GENEVA — The World Jewish
Congress (WJC) and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE)
Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) formally agreed today
to strengthen their collaboration in the fight against antisemitism and in the
promotion of Holocaust remembrance across the OSCE region, comprising 57
participating states across North America, Europe and Asia.
Building on years of
partnership and shared commitment, the new framework outlines cooperation
across several key areas, including: addressing antisemitic hate crimes,
supporting the security needs of Jewish communities, combating online hate,
promoting intercommunal dialogue and ensuring that education systems confront
both historical and contemporary manifestations of antisemitism. The agreement
also reaffirms the importance of safeguarding the memory of the Holocaust as a
cornerstone of democratic resilience and mutual respect.
“This framework will help
ensure that policymakers and government officials in North America, Europe and
Asia are equipped with the tools, training, and historical context needed to
confront this metastasizing problem,” said WJC President Ronald S. Lauder. “We
cannot allow ignorance or indifference to be the breeding ground for hate. The
time to act is now—and with partners like ODIHR, we are taking that
responsibility seriously.”
Dr. Leon Saltiel, WJC’s
Representative in Geneva and Director of Diplomacy, added: “ODIHR and the World
Jewish Congress have a long-standing partnership rooted in a shared commitment
to human rights and remembrance. By formalizing this cooperation, we are
reinforcing our collective capacity to respond to antisemitism in all its forms
and to ensure that it is met with knowledge, vigilance, and solidarity.”
About the World Jewish Congress
The World Jewish Congress (WJC) is the international organization representing Jewish communities in 100 countries to governments, parliaments and international organizations.