BRUSSELS – Following Ursula von der Leyen’s announcement that she intends to seek another term as President of the European Commission, Maram Stern, executive vice president of the World Jewish Congress, shared the following:
“The World Jewish Congress welcomes Ursula von der Leyen's willingness to run for the office of President of the European Commission once again. Under her leadership, the Commission has developed into a powerful player in global politics, successfully steering the continent through the coronavirus pandemic and taking a clear stance against Russian aggression.
“The fight against Jew hatred in Europe is a matter close to von der Leyen's heart. She has worked tirelessly to achieve this since the beginning of her term in office. The first European ‘Strategy on combating antisemitism and fostering Jewish Life’ adopted in 2021 was a milestone. The central position of the Commission's Coordinator for combating antisemitism and fostering Jewish Life also speaks volumes.
“Unlike many other high-ranking political representatives, von der Leyen also stood firmly and unreservedly on the side of the victims after the terrible attacks of October 7, 2023. She emphasized Israel's right to self-defense just as uncompromisingly as the obligation of politics and civil society worldwide to counter the resurgence of Jew hatred with all their might. For the Jews in Europe, there can be no better Commission President than Ursula von der Leyen.”
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