What is the World Jewish Congress focusing on at UNGA 2019?
Throughout the 74th session of the United Nations General Assembly, the World Jewish Congress will be working tirelessly, to ensure that the voice of the global Jewish community is represented. We'll be focusing on a number of our core issues in our meetings with dozens of heads of state, including the rise of antisemitism around the world, relations with the State of Israel, the threats posed by Iran, Hezbollah, and Hamas, and other topics of concern to the Jewish world.
Live updates from WJC meetings:
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Thursday, September 26th, 4:30 pm ET
Albania's commitment to the security of the Jewish community is stronger than ever: WJC President Lauder meets with Prime Minister Edi Rama on UNGA sidelines
Albania has long been a friend of the Jewish people. Did you know it was the only European country to end WWII with more Jews than it had before the start? We will never forget.
— WJC (@WorldJewishCong) September 26, 2019
Great to meet with PM @ediramaal today in New York. pic.twitter.com/wmCq81Hyp7
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Thursday, September 26th, 3:00 pm ET
WJC President Lauder on UNGA sidelines: Bulgaria's President Rumen Radev is a true friend of the Jewish community
From the beautiful streets of Sofia, to the busy streets of New York – it’s always great to see Bulgaria’s president Rumen Radev, a true friend of the Jewish community. Today he again made clear that “Bulgaria stands firmly against antisemitism and will continue to do so.” pic.twitter.com/v4AyBtTZ7l
— WJC (@WorldJewishCong) September 26, 2019
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Thursday, September 26th, 2:00 pm ET
World Jewish Congress representatives meet with Philippine delegation
Positive and productive meeting with our friends from @DFAPHL. Together, we discussed the Filipino-Israeli bilateral relationship, antisemitism and its connection to the BDS Movement. Looking forward to working together on all of these issues and more. #UNGA pic.twitter.com/DKtBGzWchI
— WJC (@WorldJewishCong) September 26, 2019
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Thursday, September 26th, 2:00 pm ET
Italian Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio sits down with WJC President Lauder on UNGA sidelines to discuss rising antisemitism
Great to meet with Italian FM @luigidimaio this week during the #UNGA. The fight against antisemitism and hatred isn't an easy one, but we look forward to taking it on together. pic.twitter.com/c3e2luPHyF
— WJC (@WorldJewishCong) September 27, 2019
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Thursday, September 26th, 12:30 pm ET
Romanian PM Viorica Dăncilă in talks with World Jewish Congress President Lauder, on UNGA sidelines, reaffirms commitment to fighting antisemitism
Always great to see our friend @VDancila_PM. We look forward to continuing to work together with Romania in the fight against antisemitism. #UNGA pic.twitter.com/1qQJ3t5mYz
— WJC (@WorldJewishCong) September 26, 2019
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Wednesday, September 25th, 3:30 pm ET
World Jewish Congress President Ronald S. Lauder and Serbian President Aleksander Vučić hold discussions on sidelines of UN General Assembly
We had a very warm and open discussion this afternoon with Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić. Together we can make sure that the Jewish community possesses the necessary means to, not only live in security, but thrive as an integral component of civil society. #UNGA pic.twitter.com/rEpdj49igy
— WJC (@WorldJewishCong) September 25, 2019
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Wednesday, September 25th, 3:30 pm ET
World Jewish Congress delegation meets with Rwanada Minister of State Nduhungirehe on UNGA sidelines
Thank you to @onduhungirehe for taking the time to meet w/ us today. We look forward to enhancing ties btwn the Jewish people & Rwanda. Through our shared history and pain, we will ensure that the world will always remember (#kwibuka), so we can build a better future for all. pic.twitter.com/y50GATCsQI
— WJC (@WorldJewishCong) September 25, 2019
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Wednesday, September 25th, 2:15 pm ET
World Jewish Congress President Ronald S. Lauder meets with German Foreign Minister Maas; Push together against hate speech
It was a pleasure to meet with our close friend @HeikoMaas on the sidelines of the #UNGA. Together, we'll continue to push for stronger legislation against hate speech and ensure that no one is afforded a platform to deny the true scope of the Holocaust. pic.twitter.com/jl6XCtp3Z1
— WJC (@WorldJewishCong) September 25, 2019
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Wednesday, September 25th, 1:30 pm ET
World Jewish Congress President Ronald S. Lauder meets with Swedish PM Löfven on sidelines of UNGA
We are proud to engage in a close collaboration w/ @SwedishPM Löfven to uproot all sources of antisemitism, on the left and the right, focusing on education and implementing the IHRA definition. The PM firmly stated that Sweden will do all that is needed to root out this hatred. pic.twitter.com/NOcBu5QDJb
— WJC (@WorldJewishCong) September 25, 2019
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Thursday, September 26th
World Jewish Congress representatives meet with Philippine delegation
Positive and productive meeting with our friends from @DFAPHL. Together, we discussed the Filipino-Israeli bilateral relationship, antisemitism and its connection to the BDS Movement. Looking forward to working together on all of these issues and more. #UNGA pic.twitter.com/DKtBGzWchI
