GENEVA – The President of the UN Human Rights Council and Morocco’s Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva, Ambassador Omar Zniber, visited today the Beit Yossef Girsa School, Geneva’s Jewish school, a highly symbolic event aiming to build bridges, foster mutual understanding and promote avenues for peace. The visit was held at the invitation of the World Jewish Congress.
Ambassador Zniber was welcomed by a group of children who sang a song with the words Selam-Shalom, demonstrating the wish to live in a peaceful world. He then engaged with the students, answering a range of questions about diplomacy, the UN’s role in promoting peace, and Morocco’s contributions to fostering intercultural dialogue on the global stage. He underscored the importance of building bridges between communities and cultures, especially in today’s increasingly polarized world. Additionally, Ambassador Zniber highlighted Morocco’s longstanding efforts to protect its Jewish minority, emphasizing the close and enduring relationship between the country’s Jewish and Muslim communities.
The Ambassador condemned also the heinous and barbaric attacks by Hamas against Israeli citizens on October 7, asked for the immediate release of the hostages and called for all parties to respect international law.
The event provided a significant opportunity for students of all ages to engage with a prominent international figure and learn first-hand about diplomacy, human rights, and the importance of dialogue. It also reflected a broader commitment to promoting peace and cooperation between different cultural and religious groups, demonstrating how education and open exchange can play a pivotal role in combating prejudice and fostering global solidarity.
Present at the meeting were also the school’s president, Jacob Safra, the president of the Jewish Community of Geneva, Roselyn Cisier, the Chief Rabbi of Geneva, Mikhaël Benadmon, the school’s director, Paul Fitoussi; and the representative of the World Jewish Congress in Geneva, Dr. Leon Saltiel.
