From December 10th to 12th, 36 members from more than two dozen countries of WJC’s Jewish Diplomatic Corps Program gathered in Budapest for a regional meeting outlining the path forward for the global Jewish community in the aftermath of the deadly October 7th terrorist attack. The meeting was based in the headquarters of the Federation of the Hungarian Jewish Communities (MAZSIHISZ), the representative body of Hungarian Jewry.
After welcoming remarks from Head of WJC Strategy & Programs Daniel Radomski and WJC JDCorps Manager for Europe Viktor Eichner, the program opened with a discussion assessing the state of the war in Israel. The conversation featured opening remarks about WJC-Israel Chairperson Hadassa Getsztain and a presentation on actions taken by the WJC Jewish Diplomatic Corps and WJC NextGen, since the outbreak of the war by Deputy Director of the WJC JDCorps Gabriel Rosenberg.
Following the presentation, members were grouped into smaller teams to strategize and create actionable plans or resources aimed to equip Jewish Diplomatic Corps Members to properly bring attention to the plight of hostages held by Hamas and the atrocities faced by Israelis on October 7th, as well as learn about effective storytelling and develop advocacy on social media.
The evening concluded with dinner and the lighting of the Menorah.
On Monday, Federation of the Hungarian Jewish Communities President and WJC Vice President Dr. Andor Grósz held a private and intimate discussion with Jewish Diplomatic Corps Members. In a discussion moderated by Andras Buchler, Grósz discussed the state of the Hungarian Jewish community, speaking about the initiatives and challenges of the community, and then opening the floor for questions. Topics of discussion included the war in Israel and actions taken locally to support Israel and the Jewry of Hungary, as well as questions about political involvement in the country and Hungarian community support for the Jews of Ukraine who has been displaced. Jewish Diplomatic Corps. Jewish Diplomatic Corps Members held a training session on conducting diplomatic meetings led by JDCorps Steering Committee Member Alana Baranov and WJC Jewish Diplomatic Corps Member Eugen Balin.
Following the training program there was a conversation, led by Nathasha Hausdorff, with Israeli Ambassador to Hungary Yacov Hadas-Havdelsman at the Jewish Community Center, during which the Hamas-Israel war and its implications for world Jewry was discussed. Later in the afternoon, WJC Jewish Diplomatic Corps Members met with the Hungarian State Secretary for Security Policy Dr. Péter Sztáray. Discussions revolved around critical security issues and diplomatic considerations.
Following these discussions, members of the WJC's Jewish Diplomatic Corps had a guided tour of the Dohány Street Synagogue, one of the largest synagogues in Europe. The visit explored the historical and architectural significance of the synagogue, delving into its role in Hungarian Jewish heritage. The tour included a special meeting with the Chief Rabbi of Hungary, Dr. Róbert Frölich, who provided valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities faced by the Hungarian Jewish community.
The evening concluded with a Hanukkah reception bringing together members of the Jewish Diplomatic Corps, distinguished dignitaries, and representatives from various countries. The event featured a series of notable addresses, starting with a keynote speech by H.E. Mr. János Bóka, the Hungarian Minister for EU Affairs. Remarks were given by Dr. Andor Grósz, H.E. Mr. Yacov Hadas-Handelsman, Ms. Hadassa Getsztain and Mr. Daniel Radomski.
Diplomatic engagements continued the next day as the Jewish Diplomatic Corps embarked on a series of meetings with various embassies in Budapest. Small groups of Jewish Diplomatic Corps members were strategically organized to conduct diplomatic meetings with representatives from the following countries: Albania, Argentina, Austria, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Estonia, France, Greece, Moldova, Slovakia, Spain, and Sweden.
The diplomatic agenda then shifted to the Hungarian Parliament, where a meeting with Mr. Zsolt Németh, President of the Foreign Affairs Committee and Member of Parliament, took place. Following the parliamentary meeting, the Jewish Diplomatic Corps was treated to a guided tour of the Parliament building, an opportunity to immerse themselves in Hungary's rich political history.
As the program concluded, Eli Novershtern, the WJC JDCorps President, delivered closing remarks. These remarks encapsulated the key takeaways from the regional meeting and outlined future actions by the WJC Jewish Diplomatic Corps.
Welcome by WJC JDCorps Professional Staff
The regional meeting commenced with a heartfelt welcome from Daniel Radomski, Head of WJC Strategy & Programs, and Viktor Eichner, WJC JDCorps Manager for Europe.
Israel at War: Current Assessment and the WJC JDCorps Response
The meeting delved into a comprehensive discussion on the state of the war in Israel. Opening remarks were delivered by WJC-Israel Chairperson Hadassa Getsztain, setting the tone for the session. Gabriel Rosenberg, WJC JDCorps Deputy Director, then presented the actions taken by the WJC Jewish Diplomatic Corps and WJC NextGen since the outbreak of the war.
