WJC leadership meets with Italian foreign minister in Rome

Italy's Foreign Minister Giulio Terzi di Sant'Agata held talks with the members of the World Jewish Congress Steering Committee and the Italian Jewish community umbrella organization UCEI in Rome on Monday. The delegation was headed by WJC President Ronald S. Lauder and included UCEI President Renzo Gattegna.

During the discussion, Terzi and the WJC delegation agreed on the need to take determined action to protect freedom of religion at the international level, as well as dialogue between different cultures and religions. Lauder thanked the minister and the Italian government for the firm commitment to fighting religious intolerance and all forms of anti-Semitism.

The meeting was an opportunity for the representatives of the Italian Jewish community taking part to review the Middle Eastern issues currently high on the international agenda.

At the end of the meeting, Terzi - on behalf of Italian President Giorgio Napolitano - presented the president of the European Jewish Congress, Moshe Kantor, with the honor of Knight of the Great Cross of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic.

The award was given to Kantor in recognition of his efforts to promote human rights and inter-faith dialogue, and to combat xenophobia and anti-Semitism across Europe.

Italy will hold go to the polls next Sunday and Monday. The elections for the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate will determine which political camp can form the new government.

Photos: Mario de Renzis