Supporting Jewish Communities: A Lauder Fellow’s Reflections on WJC Visit to Slovenia

Being part of the World Jewish Congress Lauder Fellowship, I have had a chance to experience Jewish advocacy on all levels over these past months. From working with trusted allies and expanding established partnerships, all the way to the fight to ensure the most basic rights of the Jewish community.  

As a Lauder Fellow you have the chance to witness high-level diplomacy first-hand. I had the honor to be a part of the WJC delegation to Slovenia. Going into the visit, I was expecting to get to know the community and hopefully to help advance the cooperation with the government in protecting Jewish life in the country. Unfortunately, my expectations turned out very wrong. 

Considering the Slovenian Jewish community is small, it is often neglected in more ways than one, thus it was a challenge to establish any type of understanding between the WJC and the government. It was crucial for us to emphasize that our purpose wasn't to advocate for the Israeli government, but rather to prioritize our longstanding commitment to supporting Jewish people worldwide. 

Carefully following how the WJC Management works and how they approach every meeting looking to achieve the goals the World Jewish Congress has set while being attentive to our counterparts, has helped me better understand how to handle delicate diplomatic matters. 

Robert Walt, the President of the Liberal Jewish Community of Slovenia, is not only a pillar of the Jewish community and beyond but also an inspiration. His effort and motivation knows no end and it was truly an honor to meet him and participate in the delegation alongside him. He fights continuously, through countless events and initiatives highlighting the importance of fostering Jewish life in Slovenia, for recognition from the government. 

When asked why such visits are important, I think the answer is very simple. We are carrying the noble mission of protecting and safeguarding global Jewry and ensuring we are more than just survivors of the Holocaust. If not us then who will? And if we are not present on the world stage then are we going to end up as just a memory?   

Being a part of this delegation has been more than just insightful. Considering that Slovenia is a part of the former Yugoslavian region which is of interest to me personally, I was honored to have been chosen for further insight on how the region overall perceives Jewish life. As a WJC Lauder Fellow it is very important to experience these kinds of crucial events in the advancement of fostering Jewish life as close to the frontlines as possible, because the Jewish life we live today is the one we will strive to safeguard and improve for the future.