Controversial debates and admission of IRG Basel shape the SIG Delegates’ Assembly

On 31 May 2026, the 121st Delegates’ Assembly of SIG took place in Basel. Ninety voting delegates from 18 member communities accepted the invitation of Israelitische Gemeinde Basel IGB. In his welcome address, Conradin Cramer, President of the Government of Basel-Stadt, emphasised Basel’s close connection to its Jewish past and present. He referred to the planned memorial site at Rümelinsplatz, which is intended to commemorate Jewish life in medieval Basel, and stressed the responsibility of politicians and public authorities to ensure the security of the Jewish community and the free exercise of religion.

Friedländer reviews the year and outlines the Federation’s development

SIG President Ralph Friedländer presented a nuanced review of the past year in his opening address. Despite the ongoing challenges facing the Jewish community, he highlighted important progress in security, political advocacy and the national strategy against racism and antisemitism. He also pointed to SIG’s increased international visibility during the celebrations marking the 90th anniversary of the World Jewish Congress WJC in Geneva. Looking ahead, he underlined the importance of investing in education and community life and of ensuring that Jewish life in Switzerland remains visible, confident and reflective of its full diversity. At the same time, he stressed the importance of Jewish communal cohesion and dialogue among member communities:

“If we succeed in maintaining dialogue with one another and respond to external pressure with unity rather than division, SIG can emerge stronger from these difficult times as well.”

The delegates also approved the 2025 annual accounts and the 2026 budget. SIG Vice-President Ralph Lewin presented a positive financial result: instead of the budgeted deficit, a small surplus was achieved. This was due in particular to higher investment income and above-average donations. Another important development during the past year was the reorganisation of kosher services. In the future, these services will be provided by two independent structures, while the SIG Secretariat will assume administrative responsibilities. This will clarify responsibilities and establish a new organisational framework for these services.

Resolutions fuel controversial debates

One of the key items on the agenda was the resolution submitted by the delegation of Israelitische Cultusgemeinde Zürich ICZ regarding the introduction of the death penalty in Israel. At the beginning of the discussion, a procedural motion was submitted not to consider the resolution. This led to an engaged and at times controversial debate. In the subsequent vote, the Assembly decided not to consider the resolution. The vote therefore was not about the death penalty itself, but about whether delegates should actively take a position on this issue and, more generally, on political developments in Israel. The discussion revealed differing views within the Federation regarding the role of SIG. The Assembly thereby set a priority and decided against adopting a position.

The Assembly also adopted a resolution submitted by the IGB delegation on combating antisemitism. Originally focused on Pride events, the resolution became the subject of a controversial debate. During the discussion, the proposal was expanded to include other public events, particularly Pride events, women’s rights demonstrations and cultural or sporting events. The adopted resolution calls on SIG to actively support Jewish individuals who face antisemitic incidents or exclusion and, where necessary, to engage with organisers. This also includes so-called “Apartheid Free Zones”, which result in the exclusion of Jewish people. The delegates ultimately adopted the resolution by a clear majority, reaffirming their view that antisemitism has no place in any part of society.

Israelitische Religionsgesellschaft Basel strengthens SIG

The Assembly also approved the admission of Israelitische Religionsgesellschaft Basel IRG as a new member of SIG. Founded in 1927, IRG Basel today comprises around 75 families. With its educational and welfare institutions, its Jewish day school in Basel and its active religious and social community life, it is one of the key pillars of Jewish life in Basel. Following the admission of the Communauté Israélite Orthodoxe de Genève Machsikei Hadass CIOG and the Communauté Beit Yossef de Crans-Montana et du Canton du Valais CBYCM in 2024, SIG is continuing its growth. The admission of IRG strengthens the representation of Jewish life in Switzerland and highlights the religious diversity within the Federation.

Museum visit and reception conclude the day

Following the Delegates’ Assemblies, delegates and guests gathered for a reception at the new home of the Jewish Museum of Switzerland. The new building at Vesalgasse 5 in Basel symbolises the vibrant present and future of Jewish life in Switzerland. The admission of a new member community, the continued development of the Federation and the open debates of the day demonstrated that Jewish life in Switzerland is diverse, dynamic and future-oriented. Promoting and strengthening its visibility remains a central task of SIG and its member communities.