Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Evangelos Venizelos met in New York on Monday, September 22, with representatives of the most important American Jewish organizations (Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, American Jewish Committee, B’nai Brith, World Jewish Congress, Anti-Defamation League, National Coalition Supporting Eurasian Jewry and American Israel Public Affairs Committee), on the sidelines of the 69th UN General Assembly.

During the meeting, Mr. Venizelos referred to the historical ties of friendship between the Greek and Jewish peoples, as well as to the importance of continued cooperation between the Greek and Jewish Diasporas.

Mr. Venizelos also referred to the new anti-racism law passed recently by the Hellenic Parliament, noting that Greece now has a very strong legislative framework to fight prevent racist and xenophobic behavior. In addition, the Deputy Prime Minister made specific reference to the potential for Greek Jews now living in Israel to regain Greek citizenship.

Finally, Mr. Venizelos spoke about Greece’s efforts to exit the economic crisis, outlined Greece’s stance concerning the main issues in the wider region and highlighted the prospects for Greek-Israeli relations.