's event.

"This is the highest form of disrespect," Kramer said in a call from Jerusalem, where he is attending the World Jewish Congress annual meeting. "The president of the council, Charlotte Knobloch, is a survivor herself ... As long as [she is] just a guest like any others, this is disrespectful and we will not attend anymore."

Bundestag member Monika Griefahn, speaker of the Social Democratic Party for the Committee on Cultural and the Media Affairs, told reporters she was surprised by the decision. "Over the years, we have always had very dignified memorial ceremonies with many participants," she told RBB radio.

Knobloch survived the war years in hiding, as did her immediate predecessor, the late Paul Spiegel. The previous chair, Ignaz Bubis, who died in 1999, survived Nazi concentration camps and lost nearly his entire family. "If Charlotte Knobloch has to sit on the public balcony and not on the floor of the parliament, at least welcome her," Kramer said. "That is the least they should do. That is a signal to make this event more than mere protocol. Anything else is not for real."

Since 1996, Jan. 27 has been the official day for Holocaust remembrance in Germany. It marks the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz by Soviet troops in 1945.

WJC Brussels Office – Page: 54 S. African minister accused of 'hate speech'

Ha‘aretz (English edition), Israel 28 January 2009

By Cnaan Liphshiz

South Africa's Jewish community yesterday lodged a complaint of "hate speech" against the country's deputy foreign minister, who earlier this month said that "Jewish money controls America and most Western countries."

Stressing that the South African Jewish Board of Deputies "usually prefers dialogue," the board's national director, Wendy Kahn, told Haaretz: "Deputy Minister Fatima Hajaig has crossed all limits."

Kahn, who is in Israel to attend the World Jewish Congress in Jerusalem, called Hajaig's comments "a demonstration of anti-Semitism of the oldest and most classic kind."

The board filed the complaint against Hajaig to the country's Human Rights Commission - a national institution with some investigative and executive powers, which derives its powers from the post-apartheid constitution.

In the complaint, the board quotes what Hajaig said at a pro-Palestinian rally in Lenasia on January 14. "They, in fact, control [America], no matter which government comes in to power, whether Republican or Democratic, whether Barack Obama or George Bush," Hajaig was heard saying.

She also allegedly said: "The control of America, just like the control of most Western countries, is in the hands of Jewish money and if Jewish money controls their country then you cannot expect anything else."

The minister, who is out of South Africa, has so far not commented on the complaint, nor has the government clarified its position on the controversial comments. However, Kahn noted the administration has been "overall more evenhanded toward Israel during the Gaza operation than during the 2006 Lebanon War." Hajaig's comments, Kahn said, were the exception.

In the board's announcement about the complaint, chairman Zev Krengel said that although the decision "had not been taken lightly," it was necessary because "not since the era of pro-Nazi Nationalist MPs more than half a century ago had such statements been made against Jews by a senior government official."

The Democratic Alliance of the opposition has called for Hajaig to be sacked if she does not offer an immediate public apology. Party spokeswoman Lindiwe Mazibuko said: "It is incumbent upon Hajaig to immediately apologize to the people of South

WJC Brussels Office – Page: 55 Africa in general, the Jewish community in particular, and to U.S. President Barack Obama."

The Israeli Foreign Ministry also recently complained to the South African government about Hajaig, after she used harsh and "undiplomatic" language in speaking with Israel's ambassador to South Africa, Dov Segev-Steinberg, during the Gaza operation.

According to various sources, Hajaig accused the ambassador of bringing a diplomat of Ethiopian descent to the embassy "only because he was black," presumably to counter the often-heard accusation in South Africa that Israel is an apartheid state.

WJC Brussels Office – Page: 56 Latin American Jewish official re-elected

Jewish Telegraphic Agency, USA 27 January 2009

RIO DE JANEIRO (JTA) -- Brazilian Jack Terpins was unanimously re-elected president of the Latin American Jewish Congress. The election took place Monday at the World Jewish Congress meeting in Jerusalem.

A longtime activist in Brazil, Terpins, 61, recently finished his term as president of the Brazilian Israelite Confederation, Brazil's Jewish umbrella organization.

WJC Brussels Office – Page: 57 Protesters in N.Y. point finger at Chavez in Caracas attack

Jewish Telegraphic Agency, USA 3 February 2009

By Ben Harris

NEW YORK (JTA) -- Ruben Kliksberg awoke Saturday morning questioning everything he had once assumed about the security of the Jewish community in his native Venezuela. The Caracas-born, American-educated hedge fund employee says the country's Jews, like their American counterparts, are well integrated and contribute ―massively‖ to their society. His father was awarded a government honor for his work combating poverty.

―I woke up on Saturday morning and all of that had changed in six hours,‖ Klisberg told JTA. The six hours in question had begun late the night before, on Jan. 30, when 15 armed men invaded the Tiferet Israel Synagogue in the Venezuelan capital Caracas. In an apparently well-organized operation, they overpowered the synagogue's security before proceeding to scrawl hostile messages to the Jewish community on the walls and desecrate religious objects.

Kliksberg, now a New York resident, spoke during a rally Monday opposite the Venezuelan Consulate here. Like several American Jewish groups, he pointed a finger at the government of Hugo Chavez, accusing the Venezuelan president of imperiling the Jewish community with rhetoric that has fostered an atmosphere of intimidation.

Both Kliksberg and American Jewish leaders said they were alarmed about the possibility of future attacks because the intruders stole computers and administrative documentation.

David Harris, executive director of the American Jewish Committee, sounded a vague warning about the intentions of the vandals.

―They wanted information from the synagogue about the Jewish community,‖ Harris said in his speech at the rally. ―They wanted names and addresses. Why? Why? Why in 2009 would people seek that information? You know and we know, and we have to say 'no' by our presence and by our voices.‖

Kliksberg said the Venezuelan Jewish community feels lonely and its members no longer trust the government to protect it. Many believe they are being presented with a choice: their religious heritage or their country.

WJC Brussels Office – Page: 58 ―For the first time in their lives in Venezuela, they are being asked to decide,‖ Kliksberg said. ―And that's not fair.‖

On Sunday, Chavez condemned the attack, suggesting it was orchestrated by his political opponents. But the president's attitude toward Venezuela's tiny Jewish community -- estimated at approximately 12,000 in a country of about 28 million, and steadily on the decline since his 1998 election -- has been a source of concern since at least 2005.

That year, Chavez warned that ―descendants of the same ones that crucified Christ‖ are in control of the world's wealth. The speech was widely derided as anti-Semitic, though some, including the umbrella organization of Venezuelan Jewry, said Chavez was misinterpreted.

Since then, the community's position has grown increasingly precarious. Last month, a rabbi reportedly was attacked in Caracas. Several synagogues have been vandalized. And even a production of ―Fiddler on the Roof‖ was threatened with a boycott, according to the Anti-Defamation League, which has produced two reports on rising anti-Semitism in Venezuela. Chavez also has forged a close alliance with Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and denounced Israel's recent military operation in Gaza in terms more strident than many Arab countries.

In the weeks since Israel launched its attack on Hamas in late December, Jewish community leaders in Venezuela have complained about the heated rhetoric from government officials. Chavez called Israel's government ―genocidal‖ and the government media accused Israel of ―imperialistic arrogance,‖ according to a presentation delivered last month to the plenary of the World Jewish Congress in Jerusalem.

WJC officials met with Chavez in Caracas in August. Following the meeting, the president of the Latin American Jewish Congress, Jack Terpins, described Chavez as ―a great friend.‖ As of Tuesday, the WJC had remained mum on the synagogue attack, but its secretary-general, Michael Schneider, had told JTA on Monday that he was heading for Caracas that day to confer with local community leaders.

Other Jewish communal officials were not so reticent. In news releases and appearances at the New York rally, they fingered Chavez as responsible for the synagogue attack and urged him to bring those responsible to justice.

―We have a message for the president of Venezuela,‖ veteran activist Rabbi Avi Weiss intoned at the rally. ―When you create an atmosphere of anti-Semitism, when your language is a language which is anti-Israel and anti-Jewish, you create

WJC Brussels Office – Page: 59 the climate that makes these attacks possible. And to the president of Venezuela we proclaim, we hold you accountable.‖

As video footage of Chavez played on a video screen and a bust of Venezuelan independence hero Simon Bolivar stared out at the crowd from behind the consulate's glass windows, several hundred protesters decried the attack and chanted ―Never Again‖ in English and Spanish.

