About Membership to ECJC

The Association shall consist of approved Jewish communities and/or organizations located anywhere in Europe (each a “Member”), whether active across a whole country or only part of a European country. Unless decided otherwise by the Board of Directors, all organizations wishing to become members of the ECJC shall have existed as democratic, and registered or legally-recognized entities in their respective countries for at least five (5) years prior to joining the ECJC.

Nothing shall prevent any number of communities or organizations, whether resident or incorporated in any one country or in several countries, from each being admitted as a Member. However, all Members from the same country shall be restricted to one vote per country.

Any communities or organizations who are not in Europe (as defined by the ECJC Board of Directors), or who cannot join organizations such as the ECJC in their respective regions may apply to become associate members (“Associate Members”) of the ECJC on such terms as the Board of Directors shall recommend to the General Assembly on a case-by-case basis. Associate Members shall not have any voting rights but shall have speaking rights, and shall be entitled to participate in all activities and meetings of the Association. The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee Inc. (“JDC”), having co-founded and supported the ECJC since 1960, shall have automatic Associate Member status with the right to attend and speak at all Board of Directors meetings, but without voting rights.

The Board of Directors shall have the power to co-opt European Jewish communities or organizations to become Members, or where and when applicable and deemed necessary, non-European Jewish organizations, to become Associate Members of the ECJC. These appointments shall be for a limited period of time and shall be subject to approval at the next General Assembly following such co-option.

The Members and Associate Members of the Association shall be any legal persons , associations, foundations, communities, enterprises, institutions, organizations, etc., who accept these Articles of Association, participate in achieving the purposes and goals of the Association, pay their membership fees (once they have been determined by the Executive Committee),

 

 

The benefits of belonging to ECJC

 

There are many (and increasing) benefits of membership, but for this Paper we confine ourselves to a few key points:

As Jews we have trans-national not just national interests.
If Israel is under threat we respond. The same applies to all our Jewish family wherever they live and whether the threat is physical, hunger or lack of skills.

Unity is strength.
We are perceived differently and must take advantage of this. Some think we run the world and have much larger numbers than in reality. We need the European world to see us as a strong, united and confident people at the very heart of Europe

Networking develops awareness.
We have, within our European Jewish community, vast ability and experience in almost all areas of education, social welfare, culture, etc. We help each other when we share our problems and the solutions.

Best practice exchange.
ECJC role is to promote good work through its Tracks

• Increases expertise in these vital areas

• Avoids wasteful duplication of research and development of new programs

• No cost for skills transfer.

• Increases the size of market available for educational and cultural programs bringing unit costs down and making more programs viable.

Economies of scale in strategic skills.
Very few communities have comparative experience or can individually afford the investment in think tanks, training programs, community diagnosis, strengthening conferences, participation scholarships. ECJC can help promote exchange and create opportunities for networking and learning

Enhancing your community's standing.
The historic legacy has been one of Jews fearing government authorities or the attention of the media. The reputation of every community that has hosted a major ECJC international conference has been enhanced by the respect and sensitivity that is shown by their governments. Politicians and Civil servants respect power bases especially organised ones. They have public resources to administer and have to spend it on programs.

ECJC events have unlocked the highest doors. The confidence of having experienced this level of contact benefits all communities especially in having a direct channel to government on issues affecting Jewish life.