Working Session: Formation of WJC JDCorps Response Teams
In this pivotal session, Jewish Diplomats (JDs) were strategically grouped into smaller teams to brainstorm and create actionable plans or resources aimed to equip Jewish Diplomatic Corp Members to properly bring attention to the plight of hostages held by Hamas and the atrocities faced by Israelis on October 7th, as well as learn about effective storytelling and develop advocacy on social media.
Dinner and Chanukah Candle Lighting
As the day's discussions concluded, participants came together for a convivial dinner that fostered a sense of camaraderie. The evening also featured the ceremonial lighting of the Chanukah candles, symbolizing unity and hope.
Meeting with MAZSIHISZ President Dr. Andor Grósz
In a private session, MAZSIHISZ President and WJC Vice President Dr. Andor Grósz engaged in a thoughtful discussion, providing insights into the initiatives and challenges faced by the Hungarian Jewish community. Moderated by Jewish Diplomatic Corps Member Andras Buchler, the conversation delved into topics ranging from local responses to global events, including the war in Israel.
How to Conduct Diplomatic Meetings
In this training session, members of the WJC's Jewish Diplomatic Corps honed their skills in the art of diplomatic meetings. Led by Jewish Diplomatic Corps Members Alana Baranov and Eugen Balin, the training provided practical insights and strategies for effective communication, negotiation, and representation.
Private Meeting with H.E. Yacov Hadas-Handelsman, Israeli Ambassador to Hungary
In an intimate setting at the headquarters of the Federation of the Hungarian Jewish Communities, members of the WJC's Jewish Diplomatic Corps engaged in a private conversation with His Excellency Yacov Hadas-Handelsman, the Israeli Ambassador to Hungary. The discussion centered around the complex dynamics of the Hamas-Israel war and its implications for global Jewry.
Private Meeting with State Secretary for Security Policy Dr. Péter Sztáray
In a candid conversation, members of the WJC's Jewish Diplomatic Corps held a private meeting with Dr. Péter Sztáray, the State Secretary for Security Policy. Discussions revolved around critical security issues and diplomatic considerations.
Tour in the Dohány Street Synagogue and meeting with Chief Rabbi of Hungary, Dr. Róbert Frölich
Members of the WJC's Jewish Diplomatic Corps were treated to a guided tour of the historic Dohány Street Synagogue, one of the largest synagogues in Europe. The visit provided a unique exploration of the synagogue's rich historical and architectural significance, Following the tour, a special meeting was held with Chief Rabbi of Hungary, Dr. Róbert Fröhlich who offered valuable perspectives on the challenges and opportunities faced by the Hungarian Jewish community.
Hanukkah Reception with Members of the Diplomatic Corps and other Dignitaries
The regional meeting's festivities continued with a vibrant Chanukah reception, bringing together members of the WJC's Jewish Diplomatic Corps, distinguished dignitaries, and representatives from various countries. Notable addresses, including a keynote speech by H.E. Mr. János Bóka, the Hungarian Minister for EU Affairs, added a touch of significance to the evening. This gathering celebrated the spirit of Chanukah and fostered connections among diplomats and dignitaries from diverse backgrounds.
Diplomatic Meetings at Embassies to Hungary
The WJC's Jewish Diplomatic Corps embarked on a series of strategic meetings with various embassies in Budapest. Small groups of diplomatic corps members were strategically organized to conduct diplomatic meetings with representatives from the following countries: Albania, Argentina, Austria, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Estonia, France, Greece, Moldova, Slovakia, Spain, and Sweden.
Embassy Debrief & Next Steps
Following a series of diplomatic meetings with various embassies in Budapest, members of the WJC's Jewish Diplomatic Corps gathered for a debriefing session. This crucial step allowed participants to share insights, discuss key takeaways, and evaluate the outcomes of their engagements.
Closing Remarks by WJC Jewish Diplomatic Corps Member Eli Novershtern
As the regional meeting drew to a close, Eli Novershtern, President of the WJC's Jewish Diplomatic Corps, delivered poignant closing remarks. His remarks outlined the key takeaways from the dynamic discussions and diplomatic engagements that characterized the gathering.
The WJC Jewish Diplomatic Corps is the flagship program of the World Jewish Congress (WJC), under the vision and leadership of WJC President Ronald S. Lauder. This program empowers the new generations of outstanding Jewish leaders and is a highly selective worldwide network of over 360 members from 60 countries receiving opportunities, experience, and skills to impact Jewish interests through diplomacy and public policy.
We are dedicated to addressing core issues, including combating antisemitism, advocating against terrorism and extremism, protecting the Holocaust legacy, supporting Israel, strengthening Jewish unity, promoting interfaith and inter-community relations, and safeguarding human rights.