Meanwhile, in Washington, U.S. Rep. Eliot Engel (D-N.Y.) was asking colleagues to sign a letter to Chavez that accused the president of a ―calculated campaign of fear and intimidation‖ against the Jewish community in Venezuela.

WJC Brussels Office – Page: 60 Sao Paulo rabbi: Chavez is an anti-Semite. Henry Sobel warns of rising anti-Jewish sentiment in S. America

Jerusalem Post, Israel 28 January 2009

MAX SOCOL

Earlier this month, Venezuela unceremoniously ejected the Israeli ambassador and staff, severing ties diplomatic relations between the two countries in what President Hugo Chavez said was a protest against Israeli strikes in Gaza. Yet many in the South American Jewish community felt that anti-Semitism was the true reason for Chavez's decision.

Rabbi Henry Sobel, of congregation Sao Paulo Israelite, was blunt. "I'll go on record. Hugo Chavez is an anti-Semite," Sobel said in Jerusalem on Tuesday. He was here for the World Jewish Congress, where he hoped to spread word of a rising tide of anti-Semitism in South America, under the guise of anti-Israel protests. The trend, he noted, "is part of a tradition of supporting the weakest countries, because most of South America is part of the third-world network."

Anti-Semitic sentiment has been more muted in Sobel's home of Sao Paulo, and in Brazil generally, which enjoys better economic circumstances and a wider diversity of population than many of its neighbors. By and large, the Jews of Brazil - according to Sobel numbering 150,000 the second largest South American community, after Argentina's 250,000 - have enjoyed a continuation of positive relations with the wider community.

Sobel credited his community's success in part to a willingness to reach out to the wider non-Jewish Brazilian population, through poverty aid, volunteering in the slums, and close cooperation with the Catholic Church regarding issues of mutual interest. "Our solidarity with others has generated solidarity toward us," he said.

Despite an anti-Israel demonstration of 4,000 in Sao Paulo on Monday, Sobel expected a "return to the status quo shortly" for Brazil, now that Israel's campaign had ended. He noted that his congregation was honored to welcome Brazil's president, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, to deliver remarks on Tuesday.

"We can only hope that other presidents on the continent follow Lula's example," Sobel said. In light of the large, occasionally violent protests against Israel in neighboring countries - including a march of 20,000 on the Israeli embassy in Buenos Aires last week - Sobel said his congregation intended to continue outreach to Jewish communities in those beleaguered countries via the Latin American Jewish Congress.

WJC Brussels Office – Page: 61 'In Venezuela, anti-Semitism is endorsed by the government'

Ha‘aretz (English edition), Israel 27 January 2009

By Nir Hasson, Haaretz Correspondent

The president of the Jewish community in Venezuela on Monday accused Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez of promoting anti-Semitism and giving the phenomenon legitimacy. Speaking at the World Jewish Congress conference in Jerusalem on Monday, Abraham Levy Ben Shimol said "you probably hear of many anti-Semitic incidents, but where we live, the anti-Semitism is sanctioned; it comes from the president, through the government, and into the media. Since the government is very involved in the day-to-day lives of its constituents, its influence is much more effective."

Ben Shimol added that in recent days, swastikas have been spray painted on the walls of the Caracas synagogue and a Palestinian flag was waved during a parliament session. "We Jews are going through a difficult time. We hope it will be over soon and that the future will shine upon us," Ben Shimol added.

Earlier this month, Chavez announced that Venezuela had severed diplomatic ties with Israel in protest of its military offensive in the Gaza Strip, calling Israel's military actions a "holocaust."

WJC Brussels Office – Page: 62 Venezuela calls Israeli leaders 'criminals'

Associated Press, USA 28 January 2009

CARACAS, Venezuela: Venezuela's government said Wednesday it is proud of that Israel has expelled its diplomats, calling Israel's leaders criminals while denying allegations of anti-Semitism at home. Israel's Foreign Ministry announced Wednesday that it had ordered Venezuelan envoys to leave this week, responding to Venezuela's Jan. 6 declaration that it was expelling Israeli diplomats because of Israel's invasion of the Gaza Strip.

Venezuela escalated the clash on Jan. 14 by saying it was breaking relations altogether, though it apparently left its own envoy to Israel. "The response of the state of Israel is weak, late, and in any case for us it's an honor," Foreign Minister Nicolas Maduro told the Qatar-based television network Al-Jazeera. "We're proud that the state of Israel that exists today, led by these criminals, made this decision." The comments were posted on his ministry's Web site.

Maduro also rejected accusations of anti-Semitism by a Jewish community leader, Abraham Levy. "All of the Muslim, Jewish and Christian communities know religious discrimination is not a problem that has or will have a place in our society," Maduro said, complaining that every time a country criticizes Israel's government, it "is automatically added to the list of anti-Semites."

Hundreds of demonstrators supported President Hugo Chavez's decision to expel Israeli ambassador Shlomo Cohen, spraying graffiti and hurling shoes at Israel's embassy in Venezuela. Some people also spray-painted swastikas on the walls of a Caracas synagogue.

"Where we live, the anti-Semitism is sanctioned," Levy told the World Jewish Congress in Jerusalem on Monday, according to the Israeli newspaper Haaretz. "It comes from the president, through the government, and into the media."

Israel's offensive was aimed at halting rocket attacks on southern Israel. More than 1,200 Palestinians, many of them civilians, have been killed.

Relations between Israel and Venezuela were already tense because of Chavez's friendly relations with Iran, which backs Hamas and has called for Israel's destruction. Maduro also dismissed accusations that Venezuela itself supports militant groups Hamas and Hezbollah.

WJC Brussels Office – Page: 63 Gaza spurs Latin American fears

Jewish Chronicle, UK 30 January 2009

By David Labi Buenos Aires

ISRAEL'S Gaza operation has led to a rise in antisemitism in latin america and fresh fears for the safety of Venezuelan Jews, according to a prominent latin american Jewish organisation. In an open letter, the Confederación latinoamericana Maccabi (ClaM) has expressed grave concerns over a new wave of antisemitism in Venezuela, prompted by events in Gaza.

The letter states: ―since the events in Gaza began… the government of Venezuela has adopted an aggressive and dangerous tone never previously heard, clearly inciting against the Jewish community… Furthermore, there is a well-orchestrated campaign on TV, radio, print and internet media owned by the government, openly questioning Israel‘s right to exist, even including publication of such antisemitic materials as The Protocols of the elders of zion. a group of pro-government journalists is urging the population to boycott businesses owned by Jews.‖

Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez‘s alliance with Iran, support for Hizbollah and Hamas and history of extreme statements have made him a figure of concern for the 25,000-strong Jewish community since his 1998 election. Early in the Gaza offensive, he expelled the Israeli ambassador and referred to the Gaza attack as a ―Holocaust‖.

However, according to the anti-Defamation league his political posturing is now ―spilling over‖ into everyday society in the form of antisemitic graffiti and violent demonstrations. Sergio Widder, head of the Wiesenthal Centre‘s latin america branch, corroborates this view. ClaM‘s assertions of an orchestrated antisemitic media campaign including the boycott call are currently being investigated by the Wiesenthal Centre.

Ironically, on December 18, President Chávez — along with Presidents Luíz Inacio Lula da Silva of Brazil and Christina Fernandez de Kirchner of Argentina — signed a declaration against antisemitism, intolerance and racism. This was welcomed as ―important‖ by World Jewish Congress President Ronald S Lauder. But general violence on the ground seems to be increasing. Last week, there was an angry protest in Buenos Aires, including daubing of antisemitic graffiti outside the office of Eduardo Elzstain, argentina‘s most prominent Jewish businessman and the new WJC chairman. Argentinian ntisemitism, however, is condemned by the government, whereas in Venezuela, according to ClaM‘s open letter, ―the Government makes no effort to stop it‖.

WJC Brussels Office – Page: 64 Law of return under fire at Durban II

Jewish Chronicle, UK 30 January 2009

By Simon Rocker

JEWISH GROUPS will face an uphill battle in their efforts to keep anti- Zionism off the agenda of the forthcoming united Nations anti-racism conference. The latest draft of the resolutions, published this week, contains a proposed new reference to the ―raciallybased law of return‖ — the law which grants the right of any Jew to settle in the state of Israel.

