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	Delegates to the WJC Governing Board

The World Jewish Congress Governing Board convened in Jerusalem on 7-9 February 2006. Some 200 delegates representing Jewish communities and organizations from around the world attended the meeting which focused on the concerns of the international Jewish community and the future of the WJC.

“The Jewish community must become more proactive in its activities,” said WJC President Edgar M. Bronfman opening the meeting. “For most of our history, we have reacted to developments. The time has come for that to change.” Mr. Bronfman added that promoting dialogue between different religions was a vital proactive step to avoid the clash of civilizations. “I stand ready to travel to any Islamic country to meet with leaders ready to enter a dialogue that is based on mutual respect,” he avowed.

The Governing Board addressed the violence that erupted throughout the world regarding the publication of cartoons offensive to Muhammad and called on newspapers to refrain from offending Muslims and other religious groups, condemning “the desecration of any holy book or site of any religion”.

The threat posed by the Iranian regime dominated discourse at the gathering (see “Iran: A Clear and Present Danger” below).

The gathering was addressed by leading Israeli politicians, Jewish communal leaders and heard reports from Israel Singer, Chairman of the WJC Policy Council, and WJC Secretary General, Stephen E. Herbits.

Throughout the Governing Board meeting, the WJC’s Young Professionals Diplomatic Corps, a group of 25 younger Jewish leaders, held a three-day seminar on Jewish leadership and diplomacy. Participants, many of who work in various fields including business, academia and non-governmental organizations, came from around the world and were invited following recommendations from their communities.