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

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

26 Sep 2024
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WJC Advocates for Jewish Communities at UNGA as October 7th Anniversary Nears

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26 Sep 2024, 03:55PM
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WJC Discusses Middle East Situation with British Foreign Secretary

WJC Discusses Middle East Situation with British Foreign Secretary

NEW YORK – World Jewish Congress (WJC) President Ronald S. Lauder met today with British Foreign Secretary David Lammy at the U.K.’s Mission to the United Nations, on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. The two leaders discussed the global rise in antisemitism and escalating tensions in the Middle East following the October 7 terrorist attacks on Israel.

The Foreign Secretary, who has visited Israel twice in his current role and has an extensive record of engaging with the Jewish community throughout his political career, reaffirmed the U.K.’s commitment to addressing these critical issues. Lammy has actively raised the plight of hostages taken by Hamas and was commended during the meeting for his efforts to keep this humanitarian crisis in the spotlight.

During the meeting, Amb. Lauder expressed his appreciation for Lammy's close collaboration with the Board of Deputies of British Jews, WJC’s U.K. affiliate, particularly in tackling antisemitism within the Labour Party under Jeremy Corbyn’s leadership. Amb. Lauder stressed the need for ongoing support of Israel as it defends itself against terrorism. He reminded Lammy that Israel remains one of the U.K.'s closest allies, whereas the extremist ideologies of Hamas and Hezbollah pose threats not only to Israel but to the values shared by both the U.K. and Israel.

Amb. Lauder also raised concerns about the U.K.’s recent partial suspension of arms licenses for Israel, urging the U.K. to maintain its strong partnership with Israel and underscoring its right to self-defense in the wake of terror attacks.

In a statement following the meeting, Amb. Lauder said: “I want to extend my deepest thanks to Foreign Secretary David Lammy for his time, his leadership and his unwavering commitment to protecting the Jewish community in the United Kingdom amid rising threats. The Foreign Secretary has demonstrated this commitment through his numerous visits to Israel and his close engagement with the U.K. Jewish community. His continued efforts to highlight the plight of the hostages taken by Hamas, as well as his ongoing coordination with the Board of Deputies of British Jews, reflect his dedication to our shared cause."

Lauder added, “While recent decisions regarding arms licenses are a point of concern, it’s essential to remember that Israel remains the U.K.’s friend and ally. The values of Hamas and Hezbollah do not align with those of the United Kingdom, and Israel’s right to defend itself against terrorism must be supported at every level.”

“At this delicate time in international relations, I thank the foreign secretary for his engagement and wish him every success in his work towards international peace and security,” Lauder said.

26 Sep 2024, 02:00PM
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Lauder Urges Chile’s Foreign Minister to Increase Support for Jewish Community Amid Heightened Tensions Over Israel-Hamas War

Lauder Urges Chile’s Foreign Minister to Increase Support for Jewish Community Amid Heightened Tensions Over Israel-Hamas War

NEW YORK—World Jewish Congress President Ronald S. Lauder met with Chile’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Alberto van Klaveren on Thursday afternoon at the Permanent Mission of Chile to the United Nations. Lauder expressed the WJC’s desire to rebuild and foster a stronger relationship between the Chilean government and the Chilean Jewish community amid a surge in antisemitism globally in the wake of Hamas’s October 7th terror attack, and the subsequent Israeli response.

During the conversation, which centered on the situation in the Middle East, Lauder underscored the critical need for a viable two-state solution.

There are approximately 18,300 Jews currently living in Chile. The Chilean affiliate of the World Jewish Congress is the Jewish Community of Chile.

26 Sep 2024, 12:00PM
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WJC Meets with Hungarian Mission on Sidelines of UNGA

WJC Meets with Hungarian Mission on Sidelines of UNGA

WJC's Executive Vice President Maram Stern and European Affairs Manager Dany Levin Prist, along with JD Elizabeth Chen (US), met with the Hungarian Mission to discuss the Jewish community in Hungary and explore avenues for enhanced cooperation.