Israel and Canada have already pulled out of ―Durban II‖, the followup in April in Geneva to the uN conference in South Africa eight years ago. At a preliminary meeting in the Swiss city last week to discuss the key conference document, Jewish groups had argued for the removal of a number of paragraphs about the plight of the Palestinians.

A statement read out on behalf of the Jewish human Rights Coalition UK, the World Jewish Congress and others said: ―These paragraphs…unnecessarily politicise the anti-racist agenda. The politicisation of the text and the singling-out of one particular conflict, gives preference and precedence to one group over another and establishes a dangerous hierarchy.‖

But the revised text, seen by the JC, proposes replacing the paragraphs with one that expresses ―concern at the plight of Palestinian refugees and other inhabitants of the Arab occupied territories as well as displaced persons who were forced to leave their homes because of war and racial policies of the occupying power and who are prevented from returning to their homes and properties because of a raciallybased law of return‖.

It also proposes to include a reference to the situation in Gaza.

Negotations over the resolutions will continue for some months. The new text also includes a proposal to condemn holocaust denial, reflecting European and Jewish concerns that references to the holocaust had been diluted in the previous draft.

Jewish campaigners are anxious to avoid a repetition of the attacks on Israel at the original Durban conference of 2001.

WJC Brussels Office – Page: 65 Lobby to stop „hate-fest‟ at Durban II

Jewish Chronicle, UK 23 January 2009

By Simon Rocker

Jewish campaigners this week lobbied internationally to stop a United Nations human rights conference being used as a platform to attack Israel. Israel and canada have already pulled out of april‘s geneva follow-up to the 2001 Durban conference, which turned into an anti-Zionist ―hate-fest‖ according to critics.

But the Jewish human rights coalition UK, co-founded by the Board of Deputies, was among Jewish non-governmental organisations that attended a five-day preliminary session in geneva this week to debate a draft of the conference resolutions.

The 38-page document makes special mention of ―racial discrimination‖ against the palestinians and their subjection to ―unlawful collective punishment, torture, economic blockade‖.

A spokesman for the Board of Deputies said the Jhrc-UK ―is vigorously making plain its concerns, that contributions to the text from the Organisation of the islamic conference and asian region states are attempting to again single out israel for criticism, demonise Zionism and decry the inclusion of references to antisemitism, while also challenging the very notion of freedom of expression under the guise of outlawing defamation of religion.‖

The Jhrc-UK would press for other states to withdraw from the conference if negotiations proved fruitless.

Lior Herman, representing the World Jewish Congress in Geneva this week, said: ―we do not want a politicisation of human rights, we are not interested in the singling out of any country.‖

Although the current draft contained fewer references to the israelipalestinian conflict than an earlier version, it was ―still alarming‖, he said.

―We are also very disappointed by the fact that the text on antisemitism and the holocaust commemoration has been reduced. The european Union‘s proposals were much broader — we know eU member states are concerned about this as well.‖

Also of concern were ―attempts to try to link defamation of religion with racism, which are completely separate issues‖, he said.

WJC Brussels Office – Page: 66 ―We are interested in seeing stronger words to protect free speech, as well as more protection for minorities such as the roma people.‖

The final draft might not be agreed until the actual conference. ―This is the beginning of the negotiation process,‖ Doune porter, conference information officer, said.

WJC Brussels Office – Page: 67 The Rabbi That Roared

Forward, USA 4 February 2009

By Gabrielle Birkner

What do you get the man who has everything for his 50th birthday? A 400-pound endangered Asian lion, of course.

At least that‘s what Rabbi Marc Schneier, the founding rabbi of two New York-area synagogues, got from his wife, Tobi Rubinstein-Schneier. The Schneiers were the guests of honor at the Jerusalem Biblical Zoo on January 27, when the zoo‘s resident male lion was renamed ―Rabbi Marc‖ — in exchange for a monetary donation that will help cover the lion‘s care.

Schneier, however, has no plans of bringing his namesake to either of his two homes, on Manhattan‘s Upper East Side and Westhampton Beach, N.Y. Rabbi Marc will remain alongside three lionesses in his current habitat, where the zoo staff anticipates he will sire cubs. Rubinstein-Schneier, who wore a leopard-print Michael Kors dress to the naming ceremony, said she hopes that the birth of Rabbi Marc‘s cubs will correspond with her stepson‘s bar mitzvah and her daughter‘s Sweet 16 so that more members of the animal kingdom can be named in the family‘s honor.

The founder and president of the Foundation for Ethnic Understanding, Schneier was in Israel in January for the plenary assembly of the World Jewish Congress.

During the birthday celebration, Rabbi Marc came into view ―with a big roar, which is appropriate, because my husband is a force to be reckoned with — in a good way,‖ Rubinstein-Schneier said.

Also at the festivities was WJC President Ronald Lauder, who, Schneier said, became enamored with the zoo‘s cheetah population. ―Ronald wanted to know if a cheetah could be named after him,‖ Schneier said.

At press time, Lauder had not returned a call seeking comment.

WJC Brussels Office – Page: 68 Assemblée plénière du Congrès Juif Mondial à Jérusalem

Actualité Juive, France 5 February 2009

Summary translation

At the WJC Plenary Assembly in Jerusalem, re-elected World Jewish Congress President Ronald Lauder has pledged the unwavering support of Jewish communities for the State of Israel. A range of remarkable speakers addressed the 400 delegates. Matthew Bronfman, who ran on a ticket with Lauder at the 2007 leadership election, was replaced as chairman of the Governing Board by Eduardo Elsztain of Argentina.

WJC Brussels Office – Page: 69 Le cauchemar des Juifs vénézuéliens

Arouts 7, Israel 2 February 2009

La communauté juive du Venezuela fait face à une vague d‘antisémitisme sans précédent. La grande synagogue de la capitale Caracas a été profanée vendredi, quelques jours après un appel au boycott de magasins juifs. Quinze individus ont fait irruption dans la synagogue où ils ont sérieusement endommagé l‘arche sainte, des livres de prières ainsi que plusieurs pièces du bâtiment avant de souiller les murs avec des slogans antisémites tels que ―Dehors les Juifs !‖.

Le président du Venezuela, Hugo Chavez, s‘est contenté ce dimanche de condamner mollement cette attaque avant d‘en rejeter la responsabilité sur…ses opposants politiques.

Cette déclaration est loin de rassurer les dirigeants juifs locaux, qui considèrent que cette agression était dirigée contre l‘ensemble de la communauté juive du pays, qui compte près de 25 000 personnes. ―Les actes antisémites perpétrés au Venezuela sont légitimés par le gouvernement et les médias‖, avait déjà dénoncé fin janvier le président de la communauté Abraham Lévy Ben Shimol, au cours de son discours devant l‘Assemblée du Congrès juif mondial à Jérusalem.

Pour l‘ambassadeur israélien Shlomo Cohen, expulsé du Venezuela suite à l‘offensive de Tsahal à Gaza, ―il est évident que le régime d‘Hugo Chavez a engendré les conditions propices à l‘antisémitisme en employant un ton antisémite dans le cadre de ses condamnations contre Israël‖. Le président vénézuélien n‘a effectivement pas hésité à qualifier publiquement de ―génocide‖ les opérations militaires contre les terroristes du Hamas.

Mais l‘opération ―Plomb durci‖ n‘était finalement que le prétexte d‘Hugo Chavez pour rompre ses relations diplomatiques avec Israël. Cela fait en effet plusieurs années que le président vénézuélien entretient des relations très étroites avec l‘Iran, dont le président Ahmadinejad prône l‘élimination pure et simple de l‘Etat d‘Israël… L‘avenir de la communauté juive au Venezuela semble aujourd‘hui plus sombre que jamais : le Parlement s‘apprête à adopter une nouvelle loi destinée à permettre au président Chavez de rester à son poste bien au-delà de l‘année 2013…

Summary translation

Following the desecration of a synagogue in Caracas, Venezuela‘s president Hugo Chavez has condemned the attack, but blamed it on the opposition in the country. At the World Jewish Congress Plenary Assembly in Jerusalem last week, Venezuelan Jewish leader Abraham Levy Benshimol said that anti-Semitic acts in his country were given legitimacy by the Venezuelan government.

