First time ever, Pope's residence becomes conference venue, hosts Eurasian and World Jewish congresses
Photo: WJC
The delegation of the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress (EAJC) took part in a special meeting of the executive committee of the World Jewish Congress (WJC), held in Rome and the Vatican on November 21-22. The forum brought together leaders of Jewish communities from more than 50 countries around the world. For the first time since the formation of the Catholic Church, the Apostolic Palace, the residence of the Pope in the Vatican, became the conference venue. The parties agreed to develop cooperation between Jewish and Catholic organizations in order to help those in need around the world. In particular, to people who suffered during the hostilities in Ukraine.
WJC President Ronald S. Lauder, addressing the members of the executive committee in the Vatican audience hall, announced the launch of the Kishreinu program, the purpose of which is “to ensure a strong common future for Catholics and Jews, preserving their cultures and religious traditions.” “All those who are here are striving to strengthen our connection with the Catholic Church,” said Ambassador Lauder.
Pope Francis, in his welcoming speech, pointed to the "special task" entrusted to "both spiritual communities" - "to work to bring people together, fight inequality and promote the triumph of universal justice, so that such a thing as" peace "is not just a distant promise, but it has become part of our reality.”
EAJC President Dr. Mikhail Mirilashvili, speaking to the delegates of the executive committee, once again stressed that international Jewish organizations can become mediators in peace negotiations between the heads of Russia and Ukraine. According to him, from the very beginning of hostilities, the leaders of the EAJC made efforts to cease fire and start the negotiation process.
“We remain of the opinion that the bloodshed must be stopped. As the largest international Jewish organizations in the world, we once again offer our services as potential mediators in peace negotiations. We will continue to do everything in our power, trying to prevent the next potential tragedies of this war,” Mikhail Mirilashvili said.
Speaking about the rapprochement of the Jewish community with other peoples and nationalities, the EAJC President noted that more and more public figures and religious authorities of both the Christian and Islamic worlds oppose anti-Israeli rhetoric and call for peace - "we are witnessing a truly new Middle East."
“We see how the peace process and its advantages - a rich scientific, cultural and technological exchange - lead us to incomparably more than senseless enmity. This does not mean that we agree on everything, but it means that we are conducting a civilized dialogue and can patiently and respectfully discuss our contradictions,” Mikhail Mirilashvili explained.
