JERUSALEM (JTA) — World Jewish Congress President Ronald Lauder called the negotiations between Israel and the Palestinian Authority "one of the most fateful moments" in the history of Israel.
Lauder was speaking Tuesday in Jerusalem before 200 delegates of his group’s Governing Board at its annual meeting on the eve of peace negotiations in Washington between Israel and the Palestinian Authority.
He said world Jewry continues to actively support Israel.
"The international threats to Israel only serve to make us stronger," Lauder told the delegates to the two-day conference.
Israeli President Shimon Peres delivered the opening address, calling the talks "a meeting that creates an important sense of optimism at a critical time."