WJC Brussels Office – Page: 70 Roger Cukierman, ex-président du CRIF, devient vice-président du Congrès Juif Mondial

European Jewish Press (French service), Belgium 27 January 2009 par: Joseph Byron

JERUSALEM/PARIS (EJP) - Roger Cukierman, ancien président du CRIF, le Conseil Représentatif des Institutions Juives de France, a été désigné vice président du Congrès Juif Mondial (CJM) au titre de l‘Europe.

Cette nomination a eu lieu à Jérusalem où se déroule la 13ème assemblée plénière du CJM en présence de 400 délégués représentant les communautés juives dans 80 pays.

L‘assemblée a reconduit l‘Américain Ronald S. Lauder à la présidence. Dans son discours, Lauder a souligné le soutien des communautés juives à l‘Etat d‘Israel, particulièrement face aux menaces terroristes.

Eduardo Elsztain, un dirigeant juif d‘Argentine a été élu president de l‘Exécutif du CJM. Il succède à Matthew Bronfman.

Le président de l‘Etat d‘Israël Shimon Pères, le Premier Ministre israélien Ehud Olmert, la ministre des affaires étrangères Tzipi Livni et le leader du Likud Benjamin Netanyahu se sont adressés à l‘assemblée du CJM.

Summary translation

Roger Cukierman, the former president of CRIF, has been re-elected as vice- president of the World Jewish Congress. At the Plenary Assembly in Jerusalem, Ronald S. Lauder was also confirmed as WJC president.

WJC Brussels Office – Page: 71 Représailles israéliennes

Desinfos.com, Israel 28 January 2009

Par YAAKOV KATZ ET JPOST.FR

L‘aviation israélienne a frappé, dans la nuit de mardi, trois tunnels creusés par le Hamas sous le couloir de Philadelphie. Aucun blessé n‘a été signalé mais des centaines de personnes auraient fui les lieux. Le service de porte-parole de Tsahal a confirmé les frappes aériennes, précisant qu‘il s‘agissait d‘une riposte à une attaque à la bombe perpétrée mardi matin contre une patrouille militaire, près de la frontière entre Israël et Gaza. Un adjudant a été tué et trois autres blessés.

L‘armée israélienne estime par ailleurs que la paix dans le sud d‘Israël dépend uniquement du bon vouloir du Hamas. Elle compte riposter de manière très sévère à toute tentative de rupture de la trêve.

Israël a refermé tous les passages aux convois humanitaires, mardi, après les avoir brièvement ouverts. Selon le chef diplomatique du ministère de la Défense, Amos Gilad, la fermeture des frontières ne constituera pas l‘unique mesure prise contre le Hamas. "Nos réponses n‘auront désormais plus rien à voir avec celles du passé. Les données ont changé."

L‘attentat n‘ayant pas encore été revendiqué, l‘armée n‘écarte pas l‘implication directe d‘un autre groupe terroriste que le Hamas. De source palestinienne, plusieurs personnes auraient été blessées suite à une frappe aérienne sur des immeubles d‘habitation. Peu de temps après l‘attentat, un agriculteur de Gaza, âgé de 27 ans, a été abattu par Tsahal. L‘armée n‘avait pas de commentaires immédiats.

Selon un leader du Hamas, Mushir al-Masri, la responsabilité des violences de mardi incombe uniquement à Israël. Il précise que son mouvement a seulement accepté une "accalmie" et non pas une trêve complète.

De son côté, la ministre des Affaires étrangères, Tzipi Livni, a déclaré, lors d‘une rencontre avec les membres du Congrès juif mondial en visite à Jérusalem, qu‘Israël ne comptait plus retenir sa force contre des attaques palestiniennes depuis la bande de Gaza. "Nous devons changer les règles du jeu jusqu‘à ce qu‘ils comprennent aussi que les règles et les données ont changé." La ministre a ajouté que l‘Etat hébreu devra continuer de négocier avec le Fatah dans le but de parvenir à une solution binationale, tout en poursuivant la lutte contre le Hamas. "En ce qui me concerne, un accord avec le Hamas n‘est pas une option."

WJC Brussels Office – Page: 72 Fähnchen im Wind

Der Spiegel, Germany 2 February 2009

WJC Brussels Office – Page: 73

WJC Brussels Office – Page: 74 Summary translation

Ronald Lauder, 64, youngest son of the late cosmetics entrepreneur Estée Lauder, is rather a reserved man. The multi-billionaire normally avoids huge crowds. And he knows diplomatic habits: in the mid-1980s, he served as US ambassador to Austria.

Last Monday, though, Lauder relinquished his diplomatic reserve for a moment. Clad in a dark pinstripe suit with handkerchief, he stood on the stage of the Inbal Hotel Jerusalem and welcomed a ―close friend‖. Assembled in the room were the delegates of the World Jewish Congress, whose president Lauder is.

While the screen behind him correctly announced the ―leader of the Israeli opposition‖, Lauder introduced Benjamin Netanyahu as the ―Prime Minister of Israel‖. Whether that was deliberate or just a faux-pas: the delegates in the room were not particularly irritated.

On Tuesday next week, Israeli will go to the polls to elect a new parliament, and it looks as if Bibi, as he is called by friends and foes alike, could become the new head of the government. […]‖

WJC Brussels Office – Page: 75 Pius-Pater: "Gaskammern zum Desinfizieren"

DiePresse.com, Austria 28 January 2009

Ein Glaubensbruder des Bischofs Williamson bezeichnet die Leugnung von Gaskammern als "unvorsichtig", aber nicht als falsch. Mehrere jüdische Organisation über scharfe Kritik am Papst.

Der Konflikt um die Aufhebung der Exkommunikation des Bischofs Richard Williamson, der die Existenz von Gaskammern leugnet, dauert an. Mehrere jüdische Organisationen und Glaubensvertreter haben Papst Benedikt XVI. heftig kritisiert. Ein Glaubensbruder von Williamson hat nun zusätzlich Öl ins Feuer gegossen: "Ich weiß, dass es die Gaskammern gegeben hat, zumindest zur Desinfizierung. Ich kann aber nicht sagen, ob darin Menschen getötet wurden oder nicht, weil ich die Angelegenheit nicht vertieft habe", sagte Pater Floriano Abrahamowicz, der Chef der Priesterbruderschaft St. Pius X. in den nordöstlichen Regionen Italiens in einem Interview mit der Tageszeitung "La Tribuna di Treviso". Er bezeichnete die Aussagen Williamsons als "unvorsichtig". Gleichzeitig bezeichnete er den Holocaust als Völkermord.

Benedikt XVI. hatte am Mittwoch im Rahmen seiner wöchentlichen Generalaudienz in Rom die Holocaust-Leugnung verurteilt und seine volle Solidarität mit den Juden bekräftigt, Williamson aber nicht direkt angesprochen.

Dialog mit Judentum beschädigt

Dennoch reißt die Kritik an Josef Ratzinger nicht ab. Der Jüdische Weltkongress (WJC) zeigte sich "tief besorgt" über die Wiedereingliederung des Gaskammern- Leugners Williamson. Der Fall gebe Anlass zur Sorge, dass die "bedeutsamen Errungenschaften im jüdisch-katholischen Dialog beschädigt" werden könnten, heißt es in einer Erklärung der WJC-Vollversammlung in Jerusalem.

Der Jüdische Weltkongress

Der Jüdische Weltkongress versteht sich als oberste Repräsentanz aller Juden außerhalb Israels. Die Vollversammlung, die alle vier Jahre als wichtigstes Entscheidungsgremium tagt, beendete am Dienstag ihr jüngstes Treffen unter dem Motto "Wir stehen an Israels Seite".

Die Präsidentin des Zentralrats der Juden in Deutschland, Charlotte Knobloch, hat vorerst den Dialog mit Vertretern der katholischen Kirche abgebrochen. "Unter solchen Voraussetzungen wird es zwischen mir und der Kirche momentan sicher kein Gespräch geben, ich unterstreiche das Wort 'momentan'."

WJC Brussels Office – Page: 76 Über die Frage, ob der Papst die Aussagen Williamsons bewusst hingenommen habe, gehen die Meinungen auseinander. Während Knobloch nicht an eine unbedachte Entscheidung glaubt, glaubt der Rabbiner David Rosen, der maßgeblich am Dialog mit der Kirche beteiligt ist, dass der Papst nichts von den Äußerungen Williamsons wusste. "Mir wird jedoch gesagt, dass ich naiv bin, wenn ich den Papst weiter verteidige", sagte Rosen.

