Last night, the European Jewish Congress (EJC) opened its new offices in Brussels to press European institutions on matters of importance to the Jewish community. The EJC inaugurates its new offices with events attended by the President of the European Parliament, Jerzy Buzek, President of the European Commission, José Manuel Barroso, Commissioner in charge of Justice, Freedom and Security, Jacques Barrot, Israel Minister of National Infrastructure, Dr. Uzi Landau, Ambassadors and over 50 members of the European Parliament.

The EJC is the democratically elected representative body of European Jewish communities. In recent years, under the leadership of its president, Dr. Moshe Kantor, the EJC has moved towards high-profile advocacy including frequent meetings with European leaders and pushing Europe towards dealing with issues such as the Iranian nuclear threat, closer ties with Israel, promoting tolerance, reconciliation and interfaith dialogue and fighting anti-Semitism, xenophobia and holocaust denial.

Baroso spoke warmly of ties between the European Commission and the EJC and lauded its work. He welcomed the EJC commitment and important work in many fields, particularly towards inter-faith dialogue and also spoke about the great contribution of the Jewish community to Europe.

The EJC opened its offices in Brussels to be able to work even more closely with European institutions on issues of significance to the European Jewish community.

High on this agenda is Iran and many of the leaders spoke at the events on the Iranian threat.

The EJC is looking to press MEP’s on the issue at an important time. “It appears that for the first time the international community is moving towards a general consensus on the dangers emanating from Iran,” Kantor said. “However, much work needs to be done to ensure that agreement is translated into action to prevent a nuclear Iran, which now has large parts of Europe within its range. We are at the forefront in creating awareness – with European public opinion, the international press and European decision-makers – of the global dangers posed by the Iranian regime’s pursuit of nuclear military capability.”

“Opening an office in Brussels demonstrates the EJC commitment to the European Union and the role of the Jewish community would like to play in a new Europe, “Kantor continued.

Another area of importance to the EJC is enhancing ties between Europe and Israel. “The European Jewish Congress has tirelessly campaigned for a better understanding of the realities that Israel confronts and for the upgrading of its status vis-à-vis the European Union. We believe that this issue has been unnecessarily politicized recently,” noted Kantor.

The events were attended by ambassadors to the European Union, MEPs from across the political spectrum, Jewish leaders and the President of the Belgian Senate, Armand De Decker, who honoured Kantor with the Order of Leopold. It is the highest award in Belgium and is named in honour of King Leopold I. It is awarded to Belgian national or distinguished foreign persons who have made a very important contribution to the Belgian state or society.

(YWN Desk – NYC)