The Federation of Jewish Communities in the Czech Republic serves as the umbrella organization for Jewish communities and institutions across the country. We are a proud and valuable member of both the World Jewish Congress (WJC) and the European Jewish Congress (EJC), actively contributing to Jewish life in the Czech Republic and beyond.

In the upcoming May 2025 WJC elections, we are running for a position in the Executive Committee, representing Member Communities. We strongly believe that our election will bring a unique and essential voice to the WJC leadership, advocating for small and medium-sized Jewish communities, preserving Jewish heritage in Central Europe, and reinforcing unwavering support for Israel.

The Importance of Our Representation

The Czech Jewish community has deep historical roots, yet today, it remains one of the most vibrant Jewish centers in Central Europe. Currently, there are nine official Jewish communities in Bohemia and Moravia, with approximately 3,000 registered members—half of whom reside in Prague. However, broader estimates suggest that the Czech Jewish community at large exceeds 15,000 people, many of whom are unaffiliated with formal Jewish institutions. Ensuring their engagement, security, and continuity is a key priority of our Federation.

Moreover, the Czech Republic has consistently stood as a firm and unwavering ally of Israel. This commitment has been demonstrated repeatedly through government policy, public sentiment, and direct diplomatic actions. In the wake of the October 7 terrorist attack by Hamas, the Czech Republic immediately and unequivocally expressed its solidarity with Israel, condemning terrorism and reaffirming its support for Israel’s right to self-defense.

This strong support has been evident in multiple ways. Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský was among the first European officials to visit Israel after the attack, demonstrating direct solidarity. The Czech Republic has also taken a clear pro-Israel stance in the United Nations. It has consistently voted against or abstained from resolutions seen as biased against Israel. In December 2023, it was one of the few European nations to oppose a UN General Assembly resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza without condemning Hamas.

At this critical time for global Jewry and Israel, it is imperative that voices like ours—those that champion Israel, Jewish resilience, and the protection of Jewish life worldwide—are strongly represented in the WJC leadership.

Our Leadership

Petr Papoušek, President of the Federation of Jewish Communities in the Czech Republic, has dedicated his career to the advancement of Jewish life in the country and beyond. Born in Olomouc in 1977, he pursued economic studies and spent an academic year at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem. After furthering his Jewish studies at the European Institute for Jewish Studies – Paideia in Stockholm, he returned to serve his home community.

Since 2004, he has been actively involved in the Jewish Community of Olomouc, where he was elected President. In 2012, he was elected President of the Federation of Jewish Communities in the Czech Republic, a position he was re-elected to in 2016, 2020, 2024. His contributions extend to the international stage, serving as:

Vice President of the World Jewish Congress – Executive Board, representing small Jewish communities (reelected in April 2017, 2021).

Beyond his professional and communal commitments, he is a dedicated husband and father of two.

Thank You for Your Support
By electing the Federation of Jewish Communities in the Czech Republic, you are strengthening the representation of historically significant but smaller Jewish communities, ensuring that pro-Israel voices remain prominent in the global Jewish dialogue, and reaffirming the importance of Jewish unity in challenging times. We deeply appreciate your support and look forward to continuing our work for the Jewish people and Israel.