WJC Advocates for Jewish Communities at UNGA as October 7th Anniversary Nears

World Jewish Congress President Ronald S. Lauder met with Austrian Federal Minister of Foreign Affairs Alexander Schallenberg on Friday afternoon. President Lauder expressed gratitude for Austria’s strong support of Israel, particularly in multilateral forums like the United Nations, where Austria has consistently defended Israel’s right to self defense and worked to counter anti-Israel narratives. Lauder, a former U.S. Ambassador to Austria, also underscored his deep personal connection to the country and his commitment to strengthening ties with Austria’s Jewish community.

There are approximately 10,000 Jews currently living in Austria. The Austrian affiliate of the World Jewish Congress is the Jewish Community of Vienna. 

World Jewish Congress President Ronald S. Lauder met with Swedish Foreign Minister Malmer Stenergard on Friday at the Consulate General of Sweden in New York. The conversation focused on the rise of antisemitism following the October 7th terrorist attack and the situation in the Middle East. President Lauder praised Sweden’s balanced and constructive approach to the region, emphasizing the need for Israel to defend itself, as highlighted in the Foreign Minister's UN speech yesterday.

They also discussed the importance of securing the immediate release of hostages held in Gaza, fostering regional stability, and advancing a viable two-state solution. President Lauder expressed gratitude for Sweden’s strong and ongoing support for the Jewish community, particularly in ensuring its safety and promoting the unrestricted growth of the country’s only Jewish school.

There are approximately 20,000 Jews currently living in Sweden. The Swedish affiliate of the World Jewish Congress is the Jewish Central Council.

World Jewish Congress President Ronald S. Lauder met with Spanish Minister of Foreign Affairs José Manuel Albares Bueno on Thursday evening at the Permanent Mission of Spain to the United Nations. During their meeting, President Lauder emphasized the importance of strengthening ties between the Spanish government and the Spanish Jewish community, whose population has grown significantly in recent years. The discussion also addressed the evolving situation in the Middle East, with President Lauder urging a more balanced approach towards the region.

There are approximately 45,000 Jews living in Spain. The Federation of Jewish Communities of Spain is the Spanish affiliate of the World Jewish Congress.