Governing Board, Rome

The Governing Board of the World Jewish Congress met in Rome on 27 & 28 October 2015. Delegates and guests from around the world discussed the situation of Jews around the world, as well as the current tensions in the Middle East, the refugee crisis in Europe and the Iranian threat.

The Governing Board meeting was chaired by David de Rothschild and attended by 150 heads of Jewish communities, delegates and young Jewish diplomats from around the world. Discussions will focussed on the implications facing Jewish communities in light of the various conflicts in the Middle East, including the threat of jihadist terrorism, the aftermath of the nuclear agreement with Iran, the growing attacks on Israel by the BDS movement, and the state of relations with other faith communities.

The meeting was held in Rome to mark the 50th anniversary of the Nostra Aetate declaration, drawn up by the Second Vatican Council and promulgated by Pope Paul VI on 28 October 1965, condemning anti-Semitism and markedly improving relations between Jews and Catholics. On the anniversary of this important event, WJC delegates took part in a public audience with Pope Francis prior to which the Catholic pontiff received WJC President Ronald S. Lauder in a private audience.