	June 18, 2020

WJC brings together Executive Committee for first-ever virtual gathering

The semi-annual Executive Committee meeting was held online with 60 representatives of Jewish communities from 28 countries “in attendance.” The occasion also marked the “bar mitzvah” year of Amb. Ronald S. Lauder’s leadership as President of the WJC.

Rabbi Arthur Schneier: A giant turns 90

At a virtual celebration of his life and leadership, held three months after his birthday due to the coronavirus restrictions, Rabbi Schneier received tributes from leaders across the globe including Pope Francis, Israeli President Reuven Rivlin, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

Germany doubles pledge for Auschwitz preservation, contributing €120 million

WJC President Ronald S. Lauder is 'extremely grateful' to Germany for recognizing the importance of preserving the concentration camp site and adding €60 million to its contribution; Chancellor Merkel announced the first €60 million pledge in December, on a visit to Auschwitz with Lauder.

WJC condemns antisemitic hijacking of Paris anti-racism protests

It is beyond appalling that these protesters would dare to exploit a platform of opposition to all forms of racism and fascism by blatantly demeaning and demonizing both the Jewish people and the State of Israel.

WJC addresses European Commission working group to discuss prevailing antisemitic conspiracy myths

The 17 June meeting of the European Commission Working Group on Combating Antisemitism, which had been set for Brussels, was shifted onto a virtual platform in light of the pandemic, with a special focus placed on the antisemitic myths spreading within online networks and at anti-government demonstrations across Europe.

WJC denounces racism in urgent debate at the United Nations Human Rights Council

Evoking the historic ties and common struggles linking the Jewish and the black American communities, the WJC reminded the Council of the importance of standing in solidarity with those who are marginalized.

Australian Jewish community honors PM Morrison for leadership during COVID-19

In a virtual ceremony, ECAJ president and WJC Vice President Jillian Segal thanked Prime Minister Scott Morrison for the government’s ongoing support for the Jewish community, in good times and in bad.

UK report finds massive online network of far-right antisemitism

The Community Security Trust’s (CST) report highlights four relatively unregulated and lesser-known social media platforms where far-right extremists who have left mainstream social media companies gather to share thousands of violent antisemitic posts, including promotions of antisemitic conspiracy myths against Jews.

WebTalk | How Greece confronted COVID-19 head on

Greece's Minister of Health H.E. Mr. Vassilis Kikilias spoke with WJC’s Coordinator on Countering Antisemitism Leon Saltiel about Greece’s largely-successful handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Portugal parliament recognizes consul who saved thousands from Nazis

Aristides de Sousa Mendes is credited with saving thousands of lives, including approximately 10,000 Jews, by directly disobeying orders and issuing thousands of visas to those attempting to flee the advancing Nazi army.

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June 13, 1960: A turning point in Catholic-Jewish relations

On this day, French-Jewish historian Jules Isaac held a private audience with Pope John XXIII. The WJC was instrumental in drafting a subsequent memorandum which led the Second Vatican Council to declare that the Catholic Church “decries hatred, persecutions, displays of antisemitism, directed against Jews at any time and by anyone.”

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