	May 28, 2020

WJC President Ronald S. Lauder’s op-ed garners attention from the Muslim media

WJC President's Lauder’s article, reflecting optimism for the prospects of improved Muslim-Jewish relations, was first published on May 15 in the Arab News and has since been republished or reported on in at least two major Arab media outlets.

WJC Jewish Diplomatic Corps in the time of COVID-19: Outreach for Tikkun Olam

In the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, the WJC Jewish Diplomatic Corps has undertaken a number of virtual projects to help Jewish communities around the globe confront the unprecedented challenges caused by COVID-19.

'World Jewish solidarity isn't a meaningless slogan - we truly care'

"The coronavirus pandemic is proving to be a difficult chapter in our history, but more importantly, it is a challenge. It is a moment of truth, vigorously testing the Jewish world’s solidarity," writes newly appointed Israeli Minister of Diaspora Affairs Omer Yankelevich in the Jerusalem Post.

Israel convenes Jewish leaders worldwide to assess COVID-19 challenges

The virtual roundtable forum organized by the Jewish Agency for Israel and Israel’s Ministry of Diaspora Affairs included the World Jewish Congress. The organization was represented by Co-chair of the WJC Policy Council Robert Goot.

'There can be many narratives about the Holocaust, but there is only one truth'

"Imagine German Chancellor Merkel announcing that in May, while Europe celebrates defeat of fascism, Germany remembers all those soldiers and civilians of the Third Reich who lost their lives during that period? This would be scandalous. In Croatia, unfortunately, this is normal." - WJC interview in Croatia’s Novosti.

Bulgaria Jewish community awarded ‘Badge of Honor’ for COVID-19 aid

The Organisation of Jews in Bulgaria - Shalom worked together with several local entities to provide for those in need and sponsor meals for hundreds of medical professionals and families during the pandemic.

Jewish Community of Guatemala donates gear to hospital staff, water kits to villages

President of the community, Rebeca Permuth de Sabbagh, underscored that the Jewish community of Guatemala was indebted to the essential workers who risked their lives each day at the hospital so that the general public could remain at home safely.

Italian Jewish leaders prepare for next steps as COVID restrictions begin to ease

The virtual meeting focused on the response efforts during the coronavirus outbreak, including a review of several life-saving initiatives, with remarks by President of the Union of Italian Jewish Communities (UCEI) Noemi Di Segni, among others.

Antisemitic incidents have more than doubled since 2014 in Austria

The report of the Israelitische Kultusgemeinde Wien (IKG), conducted together with the Forum Against Antisemitism Forum (FgA), found a total of 550 antisemitic incidents in 2019, up 9.5 percent in the last two years.

Shavuot 2020 | Bound as Jews, across time and space

“During our own uncertain times of social distancing, it is worth remembering that we, the Jewish people - no matter where we find ourselves, how physically disconnected we may be and feel from one another - are connected and responsible for each other, as one,” writes WJC Jewish Diplomatic Corps member Nathan Joel.

Shavuot 2020 | United as Jews - and as global citizens

WJC Jewish Diplomatic Corps member Alexi Kelaty writes: “When we are in crisis, we unite. Most Jewish communities may not have their synagogue doors physically open, but right now we are all very much in this together. Jews are reaching out to help those most in need.”

The emotion felt around the world as a German rabbi prayed alone in a pandemic

Unlike Zoom services with their sea of disembodied heads, Rabbi Zsolt Balla was streaming via Facebook — alone in a room, no virtual congregation surrounding him, praying in solitude from the pulpit of his synagogue in Leipzig... The whole lot of human suffering seemed to echo in the sound of Balla’s prayers," writes Ben Harris in JTA.

Review in Al Ahram: The story of the Jews, by Simon Schama

Tarek Osman writes in the Egyptian Al-Ahram news: "By focusing on the people, their lives, and 'talk' in the various areas of these lives, Schama has created a rich canvas of experiences of Jewishness across a long arc of history in different parts of the world."

Iran bans Israel tech, as Khamenei calls for ‘elimination of Zionist entity'

The Guardian Council, an Iranian oversight body that ensures legislation is compatible with the “criteria of Islam and the Constitution,” concluded that the legislation outlawing cooperation with Israel did not violate Islam or the country’s constitution.

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Operation Solomon: Israel airlifts 14,000 Ethiopian Jews in unparalleled mission

The operation remains Israel’s greatest aerial expedition to date and holds the world record for the most passengers ever carried on an aircraft.

Turkish Jewish community shares the bitter and the sweet in song, on eve of Shavout

The Jewish Community of Turkey's music video features children, adults, and community leaders singing the popular Israeli song ‘Al Kol Eleh’ ('For All of These') in celebration of the upcoming holiday celebrating the Torah and the harvest.

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Watch | NOA Project: Channeling the power of interfaith relations in the Netherlands

The Network Overcoming Antisemitism (NOA), which includes the WJC, recently featured the interfaith efforts of Netherlands resident Chantal Suissa-Runne, who is dedicated to connecting members of different faiths in the spirit of love and coexistence.

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Watch | Israeli scientist working to make disposable face masks reusable

These self-cleaning masks have the capability to be charged via USB cable, says Israeli scientist Yair Ein-Eli, but overall will look similar to regular masks - without the waste.

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