Maya Samokovlija, Executive Director of the World Jewish Congress

Excellencies, distinguished government representatives, members of the Estonian Jewish Community, dear friends,

It is a privilege to be with you here in Tallinn as we mark a remarkable milestone: one hundred years of Jewish cultural autonomy in Estonia.

I am honoured to bring you greetings on behalf of World Jewish Congress President Ronald Lauder, who asked me to convey his warm regards and congratulations on this historic occasion. President Lauder has long recognized the unique place Estonia holds in Jewish history and greatly values the strong relationship between the World Jewish Congress and the Estonian Jewish Community.

Allow me also to express my appreciation to Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna for his powerful message delivered this week at the AJC Global Forum in Washington, that I just came back from.  At a time when Jewish communities around the world face growing challenges, Estonia’s voice in support of democratic values, minority rights, and the fight against antisemitism is both important and deeply appreciated.

This anniversary is not only a celebration of Jewish history in Estonia. It is also a celebration of Estonia itself and of a vision of society that was both courageous and ahead of its time.

The history of Jewish life in Estonia is closely intertwined with the history of the Estonian state. In 1926, Estonia became the first country in the world to grant national cultural autonomy to its Jewish community.

The significance of this achievement was recognized far beyond Estonia’s borders. In 1936, the British Jewish Chronicle praised Estonia as a country where Jews could live freely and preserve their national and cultural identity. At a time when much of Europe was moving in a very different direction, Estonia stood as a remarkable exception.

Cultural autonomy enabled Jews to preserve their traditions, institutions, and identity while being fully integrated members of Estonian society. It demonstrated a principle that remains as relevant today as it was a century ago: protecting minority rights strengthens democracy rather than weakens it.

The WW2, Holocaust and the occupation of Estonia tragically interrupted this development. Yet Jewish life in Estonia endured.

Today, the Estonian Jewish Community is a vibrant and active institution. It preserves Jewish education, traditions, and religious life, safeguards Holocaust remembrance, promotes interfaith dialogue, and contributes actively to Estonian society.

For the World Jewish Congress, the Estonian Jewish Community has been a valued and trusted partner for many years. We deeply appreciate our cooperation and the leadership shown by the community in strengthening Jewish life while building bridges across society.

As we celebrate this anniversary, however, we must also look honestly at the challenges before us.

The world changed profoundly after the horrific terrorist attack against Israel on October 7, 2023 committed by the Hamas terrorist organisation. Beyond the immense human tragedy, its aftermath has had far-reaching consequences for Jewish communities across the globe.

In many countries, antisemitic incidents have surged dramatically. Jewish schools, synagogues, and community centres have been forced to operate under heightened security measures. Tragically, we have also witnessed deadly attacks and acts of violence targeting Jews and Jewish institutions. In Manchester, two members of the Jewish community lost their lives on Yom Kippur next to their synagogue. On Bondi beach in Syndey- Australia, Jewish families celebrating Hanukkah came under terrorist attack. We lost 15 innocent lives. In London’s Golders Green, a stabbing once again reminded us that visibly Jewish individuals can become targets simply because of who they are. And in Washington, the murder of Israeli embassy staff members demonstrated how hatred can turn deadly even in the heart of democratic societies.

These incidents serve as a stark reminder that antisemitism is not merely a historical phenomenon or a challenge of rhetoric and prejudice. Throughout history, antisemitism has continuously mutated to fit the prejudices of the era, evolving from religious persecution in antiquity, to racial obsession in the modern age, to political demonization today.

In the contemporary world, this ancient hatred has found its newest mask in extreme anti-Zionism. While legitimate criticism of any government’s policies is a standard part of democratic debate, modern anti-Zionism frequently crosses the line from political critique into pure Jew-hatred. By denying the Jewish people alone the right to self-determination, utilizing classic antisemitic tropes against the Jewish state, and targeting diaspora Jews for Israel's actions, it has become the primary tool for modern antisemitism.

Recognizing this evolution is essential to effectively confronting and defeating Jew-hatred in the 21st century.

At the same time, we face another profound responsibility. With each passing year, fewer Holocaust survivors remain with us to bear witness firsthand. As their voices grow quieter, the noise of misinformation, distortion, and historical falsehoods on social media grows louder. The challenge before us is not only to preserve memory, but to ensure that truth prevails over distortion.

We must also inspire younger generations to remain connected to their Jewish identity, heritage, and communities, by allowing them to be Jewish.

 For many smaller Jewish communities, continuity is not something that can be taken for granted; it requires dedication, investment, and constant effort.

The future of Jewish life will depend not only on how well we remember our past, but on how successfully we empower the next generation to carry it forward.

This is why the partnership between governments and minority communities matters so much.

The support provided by the Estonian state, including support for education, culture, communal life, remembrance initiatives, and security, helps ensure that Jewish life in Estonia can remain safe, open, and confident. Such support is not simply assistance to one community. It is an investment in democratic values and social cohesion.

A century ago, Estonia showed the world that a minority could preserve its identity while fully contributing to the life of the nation. One hundred years later, that lesson remains as relevant and as inspiring as ever.   THANK YOU.