2 minute read
The International Council of Jewish Parliamentarians (ICJP
The ICJP met for a virtual discussion in May 2021, as part of the 16th WJC Plenary Assembly. Top row: U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (ICJP Chair) and WJC President Ronald S. Lauder Middle row: British House of Lords member Baroness Gillian Merron (ICJP Co-Chair, Europe) and Chamber of Deputies of Argentina member Waldo Wolff (ICJP Co-Chair, Latin America) Bottom row: U.S. Congressman Ted Deutch (ICJP Co-Chair, North America) and Canadian House of Commons MP Anthony Housefather (ICJP Co-Chair, North America) The International Council of Jewish Parliamentarians(ICJP) is the global network of Jewish legislators, government ministers, and other elected officials, which operates under the auspices of the World Jewish Congress. The ICJP was reestablished by WJC President Ronald S. Lauder and U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (NV) in March 2021, amidst unrelenting waves of global antisemitism and attacks on democratic values.
Senator Rosen agreed to chair the forum at WJC President Lauder’s request. The following regional co-chairs were also selected: Member of Knesset Merav Ben-Ari (Israel), U.S. Congressman Ted Deutch (North America), Canadian House of Commons MP Anthony Housefather (North America), British House of Lords member Baroness Gillian Merron (Europe), and Chamber of Deputies of Argentina member Waldo Wolff (Latin America). The forum aims to promote dialogue and collaboration between Jewish parliamentarians; to support the principles of democracy, the cause of human rights, and the rule of law; and to combat racism, antisemitism, xenophobia, terrorism, and Holocaust denial by those means available to legislators and government ministers. The ICJP strives for the creation of an enduring peace in the Middle East and works to protect the welfare of Jews and Jewish communities worldwide. The forum provides for the exchange of best practices and seeks to address the challenges facing Jewish communities.
The ICJP held a consultation in May 2021, as part of the 16th WJC Plenary Assembly, discussing ways to use their platforms and positions to fight antisemitism and advance human rights. In leading the discussion, ICJP Chair Senator Rosen said: “No issue threatens the Jewish community more than the alarming rise of antisemitism and violent extremism. This is true in the United States, and it’s true in Israel, Europe, Latin America, and countries all around the world. By promoting dialogue and collaboration between Jewish parliamentarians from different nations, the ICJP helps advance policies that support human rights and democracy.”
