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Governing Board

Governing Board Meeting in Jerusalem, 07-09 February 2006

Minutes, as approved by Governing Board meeting of November 2006

 

The Governing Board, the highest body of the World Jewish Congress (WJC) between the Plenary Assembly meetings, convened in Jerusalem on 7-9 February 2006. The meeting was attended by around 200 delegates and observers from the world's Jewish communities and organizations affiliated to the WJC.

Opening the meeting, WJC President Edgar M. Bronfman said that most of WJC's history had been one of reacting to developments, but in the future needed, the organization needed to be more proactive. He named the dialogue between different faiths and cultures as vital to avoid a clash of civilizations.

The Governing Board passed a resolution which calls on newspapers to refrain from offending Muslims or other religious groups. The Governing Board condemned “the desecration of any holy book or site of any religion”. The resolution also asked for an end to the violence that has erupted in the Islamic world following the publication of the cartoons. Bronfman also said that stood ready to travel to Islamic countries to meet leaders willing to enter into a dialogue that is based on mutual respect.

Iran’s threats to Israel and the Western world were another central issue at the gathering. Experts from the European Union, the United States and Israel briefed delegates about the danger emanating from plans by the regime in Tehran to develop nuclear capabilities. The Governing Board resolved to launch an international campaign to raise public awareness about the threat that is Iran. Jewish leaders also called governments to address their domestic energy policies to reduce reliance on oil in order to give countries such as Iran less economic leverage on world business.

The gathering was addressed by the Israeli politicians Yuli Edelstein MK (Likud), Isaac Herzog MK (Labor) and Judge Ruth Gavison. Delegates also heard reports from Israel Singer, Chairman of the Policy Council, and WJC Secretary General Stephen E. Herbits.

In parallel, the Jewish Diplomatic Task Force, a WJC-sponsored group of 25 younger Jewish leaders, held a three-day seminar. The participants were invited to the conference following a recommendation from their home countries and a selection process conducted by the WJC. They work in various fields, including non-governmental and Jewish organizations.