Regensburger Bischof stellt sich hinter Papst

Der Regensburger Bischof Gerhard Ludwig Müller hat die Entscheidung des Papstes verteidigt, Williamson wieder aufzunehmen. "Den Flurschaden hat Herr Williamson angerichtet, nicht der Papst", sagte Müller in einem Interview mit der "Passauer Neuen Presse" . "Wollen wir wirklich diesem Herrn Williamson, der unter normalen Umständen nie Bischof geworden wäre, den Triumph gönnen, den Heiligen Vater ungerechten Vorwürfen und Unterstellungen ausgesetzt zu haben und das gut entwickelte christlich-jüdische Verhältnis zu stören?"

Gaskammern angezweifelt

Der Vatikan hatte vor wenigen Tagen die Exkommunikation von Williamson, der Bischof der erzkonservativen Bruderschaft Pius X. ist, rückgängig gemacht. Dies hat zu erheblichen Spannungen mit jüdischen Organisationen geführt, weil Williamson in einem Fernsehinterview die Ermordung der sechs Millionen Juden in den Gaskammern der Nazi-Konzentrationslager bestritten hat.

Die Regensburger Staatsanwaltschaft ermittelt deshalb gegen den 67- Jährigen wegen Volksverhetzung, da das Interview vor drei Monaten im Priesterseminar der Piusbruderschaft nahe Regensburg aufgezeichnet worden sein soll.

(Ag. /Red.)

Summary translation

The World Jewish Congress has expressed great concern regarding the Vatican‘s decision to revoke the excommunication of Bishop Williamson. It could mean ―that the significant achievement in Jewish Catholic dialogue may be harmed,‖ a resolution passed by the WJC Plenary Assembly in Jerusalem states.

WJC Brussels Office – Page: 77 Jüdischer Weltkongress: Papst muss Dialog zu Judentum stärken

Katholische Nachrichtenagentur, Germany 28 January 2009

Jerusalem (KNA) Der Jüdische Weltkongress (WJC) fordert Papst Benedikt XVI. auf, sich verstärkt im Dialog mit dem Judentum zu engagieren. Der Fall Williamson gebe Anlass zur Sorge, dass die «bedeutsamen Errungenschaften im jüdisch- katholischen Dialog beschädigt» werden könnten, heißt es in einer Erklärung von der WJC-Vollversammlung vom Dienstagabend in Jerusalem.

Der Kongress erkenne an, dass es sich bei der vatikanischen Entscheidung, die Exkommunikation von vier Traditionalisten-Bischöfen aufzuheben, um eine innere Angelegenheit der katholischen Kirche handele. Dennoch sei man «tief besorgt» über die Einbeziehung eines offenen Holocaust-Leugners.

Der Jüdische Weltkongress versteht sich als oberste Repräsentanz aller Juden außerhalb Israels. Die Vollversammlung, die alle vier Jahre als wichtigstes Entscheidungsgremium tagt, beendete am Dienstag ihr jüngstes zweitägiges Treffen unter dem Motto «Wir stehen an Israels Seite».

Summary translation

The World Jewish Congress has called on Pope Benedict XVI to reinforce dialogue with Judaism. In a resolution, the WJC Plenary Assembly said the revocation of the excommunication of Bishop Williamson could mean ―that the significant achievement in Jewish Catholic dialogue may be harmed.‖

WJC Brussels Office – Page: 78 Lauder als Präsident des Jüdischen Weltkongresses bestätigt

Katholische Nachrichtenagentur, Germany 28 January 2009

Jerusalem (KNA) Ronald S. Lauder (65), US-Unternehmer, ist als Präsident des Jüdischen Weltkongresses (WJC) wiedergewählt worden. Die WJC- Vollversammlung bestätigte ihn am Dienstagabend in Jerusalem. Lauder amtiert seit Mai 2007. Unter den neun Vizepräsidenten des Gremiums ist auch wieder die Vorsitzende des Zentralrates der Juden in Deutschland, Charlotte Knobloch.

In seiner Dankesrede unterstrich Lauder die «unerschütterliche Unterstützung der Diaspora-Juden für den Staat Israel», besonders angesichts der «Bedrohung durch Terrororganisationen». Der Unternehmer, der auch Präsident des New Yorker Museums für Moderne Kunst ist, warf einzelnen Staaten und den Vereinten Nationen vor, Israel nicht genug zu stützen und «doppelte Maßstäbe» einzusetzen, wenn es um die israelische Politik gehe.

Der Jüdische Weltkongress versteht sich als oberste Repräsentanz aller Juden außerhalb Israels. Die Vollversammlung, die alle vier Jahre als wichtigstes Entscheidungsgremium tagt, tagte zwei Tage unter dem Motto «Wir stehen an Israels Seite».

Am Dienstag legten zum internationalen Holocaust-Gedenktag zwei Überlebende der Judenvernichtung, darunter Knobloch, im Namen der rund 400 Delegierten einen Kranz in der Gedenkstätte Jad Vaschem nieder. Neben verschiedenen Themen wie dem weltweiten Anstieg antisemitischer Vorfälle standen Begegnungen mit hochrangigen israelischen Politikern auf dem Programm, darunter Staatspräsident Schimon Peres, Ministerpräsident Ehud Olmert und Außenministerin Tzipi Livni.

Summary translation

Ronald S. Lauder has been confirmed as World Jewish Congress president by the 400 delegates at the WJC Plenary Assembly in Jerusalem. At a ceremony in Yad Vashem, two Holocaust survivors, one of them being Charlotte Knobloch, laid a wreath in honor of the six million Jews who were murdered by the Nazis. The assembly‘s motto was ―We stand by Israel‖.

WJC Brussels Office – Page: 79 Gasa, Geld, Gemeinschaft

Jüdische Allgemeine, Germany 29 January 2009

Der Jüdische Weltkongress und seine Vollversammlung in Jerusalem von Ingo Way

Die weltweiten anti-israelischen Demonstrationen im Gefolge des Gasakriegs überschatteten die 13. Vollversammlung des Jüdischen Weltkongresses (WJC) Anfang dieser Woche in Jerusalem. „Wir stehen zu Israel―, lautete das Motto, und das scheint auch bitter nötig zu sein, glaubte man den Berichten von Delegierten aus Großbritannien, der Türkei, Indien, Venezuela und anderen Ländern. Überall auf der Welt kam es zu aggressiven Protesten gegen

Israel, bei denen das Land als Völker- und Kindermörder dämonisiert wurde, weil es sich gegen die Angriffe der Hamas zur Wehr setzte. Der venezolanische Präsident Hugo Chávez forderte die Juden des Landes auf, sich von Israel zu distanzieren, berichtete der Delegierte Abraham Lewy Bushimol aus Caracas. Man fühle sich an finsterste Ostblockzeiten erinnert, als Juden vom Staat unter Druck gesetzt wurden, Petitionen gegen den „Weltzionismus― zu unterschreiben.

Besonders schockierend war der Bericht von Lina Filiba vom Verband der Juden in der Türkei über antisemitische Ausschreitungen in Istanbul und anderen türkischen Städten (vgl. Artikel auf dieser Seite). „Das ist das Ergebnis jahrelanger islamistischer Propaganda – auch von staatlicher Seite―, so Filiba. Dass eine neue Welle des Antisemitismus über die Welt schwappt, darin waren sich die meisten Redner einig. Auch wer dafür verantwortlich ist, war weitgehend unstrittig: radikale Muslime im Bündnis mit der politischen Linken.

Doch in der Frage, wie man dieser Gefahr begegnen solle, herrschte Ratlosigkeit. „Bündnisse eingehen mit allen, die vom islamistischen Terror betroffen sind: Christen, Atheisten, moderate Muslime―, lautete der Vorschlag des israelischen Likud-Führers Benjamin Netanyahu in seiner Grußbotschaft. „Die jüdisch- muslimischen Beziehungen ausbauen und den Dialog weiterführen―, schlägt Rabbi Marc Schneier vor, der Vorsitzende des amerikanischen Zweigs des WJC und Präsident der Foundation for Ethnic Understanding. Was aber, wenn der Dialog nichts bringe, wollte eine Delegierte wissen. „Bei 1,3 Milliarden Muslimen bleibt uns gar keine andere Wahl, als weiterhin den Dialog zu suchen―, antwortete Schneier.

