RIGA – The World Jewish Congress (WJC), through its Thrive Project, in partnership with the Latvian Jewish Community convened a Baltic-Nordic Regional Meeting in Riga on 21–22 January, bringing together Jewish community leaders from Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, and Finland.
The meeting provided a structured framework for engagement between Nordic and Baltic Jewish communities, enabling participants to assess shared challenges and explore avenues for strengthened regional cooperation.
Over the two days, participants examined the evolving realities of Jewish communal life in the region, reflecting on demographic change, community structures, and the ways communities respond to shifting social and security environments. The discussions allowed community leaders to share experiences and assess how existing models adapt to contemporary needs.
Key discussions focused on internal community dynamics, including membership frameworks, engagement strategies, and programme development. Participants explored approaches to inclusion, identity, and sustainability, as well as methods for ensuring that community life remains relevant and accessible to both members and those who engage outside formal structures.
The meeting also addressed cooperation with public authorities and institutional partners, with exchanges on building effective relationships with governments and security services. These discussions examined practical approaches to safeguarding Jewish life, countering antisemitism, and responding to security challenges facing communities across the region.
Youth engagement was another central theme, with dedicated discussions on strengthening young people’s involvement in communal life and creating pathways for greater responsibility. Participants emphasized the importance of intergenerational dialogue and the role of younger generations in shaping the future of Jewish communities.
Reflecting on the meeting, Viktorija Jusė, Jewish Community Liaison for the Nordic, Baltic, and Eastern European regions at the World Jewish Congress, underscored the importance of community-driven engagement:
“For the World Jewish Congress, it is essential to remain closely connected to the realities our communities face. Meetings such as this help us better understand how to support communities across multiple levels — from combating antisemitism and engaging with policymakers to strengthening resilience and sustaining vibrant Jewish life. I hope this gathering will continue to serve as a lasting platform for regional cooperation.”
Mila Stojanović, Community Liaison for the Balkan region and Events Manager at WJC, highlighted the value of regional exchange:
“Regional dialogue allows communities to learn from one another in a practical and honest way. While national contexts differ, many of the challenges are shared, and cooperation across regions helps identify solutions that are both realistic and sustainable.”
The Thrive Project, funded by the European Commission and implemented by World Jewish Congress (WJC) in cooperation with European Union of Jewish Students (EUJS) and the European Association for the Preservation and Promotion of Jewish Culture and Heritage (AEPJ), aims to reinforce Jewish life in Europe through practical cooperation and sustained community dialogue.
