A representative delegation of the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress visited St. Petersburg to participate in the grand Chanukah celebration traditionally taking place at the Ice Palace. This good tradition was created and supported for over twenty years by important Jewish businessman and philanthropist Mikhail Mirilashvili, who is currently the First Vice President of the EAJC.

The celebration gathered an audience of over 10 000. They were greeted at the opening ceremony by Mikhail Mirilashvili and other important figures, including representatives of the St. Petersburg and Leningrad oblast’ government, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the State of Israel in Russia Dorit Golender and Chief Rabbi of Russia (FJCR) Berel Lazar. Many famous stars participated in the gala concert, including Joseph Kobzon, Nikolai Baskov, Larisa Dolina, Vera Brezhneva, Tatyana Bulanova, and Mark Tishman.

During their visit to St. Petersburg EAJC Vice Presidents Mikhail Mirilashvili and Mark Shabad, EAJC Secretary General Michael Chlenov, EAJC General Council Chairman Josef Zisels, and Presidium member Alexander Baron held a number of working meetings, where they had a detailed discussion on the agenda of the EAJC General Assembly and the corresponding preparations. In accordance with the EAJC Charter, the General Assembly is planned for February 2014.