Weitere Themen der Vollversammlung waren die atomare Bedrohung aus dem Iran und die kommende UN-Antirassismuskonferenz („Durban II―), die islamische Staaten dazu nutzen wollen, Israel zu delegitimieren und „Islamophobie― als schlimmste Form des Rassismus zu geißeln. Damit würde letztendlich Kritik am

WJC Brussels Office – Page: 80 Islam unter Strafe gestellt. Eine Resolution, die zum Boykott von „Durban II― aufruft, wurde auf der Vollversammlung ebenso diskutiert.

Doch nicht nur die große Weltpolitik stand auf der Tagesordnung. „Unsere Aufgabe ist auch 2009, den kleinen jüdischen Gemeinden zu helfen. Wir haben gesehen, welchen Problemen sie gegenüberstehen―, sagte der Italiener Kobi Benatoff, der neue Finanzdirektor des WJC, der Jüdischen Allgemeinen. „Daneben ist es wichtig, Öffentlichkeitsarbeit zu betreiben und Einfluss auf Regierungen und auf die Vereinten Nationen zu nehmen―, so Benatoff weiter. „Ein EU-Beitritt der Türkei zum Beispiel ist bei der derzeitigen antisemitischen Stimmung und den regierungsamtlichen Äußerungen Recep Erdogans nicht akzeptabel.―

Der türkische Ministerpräsident hatte gefordert, Israel aus den Vereinten Nationen auszuschließen. Finanziell steht der WJC nach Aussage seines bisherigen Finanzdirektors Eduardo Elsztain trotz der weltweiten Finanzkrise nach wie vor gut da. Wegen der Krise hatte der WJC im vergangenen Jahr zwar 15 Prozent weniger Einnahmen als 2007. Dennoch überstiegen die Einnahmen im Jahr 2008 die Ausgaben, da diese seit 2005 durch Einsparungen um etwa die Hälfte gesunken sind. „Unsere Hilfsprojekte – vor allem für Gemeinden in Osteuropa – sind also absolut nicht gefährdet―, so Benatoff.

Auch organisatorische Fragen nahmen bei der Vollversammlung einen großen Raum ein. So wurden eine neue WJC-Verfassung verabschiedet und Wahlen abgehalten. Der alte wie neue Präsident des WJC ist der amerikanische Unternehmer und Philanthrop Ronald Lauder. Als einziger Kandidat für das Präsidentenamt wurde der 65-Jährige von den knapp 400 Delegierten aus über 80 Ländern per Akklamation gewählt.

Der Argentinier Eduardo Elsztain ist als neuer Vorsitzender des Verwaltungsrates Nachfolger von Matthew Bronfman. Zu den neu gewählten Vizepräsidenten des WJC gehört auch die Präsidentin des Zentralrats der Juden in Deutschland, Charlotte Knobloch. Der World Jewish Congress, gegründet 1936, fungiert als Dachverband jüdischer Organisationen weltweit. Er hat seinen Hauptsitz in New York und unterhält Büros in 100 Ländern.

Eduardo Elsztain, der neue Verwaltungschef des WJC Foto: WJC

WJC Brussels Office – Page: 81 Zentralrat der Juden möchte Frieden mit Lammert // Bundestagspräsident: Generalsekretär hat über Absagen zum Holocaust-Gedenktag falsch informiert

Von Frank Jansen und Jost Müller-Neuhof

Der Tagesspiegel, Germany 29 January 2009

Berlin - Der Zentralrat der Juden will den Streit mit dem Bundestagspräsidium um die Teilnahme am Holocaust-Gedenktag entschärfen. Er werde sich direkt an Bundestagspräsident Norbert Lammert wenden, sagte der Generalsekretär des Zentralrats, Stephan J. Kramer, am Mittwoch dem Tagesspiegel. Außerdem sei vereinbart, dass die Präsidentin des Zentralrats, Charlotte Knobloch, am heutigen Donnerstag mit Lammert spricht. Zuvor hatte der Bundestagspräsident dem Zentralrat Falschinformation vorgeworfen. Kramer sagte, es gebe offenbar ein größeres Kommunikationsproblem.

Der Generalsekretär betonte, er habe vergangenen Donnerstag mit der Protokollchefin von Lammert gesprochen und ihr erklärt, dass Knobloch bei der Gedenkstunde des Bundestages zur Erinnerung an die Holocaust-Opfer angemessen begrüßt werden sollte. Am Freitag habe die Protokollchefin ihm mitgeteilt, Lammert bedaure sehr, dass am Ablauf der Gedenkstunde nichts mehr zu ändern sei. Daraufhin habe der Zentralrat beschlossen, der Veranstaltung fernzubleiben. Am Dienstag hatte der Bundestag, wie berichtet, ohne einen Vertreter des Zentralrats der Opfer des Holocaust gedacht. Weder Lammert noch Bundespräsident Horst Köhler gingen in ihren Reden auf den Eklat ein.

Kramer zufolge hat der Zentralrat in den vergangenen Jahren mehrmals beim Präsidium des Bundestages angeregt, die hochrangigen Vertreter des Zentralrats bei der Gedenkstunde persönlich zu begrüßen. Bundestagssprecher Christian Hoose sagte dem Tagesspiegel dagegen, es treffe nicht zu, "dass sich der Zentralrat in den vergangenen Jahren schriftlich oder mündlich mit einer entsprechenden Anfrage an den Bundestag gewandt hat". Einen schriftlichen Vorgang gebe es nicht, die Mitarbeiter könnten sich an keine Eingaben erinnern.

Hoose widersprach zudem der Darstellung Kramers, Lammert sei schon seit zehn Tagen über die Absagen informiert. Zentralratspräsidentin Knobloch habe lediglich mit der Begründung abgesagt, sie reise nach Israel. Als man nach einem Vertreter gefragt habe, sei zunächst keine Antwort gekommen. "Erst am vergangenen Freitag hat es Kontakt mit Herrn Kramer gegeben. Er hat uns abgesagt und erstmals über seine Gründe informiert", sagte Hoose. Diese Beschwerde des Zentralrats sei überraschend gekommen.

WJC Brussels Office – Page: 82 Kramer hingegen sagte dem Tagesspiegel, Knobloch wäre in Berlin geblieben, "wenn es ein Signal des Bundestagspräsidiums gegeben hätte". Da nichts gekommen sei, seien sie gemeinsam nach Jerusalem zur Mitgliederversammlung des World Jewish Congress gefahren. Das Treffen findet alle vier Jahre statt.

Zur Kritik des Zentralrats, am Gedenktag nur als "Zaungast" teilnehmen zu dürfen, sagte Hoose: "Frau Knobloch saß 2008 in der zweiten Reihe der Ehrentribüne, 2007 in der ersten Reihe. Das Protokoll für den Staatsakt entspricht den Richtlinien des Bundesinnenministeriums." Kramer hatte am Dienstag gesagt, ein respektvoller Umgang mit Knobloch bedeute, "dass sie nicht auf der Zuschauertribüne Platz nehmen müsste, sondern unten im Parkett sitzen kann".

Zum letzten Eklat beim Gedenken von Bundestagspräsidenten für Naziopfer kam es bei einer Rede Philipp Jenningers 1988. Er musste zurücktreten, nachdem er sich rhetorisch nicht ausreichend von der Nazi-Schreckensherrschaft distanziert hatte. Allerdings hatte er die Vertreter des Zentralrats ausdrücklich begrüßt.

Summary translation

The president of the Central Council of Jews in Germany, Charlotte Knobloch, has spoken with Bundestag president Norbert Lammert, following the criticism by leaders of the Central Council leveled against the German parliament.

Germany's Jewish umbrella organization turned down an invitation to attend the country's main annual Holocaust remembrance event. Stephan Kramer, general secretary of the Central Council of Jews in Germany, said that Holocaust survivors, including Mrs. Knobloch, were not acknowledged publicly at the Bundestag during past ceremonies and were never invited to address the parliament floor. A Bundestag spokesman said that they had been informed that Charlotte Knobloch would not be present because she was attending a World Jewish Congress meeting in Jerusalem the same day.

