Ronald S. Lauder confirmed as president of World Jewish Congress

European Jewish Press, Belgium

Argentinian Eduardo Elsztain elected new chairman of Governing Board

By John Milner
           
JERUSALEM (EJP)- Ronald S. Lauder was reelected as president of the World Jewish Congress (WJC) at the organization’s plenary assembly in Jerusalem. The 65-year-old American businessman and former US ambassador to Austria was confirmed by the 400 delegates representing Jewish communities in over 80 countries and several affiliated international Jewish organizations.

In his speech to delegates, Lauder emphasized Diaspora Jewry’s unwavering support for the State of Israel, especially in the face of threats by terrorist organizations. He criticized countries and international bodies such as the United Nations for applying “double standards” when it comes to Israel and not providing enough support.

Eduardo Elsztain, a Jewish leader from Argentina was elected new chairman of the WJC Governing Board, succeeding Matthew Bronfman.

WJC secretary-general Michael Schneider was also confirmed in his post. Cobi Benatoff of Italy will become new WJC treasurer, replacing Elsztain in this post.

Delegates also elected the following Jewish leaders vice-presidents of the World Jewish Congress: Rabbi Yaakov Bleich (Ukraine), Helena Glaser (Israel), Robert Goot (Australia), Flo Kaufmann (Great Britain), Charlotte Knobloch (Germany), Thomas Kraus (Czech Republic), Tamar Shchory (Israel), Rabbi Marc Schneier (USA), and Mervyn Smith (South Africa).

Roger Cukierman, a former president of CRIF, the umbrella body of French Jewish organizations, was appointed vice-president by the European Jewish Congress, the WJC’s regional affiliate.

At the opening of the plenary assembly, Israeli President Shimon Peres told delegates that Israel was right to defend itself against thousands of rockets launched by Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip. “Instead of investing in the future the Palestinian people, Hamas is buying arms to fight against Israel.”

Israeli Defense Minister and Labor Party leader Ehud Barak, Diaspora Affairs Minister Isaac Herzog and Likud Chairman Benjamin Netanyahu also addressed delegates

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