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	March 20, 2020

WJC President Ronald S. Lauder | "It is in times like these when the strength of our community means the most"

We have been monitoring the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus around the world with great concern, and hope that you and your family are healthy and safe. We are acutely aware of the significant impact this is having on everyone, including our affiliated communities, organizations, and staff. Please know that everyone at the World Jewish Congress is thinking of you and wishing you well during these trying times.

Read the full statement here...

Israeli President Reuven Rivlin's message to global Jewry: "Take care of yourselves - you are members of our family overseas"

The President also called on those who are able to help the elderly, the lonely and those without supplies, explaining that “our sense of mutual obligation is the fundamental value that has protected us.”

Commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Bergen-Belsen postponed due to coronavirus

The World Jewish Congress was set to be integrally involved in the anniversary’s activities, with WJC President Ronald S. Lauder scheduled to deliver a keynote address beside the Bergen-Belsen mass-graves at the central commemoration on 19 April.

At UNHRC, WJC takes to floor to advocate for human rights

The WJC has been actively engaged for many years with UN officials and agencies in Geneva, including several diplomatic missions, other NGOs, and the Council. Since 2015, the World Jewish Congress has given approximately 90 statements at the UNHRC in Geneva.

Kyiv court puts celebrations honoring Nazi collaborators on hold

In an age of increasing antisemitism and xenophobic sentiment worldwide, it is imperative that local and federal courts across Europe take note of this important step forward in our global efforts to cease the glorification of antisemitism, Nazi collaboration, and other forms of hatred against Jews.

US Commission on International Religious Freedom warns against exacerbated violation amid coronavirus spread

In its factsheet, the USCIRF outlines the rights guaranteed under international law, as well as a list of countries in which government or societal responses to the pandemic may significantly impact freedom of religion. “It is important for governments to account for religious freedom concerns in their responses to COVID-19, for reasons of both legality and policy effectiveness."

WJC official affirms Pope Francis' commitment to coexistence

Claudio Epelman, World Jewish Congress Representative in Latin America, Commissioner for Interfaith Relations & Executive Director of the WJC-affiliate Latin American Jewish Congress (LAJC), spoke recently with the AJN News Agency of his professional relationship and personal friendship with Pope Francis, who entered the papacy as in 2013 after serving as a bishop for many years in Buenos Aires.

LAJC puts crisis management expertise to work amid coronavirus spread

“Experience has shown that being prepared is a crucial factor in crisis management," said Danilo Gelman, who oversees crisis management for the Latin American Jewish Congress. “The virus and the actions being taken to contain it will impact the routine of life in the communities. The next few days will be crucial to contain the pandemic. The better we are prepared, the sooner we will recover.”

German community teams up with Ministry of Family Affairs and Women to launch “Meet a Jew” project

The goal of the project is to break down barriers and introduce the two groups of people to one another on equal footing, with the hope that participants will realize that despite their difference, there is more that unites than separates them.

Orthodox Tel Aviv synagogue begins virtual online prayer services | Jerusalem Post

Yachad, the liberal Orthodox synagogue in Tel Aviv, held its first virtual Shaharit prayer service this past week, with 100 worshipers taking part.

Conservative movement: Virtual minyans permitted during virus ‘crisis situation’ | Times of Israel

“Some [mourners] may feel distress at not being able to recite [Mourner’s Kaddish] in the absence of a minyan, particularly for a prolonged period, and rabbis must reassure mourners that they are fulfilling their Jewish legal obligations under the circumstances and should feel no guilt whatsoever in remembering and honoring the deceased in this way,” wrote Rabbis Elliot Dorff and Pamela Barmash.

Plaque unveiled in Geneva honoring Abraham Silberschein, Polish Jewish activist who tried to save Jews from Nazi destruction

Silberschein was a member of the Bernese Group – or the Ładoś Group, so named after Ambassador Aleksander Ładoś, the representative in Switzerland of the London-based Polish government in exile during the Nazi German occupation of Poland, under whose protection and direction a team of Polish diplomats stationed in Switzerland and several Jewish activists operated to forge these documents, an initiative that was largely funded by the WJC.

Bulgaria commemorates Holocaust victims and heroes

Dr. Alexander Oscar, President of the WJC-affiliated Organization of Jews in Bulgaria-Shalom, talked about the bravery of the Bulgarian people who stood up against the Nazis and “found the strength to oppose an inhuman ideology and did not allow their brothers and sisters of Jewish organization to be deported to the Nazi death camps."

My family gave up sitting shiva to fight coronavirus | Newsweek

"Not coming over to sit shiva meshes with basic religious principles as well (for Jews and gentiles alike). Honor thy neighbor—by staying home and staying healthy," writes Ally Kehoe.

WATCH | Israel shows appreciation for healthcare workers fighting the coronavirus

Israelis emerged to their balconies en masse Thursday evening to applaud those in the medical field working tirelessly to fight the coronavirus. Thank you for keeping us safe!

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WATCH | The bustling streets of Jerusalem turn empty as coronavirus spreads

Jerusalem-based photographer and tour guide Yonit Schiller saw a whole new side of her beloved city and captured it with her camera: A City of Gold, empty of people. "It's heartbreaking to witness the streets which are usually bursting with life and buzzing with energy coming to a grinding halt," Yonit says.

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WATCH | Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks: Coronavirus 'will try nation like during WWII'

In an interview with BBC Newsnight presenter Emily Maitlis on Wednesday, Rabbi Sacks struck a somewhat hopeful note, saying that although bad events “can bring the worst out in us, they also bring out the best.”

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