WJC Brussels Office – Page: 83 "Wir saßen nie in der ersten Reihe"

Badische Zeitung, Germany 29 January 2009

FREIBURG (hup). Die Präsidentin des Zentralrats der Juden, Charlotte Knobloch, wirft dem Bundestag vor, Holocaust-Überlebenden nicht mit dem gebührenden Respekt zu begegnen. "Wir waren dort immer Gäste in der zweiten oder dritten Reihe, in der ersten Reihe haben wir nie gesessen" – so begründete die 76-Jährige gestern im Gespräch mit der Badischen Zeitung, warum ihre Organisation der Feierstunde des Auschwitz-Gedenktages im Bundestag ferngeblieben war.

Man habe sich darüber schon in den Vorjahren beklagt, sagte Frau Knobloch. "In keinem Jahr wurde die Anwesenheit der Vertreter des Zentralrats und der Überlebenden auch nur erwähnt." Sie selbst war nach eigenen Worten aber "nicht traurig", dass sie nicht dabei sein konnte: Knobloch hielt sich am Dienstag bei einer Tagung des World Jewish Congress in Jerusalem auf. Der Generalsekretär der Organisation, Stephan Kramer, kündigte an, ein klärendes Gespräch mit dem Bundestagspräsidenten zu suchen.

"Ich wünsche mir einen Aufschrei in der Kirche."

Knobloch zeigte sich "sehr erstaunt", dass der Papst jetzt mit dem britischen Bischof Williamson einen Holocaust-Leugner rehabilitiert habe. Eine Solidaritätsadresse zugunsten der Juden, mit der der Papst sich gestern zu Wort meldete, halte sie nicht für ausreichend: "Unter solchen Voraussetzungen wird es zwischen mir und der Kirche momentan sicher kein Gespräch geben. Ich wünsche mir einen Aufschrei in der Kirche gegen ein solches Vorgehen des Papstes."

Papst Benedikt XVI. versicherte am Mittwoch die Juden seiner "vollständigen und nicht diskutierbaren Solidarität". Er erinnerte bei seiner Generalaudienz daran, dass er mehrfach nach Auschwitz gereist sei – "eines der Lager, wo das abscheuliche Massaker an Millionen Juden verübt wurde".

Summary translation

The president of the Central Council of Jews in Germany, Charlotte Knobloch, has accused the Bundestag of not showing enough respect to Holocaust survivors. Knobloch said was not ―sad‖ of not having been able to participate in the Holocaust commemorations last Tuesday because she had been at a World Jewish Congress meeting in Jerusalem.

WJC Brussels Office – Page: 84 Jóvenes judíos diplomáticos de América Latina vivieron el plenario del Congreso Judío Mundial

Agencia Judía de Noticias, Argentina 29 January 2009

AJN.- El director de Nuevas Generaciones del Congreso Judío Latinoamericano, Ariel Isaak (foto), comentó a la Agencia Judía de Noticias que se le dio "mucha importancia a la participación del grupo" en los encuentros de los dirigentes de la comunidad judía de todo el mundo en Jerusalem. Daniel Cyjon, miembro del programa, destacó la oportunidad de haber podido escuchar "de primera mano, a los reales actores y a las personas que toman la decisiones, en paneles que marcan un nivel impresionante y superlativo" y calificó a la experiencia como "muy enriquecedora".

Las Nuevas Generaciones del Congreso Judío Latinoamericano también vivieron, por primera vez, los encuentros del Congreso Judío Latinoamericano y el Congreso Judío Mundial en Jerusalem.

"Se le dio mucha importancia a la participación del grupo del cuerpo de jóvenes judíos diplomáticos", comentó el director de Nuevas Generaciones del CJL, Ariel Isaak, a la Agencia Judía de Noticias (AJN) además de destacar que "los líderes del CJL confían en que en algún momento se tiene que generar una transición en cuanto a la conducción y liderazgo de las comunidades" y que es necesario que sea una "transición sana y no una revolución".

De esta manera, Nuevas Generaciones del CJL nació hace dos años como un marco de participación para jóvenes profesionales de entre 30 y 40 años de América Latina, con el objetivo de acercarlos y que participen activamente en el campo político tanto de su comunidad local, como a nivel internacional.

En este sentido, el uruguayo Daniel Cyjon, de 30 años, comentó a AJN que fue la primera vez en que participó de un encuentro de esta envergadura y que fue "una experiencia muy enriquecedora".

Además, destacó la oportunidad de haber podido escuchar "de primera mano, a los reales actores y a las personas que toman la decisiones, en paneles que marcan un nivel impresionante y superlativo, que a todos nos enriqueció muchísimo", al hacer referencia a la presencia del presidente israelí, Shimon Peres, el primer ministro, Ehud Olmert, la canciller Tzipi Livni, el ministro de Defensa, Ehud Barak, el candidato a primer ministro y líder del partido Likud, Benjamin Netanyahu y el intendente de Jerusalem, Nir Barkat.

WJC Brussels Office – Page: 85 "Superó muchísimo mis expectativas", comentó Cyjon, quien además explicó que todo lo aprendido lo llevará a su país para trabajarlo con un enfoque político, en lo que refiere a la representación política de su comunidad.

Sin embargo, destacó la necesidad de realizar "un trabajo coordinado dentro del programa de Nuevas Generaciones" a través de "una estrategia común para que los próximos meses y durante el año, se realice un trabajo coordinado, porque en Latinoamérica tenemos realidades muy similares".

"Es inteligente poder hacer trabajos en conjunto", sostuvo Cyjon, y señaló la necesidad de "aprovechar el potencial que aprendimos en estos días" y trabajarlo con sus pares de América Latina, ya que "pueden surgir excelentes ideas".

Los jóvenes diplomáticos latinoamericanos provinieron de Argentina, Venezuela, Uruguay, Chile, Brasil y Costa Rica, entre otros países.

Summary translation

Young leaders from several Latin American countries took part in the World Jewish Congress Plenary Assembly in Jerusalem. ―It surpassed my expectations, and it was impressive to see the real political actors give speeches,‖ said Daniel Cyjon of Uruguay.

WJC Brussels Office – Page: 86 La comunidad judía mundial eligió a sus autoridades

Agencia Judía de Noticias, Argentina 27 January 2009

AJN (Corresponsal desde Jerusalem).- Ronald Lauder y Jack Terpins fueron reelectos como presidentes del Congreso Judío Mundial y Congreso Judío Latinoamericano (CJL), respectivamente. Por su parte, el presidente de la DAIA, Aldo Donzis, quedó como vicepresidente 2º del CJL, tras no poder alcanzar por medio de los votos el puesto de vicepresidente 1º. Las reuniones con los directivos judíos de todo el mundo contaron con la presencia del presidente israelí, Shimon Peres, y el primer ministro Ehud Olmert, quienes destacaron la importancia de la Diáspora en el apoyo incondicional hacia Israel. Los encuentros fueron de "un altísimo nivel con la participación de las máximas autoridades mundiales del mundo judío y del Estado de Israel".

La comunidad judía mundial se reunió durante tres día en Jerusalem para elegir a sus autoridades, debatir sobre la ofensiva de Israel contra organización Hamas en la Franja de Gaza y los problemas de antisemitismo que afectan a Latinoamérica desde el comienzo de la crisis en Medio Oriente.

Se trata de la asamblea anual del Congreso Judío Latinoamericano (CJL) y el Congreso Judío Mundial (CJM) que se llevó a cabo con la presencia del presidente israelí, Shimon Peres, y el primer ministro, Ehud Olmert.

En el ámbito del CJL, se renovó la presidencia del brasileño Jack Terpins y de su secretario general uruguayo, Saúl Gilvich, mientras que en la vicepresidencia 1º fue elegido el colombiano Ronald Bakalarz, quien desplazó de ese puesto al presidente de la DAIA, Aldo Donzis, que quedó relegado a vicepresidente 2º.

En la asamblea participaron representantes comunitarios de 16 países que le dieron el triunfo a Bakalarz por una amplia mayoría de 15 votos a 1.

Por su parte, en la asamblea del congreso CJM Ronald Lauder fue reelecto como titular de la organización mundial.

Los encuentros fueron de ―un altìsimo nivel con la participación de las máximas autoridades mundiales del mundo judìo y del Estado de Israel‖, según destacaron las autoridades comunitarias a la Agencia Judía de Noticias (AJN).

Durante el encuentro, el CJL discutió acerca de "las distintas realidades de los distintos países de Latinoamérica y cómo impactó la guerra entre Israel y Hamas, las reacciones en las distintas comunidades".

