World Jewish Congress Confirms Dismissal of Israel Singer; Steering Committee Passes Resolution On Israel Branch

The World Jewish Congress, which as the representative body of Jewish communities and organizations in more than 100 countries is the preeminent organization addressing the needs and interests of Jews across the globe, confirmed the dismissal of longtime professional leader Israel Singer.

Singer was dismissed by Edgar M. Bronfman, the WJC President, who said in a statement that, "Israel Singer is no longer associated with the World Jewish Congress or any of its affiliates." At the same time, Mr. Bronfman said, "For his work on behalf of Soviet Jewry, the freeing of [Soviet refuseniks] Mendelovich, Edelstein and Sharansky, exposing the Nazi past of Kurt Waldheim, securing nearly $20 billion in Holocaust restitution, and for being a leader for the Jewish dialogue with the Christian and Muslim religions, the Jewish world owes Israel Singer a tremendous debt of gratitude."

The move coincided with a resolution introduced by Mr. Bronfman to the WJC Steering Committee and adopted by that committee to strengthen the integrity of the organization's global operations. "We must stand for integrity above all," Mr. Bronfman said. "Having successfully completed enhancement of the WJC's operations in the United States, it is past time to complete the process of achieving best practices around the world."

To this end, the adoption of the resolution by the Steering Committee results in the immediate suspension of grants to the WJC Israel Branch and Institute, and authorizes a complete independent forensic audit of those entities, both of which operate out of Jerusalem. The suspension and audit were necessitated after the discovery of financial irregularities at the Branch and Institute and a 20-month cover-up of the alleged improprieties.

The resolution also results in the dismissal of Bobby Brown, who headed the Israel Branch, from his positions with the World Jewish Congress, the Israel Branch, and the WJC Institute effective immediately. A subcommittee of the Steering Committee hopes to fill Brown's vacancy in the very near future.

Mr. Bronfman stated that he is "fully committed to the affairs of the WJC and ensuring that it maintains, with integrity, its standing as the preeminent organization ensuring the vitality of the worldwide Jewish community."

In fact, Mr. Bronfman's physician rejected any and all rumors about Mr. Bronfman's health, noting that he is physically fit and mentally able to fulfill this commitment. Concerning Mr. Bronfman, the physician declared that he is in "very good health. He has no chronic debilitating illness nor does he have any illness that would have an impact on his longevity and his ability to lead the World Jewish Congress."