German FM Guido Westerwelle at WJC Assembly: “Anti-Semitism has no place neither in Berlin, nor in Budapest, nor anywhere else in Europe”
Budapest,
May 6, 2013 – “Anti-Semitism has no place
neither in Berlin, nor in Budapest, nor anywhere else in Europe or in the
world,” declared German Foreign Minister Guido
Westerwelle at the World Jewish Congress’ (WJC) 14th Plenary
Assembly in Budapest this morning, where he received a standing ovation from
the room following his speech. The Foreign Minister’s remarks come at an
alarming time when anti-Semitism is on the rise in several European countries,
particularly Hungary.
“We
are firmly committed to protecting and nourishing Jewish life in our societies
and to countering anti-Semitism across the globe. We have to tackle the root causes
of anti-Semitism,” Westerwelle added.
The
WJC, which is playing host to over 600 delegates and observers from their
affiliated Jewish communities and organizations in 100 countries, decided to
hold its Plenary Assembly in Budapest in light of these growing concerns. Other keynote speakers at the Plenary
Assembly include Hungarian
Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, Cardinal Péter
Erdő, the archbishop of Esztergom-Budapest and current president of the
Council of European Bishops Conferences, as well as various special envoys to
the Middle East. Delegates will also elect today a new WJC Executive for the
next four years.
The
Plenary is organized in cooperation with the Federation of Jewish Communities
of Hungary (MAZSIHISZ), the official representative body of Jews in Hungary.
MAZSIHISZ President Péter Feldmájer declared: “The fact that the WJC is holding
its Plenary Assembly in Budapest is a symbol of solidarity with our Jewish
community, which has been faced with growing anti-Semitism in recent years. We
look forward to welcoming the WJC delegates here in Hungary, home to the
largest Jewish community in Central Europe.”
Westerwelle addressing
the Congress
Westerwelle (right) and President of the World Jewish Congress Ronald S. Lauder (left)
Photo credit to Doron Ritter
About
World Jewish Congress:
The World Jewish Congress (WJC) is the international organization
representing Jewish communities in 100 countries to governments, parliaments
and international organizations. The Plenary Assembly is the highest
decision-making body of the organization. It meets every four years and elects
the WJC officers. All affiliated Jewish communities are entitled to send a
certain number of delegates, depending on the size of their Jewish population.
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