WJC Brussels Office – Page: 87 Además, se estipuló la necesidad de "actuar en forma estratégicamente coordinada, responder en forma uniforme y en conjunto" cuando ocurre algún hecho, y "apuntar al diálogo" para buscar la resolución de los conflictos.

En lo que respecta al CJM, cuyo encuentro se realizó con la participación de 550 personas de 62 países, se destacó la presencia del presidente israelí, Shimon Peres, quien valoró la importancia de la Diáspora en el apoyo incondicional hacia Israel.

Peres aseguró que Israel sabe que es muy importante la existencia de las comunidades judías fuera de Israel, aunque también es importante la existencia de Israel.

De la misma forma que el Presidente israelí, el líder del partido Likud, Benjamin Netanyahu y el intendente de Jerusalem, Nir Barkat, hablaron sobre lo ocurrido durante los enfrentamientos con la organización terrorista Hamas, los países que apoyaron la decisión de comenzar la operación militar y sus resultados.

El presidente de la comunidad judía de Venezuela, Abraham Levy Benshimol, y un representante de la comunidad de Bombay, fueron los oradores de un panel en el que se trató la amenaza terrorista y "cómo impactan los ataques producidos por grupos terroristas o de extrema izquierda que dañan a la rutina de la comunidad y la hace más fácil".

Anoche, todos los participantes y el embajador argentino en Israel, Atilio Molteni, participaron en una cena de gala en la que también pudieron escuchar al primer ministro de Israel, Ehud Olmert.

Hoy recordarán a las víctimas del Holocausto en el museo de Yad Vashem y presenciarán un encuentro con la canciller israelí, Tzipi Livni.

Summary translation

The World Jewish Congress has held its 13th Plenary Assembly in Jerusalem. 550 people from 62 countries took part in the gathering. Ronald Lauder was re-elected as WJC president, and Jack Terpins of Brazil as head of the Latin American Jewish Congress (LAJC). DAIA president Aldo Donzis only became Second Vice- President of the LAJC as Ronald Bakalarz of Colombia was chosen as First Vice- President.

Israel‘s political leaders addressed delegates of the WJC assembly. The head of Venezuela‘s Jewish community, Abraham Levy Benshimol, reported about the threats of terrorism and the impact on the Venezuelan community.

WJC Brussels Office – Page: 88 Al via a Gerusalemme la 13.ma plenaria del Congresso ebraico mondiale

Radio Vaticana, Italy 26 January 2009

Si è aperta oggi a Gerusalemme la 13.ma assemblea plenaria del Congresso Ebraico Mondiale, con il motto ―Siamo dalla parte di Israele‖. L‘appuntamento, che ha cadenza quadriennale, riunisce oltre 400 rappresentanti delle comunità ebraiche di tutti i continenti, organizzazioni internazionali dell‘ebraismo e personalità invitate, che dovranno procedere al rinnovo del presidente del Congresso e di altri responsabili.

Nella circostanza, i partecipanti discuteranno anche del conflitto militare a Gaza e di altre minacce contro Israele, tra cui l‘attacco al Centro ebraico di Mumbai. Si parlerà anche della recrudescenza generalizzata dell‘antisemitismo, dei rapporti tra ebrei e musulmani, della Conferenza delle Nazioni Unite contro il razzismo in programma a Ginevra in aprile 2009. Domani, i delegati osserveranno la Giornata internazionale dell‘Olocausto con una cerimonia al Museo di Yad Vashem, alla presenza di autorità politiche israeliane, tra cui il premier Ehud Olmert e i ministri degli Esteri, Tzipi Livni e per la Diaspora, Yitzhak Herzog. (M.V.)

Summary translation

Over 400 representatives from 80 Jewish communities from all continents are attending the 13th Plenary Assembly of the World Jewish Congress in Jerusalem under the motto ―We stand by Israel.‖ This body meets every four years.

WJC Brussels Office – Page: 89 Ronald Lauder ponownie wybrany na prezydenta Światowego Kongresu Żydów

Bibula.com, Poland 26 January 2009

Ponad 400 delegatów reprezentujących społeczności żydowskie 80 krajów świata, podczas walnego zebranie w Jerozolimie ponownie wybrało Ronalda Laudera na prezydenta Światowego Kongresu Żydów.

65-letni Ronald S. Lauder jest synem Estée i Joseph Lauder, założycieli globalnej kosmetycznej korporacji Estée Lauder, oferującej produkty pod ponad 30 różnymi markami. Jego fortuna szacowana jest na ponad 3 miliardy dolarów. W przeszłości sprawował funkcję ambasadora Stanów Zjednoczonych w Austrii.

Jest założycielem medialnego międzynarodowego koncernu Central European Media Enterprises - CME, z siedzibą na Bermudach, operującego telewizje w Bułgarii (TV2, RingTV), Chorwacji (Nova TV), Czechach (Nova Sport, Nova Cinema, TV Nova), Rumunii i Mołdawii (Acasa, MTV Romania, Pro Cinema, Pro TV, Pro TV International, Sport.Ro), Słowacji (Nova Sport, Markiza, TV Doma), Ukrainie (Studio 1+1, 1+1 International, Kino, Cito).

Ronald Lauder został skrytykowany przez żydowskie środowiska tzw. ocalałych z Holokaustu za nieujawnienie stanu posiadania dzieł sztuki, które mają być własnością rodzin żydowskich.

W czasie swego wystąpienia, Lauder podkreślił całkowite poparcie diaspory żydowskiej udzielone państwu Izrael, szczególnie wobec ―grożby terrorystycznych organizacji‖ oraz skrytykował niektóre kraje, międzynarodowe ciała ―takie jak Organizacja Narodów Zjednoczonych za stosowanie ‗podwójnych standardów‘ w stosunku do państwa Izrael‖ oraz ―za nie udzielanie wystarczającego wsparcia‖ - stwierdza komunikat European Jewish Press.

WJC Brussels Office – Page: 90 Elsztain a homályos ügyekkel terhelt Zsidó Világkongresszus új igazgatója

Zsido.com, Hungary 2 February 2009

Eduardo Elsztaint nevezték ki a Zsidó Világkongresszus 13. jeruzsálemi teljes ülésén az igazgató tanács elnökévé. Az újonnan kinevezett tisztségviselő ingatlanfejlesztő Argentinából érkezett. A Chabad-Lubavitcs mozgalom régi barátja és az argentinai Chabad elnöke. Ronald Laudert ujraválasztották a SVK elnökének. Eduardo Elsztain váltotta az igazgatótanács élén Matthew Bronfmant.

Lauder hangsúlyozta a diaszpóra támogatását Izrael Államának, különösen a terrorista szervezetek fenyegetése ellen. Bírálta az országokat és a nemetközi testületeket mint pl. az ENSZ-t, amely ha Izraelre kerül a sor „kettős mércét‖ alkalmaz. Simon Peresz elmondta a küldötteknek, hogy Izrael helyesen járt el amikor megvédte magát a Hamasz millitánsokkal szemben a Gázai-övezetben.

Elsztain zsúfolt napirendje ellenére is szakìtott időt, hogy a Kótelhez menjen imádkozni és megköszönni az örökkévalónak, hogy megválasztották a ZSVK igazgató tanácsa elnökévé. A Falhoz elkísérte Natan Jichak Oirechman rabbi az akói Chábád közösség rabbija, Köves Slomó rabbi apósa is, valamint Joszéf Mikmal rabbi az akói Chábád intézmények igazgató helyettese is. Megköszönték az Örökkévalónak azokat a csodákat, amelyek Izrael népével történtek a legutóbbi időkben.

Elsztain megválasztásával - a színfalak mögött - sokan abban reménykednek, hogy megváltozik az utóbbi években homályos, átláthatatlansággal és sikkasztással terhelt szervezet, és egy magát kinevezett gittegylet helyett valódi munkát fog végezni a világ zsidóságáért. Ma sokan azt kifogásolják a szervezet felépítésében, hogy egy pár önjelölt képviselő az egész világ zsidóságának nevében szólal fel.

WJC Brussels Office – Page: 91 " "

Makor Rishon, Israel 1 February 2009

WJC Brussels Office – Page: 92 Summary translation

In his speech to delegates at the World Jewish Congress Plenary Assembly in Jerusalem last week, WJC President Ronald Lauder said that with respect to the treatment of Jews the world has not changed. Threats of extermination were still leveled at Jews and against Israel, and anti-Semitism was raising its ugly head again in many parts of the world.

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