The Swiss Federation of Jewish communities

Year of foundation:
1904

Legal form:
Association pursuant to Art. 60 et seq. of the Swiss Civil Code

Head Office:
Zurich

Objective/Functions:
To protect and promote the common interests of Jews in Switzerland and especially to represent them in relations with the Federal Authorities and pan-Swiss institutions and with international Jewish organisations, in close co-operation with Israel and Jews throughout the world (Art. 1(2) of the 1994 version of the Articles of Association of the Federation).

Affiliated communities:
18 communities, with a total membership of approximately 18’000 persons.

Organs:
General Assembly; Central Committee; Board of Directors, Audit Commission.

The Swiss Federation of Jewish Communities (SFJC) is the umbrella organisation of the Jewish communities in Switzerland. It represents Swiss Jews politically. This includes, inter alia, maintaining contact with the Federal Authorities, the Churches, other pan-Swiss organisations and the domestic and international media as well as the various world-wide Jewish organisations.

The SFJC was founded in 1904 to defend the interests of Jews in combating the prohibition on the slaughtering of animals for human consumption in accordance with Jewish rights which was at that time still forbidden by the Federal Constitution thus impinging on the religious freedom of the community.

By the 50s and 60s, the SFJC was already dealing with the question of dormant accounts and assets being held by the banks and insurance companies. Since 1995, the representatives of the SFJC have been deeply involved in the investigation into the role played by Switzerland at home and abroad during the Second World War. Among its many activities in this respect, it acted as mediator between the International Jewish organisations (e.g. the World Jewish Congress) and the banks as well as the Swiss Government departments.

In the early 90s, the SFJC historic archive was transferred to the "Jewish Historical Foundation" at the Zurich Institute of Advanced Technology (ETH) for safekeeping and consultation. This made it accessible for research.

The struggle against anti-Semitism and racism is another of the objectives and activities of the SFJC. SFJC representatives are active in various discussion groups with the Churches as well as in other clarification and information activities for the benefit of the Swiss public at large. The SFJC is also represented on the Federal Commission against Racism (EKR),

The VSJF "Swiss Jewish Welfare Association", a relief organisation recognised by the Confederation in the area of refugee assistance, is affiliated to the SFJC. The VSJF is a member of Swiss Refugee Aid (SFH).