Overview
The WJC Jewish Diplomatic Corps gathered 25 young leaders from 15 EU countries in Brussels from 22-24 September, to advocate for the implementation of the EU Strategy on Combating Antisemitism and Fostering Jewish Life to improve the security and welfare of Jewish communities in the EU, as part of a collaboration with the European Commission-funded project Building Bridges: Combating Antisemitism Together.
The event aimed to address major issues facing European Jewry, explore antisemitism in light of recent global events, strengthen EU-Israel relations, and promote gender equality within the WJC and its affiliated communities. Participants received an in-depth overview of the European Union's structure and functions, highlighting WJC’s diplomatic priorities and achievements. Several training sessions provided strategies for combating antisemitism, where participants discussed effective ways to support national efforts, while European Commission representatives spoke about ongoing initiatives to tackle antisemitism and protect Jewish life across Europe.
The event emphasized the growing threat of antisemitism while fostering diplomatic relations and practical strategies to combat these challenges. It also included a significant focus on gender equality, led by Marie Van der Zyl, OBE, and Senator Viviane Teitelbaum, who shared their personal experiences as women in public life. Participants discussed gender biases, challenges women face in leadership roles, and potential solutions to create a more inclusive environment within the WJC and Jewish communities.
The week concluded with reflections on the discussions held with MEPs and the methods aimed at supporting Jewish women leaders. The event not only focused on addressing antisemitism but also reinforced WJC’s commitment to elevating women's roles within the organization and the broader community.
Program
Day 1 - Sunday, 22 September
Opening Session
Participants were greeted by Head of WJC Strategy & Programs Daniel Radomski, WJC Jewish Diplomatic Corps Deputy Director Gabriel Rosenberg, and WJC Jewish Diplomatic Corps Manager for Europe Viktor Eichner.
EU 101
WJC’s European Affairs Manager Dany Levin Prist and European Affairs Assistant Emily Bowman provided a thorough overview of the structure and functions of the European Union institutions and WJC’s diplomatic priorities and accomplishments.
EU Strategy Training Session I
The first strategy training session, led by NOA Project Coordinator Estelle Cincinatis and Project Officer Daniel Heller from CEJI, explored various tools and programs designed to bolster national efforts in combating antisemitism.
Day 2 - Monday, 23 September
The European Commission's Initiatives to Protect European Jewry
In a session moderated by JD Micky Fuhrmann (Germany), European Commission Coordinator on Combating Antisemitism and Fostering Jewish Life, Katharina Von Schnurbein spoke to participants about the alarming escalation of antisemitism in the wake of the 7 October terror attacks on Israel.
EU Strategy Training Session II
Hearing from both Wester Meijdam, Policy Officer in the office of the European Commission Coordinator on combating antisemitism and fostering Jewish life, and Deborah Behar, Head of Sector at the Directorate General Communications Networks and Technology of the European Commission, the group learned about the European Commission's initiatives and strategies to tackle antisemitism and support Jewish communities across Europe amidst a surge of anti-Jewish sentiments since 7 October.
Wester spoke about the current status of the EU Strategy plan, as well as national strategies to combat antisemitism, while Deborah gave a detailed overview of the Digital Services Act and how it can be used alongside the strategy to combat antisemitism online.
Meeting with Ambassador Bálint Ódor and the Hungarian Presidency of the Council of the European Union
In a meeting moderated by JD András Büchler (Hungary), Ambassador Bálint Ódor addressed Hungary's commitment to fighting antisemitism and supporting Israel during their Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
Meeting with Ambassador Haim Regev and the Israeli Mission to the EU and NATO
In a meeting moderated by JD Andrei Schwartz (Romania), Ambassador Haim Regev gave diplomatic insight into the current state of the war in Israel and gave an overview of how the Mission is working with the EU to ensure that EU-Israel relations remain strong and steadfast. Over the course of the session, members of the delegation had a chance to ask questions and align on strategies to fight antisemitism in EU and NATO institutions.
EU Strategy Training III
In a session with Alina Bricman, Director of EU Affairs at B'nai B'rith International, participants received an overview of the functions of the European Parliament and received a briefing in preparation to meet with Parliamentarians the next day. During the training, each group had a chance to sit individually with Bricman to review talking points and learn diplomatic conduct. Members of the delegation received detailed training on how to use this knowledge and how to bring it back to their local communities.
Day 3 - Tuesday, 24 September
Sexual Violence by Hamas on 7/10 - Ramifications and Action for Global Awareness
Participants had a candid discussion, led by JD Miki Roitman (Germany), on the sexual violence perpetrated by Hamas against Israeli citizens on October 7th, as well as discussed the ramifications of this violence, the lack of global response, the report by the United Nations on the topic, and how to move forward as the world approaches the first anniversary of the atrocities.
MEP Meetings
Small group meetings with MEPs focused on advocating for the EU Strategy on Combating Antisemitism and WJC priorities to improve the welfare of Jewish communities and foster Jewish life in the EU. MEP Lena Düpont (Germany, EPP) participated in a discussion moderated by JD Steven Guttmann (Germany); MEP Antonio López-Istúriz-White (Spain, EPP) engaged in a conversation led by JD Sofia Cohen (Bulgaria); and MEP Juan Fernando López Aguilar (Spain, S&D) led a discussion that was moderated by JD Reuven Rennert (Austria).
Closing Session
To conclude the meetings, participants had the opportunity to debrief the sessions and discuss the outcomes of their meetings with the MEP. They additionally heard closing remarks by Eli Novershtern, President of the WJC Jewish Diplomatic Corps, and Yoni Hammerman, Deputy Director of WJC Elevate and Director of WJC NextGen.
WJC JDCorps
The WJC Jewish Diplomatic Corps is the flagship program of the World Jewish Congress, under the vision and leadership of WJC President Ronald S. Lauder. Our objective is to represent and strengthen the Jewish communities, ensuring their strong voice in global affairs today - and for decades to come.
WJC Elevate
WJC Elevate cultivates and empowers a global network of passionate Jewish leaders, aged 15-45, providing them with the skills, knowledge, network, and opportunities they need to make a positive impact on their communities and the Jewish world.