Moscow

A European Jewish group that represents the Jewish community across the region has held its first ever Executive meeting in Moscow.

The European Jewish Congress' first meeting in the Russian capital reflected the vibrancy of Jewish life that is emerging in the eastern European country following years of communist rule.

"That we are meeting in Moscow this week is a great boost to the continuing revival of Jewish life in Russia and of the place that the Russian Jewish community, now the largest in Europe, is playing in European Jewish affairs," said recently elected EJC president Moshe Kantor.

The EJC, which celebrates its 21st birthday this year, will be holding its Executive Meeting until Thursday.

Among the topics on the agenda being discussed include recent meetings the group has held with German chancellor Angela Merkel and foreign minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Israel’s president Shimon Peres, prime minister Ehud Olmert and foreign minister Tzipi Livni.