World Jewish Congress visits Slovenia after Israel opens first embassy

A senior World Jewish Congress (WJC) delegation visited Ljubljana, Slovenia, on Thursday, marking the first major international Jewish organization to do so since Israel opened its first resident embassy in the country on September 9. The WJC delegation, led by Sara Friedman and Hadassa Getsztain, met with Slovenian Prime Minister Janez Janša and other senior government officials. This visit aims to strengthen engagement with Slovenia following a change in government and renewed diplomatic ties between Ljubljana and Jerusalem, contrasting with a previous WJC mission in April 2024 where former government officials declined meetings and a Slovenian official blamed the global Jewish community for the Gaza war.

• The WJC welcomed the renewed diplomatic engagement and called for the appointment of a special envoy for combating antisemitism and fostering Jewish life.
• Slovenia's small Jewish community has faced vandalism and threats, including incidents at the Jewish Cultural Center and cemetery in Ljubljana.
• Friedman stated, “There are moments in diplomacy when simply showing up carries meaning. The World Jewish Congress is here in Slovenia immediately following the opening of Israel's first resident embassy because we believe this relationship matters.”
• The WJC emphasized that renewed friendship with Israel sends a message that extends beyond Slovenia's borders, encouraging American Jewish business leaders to explore partnerships in the country.