Board of Deputies President Marie van der Zyl, who is also a World Jewish Congress (WJC) Vice President, has spent the past two days as part of a delegation of the WJC on a visit to hold discussions with leaders in Qatar. The delegation has put out the following statement.
“Between October 30th and November 1st, a delegation of World Jewish Congress (WJC) officials, led by President Ronald Lauder, engaged in pivotal discussions with leaders in Qatar. During these high-level meetings, Mr Lauder articulated the profound concerns of global Jewry regarding the plight of Israeli hostages in Gaza, seeking the influential intervention of the Arab leaders to secure their unconditional release.
“The leaders acknowledged the gravity of the situation and reassured the WJC delegation—which included top Jewish leaders from the United Kingdom, France, and Switzerland—of their unwavering commitment to the hostages’ immediate freedom. This priority aligns with their shared vision of humanitarianism and regional peace.
“Mr Lauder, who orchestrated this crucial diplomatic mission on short notice, remains optimistic about the potential outcomes of these engagements. He trusts that the esteemed Arab leaders will dedicate their efforts to saving lives and forging pathways toward a harmonious and peaceful future for the entire region.”