NEW YORK—The World Jewish Congress marked the start of this year’s United Nations General Assembly in New York with a reception honoring European Parliament President Roberta Metsola for her extensive efforts to combat antisemitism and support Jewish life across European Union member-states.
The gathering of diplomats and Jewish community leaders, which took place at the Neue Galerie on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, featured remarks from Metsola and WJC President Ronald S. Lauder.
Lauder thanked Metsola for her commitment to the Jewish people, praising her for "special support for the State of Israel" on the international stage and dedication to ensuring that the Holocaust is never forgotten.
Addressing President Metsola directly, President Lauder concluded his remarks with heartfelt gratitude, stating, "God Bless you, on behalf of the Jewish people from all over the world, because you are one of the special people who we can count on to stand up for us in the missions that we need it most."
Metsola, reaffirming the critical need to support Europe’s Jewish communities, said, “Our commitment to helping foster Jewish life in Europe is not only personal, but it is institutional, and it is collective. The story of Europe is intrinsically linked to the history of the Jewish people and community. It is testimony to the triumph of hope over hate."
Speaking about the importance of Holocaust remembrance and being vocal against bigotry, President Metsola said, "We are committed to remembering, to breaking the cycle of history, to confronting antisemitism, to ensuring that we remember the devastation of history and that lessons of the past will never be forgotten."
Throughout her tenure as President of the European Parliament, Metsola has consistently championed the fight against antisemitism and played a pivotal role in emphasizing the significance of Holocaust remembrance. Among her notable efforts include the establishment of the European Parliament's first permanent Holocaust memorial, "The Refugee," a poignant artwork by Felix Nussbaum, who perished in the Holocaust.
While this week’s General Debate–the period during the General Assembly when world leaders deliver their remarks on the floor of the United Nations–will last the usual six days, this year’s session marks the first time that a two-day break will be held to ensure that no speeches are delivered on the Jewish holy day of Yom Kippur.
World Jewish Congress representatives will be holding a series of bilateral diplomatic meetings on the sidelines of the UNGA.
Stay tuned to our live blog for updates throughout the week.
