Live Blog | United Nations General Assembly 2026

On the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, World Jewish Congress President Ronald S. Lauder held a critical discussion with European Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration Magnus Brunner on Thursday about the crisis of antisemitism and rising political extremism in Europe. The two discussed how Europe has built an unprecedented policy architecture to combat antisemitism over the past five years, with Lauder stressing that implementation must now match the reality experienced by Jewish communities, including through stronger enforcement against online antisemitism.

Lauder also called for EU-wide assessments of the Muslim Brotherhood to better understand its activities and potential implications for regional stability and stronger verification to ensure EU funding does not go to organizations linked to anti-democratic Islamist networks.

NEW YORK – At the Hungarian Consulate General in New York on Tuesday, World Jewish Congress Director of Community Relations András Ligeti participated in a group meeting with Hungarian President András Baka and Foreign Minister Anita Orban regarding the new government’s relationship with the Jewish community following the April 2026 parliamentary elections.

The government leaders highlighted the fact that Israel has the right to protect its people and praised it as a strong strategic partner, noting that the Jewish community is thriving despite rising antisemitism in Europe. The discussion also addressed the broader threats facing Jewish communities, with President Baka recognizing the threat posed by far-right extremism and the spread of online hate.

There are approximately 44,800 Jews currently living in Hungary. The Hungarian affiliate of the World Jewish Congress is the Federation of the Hungarian Jewish Communities. 

NEW YORK – WJC representatives and representatives of major American Jewish organizations met with Assistant Deputy Minister for the Americas Glen Linder at the Canadian Consulate to discuss rising antisemitism and Canada’s approach to Israel. The meeting took place following the shooting outside the Sons of Jacob Synagogue in Belleville, Ontario, on Yom Kippur night, underscoring concerns about the need for a stronger response to antisemitism and greater protection for Jewish communities.

The Jewish representatives also urged Canada to take a more balanced approach to Israel in its foreign policy, including following its September 8, 2026, announcement of a joint pledge to ban the import of goods produced in Israeli settlements in the West Bank.

The representatives further called on Canada not to participate in the 25th anniversary commemoration of the World Conference against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance, known as the Durban Conference.

There are approximately 407,400 Jews currently living in Canada. The Canadian affiliate of the World Jewish Congress is the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs.