Brussles / New York
19 May 2009
Members of the Executive Committee of the World Jewish Congress (WJC), led by WJC President Ronald S. Lauder, will meet in Rome on Wednesday (20 May 2009, 17:30) with the Vatican’s Cardinal Secretary of State Tarcisio Bertone to discuss the state of Catholic-Jewish relations following the visit of Pope Benedict XVI to Israel, and other important matters. Later the same day (20:00), the WJC leadership will also be received by Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi.
Ronald S. Lauder pointed out that the meeting with Cardinal Bertone was significant in that it provided an important opportunity to discuss future joint initiatives enhancing the already strong relationship between the Holy See and the Jewish world. Lauder also said that he wanted to thank Prime Minister Berlusconi for Italy’s principled stance on the Middle East conflict, the fight against terrorism and its sponsors, and the Italian withdrawal from the United Nations Durban Review Conference in April. “The Jewish people know that in Rome we have strong allies, and we are grateful for that,” Lauder said.
Journalists interested in receiving information about these meetings, or interviewing a WJC representative, are kindly requested to contact either of the persons mentioned below.
The World Jewish Congress is the international organization representing Jewish communities in 92 countries around the world. The WJC serves as the diplomatic arm of the Jewish people to governments and international organizations. The WJC’s Executive is comprised of elected lay leaders from Jewish communities and organizations across the Globe.
