WASHINGTON—The World Jewish Congress (WJC) is reestablishing the International Council of Jewish Parliamentarians (ICJP), which will be headed by U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen of Nevada, amidst unrelenting waves of global antisemitism and attacks on democratic values. Rosen has agreed to lead the forum at WJC President Ronald S. Lauder’s request.
“It is an honor to be named as Global Chair of the International Council of Jewish Parliamentarians at this critical time for Jewish Americans, and for Jews all over the world,” said Senator Rosen. “In this role I will work to combat the evils of antisemitism, racism, bigotry, and xenophobia. I look forward to working alongside Ambassador Lauder and Jewish parliamentarians from around the world in our shared mission to promote tolerance and fight back against hate.”
WJC President Lauder said, “For decades, the International Council of Jewish Parliamentarians has brought together national Jewish legislators, government ministers, and other elected officials from dozens of countries to tackle some of the most urgent issues of the day. As we now witness an era of unfettered conspiracy myths, pervasive antisemitism and xenophobia, a horribly disturbing recurrence of Holocaust denial, and rising authoritarianism, the ICJP has a powerful role to play in serving as an incubator and accelerator of best practices to counter these phenomena.
“I am proud to relaunch the International Council of Jewish Parliamentarians alongside Senator Jacky Rosen. Senator Rosen is a tremendous advocate in the fight against antisemitism and a leading legislator in efforts to combat the world’s oldest hatred. As founding co-chair of the Senate Bipartisan Task Force for Combating Antisemitism and a former synagogue president, she uniquely understands the concerns of Jewish communities and Jewish parliamentarians. Senator Rosen is the right person at the right time to chair this important forum.”
The World Jewish Congress extends its gratitude to former Congressman Eliot Engel, the previous chair of the ICJP, for his dedicated efforts connecting Jewish parliamentarians and supporting Jewish communities. Beyond his leadership in the ICJP, Congressman Engel’s three decades of public service in the U.S. House of Representatives advanced initiatives for human rights and uplifted minority groups across the globe.
The newly relaunched ICJP will convene for its first consultation this spring, in the lead-up to the forthcoming World Jewish Congress Plenary Assembly.
About the International Council of Jewish Parliamentarians
The International Council of Jewish Parliamentarians (ICJP) is the global network of Jewish legislators, government ministers, and other elected officials. The forum aims to promote dialogue and collaboration between Jewish parliamentarians; to support the principles of democracy, the cause of human rights, and the rule of law; and to combat racism, antisemitism, xenophobia, terrorism, and Holocaust denial by those means available to legislators and government ministers.
The ICJP strives for the creation of an enduring peace in the Middle East and works to protect the welfare of Jews and Jewish communities worldwide. The forum provides for the exchange of best practices and seeks to address the challenges facing Jewish communities worldwide.
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