Assembly of Delegates reflects uncertainty and concern in the Jewish community

On 18 May 2025, the 120^th Assembly of Delegates of the Swiss Federation of Jewish Communities SIG took place in Zurich. A total of 92 delegates from 18 member communities accepted the invitation of the three Zurich-based communities: Israelitische Cultusgemeinde Zürich ICZ, Israelitische Religionsgesellschaft Zürich IRG, and Agudas Achim. The event was held at the ICZ community centre and began with the Assemblies of Delegates of the Association of Swiss Jewish Refugee Aid and Welfare Organisations VSJF and the SIG. These were followed by workshops and a public evening programme attended by numerous dignitaries, including Federal Councillor Beat Jans as guest of honour.

Cohesion and determination in a year of crises

SIG President Ralph Friedländer opened the Assembly with a review of his first year in office.

“We stood together and treated our differences with mutual respect,” said Ralph Friedländer.

The support from the communities was tangible – particularly in a year marked by major challenges. The centrepiece of his speech was the 7 October 2023 terrorist attack by Hamas on Israel, which he described as a historical turning point. The attack shook the Jewish world – including in Switzerland. Friedländer spoke of a massive increase in antisemitism, attacks on Jewish individuals and institutions, and growing fears over the safety of Jewish life. However, he emphasised that the SIG did not freeze in shock but responded with responsibility and determination – in cooperation with politicians, the authorities, churches, Muslim organisations and civil society.

SIG Vice President Ralph Lewin presented significantly improved annual results – despite the additional demands placed on the organisation after 7 October 2023. The 2025 budget indicates that the structural deficit has been further reduced.

The Assembly also approved a revision of the statutes: the SIG’s executive body will now be referred to as the Committee. Delegates then participated in workshops on current challenges facing the communities.

Clear words and political signals from the Federal Councillor

A highlight of the evening programme was the speech by Federal Councillor Beat Jans, head of the Federal Department of Justice and Police. In his address, SIG President Ralph Friedländer acknowledged Jans’ strong commitment to the Jewish community – particularly in enhancing security support and in the federal government’s recent ban on Hamas, which took effect the previous week.

“In terms of security and the enormous costs it entails for our community, we have made real progress. For years, we have been calling for greater government support. Now we have finally been heard – and the relief for Jewish institutions is tangible,” said Ralph Friedländer.

In his speech, Beat Jans stated that protecting Jewish life in Switzerland is a core responsibility of the state. A free society, he said, must visibly protect its minorities through concrete action.

“The Federal Council takes the threats to Jewish people very seriously. And I assure you that ensuring their safety is a top priority for the authorities involved,” said Beat Jans.

Given the tense security situation, he emphasised the need for state support to protect vulnerable minorities, combat terrorism, and strengthen prevention efforts – especially among young people. He spoke of the antisemitic attack at Zurich Selnau and of his personal meeting with the victim – a moment of solidarity and emotion. Jans also reported that the Federal Council is currently preparing a national strategy and action plan against antisemitism and racism. The recent parliamentary approval of a ban on Nazi symbols, he noted, is an important step forward. Similarly, the Hamas ban now in effect sends a clear signal against extremist ideologies.

Strong partners in the City and Canton of Zurich

Zurich Mayor Corine Mauch emphasised in her remarks the central importance of Jewish life in Zurich – and expressed deep concern over rising insecurity.

“It moves me deeply to hear that many Jews no longer feel safe in Zurich,” said Corine Mauch.

The city is now expanding its efforts – through targeted education initiatives, increased security support, and a new position dedicated to combating antisemitism.

Government Councillor Mario Fehr underlined the special responsibility borne by the Canton of Zurich. He highlighted the long-standing cantonal support for Jewish institutions in the area of security and called for decisive action against antisemitism:

“If Judaism in all its diversity can no longer flourish freely, we will lose something that matters to all of us,” Mario Fehr said.