WORLD JEWISH CONGRESS
PROCEDURAL PROTOCOL
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
&
GOVERNING BOARD
MEETINGS
JUNE 10, 2007
NEW YORK, NY
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WJC EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Meeting
June 10, 2007
501 Madison Avenue
17th Floor
New York, New York
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AGENDA
WJC EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Meeting
June 10, 2007
New York, New York
AGENDA
1. Call to order
2. Consideration of Candidates for “Designation” to the Governing
Board
3. Financial Review
4. Other Issues
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BACKGROUND TO THE MEETING
On May 7, 2007, Edgar M. Bronfman informed the WJC Steering
Committee of his intentions to retire as president of the World Jewish
Congress, effective with the election of an interim president at the WJC
Governing Board meeting on June 10, 2007.
In addition, the office of the Chairman of the Governing Board has
been vacant since January 2006 and the office of regional director of the
WJC Israel Branch has been vacant since March 14, 2007.
In accordance with Article 9, Section C of the World Jewish Congress
Constitution, WJC President Edgar M. Bronfman called this session of the
WJC Executive Committee to consider the vacancies in WJC offices and in
accordance with Article 10 Section D, prepare to “propose to [the
Governing Board] the designation of an acting president.”
Article 10, Section B of the World Jewish Congress Constitution
states in part:
“The Plenary Assembly shall elect the officers of the World Jewish
Congress, who shall continue in office until the next Plenary
Assembly...”
Article 10, Section D of the World Jewish Congress Constitution
states in part:
“In the event of a vacancy in the office of president, the Executive
shall within three months call a special meeting of the Governing
Board and propose to it the designation of an acting president. The
Governing Board shall thereupon elect an acting president, who shall
exercise all the power and duties of the president... who shall hold
office until the next Plenary Assembly.”
Article 10, Section E of the World Jewish Congress Constitution
states in part:
“A vacancy in any other office shall be filled by the Governing
Board...”
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Article 10, Section C of the World Jewish Congress Constitution
states in part:
“Regional directors will be appointed by the Governing Board in
consultation with the respective Branch...”
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COMPOSITION OF THE EXECUTIVE COMITTEE
According to Article 9, Section B of the World Jewish Congress
Constitution:
The Executive shall consist of:
(1) the president;
(2) the vice-presidents;
(3) the chairman of the Governing Board;
(4) the chairman of the General Council;
(5) the treasurer or treasurers;
(6) the chairmen of the regional Branches;
(7) the secretary-general.
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According to the Constitution and the January 2005 WJC Plenary
Assembly election, the following individuals, by virtue of their respective
offices are current members of the WJC Executive:
President Edgar M. Bronfman
Chairman of the Executive Mendel Kaplan
Chairman, World Zionist Organization Zeev Bielski
Vice President Kalman Sultanik
Vice President Greville Janner
Vice President Roger Cukierman
Vice President Sara Winkowski
Vice President Yehiel Leket
Vice President Charlotte Knobloch
Vice President Helena Glaser
Vice President Moshe Ronen
Vice President Alexander Bronstein
Honorary Vice President Vladimir Goussinsky
Honorary Vice President & Maram Stern
Deputy Secretary General
Treasurer Eduardo Elsztain
Regional Chair, Europe Pierre Besnainou
Regional Chair, North America Evelyn Sommer
Regional Chair, Latin America Jack Terpins
Regional Chair, Israel Shai Hermesh
Regional Chair, EuroAsia Alexander Mashkevitch
By Special Designation Matityahu Droblas
Chairman, Budget and Finance Commission Matthew Bronfman
Secretary General Stephen E. Herbits
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GENERAL PROCESS AND PROCEDURE
That Executive meeting shall be governed by the WJC’s Constitution
and Rules of Procedure.
The Executive Committee meeting shall be an open meeting unless
voted closed by its membership once convened (Rules of Procedure Article
10).
The quorum shall be a simple majority of all those entitled to vote at
this meeting (Constitution, Article 15, Section A).
The method of voting shall normally be by a show of hands (Rules of
Procedure (Article 27, Section 1).
The Committee may decide to conduct a roll call vote (Rules of
Procedure Article 27, Section 2).
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CREDENTIALS COMMITTEE
WJC Constitution and Rules of Procedure
For the purposes of this meeting of the Executive Committee, a
Credentials Committee shall be appointed at the beginning of the meeting. It
shall consist of five members, who shall be appointed by the Executive
Committee on the proposal of the officers of the WJC. (Rules of Procedure
Article 5, Section 1).
The Credentials Committee shall examine the credentials of the
delegates and report to the Executive Committee without delay. The final
decision about the admission of a delegate rests with the Executive
Committee within the bounds of the WJC Constitution (Rules of Procedure
Article 5, Section 1).
As a point of clarification, this Credentials Committee appointed for
the Executive Committee remains constituted only for this meeting of the
Executive Committee and does not carryover for any other meeting,
including the Governing Board, as it is the right of each convening body to
establish its own Credentials Committee for each meeting (Rules of
Procedure Article 5, Section 1).
Presidential Recommendation
Mr. Edgar Bronfman is recommending the following to be voting
members of the Credentials Committee:
Ms. Helena Glaser, WJC VP, Israel
Mr. Moshe Ronen, WJC VP, North America
Ms. Charlotte Knobloch, WJC VP, Europe
Rabbi Henry Sobel, Latin America
Mr. Daniel Turk, Euro-Asia
Mr. Bronfman is also recommending that the Chair of the Credentials
Committee be Mr. Seymour Reich, United States.
The criteria which Mr. Bronfman used in the selection of these
recommendations included:
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A candidate from each region who is not directly involved in
the elections before the Executive Committee or the Governing
Board;
WJC vice presidents where possible;
A personal of international reputation for fairness and integrity;
An independent person to chair the Credentials Committee who
is beyond reproach, who has a long history of leadership in the
Jewish world, who is an attorney and who has no personal
interest in the outcome of the deliberations. As there are 5
voting members of the committee, there will be no need for the
Chair to vote, unless there is an abstention by one or more of
the committee members.
Executive Committee Vote
The Executive Committee is asked to vote on the above
recommendations by the President and/or other candidates and to create a
Credentials Committee for the purposes of the WJC Executive Committee.
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CONDUCTING THE DESIGNATION (NOMINATION)
OF AN INTERIM PRESIDENT
The Executive Committee is charged with proposing to the Governing
Board the designation of an acting president (Constitution Article 10,
Section D).
The WJC has received the notifications of candidacy for the WJC’s
presidency listed below. A letter and biography for each are located in the
welcome kits.
1.
2.
3.
4.
Vladimir Herzberg
Mendel Kaplan
Ronald S. Lauder.
Einat Wilf
The Executive Committee may inquire if there are any other
candidates at this time.
Should the current chairman of the Executive Committee be a
candidate for presidency at the time of this Executive Committee meeting,
the Executive Committee may decide who should chair the portion of the
Executive Committee meeting that deals with the designation of a president.
Prior to determining the method of voting to select a designee for the
presidency, the Executive Committee should determine how to conduct its
discussions of the candidates. The Executive should determine whether or
not to:
1. Permit an Executive Committee member to speak on behalf of a
candidate
2. Permit a guest to speak on behalf of a candidate
3. Permit a candidate to speak.
4. Permit any discussion at all beyond procedural or point of order
comments
The Executive Committee may discuss the candidates within the
guidelines with the WJC Rules and Procedures.
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VOTING ON A DESIGNATION (NOMINATION)
OF AN INTERIM PRESIDENT
The method of voting shall normally be by a show of hands (Rules of
Procedure (Article 27, Section 1).
The Committee may decide to conduct a roll call vote (Rules of
Procedure Article 27, Section 2).
Elections shall normally be held by a show of hands (Rules of
Procedure Article 31, Section 1).
The Executive Committee may decide to conduct elections by secret
ballot (Rules of Procedure Article 31, Section 1).
The Constitution and the Rules of Procedure are silent on the matter
of a need for either majority or a plurality vote for purposes of an election or
a decision to make a designation. The Constitution does mention the need
for certain majorities in certain circumstances, but none of those
circumstances relate to an election or a designation.
Therefore, the Executive Committee may determine whether to
require a majority or plurality of votes in the context of its designation of an
acting president.
Should the Executive Committee decide to require a majority, the
Executive Committee may then determine the procedure for a first, second
and subsequent rounds of voting should they be required.
In determining whether or not sufficient votes have been cast to
constitute the specified majority, only the votes of those delegates present
and voting, exclusive of abstentions, shall be counted (Constitution, Article
14, Section B).
The decisions of the Executive Committee shall be reported to the
WJC Governing Board meeting at 4 pm (Constitution Article 9, Section A).
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FINANCIAL REVIEW
The Executive Committee may wish to discuss the current status of
the WJC financial position.
The Chair and or the Executive Committee may wish to review none,
some, or all of the financial documents available.
WJC Director of Finance and Administration will be available to
provide background to the Financial Summary. The Executive Director of
the WJC Foundation is also available to answer questions.
Financial documents are available for distribution.
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OTHER BUSINESS AND ADJOURNMENT
At the discretion of the chair or the Executive Committee, other
matters may be discussed or reviewed.
All decisions will be recorded for the record.
The meeting should be adjourned.
The WJC Governing Board will meet at 4pm at the Offices of the:
UJA Federation of New York
7th Floor Conference Center
130 East 59th Street (between Park and Lexington Avenues)
New York 10022.
The WJC Secretariat has prepared a map and directors for members of
the Executive Committee.
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WJC GOVERNING BOARD
Meeting
June 10, 2007
OFFICES OF THE UJA
130 E 59TH STREET
New York, New York
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WJC GOVERNING BOARD
Meeting
June 10, 2007
New York, New York
AGENDA
1. Call to order
2. Approval of the Agenda
3. Approval of the Credentials Committee
4. Approval of Minutes of Previous Meeting
5. Comments by the President, Edgar M. Bronfman
6. Elections
6. Other Business
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CALL TO ORDER AND OPENING
Call to Order and Welcome
Announcement that the WJC is planning an appropriate Tribute to
President Edgar M. Bronfman for his years of leadership and dedication to
the WJC. Information on the tribute will be forthcoming at a future date.