— WJC (@WorldJewishCong) September 26, 2019
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Wednesday, September 25th
World Jewish Congress President Ronald S. Lauder and Serbian President Aleksander Vučić hold discussions on sidelines of UN General Assembly
We had a very warm and open discussion this afternoon with Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić. Together we can make sure that the Jewish community possesses the necessary means to, not only live in security, but thrive as an integral component of civil society. #UNGA pic.twitter.com/rEpdj49igy
— WJC (@WorldJewishCong) September 25, 2019
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Wednesday, September 25th
World Jewish Congress delegation meets with Rwanada Minister of State Nduhungirehe on UNGA sidelines
Thank you to @onduhungirehe for taking the time to meet w/ us today. We look forward to enhancing ties btwn the Jewish people & Rwanda. Through our shared history and pain, we will ensure that the world will always remember (#kwibuka), so we can build a better future for all. pic.twitter.com/y50GATCsQI
— WJC (@WorldJewishCong) September 25, 2019
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Wednesday, September 25th
World Jewish Congress President Ronald S. Lauder meets with German Foreign Minister Maas; Push together against hate speech
It was a pleasure to meet with our close friend @HeikoMaas on the sidelines of the #UNGA. Together, we'll continue to push for stronger legislation against hate speech and ensure that no one is afforded a platform to deny the true scope of the Holocaust. pic.twitter.com/jl6XCtp3Z1
— WJC (@WorldJewishCong) September 25, 2019
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Wednesday, September 25th
World Jewish Congress President Ronald S. Lauder meets with Swedish PM Löfven on sidelines of UNGA
We are proud to engage in a close collaboration w/ @SwedishPM Löfven to uproot all sources of antisemitism, on the left and the right, focusing on education and implementing the IHRA definition. The PM firmly stated that Sweden will do all that is needed to root out this hatred. pic.twitter.com/NOcBu5QDJb
— WJC (@WorldJewishCong) September 25, 2019
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Tuesday, September 25th, 12:45 pm ET
World Jewish Congress joins meeting with Ukrainian President
President Zelensky of Ukraine met today with American Jewish organizations, rabbis, and businessmen to discuss the current situation in Ukraine. He said that continued US support for Ukraine is crucial in the success that Ukraine will have in its drive to continue reforms on all levels at a quick pace – economic, political and culturally, since a strong Ukraine is in America’s interests. Ukraine is progressing in all these aspects and the Jewish community in Ukraine is playing a large role this success and he urged the attendees to encourage business investment from the US and from Israel to help increase this activity. Zelensky noted that there have been few anti-Semitic incidents and reassured the group that he is will do everything to make sure that there will be even fewer incidents, adding that anti-Semitism and xenophobia are unacceptable in the Ukraine. The president committed to complete the memorial and museum at Babi Yar as it is extremely important for Holocaust memory for now and for the future.
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Wednesday, September 25th, 9:45 am ET
WJC representative meets with Paraguayan FM
Member of the WJC US Board and co-WIZO USA president Mireille Manocherian participated in a meeting today with Foreign Minister Antonio Rivas Palacios of Paraguay during UNGA Week. During the meeting Manocherian noted that Paraguay has long been a friend of the Jewish people and was first to condemn the horrific terrorist attack on the AMIA in Buenos Aires. The conversation also focused on working being done to combat terrorism in the region, and the need to designate Hezbollah as a terrorist organization. WJC praised Paraguay for building a commercial office in Israel to create closer economic ties between Israel and Paraguay.
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Wednesday, September 25th, 9:15 am ET
World Jewish Congress meets with ICRC President Peter Maurer
WJC President Ronald S. Lauder met this morning with International Committee of the Red Cross President Peter Maurer on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to seeking avenues to secure the release of Israeli citizens Avera Mengistu and Hisham al-Sayed, as well as the remains of slain IDF soldiers Oron Shaul and Hadar Goldin. All are believed to be held in the Gaza Strip by Hamas.
Goldin was captured by the terror group during a US and UN brokered cease fire in contravention of international humanitarian law.
Our pres. Ronald S. Lauder met this morning w/ @ICRC Pres. Peter Maurer to discuss efforts to secure the release of Israeli citizens & remains of @IDF soldiers Hadar Goldin and Oron Shaul held in Gaza by Hamas.
— WJC (@WorldJewishCong) September 25, 2019
Human lives should never be used as a political bargaining chip pic.twitter.com/p3HYAF0NN8
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Tuesday, September 24th, 3:00 pm ET
World Jewish Congress meets with Singapore FM
WJC President Ronald S. Lauder met this afternoon Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Singapore, at the country’s diplomatic mission in New York. During a warm and friendly encounter, the two discussed Singapore’s already positive relations with Israel and possible avenues to improve ties between the Jewish State and other southeast Asian nations.
