Anti-Semitism in Europe, Iranian Jewry and the statute of limitations on Nazi crimes in Germany were discussed in Copenhagen last weekend by the European broach of the World Jewish Congress. Leaders of 21 communities from East and West Europe participated, including, for the first time in many years, a representative from Bulgaria.
The meeting voiced “shock and consternation” at the trials and executions in Iran and protested particularly the execution of the Iranian Jewish leader, Habib Elkanian. The meeting appealed to governments and world leaders to urge Iran to stop the trials and respect human rights and the rights of minorities.
On anti-Semitism, the meeting decided on better cooperation between communities in different countries and set up a special committee to prepare educational programs. Calling for legislation in West Germany to abolish the statute of limitations on Nazi war crimes, the meeting referred to “the great moral and political considerations of the issue.”
Raanan Sivan, Israel’s Ambassador to Denmark, addressed the meeting on the Middle East situation, which also discussed the elections to the European Parliament and the role of women in Jewish life. Copenhagen’s Jewish community played host to the delegates, who were addressed by Chief Rabbi Bent Melchior.
Dr. Maurice Grynfogel, chairman of the WJC European branch, sent a message to the Queen of Denmark expressing the Jewish people’s gratitude for Denmark’s friendship during the Nazi era as well as in today’s “troubled times.”
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