The World Jewish Congress (WJC) and the Consulate General of the Czech Republic in New York convened a high-level panel on modern Jewish life. The event took place in New York City on a Tuesday, bringing together diplomats and young Jewish professionals. This gathering emphasized the importance of openly living Jewish life while confronting growing antisemitism, violence, and exclusion.
Confronting Antisemitism: A Critical Discussion
As antisemitism escalates globally and particularly in the New York area, the need for proactive measures has become increasingly urgent. Karel Smékal, the Consul General of the Czech Republic, expressed his country’s unwavering commitment to combat antisemitism. He stated, “We all must work tirelessly not to give way to antisemitism in any form or shape.”
Panel Insights from Key Leaders
The discussion was moderated by Elizabeth Chen, a member of the WJC Executive Committee. She highlighted strategies for advancing Jewish life through formal policies, including the IHRA working definition of antisemitism. This definition is acknowledged as a benchmark for addressing antisemitism effectively. Chen articulated the need for courage, saying, “It’s not about the absence of fear. It’s about the courage to do something about it.”
- Petr Papoušek: As president of the Federation of Jewish Communities in the Czech Republic and a WJC Vice President, he underscored the collaboration between the government and the Jewish community. This partnership focuses on ensuring a secure environment for Jewish life.
- Rabbi Benjamin Goldschmidt: Founder of the Altneu Synagogue in New York, he shared his experiences and emphasized responding to antisemitism by fostering pride in Jewish traditions to fortify community resilience.
- Bella Ingber: A member of the WJC Jewish Diplomatic Academy, she recounted her advocacy efforts at New York University against anti-Jewish hostility and stressed the need for students to understand their rights.
Collaborative Efforts Against Antisemitism
Petr Papoušek shared insights regarding the Czech government’s 2025–2030 national strategy aimed at combating antisemitism. He stated that this initiative indicates a broader trend among European governments to collaborate with Jewish communities seriously. Papoušek remarked, “Once the state is putting such a material forward, it means that they understand there is a problem.”
Rabbi Goldschmidt noted that amidst challenges, his synagogue remains a vibrant community hub. He urged focusing on positive relationships with others who share similar values and oppose extremism.
Encouraging Student Advocacy
Bella Ingber’s testimony as a student advocate underscores the critical role young people play in confronting anti-Jewish sentiments on campus. She encouraged her peers to be informed about their rights and to actively engage with university administrations and law enforcement.
The event concluded with a Q&A session, fostering an exchange of ideas and strategies among attendees. Currently, there are approximately 3,500 Jews residing in the Czech Republic, with the Federation of Jewish Communities serving as the Czech affiliate of the World Jewish Congress.