Announcement that Manuel Tennebaum who has retired after 30
years, was unable to attend this meeting. The WJC looks forward to
properly honoring his decades of service to the Jewish people at our next
meeting.
Announcement that in addition to delegates, observers, guests and
members of the media, WJC Legal Counsel, Ms. Rochelle (Shelly) Korman,
is also present.
Ms. Korman provided legal counsel to the WJC throughout the
investigation by the New York State Attorney General’s office and
continues to provide the WJC legal counsel regarding the audit and
investigation by the US Internal Revenue Service.
Ms. Korman is one of the most highly regarded specialists in US and
New York State not-for-profit law.
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Rochelle Korman
Partner
Patterson, Belnap, Webb and Tyler
New York
Rochelle Korman is a member of the Firm’s Tax-Exempt Organizations department, where she
advises public charities, private foundations, community foundations and other 501(c)
organizations. Her practice focuses largely on organizational structuring, joint ventures between for-
profits and tax-exempts, governance and accountability issues, international grantmaking, and
program-related investments.
Ms. Korman lectures frequently and has presented at programs sponsored by the National Center on
Philanthropy and the Law, the Association of the Bar of the City of New York, the Council on
Foundations and the New York State Society of CPAs. Recent papers presented include "Joint
Ventures with For-Profits After Revenue Ruling 98-15" (speech published by the Exempt
Organization Tax Review, March 2000) and "Charitable Class and Need: Whom Should Charities
Benefit?", National Center on Philanthropy and the Law (2004).
Ms. Korman also serves as Co-Managing Partner of the Firm.
Representative Matters
Developed organization for a multi-year collaboration of major U.S. foundations to facilitate
their work on civil society issues in central Europe.
Advised major national charity on structuring its governance relationship with local
affiliates.
Restructured key New York City social services agency and its related organizations to
reduce exposure to liability, protect its endowment, and enable it to provide services and raise
funds more effectively.
Acted as special tax counsel to sports-related exempt organization in securing tax-exempt
bond financing for facilities construction and renovation.
Restructured publishing company to become the functionally-related business of a private
operating foundation.
Advised substantial private foundation on innovative program-related investment program
in foreign countries.
Advised British charitable trust in connection with its grants from U.S. private foundations.
Advised major community foundation and its related entities on governance, grantmaking
and structural issues.
Advised plaintiffs’ counsel in settlement of major environmental pollution litigation which
resulted, in part, in creation of a community foundation to provide health services and
employment opportunities to the residents of the adversely affected community.
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BACKGROUND TO MEETING
On May 7, 2007, Edgar M. Bronfman informed the WJC Steering
Committee of his intention to retire as president of the World Jewish
Congress, effective with the election of an interim president at the WJC
Governing Board meeting on June 10, 2007. In addition, the office of the
Chairman of the Governing Board has been vacant since January 2006 and
the office of regional director of the WJC Israel Branch has been vacant
since March 14, 2007.
In accordance with Article 9, Section C of the World Jewish Congress
Constitution WJC President Edgar M. Bronfman called a session of the WJC
Executive Committee to consider the vacancies in WJC offices and in
accordance with Article 10 Section D, prepare to “propose to [the
Governing Board] the designation of an acting president.”
Article 10, Section B of the World Jewish Congress Constitution
states in part:
“The Plenary Assembly shall elect the officers of the World Jewish
Congress, who shall continue in office until the next Plenary
Assembly...”
Article 10, Section D of the World Jewish Congress Constitution
states in part:
“In the event of a vacancy in the office of president, the Executive
shall within three months call a special meeting of the Governing
Board and propose to it the designation of an acting president. The
Governing Board shall thereupon elect an acting president, who shall
exercise all the power and duties of the president... who shall hold
office until the next Plenary Assembly.”
Article 10, Section E of the World Jewish Congress Constitution
states in part:
“A vacancy in any other office shall be filled by the Governing
Board...”
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Article 10, Section C of the World Jewish Congress Constitution
states in part:
“Regional directors will be appointed by the Governing Board in
consultation with the respective Branch...”
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COMPOSITION OF THE GOVERNING BOARD
According to Article 8, Section E, of the World Jewish Congress
Constitution:
The Governing Board shall consist of:
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
the members of the Executive;
the chairmen of the standing commissions;
the directors of the departments of the World Jewish
Congress:
the directors of the regional Branches;
members appointed by various national bodies of the
World Jewish Congress, in accordance with a key fixed
by the Plenary Assembly;
members appointed by international bodies in associate
status designated by the Plenary Assembly to receive
such representation;
the Governing Board, may, by a two-thirds vote, grant
representation on the Governing Board to new bodies
joining the World Jewish Congress between sessions of
the plenary Assembly.
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According to the Constitution, the January 2005 WJC Plenary
Assembly election, subsequent elections, nominations, appointments and
designations, the following is a list of the Governing Board members as of
June 8, 2007 (Registrations, amendments, additions and deletions after June
8, 2007 and the final list of delegates present and voting shall be recorded in
the official record.)
Mr. Arbell Mordechai
Mr. Baron Alexandr
Mr. Benatoff Cobi
Mr. Benjamin Jon
Mr. Besnainou Pierre
Mr. Bielski Zeev
Mr. Bloch Sam E.
Mr. Blum Yoav
Mrs. Brecher Madeleine
Mr. Bronfman Edgar M.
Mr. Bronfman Matthew
Mr. Carmel Philip
Mr. Chesler Chaim
Prof. Dr. Chlenov Mikhail
Mr. Cohen Chanan
Mr. Cohen Harold
Mr. Cohen Raphael
Mrs. Cohen-Tannoudji Elisabeth
Mr. Cristal Moty
Mr. Cwajgenbaum Serge
Mr. Donzis Aldo
Mr. Droblas Matityahu
Mrs. Edelstein Paula V.
Chair, WJC Institute
Representative, Small Communities, Euro-
Asia
Chair, WJC Policy Council (acting)
Representative, United Kingdom
Regional Chair, Europe
Chairman, World Zionist Organization
Representative, United States of America
Representative, Israel
Representative, International Council of
Jewish Women
WJC President
Chair, WJC Budget and Finance Commission
Representative, Conference of European
Rabbis
Co-Chair, WJC Commission on the former
Soviet Union
Regional Director, Euro-Asia
Representative, Israel
Representative, United States of America
Representative, Small Communities, Europe
Representative, France
Representative, Future Generations
Regional Director, Europe
Representative, Argentina
By special designation
Representative, World Zionist Organization
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Dr.
Dr.
Mr.
Amb. Dr.
Dr.
Mr.
Mr.
Mrs.
Mr.
Mr.
Mr.
Mr.
MK
Mr.
Mr.
Mr.
Mr.
Ms.
Mrs.
Mr.
Mr.
Mr.
Mr.
Mr.
Mr.
Ms.
Mr.
Mr.
Dr.
Mr.
Edlin
Elsztain
Epelman
Eran
Feldmájer
Franklin
Gilvich
Paul
Eduardo S.
Claudio
Oded
Péter
Shai
Saúl
Representative, United Kingdom
WJC Treasurer
Regional Director, Latin America
WJC Director of International Affairs
Representative, Hungary
Regional Director, North America
Representative, Small Communities, Latin
America
Glaser
Helena
WJC Vice President
Goodman
Jerry
Representative, United States of America
Grynwald
Luis Sergio Representative, Argentina
Herbits
Stephen E. WJC Secretary General
Herman
Lior
Representative, Future Generations
Hermesh
Shai
Regional Chair, Israel
Kandiyoti
Claude
Representative, Kol Dor
Kantor
Moshe
Representative, Russia
Kaplan
Mendel
Chair, WJC Executive
Katz
David
Representative, Canada
Kirschenbaum
Faina
Representative, Israel
Knobloch
Charlotte
WJC Vice President
Koffler
Adam H.
Director, Young Professionals Diplomatic
Task Force
Kogan
Zinoviy
Representative, Russia
Komeran
Gad
Representative, World Zionist Organization
Kramer
Stephan J. Representative, Germany
Leket
Yehiel
WJC Vice President
Leonard
Grahame
Representative, Australia
Levin
Galina
Representative, Belarus
Levy Benshimol Abraham
Representative, Small Communities, Latin
America
Lippman
Harley
Representative, United States of America
Lottenberg
Claudio
Representative, Brazil
Lulka Pipco
Mauricio
Representative, Small Communities, North
America
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Mr. Luvsandendev Sumati
Dr. Machkevitch Alexander
Ms. Machtey Veronica
MK Margi Yakov
Mr. Meirom Hagai
Mr. Oulman Carp José
Prof. Dr. Prasquier Richard
Mr. Ramot Zvi
Mr. Reshef Peleg
Mr. Ronen Moshe
Rabbi Rosenbaum Jay H.
Mr. Rosensaft Menachem
Mr. Ruben Alessandro
Rabbi Schneier Marc
Mr. Shabad Mark
Mr. Shapiro Pinchas
Ms. Shchory Tamar
Mr. Shulman Steven H.
Mr. Skoff Judah
Mr. Smith Mervyn
Mr. Smith Moishe
Rabbi Sobel Henry
Mrs. Sommer Evelyn
Dr. Stern Maram
Mr. Sultanik Kalman
Mr. Terpins Jack
Mr. Turk Daniel
Mr. Tzahor Ygal
Dr. Weinbaum Laurence
Mr. Widerman Avi
Representative, Small Communities, Euro-
Asia
Regional Chair, Euro-Asia
Representative, Future Generations
Representative, Israel
Representative, World Zionist Organization
Representative, Small Communities, Europe
Representative, France
Representative, Israel
Director of Future Generations Activities
WJC Vice President
Representative, United States of America
Representative, United States of America
Representative, Small Communities, Europe
Representative, United States of America
Representative, Russia
WJC Deputy Secretary General
Representative, World Union of Jewish
Students
Representative, Canada
Representative, Future Generations
Representative, South Africa
Representative, B'nai B'rith International
Representative, Brazil
Regional Chair, North America
WJC Honorary Vice President & Deputy
Secretary General
WJC Vice President
Regional Chair, Latin America
Representative, Small Communities, Euro-
Asia
Representative, Israel
Director, WJC Institute (acting)
Representative, Israel
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Mrs.
