American Jewish Committee Conference Gathers Central, Eastern European Jewish Leaders at NATO Summit

American Jewish Committee
Monday, 25 March 2002

Jewish community leaders from Central and Eastern European nations seeking to join NATO met today at an American Jewish Committee conference in Bucharest to discuss anti-Semitism, Holocaust memory, and property restitution in each of their countries, as well as how the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is being reported in their media.

The countries represented include Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Macedonia, Poland, Romania and Slovakia. The Jewish presentations are available at www.ajc.org in the "AJC Status Report: Anti-Semitism, Property Restitution and Related Issues Confronting the Jewish Communities of Central and Eastern Europe."

The AJC roundtable discussion coincides with the meeting of Prime Ministers of NATO aspirant countries at the Bucharest Summit 2002: The Spring of New Allies. Rabbi Andrew Baker, AJC's Director of International Jewish Affairs is chairing the Jewish roundtable and also addressing the Jewish concerns at the NATO Summit.

"The security and survival of Jewish communities in Central and Eastern European countries will surely be a sign that democratic values, the protection of minorities and a respect for diversity have taken root," Rabbi Baker said.

While these countries have sought to embrace democratic institutions over the past decade, the future for Jews in these counties has been less certain, observes Rabbi Baker in the report's introduction.

However, many underestimated the tenacity and determination of the remnant Jewish communities in Central and Eastern Europe. In the past decade Jewish communal life has again taken root. Synagogues have been rebuilt, Jewish schools have opened, special links have been established with Israel, and a new generation of local leaders has emerged, reports Rabbi Baker.

"If these Jewish communities are to be self-sufficient they must secure the restitution of their former properties," said Rabbi Baker. "The creation of historical commissions and the examination and rewriting of textbooks are beginning to have an impact."

Rabbi Baker also notes that "these new democracies are also learning that freedom of expression and open debate can give vent to racists and xenophobes, too."

The AJC urges civic and political leaders to confront these developments in a forceful and public way.

For more information, or to contact American Jewish Committee, see their website at: www.ajc.org