Roger Cukierman elected as CRIF President

Roger Cukierman did it again. With 108 votes to 69 for his rival Arié Bensemhoun, the former bank manager of Rothschild was declared President of the Representatibve Council of France's Jewry, after having held the position from 2001 to 2007.

Roger Cukierman, CRIF President:

“After six years of absence, one might have thought it would be better to elect someone new, but I think that the situation is very serious, a lot of work has to be done, and if the Assembly voted for me, I think it's because they remember my energy, independent thinking and determination in defending Jewish interests in this country." 

The announcement of the results was delayed when no clear winner emerged after the first round forcing the election into a run-off vote. But when third runner-up François Guggenheim, announced he would endorse Cukierman, the 76 year old seemed sure to win.

Sacha Reingewirtz, Vice-President of the Union of French Jewish Students (UEJF):

"I hope that M. Cukierman, even though he's older than the other competitors, will be able to gather with him young personalities, and he talked about his willingness to bring young personalities, and the president of the Union of Jewish students will be called apparently to join the new executive board; so hopefully this will be a way to make this institution more youthful." 

Second time unlucky in his bid for leadership, the President of the Jewish community of Toulouse had campaigned for a renewal of the CRIF organization. Some worry that Mr Cukierman's age might prevent that from happening.

Roger Cukierman, CRIF President :

"We have to be united, I hope to open up the CRIF organization so that all of the Jewish community feels sufficiently represented, and I hope that we will succeed in defending our interests in an acceptable manner, in harmony with French society." 

Mr Cukierman has placed the fight against anti-Semitism at the heart of his programme. A battle fought during six years by his predecessor, Richard Prasquier, who was made honorary president.

Richard Prasquier, Out-going CRIF President:

"I will be ready to cooperate with him, to help him and to do whatever I can do in order to fight this rising tide of anti-Semitism." 

France has witnessed a new wave of anti-Semitism since the Toulouse attacks, it is no longer perpetrated but the extreme right but by radical Islamists. Mr Cukierman has called upon the Minister of Education to teach children about the dangers of anti-Semitism as early as nursery school.

After the joy of victory, the hard work now begins. During his three year term, Roger Cukierman will have to tackle rising anti-Semitism, in the wake of the Toulouse killings. But he will also have to improve the appeal of the CRIF, that nearly two thirds of France's 500.000 Jews say, is out of touch.

Christina Okello, JN1, Paris