Dr.
Winkowski
Zissels
Sara
Josef
WJC Vice President
Representative, Ukraine
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GENERAL PROCESS AND PROCEDURE
That Governing Board meeting shall be governed by the WJC’s
Constitution and Rules of Procedure.
The Governing Board meeting shall be an open meeting unless voted
closed by its membership once convened (Rules of Procedure Article 10).
The quorum shall be a simple majority of all those entitled to vote at
this meeting (Constitution, Article 15, Section A).
The Governing Board shall hear a report on the quorum of eligible
voting delegates at this meeting. The most updated list will be provided by
the WJC Secretariat.
The method of voting shall normally be by a show of hands (Rules of
Procedure (Article 27, Section 1).
The Governing Board may decide to conduct a roll call vote (Rules of
Procedure Article 27, Section 2).
For the purposes of this meeting of the Governing Board, a
Credentials Committee shall be appointed at the beginning of the meeting. It
shall consist of five members, who shall be appointed by the Governing
Board on the proposal of the officers of the WJC. (Rules of Procedure
Article 5, Section 1).
The Credentials Committee shall examine the credentials of the
delegates and report to the Governing Board without delay. The final
decision about the admission of a delegate rests with the Governing Board
within the bounds of the WJC Constitution (Rules of Procedure Article 5,
Section 1).
As a point of clarification, this Credentials Committee appointed for
the Governing Board remains constituted only for this meeting of the
Governing Board and does not carryover for any other meeting, as each
convening body has the right to establish its own Credentials Committee for
each meeting (Rules of Procedure Article 5, Section 1).
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CREDENTIALS COMMITTEE
WJC Constitution and Rules of Procedure
A Credentials Committee shall be appointed at the beginning of the
meeting. It shall consist of five members, who shall be appointed by the
Executive Committee on the proposal of the officers of the WJC. (Rules of
Procedure Article 5, Section 1).
The Credentials Committee shall examine the credentials of the
delegates and report to the Executive Committee without delay. The final
decision about the admission of a delegate rests with the Executive
Committee within the bounds of the WJC Constitution (Rules of Procedure
Article 5, Section 1).
As a point of clarification, this Credentials Committee appointed for
the Executive Committee remains constituted only for this meeting of the
Executive Committee and does not carryover for any other meeting,
including the Governing Board, as it is the right of convening body to
establish its own Credentials Committee for each meeting (Rules of
Procedure Article 5, Section 1).
Presidential Recommendation
Mr. Edgar Bronfman is recommending the following to be voting
members of the Credentials Committee:
Ms. Helena Glaser, WJC VP, Israel
Mr. Moshe Ronen, WJC VP, North America
Ms. Charlotte Knobloch, WJC VP, Europe
Rabbi Henry Sobel, Latin America
Mr. Daniel Turk, Euro-Asia
Mr. Bronfman is also recommending that the Chair of the Credentials
Committee be Mr. Seymour Reich, United States.
The criteria which Mr. Bronfman used in the selection of these
recommendations included:
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A candidate from each region who is not directly involved in
the elections before the Executive Committee or the Governing
Board;
WJC vice presidents where possible;
A personal of international reputation for fairness and integrity;
An independent person to chair the Credentials Committee who
is beyond reproach, who has a long history of leadership in the
Jewish world, who is an attorney and who has no personal
interest in the outcome of the deliberations. As there are 5
voting members of the committee, there will be no need for the
Chair to vote, unless there is an abstention by one or more of
the committee members.
The Governing Board Vote
The Governing Board is asked to vote on the above recommendations
by the President and/or other candidates and to create a Credentials
Committee for the purposes of its Board meeting.
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MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING
The Governing Board may move to adopt the minutes of the last
Governing Board meeting and/or to accept any changes.
WORLD JEWISH CONGRESS
GOVERNING BOARD
Meeting
November 12, 2006
Paris, France
Draft Minutes for Approval
Mr. Mendel KAPLAN, in the chair, thanked the EJC staff in Paris and
Messrs. Stern and Malkinson from the Brussels office for their assisting the
Paris office in making arrangements. The minutes of the previous meeting of
the Governing Board were adopted.
Mr. Pierre BESNAINOU and Mr. Roger CUKIERMAN, welcomed
the WJC to Paris.
WJC president Edgar M. BRONFMAN – addressing “the state of
world Jewry” - described the recent re-inauguration of the synagogue in
Munich, stressed that the Holocaust in Germany was a reminder of what
happens when good people remain silent in the face of evil. He spoke of his
visit to China, where he had urged the Prime Minister and other high level
officials to cooperate against the threat of terrorism, the danger of political
influence by oil-producing countries; and dangers to the ecology.
Mr. BRONFMAN also deplored the tendency towards neutrality,
referred to the crisis provoked by the Danish cartoons against Mohammed,
pointed to Iran’s appeal to wipe Israel off the map, praised the German
President’s apology for the Holocaust, and urge the WJC and the world to
work together, young and old, East and West, in defense of common ideals.
Israel SINGER gave a policy overview: Germany, as the fastest
growing Jewish community in the world should be a symbol of hope; the
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need for inter-religious alliances; contacts with international organizations
such as OAS, European Union etc. to which the WJC is committed; and the
presence of young Jews at international events fostered by the WJC.
Secretary General Stephen E. HERBITS, reviewing WJC operations,
stressed that the WJC is stronger than ever and has achieved a new platform
for increased successes. He referred the participants to the written reports
prepared by the Department Heads, particularly noting Iran Update (English
and Spanish) and Headquarters Review. He discussed finances and
fundraising, regretted that headquarters is unable to fund the regions to the
extent they would wish, partly to poor publicity during 2005. He showed his
gratification at the fundraising efforts for the Latin American Jewish
Congress led by Treasurer Eduardo Elsztain; described Moshe Kantor’s
inititive to commemorate Babi Yar in a serious and dignified way and his
project to mark the 70th anniversary of Kristallnacht in 2008; praised Peleg
Reshef’s success in mobilizing the young generation to struggle against
genocide in Darfur and elsewhere. He stated that WJC is planning a
conference in 2007 to involve world leaders in combating growing security
risks. He urged Governing Board participants to let him know their wishes
and plans.
Session I - Anti-Semitism
Moshe KANTOR, in the chair.
Prof. Dina PORAT described the activities of Tel Aviv University’s
Stephen Roth Institute on Anti-Semitism, in particular the “new anti-
Semitism” prevalent in Western Europe. Her exhibits revealed cause for
grave concern, but noted the courageous voices countering that wave and the
growing awareness of the trend among international organizations that
justify optimism. She also noted the spread of legislation against anti-
Semitism throughout the world.
Thomas HAMMARBERG, Commissioner for Human Rights at the
Council of Europe, mentioned his observation of xenophobia and neo-
Nazism, anti-Semitism, homophobia, anti-Roma crimes and widespread
antagonism against immigrants throughout Europe. He found that European
governments had not done enough to counter attacks against Jews wrongly
blamed for Israeli politics, but was pleased to point to recent legislation,
police work and political initiatives in the European Union and OSCE.
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Rabbi Marc SCHNEIER presented the project of the Foundation for
Ethnic Understanding of battling anti-Semitism through public service TV
announcements, which he demonstrated. These have been produced in
cooperation with Russell Simmons, Jay-Z and Beyonce, with their voices
translated into French, German and Russian by modern technology.
Luncheon session
Dr. Ariel MUZICANT introduced his fellow Austrian, Mrs. Benita
Ferrero-Waldner, Commissioner for External Relations of the European
Commission.
Mrs. FERRERO-WALDNER saluted the many friends she recognized
from EJC and WJC events she had addressed in the past: a meeting
organized by Mr. Muzicant and a Muslim representative in Vienna; the
Kristallnacht commemoration in Munich; the interfaith dialogue conducted
by WJC and EJC, and stressed that, while historic wounds run deep, she saw
a common task in learning from the past and endeavoring to heal
relationships, in a climate of mutual respect rather than tolerance. She stated
her commitment to achieving links between North and South countries,
mentioned the effect of the entry of Moldova, Ukraine, Turkey, Morocco
into the European Union, was hopeful for the effectiveness of three new
action plans in the European Neighborhood Policy, in working for peace.
She supported the struggle against anti-Semitism and anti-Muslimism, the
struggle against terrorism, and the effort for greater economic integration
and development. Mrs. FERRERO-WALDNER pointed to the situation in
Iran as the most serious problem for the international community. She
praised Mr. Javier Solana’s efforts for the European Union, most
significantly gradual sanctions that might be reversible. She referred to the
fact that Russia is not part of the European Neighborhood Policy and might
lead to a debacle, mentioned that she would soon be in Helsinki for
European union discussions with Russia.
In response to a question from the DUTCH YOUTH delegate, Mrs.
FERRERO-WALDNER stressed that Israel and Palestine need to come to
terms, recognizing that people are frustrated.
Session II – Threats to Israel
33
In the chair, Mr. Henry GRUNWALD QC, just recently reelected president
of the Board of Deputies of British Jews.
Mr. GRUNWALD referred to the frequent argument that “we are all
Hezbollah” and so are guilty of having taken a stand against Israel. In
presenting the panel that would discuss “Threats to Israel: Iran, Terrorism
and Indifference,” he introduced Mr. Marc Otte, special representative to the
Middle East Peace Process, a Belgian diplomat who had been ambassador to
Israel.
Mr. Marc OTTE, described Europe as a regional compound linked by
common languages, but lacking joint political horizons, in which Islam had
emerged as a strategic threat. He noted that recent conflicts in the Balkans
had been a wake-up call and pleaded for reconciliation with the US,
rapprochement with Israel, a greater readiness to act responsibly, and
focusing on the centrality of the Arab-Israeli conflict. He hoped that the
democratic institutions in Lebanon would be reinforced, that the Iraq agenda
would be separated from the Syrian one, bringing about a more effective
modernization of the area.
