Rabbi Meets Native Prime Minister

During the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Chief Rabbi of Russia Berel Lazar, met with the Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte.

The conversation between the two took place in Italian, being that Rabbi Lazar was born in Italy, where his parents and brothers serve as Shluchim. The two discussed a number of humanitarian and educational issues, cultural cooperation, and also addressed some of the pressing problems in Europe’s interreligious relations.

The Prime Minister of Italy expressed great interest in Jewish community life in Russia, and during the course of his conversation listened closely to the details about Jewish life in Russia as well as about programs for educating the younger generation and the necessary infrastructure for living a fully Jewish life in Russia today, which is run by a dedicated army of Chabad Shluchim.

Rabbi Lazar also thanked the Prime Minister for addressing the anti-Semitism problem in Italy.

This summer, a special educational trip is planned for one thousand young Jews who study all year in the YaHaD program throughout Russia. Part of the journey will pass through Italy, and the Prime Minister was happy to hear about this. He promised that the Italian side will do everything they can to ensure that this part of the journey be comfortable and interesting for the participants, and Italy stands ready to assist them.

As part of the forum, Rabbi Lazar held a series of meetings with leaders of various religions for the benefit of Russian Jews wherever they may be.

The World Economic Forum has been held for 48 consecutive years, with the participation of statesmen, politicians, businesspeople, public figures and journalists who discuss urgent global issues on the agenda.

Photos: f.attili, weforum, WEF