Ariel Muzicant, a former president of the Jewish communities of Austria was appointed interim president of the European Jewish Congress (EJC) following the resignation of Moshe Kantor.
An extraordinary meeting of the EJC Executive Committee acknowledged Kantor’s decision to step back ‘’with immediate effect as President of the organization in order to ensure that the EJC continues its important mission without distraction,’’ says a statement issued by the organization.
Kantor’s resignation came after the U.K. and the EU sanctioned him for his ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
‘’The members of the EJC Executive Committee thanked Dr Moshe Kantor for his outstanding work at the head of the EJC over the last 14 years and saluted his strong leadership, commitment, and dedication to Jewish life in Europe,’’ the EJC statement said.
70-year-old Ariel Muzicant, who has been continuously involved in Jewish life in Vienna, Austria and Europe over the last 43 years, will serve as President until the next General Assembly, the EJC said.