Mr. David KIMCHE – chairman of the Israel Council on Foreign
Relations, who had been Israel ambassador at large from 1997 and served as
Director General, among other positions at the Foreign Ministry i.a. in Arab
countries – described the current climate in Israel where, despite remarkable
achievements, the national psyche was suffering from fatigue, despairing
that peace would be attained. He spoke of the Iranian nuclear threat, with
200 installations working on nuclear programs. If Iran becomes nuclear, he
stated, it will find echo in Egypt, Algeria, the Arab Emirates. As it had done
in 1981 when it bombed Osirac, Israel would have to resort to a military
solution. Since the days of Darius, he said, there had been friction between
the Arab world and the West, and at this stage there was an increasingly
dangerous tension between Shia and Sunni.
Mr. HERBITS, in introducing the following speaker, announced that
the WJC is welcoming as a headquarters representative in Israel a
personality known for many years as ambassador to the European Union and
NATO. Mr. Oded Eran would act in a staff capacity for the WJC as a whole
and act as chief administrator for the multitude of WJC activities in Israel.
34
Mr. Yehiel LEKET protested that this restructuring of operations in
Israel needed to be discussed with the Israeli Branch.
In his presentation, Mr. ERAN mentioned a BBC program he had
seen that morning on Iran’s nuclear threat, with an array of Israeli speakers
who referred to Israel’s possible military response, a necessary decision in
view of the irreversible damage to Israel if no reaction is undertaken. The
permanent members of the UN Security Council, he felt, needed to be co-
opted, as well as the International tomic Energy Agency in Vienna, and even
NATO. He was confident that the WJC had partners in its endeavors.
Session III – Inter-Religious Dialogue
Chair Rabbi Yaacov Dov BLEICH, born in Brooklyn, now chief rabbi
of Ukraine, stated that it was now evident how important it was to create
alliances through mutual contacts.
Israel SINGER described how the Jewish motto no longer was “Let
my people go” but “Let my people know,” with ongoing programs to impart
teaching to Jewish communities worldwide. He described the inter-religious
gathering held most recently in Cape Town, and stressed it was miraculous
that the Catholic Church was now siding with the Jewish endeavors.
The rector of the Muslim Institute of the Paris Mosque, Dalil
BOUBAKEUR, president of the French Council of the Muslim Religion,
stated that Islam nowadays is one of the pioneers of respect for fellow-man,
for goodness and human brotherhood, stressing that Jews and Muslims are
brother-Semites and members of the Fraternity of Abraham. He quoted the
Brazilian Dom Helder Camara, who had pleaded against hatred and
Islamophobia; said that he would be participating in the Holocaust
commemorations in Paris.
Archbishop Andre Vingt-Trois, active in reaching out to Jews in Paris,
affirmed the principle of unity in divergence, the ideal of dialogue between
religions, the use of mutual resources leading to a common solution, which
demand a deepening of mutual understanding and the creation of fraternity,
an acknowledgement of the greatness of one another and an admission of
each other’s weakness. He referred in particular to Pope John Paul II’s
statement of repentance and the road still to be walked until all the faithful
follow him; he also recalled the meeting of Imams and Rabbis with the
35
participation of Catholic Church leaders, spoke of Nostra Aetate and the
cooperation of Jews and Catholics against some of the evils of modern
society, the support given in Argentina in the aftermath of the economic
debacle, the cooperation with Cardinal Kasper in fighting AIDS. He urged
not ignoring differences but stimulating mutual responsibility.
Chief Rabbi Joseph SITRUK of France praised the WJC for having
chosen Paris as its venue, called on France to export its ideals, among them
inter-religious dialogue, in a climate of fraternity and closeness. Judaism
does not export its wisdom, but offers it to humanity as a whole, without
enforcing it, but without timidity. Religions have a significant role to play in
times of crisis, hunger, AIDS, he affirmed, though they committed grievous
mistakes through intolerance; this is not a generalization, he said, and even
in Islam there are tolerant and intelligent elements. He proclaimed the ideals
of Emet veShalom, in the hope that Jews, Christians and Muslims follow the
aim of growing near to one another. “If you believe in God, you believe in
man,” he concluded.
Cardinal Jean-Marie LUSTIGER praised the French government for
its condemnation of discrimination, including anti-Semitism, racism and
xenophobia. He analyzed the differences between Judaism and other
religions, referred to illusionary paradises such as Andalusia in the Middle
Ages, hoped that the Catholic Church would establish a positive relationship
vis-à-vis the Jews, in mutual confidence and cooperation. The same positive
approach should prevail for the relations with Buddhism, Shintoism, etc.
though the same historical background is lacking as with Islam. Cardinal
Lustiger quoted Emmanuel Levinas with regard to the work that remains to
be done if Jews, Christians and Muslims want to overcome paganism.
Rabbi BLEICH mentioned the positive experience in the Balkans,
where the mufti of Bosnia-Herzegovina had contributed to getting the
various sides together in Yugoslavia; he spoke of the spirituality which can
surface in difficult times, mentioned Aca Singer, the head of the Belgrade
Jewish community, who had learned through a fellow inmate in Auschwitz
how important fasting on Yom Kippur could be; stated that religion gives us
the power to raise above suffering.
Session IV – Regional Reports
36
Matthew BRONFMAN, in the chair, described Limmud in Russia
which he had recently attended and stressed the significance it was having in
the life of Jewish youngsters in the Former Soviet Union.
Mr. Freddy PRESSNER, president of the Confederation of Jewish
Associations in Venezuela, presented examples of anti-Semitic articles and
cartoons recently published in Venezuelan papers. He commented on the
need for better protection against the government of President Chavez, and
suggested creating a world-wide circle of friends.
Mr. Jorge KIRSZENBAUM of DAIA, Argentina, described the
economic crisis that had afflicted Argentina in 2001. He thanked the WJC
for its support during the difficult years.
Mr. Alexander MACHKEVITCH, President of the EuroAsian Jewish
Congress, reported on working in a continent in which Jews are not
generally known, and pleaded for an increased effort at public relations and
coordinated activity. Religious dialogue, he affirmed, is one of the strongest
mechanisms for cooperation, referring to his contacts with the Muslim
leadership including the only Jew in the Iranian Parliament. EAJC had
raised a million dollars to help Israeli communities during the war on the
northern border and Jewish communities in Tajikistan, where they will
rebuild the synagogue demolished in Dushambe.
Evelyn SOMMER, President of the North American Jewish Congress,
reported on their upcoming meeting to be held in Mexico City when the new
President of Mexico assumes office.
Matthew BRONFMAN referred to the election of the Czech Republic
as president of the European Community and congratulated the Venezuelan
Jewish community for its courageous stand. He mentioned the drawn out
struggle at the UN to elect a regional chairman from Latin America to the
Security Council, which ended with the choice of Guatemala, spoke of the
influence of WJC activity in Latin America, described his recent visit to
Argentina, Uruguay and Brazil.
Pierre BESNAINOU, President of the European Jewish Congress,
stated that Finland is still the representative of the European Union,
expressed hope that Javier Solana would be of assistance to the EJC.
37
Speaking for the Israel Branch, Matityahu DROBLAS referred to
structural changes planned for the Israeli Executive.
Mendel KAPLAN reported that the anti-Semitism resolution
submitted earlier had been accepted.
Dinner session, at French Senate
Mr. Pierre BESNAINOU stressed the feeling of gratitude for the
Charter of Human Rights that France and Paris symbolize; he quoted
Levinas, Lellouche, Herzl, spoke of the need for all peoples of the Middle
East to co-exist in peace, affirmed that Jews can live outside of Israel, but
not without Israel, praised Nahum Goldmann, Edgar Bronfman and Israel
Singer for their roles in heading the WJC. He expressed the hope that the
three monotheistic religions might learn to live together in peace, referred to
Tunisia, his country of birth, to Simone Veil’s presence at the
commemoration of the deportation of French Jews, to the recent
inauguration of a new synagogue in Munich. He excoriated the latest moves
of Iranian president Ahmadinejad, hoped that French Prime Minister would
be able to avoid a new nuclear catastrophe by the use of diplomacy. He
greeted Prime Minister de Villepin for his exemplary friendship to the
Jewish people and Israel, affirmed his confidence in the French Republic,
thanked Senate President Christian Poncelet for his hospitality.
Prime Minister Dominique DE VILLEPIN assured his audience of
France’s total commitment for peace and security in the Middle East and
stressed the positive relationship between France and Israel. He gave
examples of France’s struggle against anti-Semitism, both within the country
and throughout the world, spoke of the duty of maintaining memory proven
by President Chirac’s presence at recent Holocaust commemorations,
referred to France’s role at the European Union and OSCE and its
cooperation with Israel. After mentioning his concern about the recent war
between Israel and Lebanon and Iranian President’s appeal for the
destruction of Israel, he concluded by reaffirming France’s commitment to
peace in the Middle East, its fidelity to the universal values of justice and
dialogue, tolerance and mutual respect, stressed that the struggle against
anti-Semitism is a total priority, the very foundation of the French Republic.
In concluding the WJC Governing Board, Mr. Matthew BRONFMAN
expressed thanks to all the organizers of the meeting and highlighted the
38
moving and poignant remarks by the Prime Minister. Eloquently
summarizing the days meetings, he began by quoting Dickens’ “best of
times, worst of times” phrase to contrast the speakers’ reports of anti-
Semitism and the promise and hope revealed in the reference to inter-
religious dialogue. Mr. Bronfman had recently spent time in Israel and
described the rising stock market as opposed to somber mood caused by the
fear of a new conflict. Again speaking of “best of times, worst of times,” he
referred to Holocaust denial prevalent in many areas, the threat of nuclear
weapons in Iran, opposing this to the inauguration of a synagogue in Munich
and the rebirth of Jewish life in Moscow. He pointed to how freedom in
many countries led to intermarriage and to the danger of Jewish children and
grandchildren disappearing as Jews. Dickens was not the first to realize that
there are such contradictions, King Solomon had made the same remark that
there is a time for everything, a time to be born and a time to die. In these
times of uncertainty, Mr. Bronfman proclaimed, let us commit to do good all
the days of our lives. He wished well to all participants, in the hope to see
all again in the coming months and year.
