On Sunday, June 26th 2005, the General Assembly of the European Jewish Congress (EJC), convened in Paris with the participation of 130 delegates representing 36 Jewish communities in Europe.

French candidate Pierre Besnainou was elected by the General Assembly as President of the EJC for a mandate of two years renewable. In addition, the General Assembly decided on the creation of a Board of Governors which will be responsible for all educational and cultural programs as well as fundraising. Mr. Moshe Kantor, who initiated the International world leaders Forum marking the 60 th anniversary for the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau KL on the 27.1.05, was elected to be its Chairman.

In conclusion, the Assembly elected the 17 members of the Executive and renewed Serge Cwajgenbaum’s position as Secretary General. In keeping with the tradition of rotation of small communities within the Executive, Switzerland, Poland and Belarussia yielded their places to Turkey, Spain and Romania.