WJC President Ronald S. Lauder met this afternoon w/@MFAsg Dr Vivian Balakrishnan at the country’s diplomatic mission in New York. The two discussed Singapore’s warm relationship with @Israel and avenues to improve ties between the Jewish State and other southeast Asian nations. pic.twitter.com/bUqopDaG6S
— WJC (@WorldJewishCong) September 24, 2019
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Monday, September 23rd, 3:30 pm ET
WJC President Ronald S. Lauder meets with Croatian President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović
World Jewish Congress President Ronald S. Lauder met today with President of the Republic of Croatia Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović. The warm conversation focused primarily on the restitution of Jewish property taken by the Ustasha regime during the Holocaust. The WJC looks forward to continuing this dialogue and working together with the government of Croatia to ensure that this issue is dealt with appropriately with respect to the local Jewish community.
WJC Pres. Ronald S. Lauder met today with Croatian President @KolindaGK on the sidelines of the #UNGA. The discussion centered on the restitution of Jewish property taken during the Holocaust. We look forward to working together to right these historical wrongs. pic.twitter.com/mJaqi73ogp
— WJC (@WorldJewishCong) September 23, 2019
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Sunday, September 22nd, 9:45 am ET
WJC President Ronald S. Lauder thanks Austria for decision to grant citizenship to Jews expelled by Nazis
World Jewish Congress President Ronald S. Lauder hosted Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen on Sunday at his Neue Galerie in Manhattan for talks on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly.
The meeting was held in a positive and constructive atmosphere, focusing on a number of key issues including the recent unanimous decision of the Austrian parliament to grant citizenship to all Austrian Jews expelled by the Nazis, as well as their descendants.
Meeting w/ @WorldJewishCong President Ronald S. Lauder in New York. Thankful for the exchange of mutual assessments on current political developments. Austria will continue being at the forefront of fighting antisemitism. We are committed on national as well as intl. level. pic.twitter.com/9QZjokgjiO
— A. Van der Bellen (@vanderbellen) September 22, 2019
President @vanderbellen has long been a friend of the Jewish community.
— WJC (@WorldJewishCong) September 22, 2019
Thank you for all that you’ve done to rebuild the bond between Austria and the Jewish people.https://t.co/lZuc1THUWa
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Sunday, September 22nd, 9:30 am ET
At UNGA, WJC representatives discuss antisemitism, Israel, citizenship law with Spanish Foreign Minister
Representatives of the World Jewish Congress met on Sunday with Spanish Foreign Minister Josep Borrell, on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, together with members of other national American Jewish organizations, including the Conference of Presidents, the Anti-Defamation League, Bnai Brith, and the American Jewish Committee.
The meeting was held in a friendly atmosphere and touched on a number of issues of importance to the global Jewish community, including the rise of antisemitism and Spain’s relations with the State of Israel. Borell has been nominated for the position of EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and is expected to take on the role in November 2019.
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Friday, Septemeber 20th, 3:00 pm ET
WJC takes part in joint Vatican-UAE meeting on interfaith dialogue, on sidelines of UNGA
A World Jewish Congress delegation including WJC Commissioner on Interfaith Relations Claudio Epelman took part on Friday in a meeting of the Higher Committee on Human Fraternity, a joint initiative of the Vatican and the United Arab Emirates, on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly.
During the meeting, the UAE announced its plans to create the Abrahamic Family House, an interfaith compound which will include a synagogue, a mosque and a church in a collective space. The compound is set to open in 2022 on Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates. The collective space is meant to serve the broader community for inter-religious dialogue and exchange and nurture the values of peaceful co-existence and acceptance among different beliefs, nationalities, and cultures.
UAE to open synagogue, part of interfaith compound, in 2022 https://t.co/YnruhkDL1q
— The Times of Israel (@TimesofIsrael) September 22, 2019
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Check out what else is on our agenda this week:
Levels of antisemitism – of all types – are on the rise. It can no longer be ignored.
— WJC (@WorldJewishCong) September 23, 2019
This issue is out of hand and must be confronted immediately by all international bodies, especially the @UN.#UNGA pic.twitter.com/c7LpJaZk8M
While the @UN has played a critical role in the mediation of conflict throughout its nearly 75-year history, it continues to fall short when it comes to the world’s only Jewish State – Israel. The bias must end once and for all.#UNGA pic.twitter.com/2bLwfbodHL
— WJC (@WorldJewishCong) September 23, 2019
Iran is the world’s leading sponsor of terror. Need we say more?#UNGA pic.twitter.com/Ocn4LyRBVd
— WJC (@WorldJewishCong) September 23, 2019
The “March of Return” in Gaza -> Not peaceful.
— WJC (@WorldJewishCong) September 23, 2019
Millions of dollars in funding -> Spent on building terror tunnels.
Destruction of hundreds of acres of Israeli land -> A time for Hamas to celebrate.
Hamas must be recognized for what it is: a terrorist organization.#UNGA pic.twitter.com/5AL9CWCjng
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