39
RETIREMENT OF THE CURRENT PRESIDENT
Address by President Edgar M. Bronfman.
40
CONDUCTING THE ELECTION OF AN INTERIM PRESIDENT
The Governing Board is charged with electing an acting president
(Constitution Article 10, Section D).
Should the individual occupying the chair of this meeting be a
candidate at the time of this election, the Governing Board may decide who
should chair the portion of the Governing Board meeting that deals with the
elections. The President may appoint a Chairman; the Governing Board may
vote on this appointment.
The WJC has received the following notifications of candidacy for the
WJC’s presidency, an official letter and biography are provided in the
Welcome Kits:
1. Vladimir Herzberg
2. Mendel Kaplan
3. Ronald S. Lauder.
4. Einat Wilf
Should the Executive Committee have a report on its decisions
concerning a designation or the elections, it could present its report at this
time.
The Governing Board may inquire if there are any other candidates at
this time.
Prior to determining the method of voting for electing an acting
president, the Governing Board should determine how to conduct its
discussions of the candidates. The Governing Board should determine
whether or not to:
1. Permit a Governing Board member to speak on behalf of a
candidate
2. Permit a guest to speak on behalf of a candidate
3. Permit a candidate to speak.
41
4. Permit any discussion at all beyond procedural or point of order
comments
The Governing Board may discuss the candidates within the
guidelines of the WJC Rules and Procedures.
42
VOTING ON AN INTERIM PRESIDENT
The method of voting shall normally be by a show of hands (Rules of
Procedure (Article 27, Section 1).
The Governing Board may decide to conduct a roll call vote (Rules of
Procedure Article 27, Section 2).
Elections shall normally be held by a show of hands (Rules of
Procedure Article 31, Section 1).
The Governing Board may decide to conduct elections by secret ballot
(Rules of Procedure Article 31, Section 1).
The Constitution and the Rules of Procedure are silent on the matter
of a need for either majority or a plurality vote for purposes of an election.
The Constitution does mention the need for certain majorities in certain
circumstances, but none of those circumstances relate to an election.
Therefore, the Governing Board may determine whether to require a
majority or plurality of votes in the context of its election of an acting
president.
Should the Governing Board decide to require a majority, the
Governing Board may then determine the procedure for a first, second and
subsequent rounds of voting should they be required.
In determining whether or not sufficient votes have been cast to
constitute the specified majority, only the votes of those present and voting,
exclusive of abstentions, shall be counted (Constitution, Article 14, Section
B).
43
CONDUCTING THE ELECTION
OF A GOVERNING BOARD CHAIRMAN
The Governing Board chairmanship was vacated in January 2006.
The Governing Board is charged with filling a vacancy in the office of
the Governing Board Chairman (Constitution Article 10, Section E).
Should the individual occupying the chair of this meeting be a
candidate at the time of this election, the Governing Board may decide who
should chair the portion of the Governing Board meeting that deals with the
elections.
The WJC has received the following notifications of candidacy for the
WJC Governing Board Chairmanship, a letter and biography of whom may
be found in the Welcome Kits:
1. Matthew Bronfman
Should the Executive Committee have a report on any deliberation it
may have had concerning this matter, it should present its report at this time.
The Governing Board may inquire if there are any other candidates at
this time.
Prior to determining the method of voting for electing a Governing
Board Chairman, the Governing Board should determine how conduct its
discussions of the candidates. The Governing Board should determine
whether or not to:
1. Permit a Governing Board member to speak on behalf of a
candidate
2. Permit a guest to speak on behalf of a candidate
3. Permit a candidate to speak.
4. Permit any discussion at all beyond procedural or point of order
comments
The Governing Board may discuss the candidates within the
guidelines of the WJC Rules and Procedures.
44
VOTING ON A GOVERNING BOARD CHAIRMAN
The method of voting shall normally be by a show of hands (Rules of
Procedure (Article 27, Section 1).
The Governing Board may decide to conduct a roll call vote (Rules of
Procedure Article 27, Section 2).
Elections shall normally be held by a show of hands (Rules of
Procedure Article 31, Section 1).
The Governing Board may decide to conduct elections by secret ballot
(Rules of Procedure Article 31, Section 1).
The Constitution and the Rules of Procedure are silent on the matter
of a need for either majority or a plurality vote for purposes of an election.
The Constitution does mention the need for certain majorities in certain
circumstances but none of those circumstances related an election.
Therefore, the Governing Board may determine whether to require a
majority or plurality of votes in the context of its election of its Chairman.
Should the Governing Board decide to require a majority, the
Governing Board may then determine the procedure for a first, second and
subsequent rounds of voting should they be required.
In determining whether or not sufficient votes have been cast to
constitute the specified majority, only the votes of those present and voting,
exclusive of abstentions, shall be counted (Constitution, Article 14, Section
B).
45
OTHER VACANCIES
At this time, there is a vacancy in the office of the regional Branch
director for the World Jewish Congress Israel Branch.
Regional directors are appointed by the Governing Board in
consultation with the respective Branch. (Constitution, Article 10, Section
C).
This consultation has not taken place and therefore the position may
remain vacant for the time being.
There are no other vacant offices at this time.
46
OTHER BUSINESS (REQUIRED)
Creation of an Audit Committee
Background
In January 2005, the WJC Plenary Assembly mandated an audit
committee.
Since then, the WJC has completely restructured its legal and
financial operating structure creating three separate entities:
1.
2.
3.
WJC LLC (the US office of the Geneva-based not-for-profit.
The WJC American Section
The WJC Foundation
Audits for 2005 were completed for the American Section and the
Foundation and filed with government authorities along with appropriate tax
returns.
Audits for 2006 have now been completed for the American Section
and the Foundation and each has been reviewed by their newly elected
independent Audit Committees (May 29, 2007)
The WJC LLC audit is nearly complete and it now necessary to
constitute the WJC Audit Committee.
The Governing Board should therefore consider a proposed resolution
concerning the constitution of a WJC Audit Committee.
Draft Resolution of the World Jewish Congress Governing Board
June 10, 2007, New York, NY
The WJC Governing Board authorizes the WJC Executive Committee to
constitute a WJC LLC Audit Committee as soon as possible, ultimately
subject to the ratification by the Governing Board, and report on the Audit
Committees findings at the next Governing Board meeting.
47
OTHER BUSINESS (REQUIRED)
Motions from the Floor
Proper governance suggests that WJC Governing Board voting
delegates be given the opportunity to present motions and that the
opportunity be given to second, discuss and vote on such motions should
there be any.
If a controversy arises as to whether something is “germane,” a proper
ruling will have to be made in accordance with the WJC Constitution and
Rules of Procedure.
WJC Counsel will be present and able to offer an opinion.
48
OTHER BUSINESS (OPTIONAL)
Review of the Current Finances of the WJC
It may be desirable for someone to provide a report to the Governing
Board. A two-page summary of financial data is included in the Governing
Board packets.
Discussion of Regional Reports
Written copies of Regional Reports are provided in the Governing
Board packets.
Discussion of Directors’ Reports
Written copies of Directors Reports are provided in the Governing
Board packets.
Discussion of Expanded Iran Project
This project was reviewed for briefly at the May 9 Steering
Committee meeting. Following this Governing Board meeting, steps will be
taken to implement an expanded Iranian effort.
49
SCHEDULING THE NEXT MEETING
The Governing Board may decide to schedule the next meeting now
or to defer the decision to the Executive Committee.
OTHER MATTERS AND ADJOURNMENT
At the discretion of the chair or the Governing Board, other matters
may be discussed or reviewed.
When completed, all decisions shall be recorded for the record and the
meeting should be adjourned.
50
Appendix
1. WJC Constitution
2. Rules of Procedure
3. Memorandum on Elections, May 10, 2007
Special Note: The Constitution and the Rules of Procedure have been
retyped and placed in this document for ease of reading and the convenience
of members of the Executive Committee and Governing Board. Should
there be any typographical discrepancies between the Constitution and or the
Rules of procedure as presented here and the original documents, the ruling
documents shall be original facsimiles of the 1975 documents as retained by
the WJC Secretariat.
51
[As retyped June 8, 2007 for ease of reading]
C. REVISED WJC CONSTITUTION AND ORGANIZATIONAL
RESOLUTIONS
1. CONSTITUTION OF THE WORLD JEWISH CONGRESS
(as revised by the Sixth Plenary Assembly, February 6, 1975)
Article 1. Nature of organization
The World Jewish Congress is a voluntary association of
representative Jewish bodies, communities, and organizations throughout the
world.
Article 2. Purposes
a. The World Jewish Congress is organized to foster the unity of the
Jewish people, to strive for the fulfillment of its aspirations, and to ensure
the continuity and development of its religious, spiritual, cultural, and social
heritage, and to that end it seeks:
(1) to intensify the bonds of world Jewry with Israel as the
central creative force in Jewish life and to strengthen
the ties of solidarity among Jewish communities
everywhere;
(2) to secure the rights, status, and interests of Jews and
Jewish communities and to defend them wherever they
are denied, violated, or imperiled;
(3) to encourage and assist the creative development of
Jewish social, religious, and cultural life throughout the
world;
(4) to coordinate the efforts of Jewish communities and
organizations with respect to the political, economic,
social, religious, and cultural problems of the Jewish
people;
52
(5)
to represent and act on behalf of its participating
communities and organizations before governmental,
intergovernmental, and other international authorities
with respect to matters which concern the Jewish people
as a whole.
b. The World Jewish Congress strives to cooperate with all peoples on
the basis of universal ideals of peace, freedom, and justice.
Article 3. Autonomy
Participation in the World Jewish Congress shall in no way affect the
autonomy of Jewish communities and organizations with regard to their
respective internal and religious affairs nor imply any authorization of the
World Jewish Congress to intervene in the domestic political affairs of their
countries.
