GENEVA — The World Jewish Congress formally marked 90 years since its founding in Geneva on Sunday evening, opening a week of high-level meetings focused on rising antisemitism, global extremism, and the security of Jewish communities worldwide.
The commemorative gala dinner, hosted jointly by the World Jewish Congress and its affiliate, the Swiss Federation of Jewish Communities (SIG), brought together members of the WJC Governing Board, representatives of Jewish communities from around the world, diplomats, and senior government officials responsible for combating antisemitism.
Addressing the gathering, President of the Swiss Confederation H.E. Mr. Guy Parmelin reflected on his country’s historic role as a center of diplomacy and international cooperation, while welcoming the return of the World Jewish Congress to the city in which it was founded in 1936.
“It is an honor to join you today in celebrating the jubilee of the World Jewish Congress, here in Geneva, where the organization was founded 90 years ago,” said Parmelin, who was introduced by WJC Vice President and SIG President Ralph Friedländer.
“Switzerland shares the WJC’s conviction that it is possible to bring peace to the Middle East and to address the concerns of the Palestinian people as well. Switzerland is committed to supporting a democratic Israel that adheres to international standards,” he affirmed.
In remarks following Parmelin, Lauder emphasized the continuing relevance of the WJC’s founding mission amid rising violent antisemitism and instability.
“Ninety years after the founding of the World Jewish Congress in this city, Jewish communities once again find themselves confronting rising hatred, extremism, and profound uncertainty,” Lauder said. “The responsibility of this organization — to unite, defend, and advocate for the Jewish people on the international stage — remains as vital today as it was in 1936.”
Chella Safra, opening her first gathering as chair of the WJC Governing Board, said the anniversary served as both a commemoration of the organization’s history and a reaffirmation of its future mission. Addressing the present government officials directly, Safra said, “When Israel is singled out, time and again – it fuels distortion. It does not advance peace; it deepens division. And too often, it re-enforces antisemitism.
"We commend and appreciate those within the international community who are working to confront antisemitism with courage and seriousness. But we cannot ignore when that system is broken.”
Lauder, Safra, and WJC Israel Region President Sylvan Adams also presented the Israel Resilience Award to the family of Ran Gvili, the final hostage held in Gaza following the October 7 terror attacks.
Adams declared, “Ran’s memory is now forever part of the story of Jewish courage and resilience, during one of the hardest chapters in modern history. Itzik and Talik, you are our north star.”
“Your strength and your spirit guide our responsibility to never give up hope, to stand together, and to unite our people,” he added.
Talik Gvili, Ran’s mother, said, “After October 7th, we in Israel came to understand something deeply important: the Jewish communities around the world are the backbone of the State of Israel. You are our strength, our support system, our belt of power.”
The Geneva meetings continue throughout the week with sessions of the WJC Governing Board and the WJC’s Special Envoys and Coordinators Combating Antisemitism (SECCA) Network.
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