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	May 08, 2020

In call with Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Löfven, WJC President Ronald S. Lauder affirms support for postponing Malmö Forum due to COVID-19

WJC President Lauder expressed to the Swedish PM his appreciation for the government's decision to delay the Malmö Forum, considering the extraordinary global circumstances brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, and praised the prime minister for his commitment to furthering Holocaust remembrance and combating antisemitism.

Ronald Lauder: Jewish communities everywhere are working together in the face of COVID-19

As governments around the world set about easing restrictions, it is evident that the coronavirus has changed every one of us, creating a new reality, writes World Jewish Congress President Ronald S. Lauder.

Read WJC President Lauder's op-eds in Le Figaro and Jüdische Allgemeine.

On V-E Day, WJC President Ronald S. Lauder honors the heroes who sacrificed their lives to quell Nazi terror

Seventy-five years ago today, World War II in Europe came to an end with Nazi Germany’s unconditional surrender. Commenting on this momentous anniversary, World Jewish Congress President Ronald S. Lauder declared, “This is a day for us all to pause and remember the grievous toll exacted on humanity — and on the Jewish people in particular — by the Nazi German regime and its multinational accomplices.”

WebTalks | Monitoring antisemitism in the international arena

United Nations Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief Dr. Ahmed Shaheed speaks about his groundbreaking work in mainstreaming efforts to fight antisemitism within the UN system.

WebTalks | The United Nations: Fostering peace through diplomacy

Director-General of the United Nations Office at Geneva H.E. Ms. Tatiana Valovaya discusses the efforts of the United Nations in fostering peace through diplomacy, and the challenges of diplomatic engagement during COVID-19.

Board of Deputies of British Jews urges Facebook to wake up as ‘bombs and bullets' threat made online

Board of Deputies President and WJC Vice President Marie van der Zyl said: “While the statement itself was eventually removed after we intervened directly with Facebook staff, it should not have taken this level of knowledge of people in the company to receive a response.... What this incident demonstrates, beyond the shadow of a doubt, is that either Facebook’s Community Standards are hopelessly flawed or those employees responsible for implementing them are extremely ill-trained; or possibly both.”

Amid COVID-19 pandemic, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres urges 'everyone, everywhere, to stand up against hate'

"COVID-19 does not care who we are, where we live, what we believe or about any other distinction. We need every ounce of solidarity to tackle it together. Yet the pandemic continues to unleash a tsunami of hate and xenophobia, scapegoating and scare-mongering... We must act now to strengthen the immunity of our societies against the virus of hate. That's why I'm appealing today for an all-out effort to end hate speech globally."

Germany broadens ban on Hezbollah to include political wing

In praising the decision, President of the Central Council of Jews in Germany and WJC Vice President Dr. Josef Schuster called on German authorities to continue to take strong actions against the organization which is “motivated by deep hatred of Jews.”

Networks Overcoming Antisemitism | Grassroots NGO shifts focus to donate to communities in need amid COVID-19

Charity Taxi is the first project to be featured on the website of NOA, a unique coalition of major Jewish organizations, including the World Jewish Congress, that aims to tackle rising antisemitism in Europe. “Adománytaxi reflects social issues such as poverty and inequality, but it is based on the knowledge and values I got from [the] international Jewish community… It feels good that I can give back something from the huge amount of inspiration I received to the broader community in Hungary,” said Jewish activist and founder of Charity Taxi, Tamás Horn.

Irish PM Varadkar Zooms in for Dublin discussion with Jewish community | The Jewish Chronicle

“At the outset of the crisis, we felt the community should have a major boost to keep spirits up,” said chair of the WJC-affiliated Jewish Representative Council of Ireland Maurice Cohen. “We simply asked whether the [Prime Minister Leo Varadkar] would be willing to hop into a Zoom meeting if he could find the time. I was told that if he could, it would just be for five-to-ten minutes. In fact, he chatted for over half-an-hour. We concentrated on both the situation we all find ourselves in, and when he thought it would be over.”

King Willem-Alexander offers moving words in Dutch National Remembrance Day speech

In his remarks, King Alexander spoke of Holocaust survivor and Dutch historian, Jules Schelvis, describing him as “fragile but unbroken.” He added that despite going “through hell” Jules Schelvis “managed to make something of his life as a free person. Much more than that...If he could do that, then so can we. We can do it, and do it together.”

WATCH | Israel developing treatment for COVID-19 from antibodies

Biological researchers in Israel have made a significant breakthrough in the search for a possible treatment for the coronavirus, according to multiple news agencies, including Reuters.

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The Jews are in the line of fire again | By Secretary-General of the Central Board of Jewish Communities in Greece Victor Eliezer

“Unfortunately, after any big crisis, after any big change that happens in the world, we Jews found ourselves in the line of fire of conspiracy theories and populism.... [and] today those who don't hesitate to accuse the Jews find them guilty for the expansion of the coronavirus in order to control mankind and impose their power, are not missing.”

WATCH | Ester Rachel Kamińska: The mother of Jewish theatre

Celebrating 70 years this month, the Ester Rachel Kamińska and Ida Kamińska State Jewish Theater in Warsaw continues the rich traditions of pre-war Jewish theatrical stages in Poland. Learn more about Yiddish actor and activist Ester Rachel Kamińska, known as the mother of Jewish theatre.

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WATCH | The end of WWII in Europe

May 8 marks the end of WWII in Europe. 75 years ago, with the unconditional surrender of Nazi Germany, millions across western Europe and in the US enjoyed a day of absolute jubilation and celebration in the streets. These are the iconic Victory in Europe Day photos.

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