Article 4. Composition
a. The World Jewish Congress consists of:
(1) (i) National Jewish representative communal bodies.
Admission of such bodies is effected by the Governing
board. Only one such national body shall be admitted for
any country.
(ii) In the absence of a generally recognized or
acknowledged representative Jewish body in a country,
or the failure of any such body to join, or in the event of
its disqualification, the Governing Board may accept for
such country that body which in its view is the best
qualified. Under special circumstances, other Jewish
organizations may be admitted by a two-thirds vote of the
General Council on such terms and conditions as it may
prescribe.
(2)
International Jewish organizations which may be
admitted in associate status by a two-thirds vote of the
Governing Board on such terms and conditions as it may
prescribe.
53
b. Only bodies, communities, and organizations formed and acting in
accordance with democratic principles and which subscribe to the
purposes of the World Jewish Congress and agree to abide by the
provisions of this Constitution may be admitted.
c. The Governing Board, by a two-thirds vote and subject to
ratification of the General Council, may enter into special
relationships with major international Jewish organizations and
provide for representation of such organizations on various organs of
the World Jewish Congress.
Article 5. Organs of the World Jewish Congress
The organs of the World Jewish Congress shall be:
a. the Plenary Assembly;
b. the General council;
c. the Governing Board
d. the Executive.
Article 6. The Plenary Assembly
a. The Plenary Assembly is the supreme authority of the World Jewish
Congress.
b. The Governing Board shall summon the Plenary Assembly to a
regular session every fourth year.
c. When extraordinary circumstances render it necessary, the
Governing Board may, by a two-thirds vote, postpone the regular
session of the Plenary Assembly for not more than one year, except
that a further postponement may be directed by a three-fourths vote of
the Governing board.
d. The Governing Board may, by a three-fourths vote, summon an
extraordinary session of the Plenary Assembly. The business of such
session shall be limited ot those matters proposed by the Board.
54
e. The Plenary Assembly shall consist of the delegates of Jewish
bodies, communities, and organizations comprising the World Jewish
Congress.
f. The number of delegates allotted to each community or national
organization shall be determined by the Governing Board with due
regard to the size of the Jewish population of the respective country.
No country shall be entitled to more than two-fifths of the total
number of delegates. Each delegation shall reflect the composition of
its Jewish community.
g. The number of delegates allotted to international organizations in
associate status shall be determined by the Governing Board but shall
not exceed one-fifth of the total number of delegates.
h. The validity of the election or designation of the delegates shall be
subject to confirmation by the Plenary Assembly.
i. The members of the Governing Board shall have the right to take
full part in the proceedings of the Plenary Assembly but without
voting rights unless they are elected delegates.
j. The proceedings of the Plenary Assembly shall be conducted by a
Presidium elected by the Assembly for its duration.
k. The proceedings of the of the Plenary Assembly shall be conduted
in accordance with rules of procedure to be proposed by the
Governing Board and approved by the Plenary Assembly.
l. Every delegate shall have one vote in the Plenary Assembly.
m. Decisions of the Plenary Assembly shall be by a simple majority of
those present and voting unless otherwise provided in this
Constitution.
55
Article 7. The General Council
a. The General Council shall receive and may review reports from the
Governing Board and/or the Executive and shall determine the general
policies of the organization between sessions of the Plenary
Assembly. It may by a two-thirds vote convene an extraordinary
session of the Plenary Assembly.
b. The General Council shall meet in regular session biennially but
shall not meet in the year in which a session of the Plenary Assembly
is held.
c. An extraordinary session of the General Council may be summoned
at any time by the Executive and shall be summoned by the Executive
upon the request of two-thirds of the members of the Council.
d. There shall be three categories of members of the General Council:
full, associate, and honorary.
e. Full members of the General council shall be:
(1) the members of the Governing Board;
(2) holders of offices so designated by the Plenary Assembly
or the General Council;
(3) members so nominated as its representatives by a
national or international body, according to a key fixed
by the Plenary Assembly, which shall take into account
the representation of such bodies on the Governing
Board.
f. Associate members of the General Council shall be:
(1) holders of offices so designated by the Plenary Assembly
or the General Council;
(2) members so nominated as its representatives by a
national or international body, according to a key fixed
by the Plenary Assembly.
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g. Honorary members of the General Council shall be such persons as
may be elected by the Plenary Assembly or the General council.
h. Associate and honorary members shall have the right to take full
part in meetings of the General Council but without voting rights.
i. Members of the General Council nominated by a national or
international body shall serve at the pleasure of such body but in the
case of representatives of national bodies only so long as such
member shall be a resident of the country in which such body is
located.
j. The number of members of the General Council and the key for the
election of its full and associate members shall be fixed by the Plenary
Assembly.
k. The number of full or associate members representing a national
body shall be determined with due regard to the size of the Jewish
population of the respective country but no country shall be entitled to
more than two-fifths of the total number of such members.
l. The total number of members representing international bodies in
associate status shall be not more than one-fifth of the total
membership of the Council
m. The General council shall have the right, by a two-thirds vote, to
increase the total number of full members and/or associate members
by one-fifth and designate the national or international bodies entitled
to elect such additional members.
n. The General Council shall establish regional Branches for Europe,
Israel, Latin America, and North America and for such other areas as
it finds appropriate, consisting of all the members of the General
Council located in the respective areas, and determine the
responsibilities thereof.
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Article 8. The Governing Board
a. The Governing Board shall govern the World Jewish Congress
between meetings of the General Council, in accordance with policies
laid down by the Plenary Assembly or the General Council. The
decisions of the Governing Board shall be reported to the next
meeting of the General Council.
b. the Governing Board shall meet in regular session twice a year at a
time and place to be designated by the Executive.
c. an Extraordinary session of the Governing Board may be
summoned at any time by the Executive. An extraordinary session of
the Governing Board shall be convened upon the request of one-third
of its members, provided that not more than one such extraordinary
session shall be called in this manner in any one twelve-month period.
d. The Governing Board shall have the power to establish, as
subsidiary organs, standing commissions on international cultural,
organizational, and other affairs, shall elect their chairmen, and shall
determine the responsibilities of such commissions and the frequency
of the meetings thereof.
e. The Governing Board shall consist of:
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
the members of the Executive;
the chairmen of the standing commissions;
the directors of the departments of the World Jewish
Congress;
the directors of the regional Branches;
members appointed by various national bodies of the
World Jewish Congress, in accordance with a key fixed
by the Plenary Assembly;
members appointed by international bodies in associate
status designated by the Plenary Assembly to receive
such representation;
the Governing Board, may, by a two-thirds vote, grant
representation on the Governing Board to new bodies
58
joining the World Jewish Congress between sessions of
the plenary Assembly.
f. The Executive, the president, or the chairman of the Governing
Board may invite other persons to participate in meetings of the
Governing Board but without voting rights.
Article 9. The Executive
a. The Executive shall conduct the affairs and act on behalf of the
World Jewish Congress, in accordance with the decisions of the
Governing Board, between meetings of the Governing Board. The
decisions of the Executive shall be reported to the next meeting of the
Governing Board.
b. The Executive shall consist of:
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
the president;
the vice-presidents;
the chairman of the Governing Board;
the chairman of the General Council;
the treasurer or treasurers;
the chairmen of the regional Branches;
the secretary-general.
The Executive may establish a smaller committee from among
its members to conduct the day-to-day activities of the World Jewish
Congress between meetings of the executive.
c. The Executive shall meet at least four times a year, provided that
two of such meetings each year shall be held in conjunction with a
meeting of the Governing Board, a meeting of the General Council, or
a meeting of the Plenary Assembly. The Executive may also be
convened in special session on the call of the president or upon the
request of one-third of its members.
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Article 10. Officers, Elections
a. The officers of the World Jewish Congress shall be:
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
(8)
the president;
one or more vice-presidents;
one or more honorary vice-presidents
the chairman of the Governing Board;
the chairman of the General Council
the chairman of each regional Branch;
one or two treasurers; in the event of one, a co-treasurer
or deputy treasurer may be elected:
the secretary-general.
b. The Plenary Assembly shall elect the officers of the World Jewish
Congress, who shall continue in office until the next Plenary
Assembly, except that chairmen of regional Branches shall be elected
by the Plenary Assembly on the recommendation of the respective
Branches and hold office at the pleasure of the Branches only as long
as they reside in their respective areas.
c. Heads of departments of the World Jewish Congress shall be
appointed by the Governing board subject to the approval of the
General Council
Regional directors will be appointed by the governing Board in
consultation with the respective Branch, subject to the approval of the
General Council.
d. In the event of a vacancy in the office of president, the Executive
shall within three months call a special meeting of the Governing
Board and propose to it the designation of an acting president. The
Governing Board shall thereupon elect an acting president, who shall
exercise all the powers and duties of the president until the next
meeting of the General Council, which shall elect a new president,
who shall hold office until the next Plenary Assembly.
e. A vacancy in any other office shall be filled by the Governing
Board, subject to ratification by the General Council, except that
vacancies in the office of chairmen of regional Branches shall be
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filled by the Governing Board upon the recommendation of the
respective Branch and subject to ratification by the General Council.
f. Any officer elected by the Governing Board shall assume the duties
and privileges of such office but only until the next meeting of the
General Council, at which the election of such officer shall be ratified
or a new person elected in his place.
Article 11. Budget and Finance
a. The revenue of the World Jewish Congress shall include:
(1) contributions of participating communities and
organizations to be determined in accordance with a key
to be adopted by the Plenary Assembly and/or the
General Council;
(2) voluntary contributions from organizations or individuals
or other sources.
b. The Plenary Assembly shall establish a Budget and Finance
Commission and elect its chairman. The Assembly may designate its
members or authorize the Governing Board to do so and to name
additional members. The treasurers, co-treasurer, and deputy treasurer
shall be ex-officio member of the Budget and Finance Commission.
c. The annual budget shall be submitted to and approved by the
Governing Board. Whenever, for any reason, the Governing Board is
unable to adopt the annual budget, the Executive may adopt a
provisional budget, which shall be in effect until the next meeting of
the Governing Board.
