- The Jewish representatives on the board of the Interreligious Working Group Switzerland (IRAS) have left the network in protest.
- They demand that IRAS President Rifa’at Lenzin resign as president or as a member of the Switzerland-Palestine Society (GSP).
- The Interreligious Working Group promotes exchange between religions in Switzerland.
Jonathan Kreutner, Secretary General of the Swiss Association of Jewish Communities (SIG), confirmed a corresponding report from “NZZ am Sonntag” at the request of the Keystone-SDA news agency.
It is imperative for the Jewish community in Switzerland to unequivocally distance themselves from this orgy of violence and from the perpetrators.
Since the major attack by the Islamist Hamas in Gaza around a month ago, the GSP’s positioning has become further radicalized.
“It is imperative for the Jewish community in Switzerland to unequivocally distance themselves from this orgy of violence and from the perpetrators. By not wanting to withdraw her membership in the GSP, Ms. Lenzin is also legitimizing the GSP’s position and statements in recent weeks,” said Kreutner. This represents a fundamental breach of trust towards the Jewish community in Switzerland.
Leaving with an ulterior motive
The departure of the two Jewish representatives from the board is initially a protest that will “hopefully” lead to the IRAS President drawing conclusions. If not, the five Jewish member organizations would question their IRAS membership.
“We’re still waiting to see what happens to Lenzin’s personality or to see what the club’s positioning is clear,” explained Kreutner. He is not yet giving up hope for a solution.
Board meeting on Sunday
According to Kreutner, the IRAS board will meet on Sunday without Jewish representatives. A statement is also planned. IRAS management could not initially be reached for comment on Sunday.
IRAS is the only interreligious association in Switzerland in which all religious communities are represented. It is an important dialogue platform that, according to Kreutner, must be preserved.