The 13th Plenary Assembly of the World Jewish Congress (WJC), the leading international organization representing Jewish communities in over 80 countries around the Globe, will take place on January 26-27 in Jerusalem under the motto "We stand by Israel".
Over 400 representatives of Jewish communities from all continents, international Jewish organizations and guests are expected to attend the meeting.
The Plenary Assembly is the highest decision-making body of the WJC and meets every four years. The WJC was founded in Geneva in 1936. It serves as the diplomatic arm of the Jewish people to governments and international organizations
Apart from elections for WJC president and executive officers, delegates will also discuss the current military conflict in Gaza and other threats against Israel, as well as the repercussions for Jewish communities around the world, notably regarding the related surge in anti-Semitism.
World Jewish Congress President Ronald S. Lauder pointed out, "At this meeting, we want to give the people of Israel our full support and show them that they are not alone in the face of attacks by militant Islamists which threaten the very existence of the State of Israel."
Debates on other international developments, such as the recent Mumbai terror attacks, efforts to delegitimize Israel in international bodies, and the situation in Venezuela, also feature prominently on the agenda.
On January 27, delegates will mark International Holocaust Remembrance Day in a special ceremony at Yad Vashem, Israel's Holocaust memorial institution in Jerusalem.
Senior Israeli politicians, including Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni, Diaspora Affairs Minister Issac Herzog, Likud Chairman Benjamin Netanyahu and Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat, have already confirmed their presence and will address delegates at various points during the meeting.