Article 12. Amendments
This Constitution may be amended by a Plenary Assembly at which
no less than half of the national bodies comprising the World Jewish
Congress are represented. Amendments require a two-thirds majority
vote.
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Article 13. Registration or Incorporation
If necessary for the effective operation and conduct of the World
Jewish Congress and its affairs, the Executive is empowered to take
appropriate measures for registration or incorporation in any country
or countries and with any authority or organization and to establish
any foundation, trust, tax-exempt corporation, or not-for-profit
corporation to received voluntary contributions from any sources.
Article 14. Procedural rules
a. The quorum for any meeting of any organ of the World Jewish
Congress shall be a simple majority of all those entitled to vote at that
meeting, except as to Article 12.
b. In determining whether or not sufficient votes have been cast to
constitute the specified majority, only the votes of those present and
voting, exclusive of abstentions, shall be counted.
Article 15. Effective Date
The Constitution, as amended by the Sixth Plenary Assembly, held in
1975, shall come into force immediately.
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[As retyped June 8, 2007 for ease of reading]
APPENDIX I.
RULES OF PROCEDURE FOR THE SIXTH PLENARY ASSEMBLY
Art. 1
Delegates
1) The Plenary Assembly shall consist of delegates elected by member
organizations and of the members of the Executive Committee.
2) The number of delegates allotted to each constituent member
organization shall be determined by the Executive Committee with
due regard to the Jewish population of the respective country. No
Country shall be entitled to more than two fifths of the total number of
delegates.
3) The number of delegates allotted to each associate member
organization shall be determined by the Executive Committee.
Art. 2
Alternate delegates
1) Constituent and associate member organizations mat designate
alternate delegates.
2) In the absence of a delegate, an alternate delegate may exercise his
right if so desired by the chairman of the delegation.
Art. 3
Fraternal delegates, observers
The Executive Committee may invite organizations not affiliated with
the Congress to send fraternal delegates or observers to the Plenary
Assembly.
Art. 4
Submission of credentials
1)
The credentials of delegates, alternate delegates, fraternal delegates,
and observers shall be submitted to the Secretariat of the Plenary
Assembly if possible not less that one week before the date fixed for
the opening of the Assembly.
2) The credentials shall be issued by the responsible officers of the
organization represented.
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Art. 5
Credentials Committee
1) A Credential Committee shall be appointed at the beginning of each
Plenary Assembly. It shall consist of five members, who shall be
appointed by the Plenary Assembly on the proposal of the officers of
the organization
2) The Committee shall examine the credentials of the delegates and
report to the Plenary Assembly without delay. The final decision
about the admission of a delegates rests with the Plenary Assembly.
Art. 6
Provisional admission of delegates
Any delegates to whose admission objections have been made shall be
seated
provisionally with the same rights as other delegates, until the
Credentials Committee has reported and the Plenary Assembly has given its
decision.
Art. 7
Agenda
1) The Plenary Assembly shall adopt its agenda at the beginning of its
session on the basis of the provisional agenda prepared by the
Executive Committee.
2) The inclusion of the supplementary items in the agenda may be
demanded at the Assembly, provided such request has been submitted
to the Executive Committee one month in advance of the opening of
the Assembly or if the item in question is of an emergency character
or for other exceptional reasons could not be submitted earlier. The
inclusion of such supplementary items requires a two-thirds majority
of the delegates present and voting.
Art. 8
Presidium
1) The Presidium shall consist of (a) the officers (b) the chairmen of the
principal commissions as defined in Article 34, (c) the chairman of the
Nominations Committee, and (d) forty other persons elected by the
Plenary Assembly.
2) The Presidium shall draw up the agenda for each plenary meeting,
determine the priority of its items and coordinate the proceedings of
64
all commissions and committees of the Plenary Assembly. It shall
assist the president of the organization in the general conduct of the
work of the Plenary Assembly and shall exercise such other functions
as delegated to it by the present rules of procedure.
3) Unless the Plenary Assembly appoints a special committee for this
purpose, the Presidium shall act as Nominations Committee for all
elections.
Art. 9
Presiding officer
1) On member of the Presidium shall act as presiding officer of each
plenary meeting.
2) The presiding officer declares the opening and closing meeting,
directs the discussion, ensures observance of rules, accords the right to
speak, puts questions to vote, and announces decisions. He has the
power to propose adjournment or closure of the debate or adjournment
or suspension of a meeting. He may call a speaker to oder if his
remarks are not relevant to the subject under discussion.
Art. 10
Public and private meetings
The meeting of the Plenary Assembly shall be held in public unless
the Assembly decides that exceptional circumstances require that the
meeting be held in private.
Art. 11
Quorum
A majority of the delegates to the Plenary Assembly shall constitute a
quorum.
Art. 12
Speeches
1) No delegate may address the Plenary Assembly without having
previously obtained the permission of the presiding officer. The
presiding office shall call upon speakers in the order in which they
signify their desire to speak.
2) The chairman and the rapporteur of a commission or committee may
be accorded precedence for the purpose of explaining the conclusions
arrived at by their commission or committee.
65
3) Officers and heads of the departments of the organization may be
accorded precedence in order to make a statement to the Plenary
Assembly concerning any questions under consideration
Art. 13
Appeals against rulings
1) A delegate may appeal against the ruling of the presiding officer. The
appeal shall immediately be put to the vote and the presiding officer’s
ruling shall stand unless overruled by a majority of the delegates
present
2) A delegate appealing against a ruling of the presiding officer may not
speak on the substance of the matter under discussion.
Art. 14
Time limit of speeches
1) The Plenary Assembly may limit the time to be allowed to delegations
or speakers.
2) In regard to certain discussions the Plenary Assembly may, upon
recommendation of the Presidium (a) fix the time available and (b)
divide the time available among the delegations on the basis of their
numerical strength, but allowing adequate minimum time for small
delegations and allotting time to ex officio of the Executive
Committee.
Art. 15
Closing of list of speakers
Except where the time available for debate on the subject has been
fixed by the Plenary Assembly and the time has been divided among the
delegations, the presiding officer may, during the course of a debate,
announce the list of speakers and, with the consent of the Plenary
Assembly, declare the list closed. He may, however, accord the right of
reply to any delegate if a speech delivered after he has declared the list
closed makes this appropriate.
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Art. 16
Adjournment of the debate
During the discussion of any matter, a delegate may move the
adjournment of the
debate on the item under discussion. In addition to
the proposer of the motion, on delegate may speak in favor of, and one
against the motion, after which the
motion shall be immediately put to
the vote.
Art. 17
Closure of the debate
Except where the time available for debate on the subject has been
fixed by the Plenary Assembly and the time has been divided among the
delegations, any delegate may, at any time, move the closure of the debate
on the item under discussion, whether or not any other delegate has
signified his wish to speak.
Permission to speak on the closure of the
debate shall be accorded only to one speaker opposing the closure, after
which the motion shall be immediately put to
vote. If the Plenary
Assembly is in favor of the closure, the presiding officer shall declare the
closure of the debate.
Art. 18
Suspension or adjournment of the meeting
During the discussion of any matter, a delegate may move the
suspension or the adjournment of the meeting. Such motions shall not be
debated, but shall be
immediately put to the vote.
Art. 19
Order of procedural motions
Subject to Art. 13 the following motions shall have precedence in the
following order over all other proposals or motions before the meeting:
(a) to suspend the meeting;
(b) to adjourn the meeting;
(c) to adjourn the debate on the item under discussion;
(d) for the closure of the debate on the item under discussion.
Art. 20
Proposals and amendments
Proposals and amendments which are not of a procedural character
shall normally
be introduced in writing and handed to the Secretariat of
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the Plenary Assembly, which shall circulate copies to the delegates. As a
general rule, no proposal shall be discussed or put to the vote at any
meeting or the Plenary Assembly unless
copies of it have been
circulated to all delegates. The presiding officer may,
however, permit
the discussion and consideration of the amendments even though
these
have no been circulated.
Art. 21
Proposals in Plenary
1) Proposals or substantive amendments which are not of a procedural
character cannot be submitted to the Plenary Assembly if they have
not been previously submitted to one of the commissions or
committees.
2) A Proposal or a substantive amendment which has not been accepted
by one of the commissions or committees can be introduced in
Plenary Session only if the mover has reserved his right, in
commission or committee session, to present a minority report to the
Plenary.
Art. 22
Motions to be seconded
Any motion, proposal, or amendment made by a delegate must be
seconded by
another delegate before it can be put to a vote
Art. 23
Withdrawal of motions
A motion may be withdrawn by its proposer at any time before voting
on it has
commenced, provided the motion has not been amended. A
motion which has then been withdrawn may be reintroduced by any
delegate
Art. 24
Reconsideration of proposals
When a proposal has been adopted or rejected it may not be
reconsidered at the
same Plenary Assembly unless the Plenary
Assembly, by a two-thirds majority of
the delegates present and
voting, so decides.
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Art. 25
Voting rights
Each delegate shall have one vote.
Art. 26
“Delegates present and voting”
For the purpose of these rules, the phrase “delegates present and
voting” means
delegates casting an affirmative or negative vote.
Delegates who abstain from
voting are considered as not voting.
Art. 27
Method of voting
1) The Plenary Assembly shall normally vote by show of hands.
2) A roll call shall be taken of requested by at least 100 delegates.
Art. 28
Conduct during voting
After the presiding officer has announced the beginning of voting, no
delegate
shall interrupt the voting except on a point of order in
connection with the actual
conduct of the voting.
Art. 29
Division of proposals
Parts of a proposal shall be voted on separately if a delegate requests
that the
proposal be divided. The resulting proposal shall then be put to
a final vote in its entirety.
Art. 30
Voting on amendments
When an amendment is moved to a proposal, the amendment shall be
voted on
first. When two or more amendments are moved to a proposal,
the Plenary Assembly shall first vote on the amendment furthest removed in
substance from
the original proposal, then on the amendment next
furthest removed therefrom,
and so on, until all the amendments have
been put to the vote. If one or more amendments
are
adopted,
the
amended proposal shall then be voted upon. A
motion is considered an
amendment to a proposal if it merely adds to, deletes
from, or revises
part of that proposal.
