Russian businessman returned as European Jewish Congress leader
(MENAFN) Russian businessman and philanthropist Moshe (Vyacheslav) Kantor has been re-elected as president of the European Jewish Congress (EJC), securing nearly two-thirds of the vote during a general assembly held Wednesday in Jerusalem. Kantor previously held the position from 2007 to 2022 but was forced to step down during his fourth term after being sanctioned by several Western countries in response to the Ukraine conflict.
Following the lifting of sanctions against him by the European Union and Switzerland earlier this year, Kantor returned to the presidential race and defeated interim leader Ariel Muzicant of Austria. Holding Russian, British, and Israeli citizenship, Kantor emphasized the urgency of addressing rising antisemitism and growing societal polarization across Europe.
Kantor warned that these trends threaten not only Jewish communities but also the foundations of European democracy. “If this growing hatred is not stopped, it will unravel the social fabric of our societies,” he said, pointing to the increasing influence of extremist movements.
The EJC represents over 40 national Jewish organizations and more than two million Jews across Europe. Based in Brussels, the group advocates on a range of issues including antisemitism, Holocaust remembrance, and interfaith cooperation.
In his acceptance speech, Kantor pledged to strengthen ties with Israel, especially in the wake of the October 7 terror attack, which he said had deeply affected how European Jews view their security and identity. He reaffirmed that the EJC would fully support Israel, stating that any criticisms would be voiced privately and respectfully, not through international media.
He also praised Muzicant for his leadership during a challenging period and called for unity across the Jewish diaspora. While Muzicant had urged Kantor not to seek re-election due to remaining sanctions from the UK, Poland, and Estonia, Kantor’s supporters argued that his experience and track record made him the best candidate to lead the organization.
Kantor, whose fortune is estimated at $9.5 billion by Forbes, primarily earned his wealth through his role at Acron, a major Russian fertilizer company. In addition to his work with the EJC, he is known for extensive philanthropic efforts, founding the World Holocaust Forum and serving on the boards of institutions like Yad Vashem and Tel Aviv University. He previously led the Russian Jewish Congress and established the European Jewish Fund.
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