World Jewish Congress Marks 90th Anniversary with Gala in Geneva

The World Jewish Congress marked 90 years since its founding with a commemorative gala dinner in Geneva on May 10, 2026. Swiss President Guy Parmelin addressed the gathering, which was hosted jointly by the WJC and the Swiss Federation of Jewish Communities (SIG). Parmelin was introduced by WJC Vice President and SIG President Ralph Friedländer.

“It is an honor to join you today in celebrating the jubilee of the World Jewish Congress, here in Geneva, where the organization was founded 90 years ago,” Parmelin said. He added that Switzerland shares the WJC’s conviction that it is possible to bring peace to the Middle East and to address the concerns of the Palestinian people as well.

Parmelin said Switzerland supports a democratic Israel that adheres to international standards and believes peace in the Middle East must address the concerns of both Israelis and Palestinians.

The WJC was founded in Geneva in August 1936. Then, 230 delegates representing Jewish communities in 32 countries attended the founding gathering as antisemitism spread across Europe. WJC President Ronald S. Lauder spoke at the May 10 gala. “Ninety years after the founding of the World Jewish Congress in this city, Jewish communities once again find themselves confronting rising hatred, extremism, and profound uncertainty,” Lauder said.

” Chella Safra opened her first gathering as chair of the WJC Governing Board on May 10.

Safra added, “We commend and appreciate those within the international community who are working to confront antisemitism with courage and seriousness. ” The Israel Resilience Award was presented to the family of Ran Gvili during the gala. Ronald S.

Lauder, Chella Safra, and Sylvan Adams presented the award. The WJC described Ran Gvili as the final hostage held in Gaza following the October 7 massacre. Sylvan Adams addressed Ran Gvili’s parents, Itzik and Talik Gvili.

“Ran’s memory is now forever part of the story of Jewish courage and resilience, during one of the hardest chapters in modern history. You are our north star,” Adams said. Talik Gvili responded to the gathering.

“The Jewish communities around the world are the backbone of the State of Israel. You are our strength, our support system, our belt of power,” she said. The commemorative gala brought together members of the WJC Governing Board, Jewish community representatives from around the world, diplomats, and senior government officials involved in combating antisemitism.

@Jerusalem_Post reported that the Geneva meetings are scheduled to continue throughout the week with sessions of the WJC Governing Board and the WJC’s Special Envoys and Coordinators Combating Antisemitism Network.