69
Art. 31
Voting on proposals
If two or more proposals relate to the same question, the Plenary Assembly
shall, unless it decides otherwise, vote on proposals in the order in which
they have been submitted. The Plenary Assembly may, after each vote on a
proposal, decide whether to vote on the next proposal.
Art. 32
Elections
1) Elections shall normally be held by a show of hands.
2) Elections by secret ballot shall take place when requested by at least
100 delegates.
Art. 33
Commission and committees
The Plenary Assembly may set up such commissions or committees as
it deems
necessary for the performance of its functions.
Art. 34
Principal commissions
The principal commissions of the Plenary Assembly are:
1) the Commission on Israel and the Middle East;
2) the Commission on Soviet and Eastern European Jewry;
3) the General Political Commission;
4) the Cultural Commission.
Art. 35
Composition of principal commissions
1) The principal commissions shall be composed of persons chosen by
the delegations in accordance with a keep of representation to be fixed
by the Presidium and the officers and ex officio members of the
Executive Committee.
2) Each delegation of a constituent or associate member organization
shall be entitled to at least one delegate in each of the principal
commissions.
3) Delegations which are not represented at the Plenary Assembly by a
sufficient number of delegates to enable them to participate in all
principal commissions shall be entitled to be represented in such
commissions by alternate delegates with full rights.
70
Art. 36
Commission and committee meetings
The meetings of the commissions or committees shall be held in
private. The chairman of the commission or committee may, in exceptional
cases, authorize persons who are not delegates to attend commission or
committee meetings if their presence seems to him desirable in the interest
of the organization.
Art. 37
Rules applicable
The rules for the conduct of business at meetings of the Plenary
Assembly are
applicable at meetings of the commissions or
committees.
Art. 38
Commission or committee decisions
1) Substantive decisions taken and draft resolutions adopted by a
commission or committee shall have the nature of recommendation
until confirmed by the Plenary Assembly
2) Such decisions and resolutions shall be communicated to the
Presidium or a special committee which the Plenary Assembly may
establish for this purpose.
3) The Presidium or special committee may revise the decision or
resolutions, changing their form but not their substance. Only such
changes shall be reported to the Plenary Assembly.
4) If the Presidium or special committee whishes to express a serious
objection to the substance of a decision taken or a draft resolution
adopted by a commission or committee, it shall refer the decision or
draft resolution to the commission or committee and inform it of the
nature of the objection.
5) If the commission or committee maintains its original position, the
Plenary Assembly shall decide.
71
To: World Jewish Congress Members and Affiliates
From: Would Jewish Congress Headquarters
Re: Process of Filling a Vacancy in the Office of the President
Date: May 10, 2007
Pages:
8
The World Jewish Congress Governing Board will convene on June 10,
2007 in New York. This memorandum is written to address various
procedures as determined by the WJC governing documents, specifically,
the process of filling vacancies in any office of the World Jewish Congress.
Invitations to the relevant meetings will follow.
On May 7, 2007, Edgar M. Bronfman informed the WJC Steering
Committee of his intentions to retire as president of the World Jewish
Congress, effective June 10, 2007 at the WJC Governing Board meeting. In
addition, the office of the Chairman of the Governing Board has been vacant
since January 2006 and the office of regional director of the WJC Israel
Branch has been vacant since March 14, 2007.
Constitutional Provisions
Article 10, Section B of the World Jewish Congress Constitution states in
part:
“The Plenary Assembly shall elect the officers of the World Jewish
Congress, who shall continue in office until the next Plenary
Assembly...”
Article 10, Section D of the World Jewish Congress Constitution states in
part:
72
“In the event of a vacancy in the office of president, the Executive
shall within three months call a special meeting of the Governing
Board and propose to it the designation of an acting president. The
Governing Board shall thereupon elect an acting president, who shall
exercise all the power and duties of the president... who shall hold
office until the next Plenary Assembly.”
Article 10, Section E of the World Jewish Congress Constitution states in
part:
“A vacancy in any other office shall be filled by the Governing
Board...”
Article 9, Section B of the World Jewish Congress Constitution lists the
composition of the WJC Executive.
Article 9, Section C of the World Jewish Congress Constitution states in
part:
“...The Executive may also be convened in special session on the call
of the president or upon the request of one third of its members.”
Article 10, Section C of the World Jewish Congress Constitution states in
part:
“Regional directors will be appointed by the Governing Board in
consultation with the respective Branch...”
73
Designation to Fill a Vacancy – The WJC Executive
In accordance with Article 9, Section C of the World Jewish Congress
Constitution, the WJC President has hereby called for the convening of the
WJC Executive at 1 p.m. on Sunday, June 10, 2007 to consider the vacancies
and in accordance with Article 10 Section D, prepare to “propose to [the
Governing Board] the designation of an acting president.” The meeting
will take place at the offices of the World Jewish Congress, 501 Madison
Avenue, 17th Floor, New York, NY 10022.
According to Article 9, Section B of the World Jewish Congress
Constitution and the January 2005 WJC Plenary Assembly election, the
following individuals, by virtue of their respective offices are current
members of the WJC Executive:
President Edgar M. Bronfman
Chairman of the Executive Mendel Kaplan
Chairman, World Zionist Organization Zeev Bielski
Vice President Kalman Sultanik
Vice President Greville Janner
Vice President Roger Cukierman
Vice President Sara Winkowski
Vice President Yehiel Leket
Vice President Charlotte Knobloch
Vice President Helena Glaser
Vice President Moshe Ronen
Vice President Alexander Bronstein
Honorary Vice President Vladimir Goussinsky
Honorary Vice President & Maram Stern
Deputy Secretary General
Treasurer Eduardo Elsztain
Regional Chair, Europe Pierre Besnainou*
Regional Chair, North America Evelyn Sommer
Regional Chair, Latin America Jack Terpins
74
Regional Chair, Israel Shai Hermesh**
Regional Chair, EuroAsia Alexander Mashkevich
By Special Designation Matti Droblas
Chairman, Budget and Finance Commission Matthew Bronfman
Secretary General Stephen E. Herbits
That Executive meeting will be governed by the WJC’s Constitution
and Rules of Procedure and accordingly will among other things:
• Be an open meeting unless voted closed by its membership
once convened;
• Vote by a show of hands;
• Conduct a roll call if requested.
In anticipation of an election at the subsequent Governing Board
meeting, the Executive will be asked to, in accordance with the WJC’s Rules
and Procedures, convene a five member Credentials Committee to examine
the credentials of delegates to the WJC Governing Board and to report to the
Governing Board concerning the credentials of its members. The final
decision about the composition of the Credentials Committee and the
ultimate admission of a delegate to the Governing Board shall rest with the
Governing Board.
Election to fill a Vacancy – The WJC Governing Board
The Governing Board shall meet at 4 p.m. on Sunday, June 10, 2007
in New York City. The precise location of the meeting will be conveyed
next week.
Should the Executive emerge from their meeting with a proposal
concerning the designation of an acting president or other offices, such
proposal shall be made to the Governing Board. The Governing Board shall
then have the opportunity to discuss the proposal of the Executive. The
governing Board will also accept motions from the floor, including
nominations. Should nominations from the floor be made, the opportunity
to speak shall be given in accordance with the WJC’s Rules of Procedure.
75
The anticipated order of business for the WJC Governing Board as
proposed may be:
• Designation of a Chairman for this Meeting of the Governing
Board Only;
• Confirmation of Credentials;
• Adoption of Minutes of previous meeting;
• Address by the President, Edgar M. Bronfman;
• Presentation on behalf of the Executive and its Designation(s);
• Nominations from the Floor on Alternative Designation(s);
• Presentation of Nominations from the Floor on Alternative
Designation(s);
• Open Discussion on all Nominations;
• Vote by the Governing Board;
• Address by the Newly Elected Acting President;
• Financial Presentation and Reduced Global Budget;
• Other Business of the Governing Board.
In accordance with the WJC Rules and Procedures:
• The meeting of the Governing Board shall be open unless voted
closed by Its membership once convened;
• The method of voting shall be by a show of hands;
• A roll call shall be taken if requested;
• Elections shall normally be held by a show of hands;
• Elections by secret ballot shall take place when requested by the
Governing Board.
Candidates for Office
The Constitution of the World Jewish Congress is silent on the criteria
for the WJC President and Chairman of the Governing Board. Therefore,
these offices are open to anyone who expresses a desire to be a candidate or
anyone nominated from the floor to be a candidate. Potential candidates
who would like their candidacy to be considered at the Executive meeting on
June 10, 2007 and the Governing Board, should submit their declaration of
candidacy, the position they are seeking, and an official bio to the WJC
Secretariat by June 1, 2007 so that the material can be shared with the
Executive, members of the Governing Board and WJC affiliates in advance
of their meetings. In addition, the World Jewish Congress Secretariat will
76
endeavor to ensure that all candidacy information received subsequent to
June 1, 2007, but prior to June 10, 2007, is provided to members prior to the
anticipated election.
The World Jewish Congress Secretariat can be reached at its
headquarters offices 501 Madison Avenue, 17 Floor New York, NY 10022;
via fax 212-755-5883; or via email hmoritz@wjcmail.org
Logistics
The World Jewish Congress Governing Board meeting shall be open
as well to WJC affiliated members who may not be members of the
Governing Board. Though those members are not entitled to vote according
to the WJC’s Constitution and Rules and Procedures, they may participate in
the meeting at the discretion of the chair.
The WJC Governing Board will be open to the general public and to
the media unless the Governing Board votes to conduct a closed session and
exclude them.
The Secretariat of the World Jewish Congress will facilitate the needs
of the various WJC Governing entities in the context of the coming meetings
and commit to work with members and candidates to ensure a free, fair and
open process.
*
**
Pending European Jewish Congress Election
Pending Suspension Per March 14 and May 7, 2007 Steering Committee Meetings
77
