Aim

Foster the unity of the Jewish people, to strive for the fulfilment of its aspirations and ensure the continuity and development of its religious, spiritual, cultural, and social heritage; combat the resurgence of anti-Semitism and xenophobia through education, justice, and security, in cooperation with national governments and European institutions; monitor legislative initiatives that can threaten Jewish life and traditions on European and national levels and to take immediate actions to protect Jewish interests; promote a balanced European policy towards Israel, to defend its image, which is continuously vilified by dangerous propaganda, and assist in the construction of a healthy dialogue between Europeans and Israelis; enhance inter-religious dialogue and understanding; ensure the memory and education of the Shoah, and to fight against those who distort or deny its memory by organising commemoration events, visits to the concentration and death camps, and promoting educational programmes; contribute to a democratic European society based on peace, understanding, and tolerance; protect Jewish lives and to defend the individual rights of Jews to practise Judaism and its traditions freely and to monitor and combat all hostile legislative initiatives in this respect; assist in the revitalisation of the once rich Jewish life in parts of Europe and to help small communities to develop and flourish; create opportunities for community leaders to establish ties with one another and share their experiences and ideas.

History

The European Jewish Congress (EJC) was officially established as a new and independent structure in 1986. Previously, European Jewish issues were dealt with by the European branch of the World Jewish Congress (WJC), first based in London, before moving to Paris in 1980. The EJC is today the regional affiliate of the WJC.