“This anniversary marks a significant milestone in the history of the Republic of Estonia and holds a special place in the history of European Jewish communities as well. The Law on Cultural Autonomy of Ethnic Minorities, which was passed in 1925, gave Estonian Jews the opportunity to establish their own cultural self-government – a step that earned international recognition and affirmed that the young Republic of Estonia was committed to freedom, equality, and respect for the rights of minorities.

When Estonia gained independence, that brought about a fundamental change in the lives of the local Jews. The Jewish community, who had lived under various foreign powers over the centuries, was granted full civil rights and the opportunity to freely develop their culture, education, and community life in the Republic of Estonia. Jewish cultural autonomy in Estonia became a model that attracted interest in many other countries as well.

Already one hundred years ago, relations began to develop between Estonia and the builders of the Jewish national home in Palestine, which was under the British Mandate at that time. The Republic of Estonia was the first country to be entered into the Golden Book of the Jewish National Fund in recognition of the cultural autonomy granted by Estonia to the Jewish community.

The occupations that began in 1940 led to a violent disruption of Jewish cultural autonomy in Estonia. The occupation by the Soviet Union destroyed the cultural self-governance of ethnic minorities and an independent civil society. The Nazi German occupation that followed sought to destroy the Estonian Jewish community itself.

When the Republic of Estonia was restored in 1991, the Jewish community was given the opportunity to continue where the development of free Estonia had been interrupted half a century earlier. Today, the Estonian Jewish community is a viable, visible, and valued part of Estonian society and an important bridge between Estonia and Israel and the entire wider Jewish world.

The active cultural, educational, and social activities of the Estonian Jewish community demonstrate that the tradition established a century ago continues to live on today. The state of Estonia considers it important to ensure that the Jewish community can continue to safely and freely maintain and further develop its identity, culture and religious life.

The current friendly and close relations between Estonia and Israel are based on shared values – democracy, the rule of law, freedom and respect for human dignity. These relations are also built on the significant contribution of the Estonian Jewish community to the development of our society over many generations.

As we celebrate the centenary of Jewish cultural autonomy, we proudly recall a significant achievement of Estonian democracy and tolerance, and we pay tribute to the Estonian Jewish community for its contribution to our shared history and present day. Together, we look confidently to the future.

Congratulations on the 100th anniversary of Jewish cultural autonomy in Estonia!

Am Yisrael Chai!“

The Estonia-Israel Parliamentary Friendship Group of the Riigikogu is composed of Chairman Eerik-Niiles Kross and members Vadim Belobrovtsev, Meelis Kiili, Lauri Laats, Juku-Kalle Raid, Riina Sikkut, Aivar Sõerd, Peeter Tali, Vilja Toomast and Kristo Enn Vaga.

For more information, please contact:
Eerik-Niiles Kross
Chairman of Estonia-Israel Parliamentary Friendship Group
eerik-niiles.kross@riigikogu.ee

Riigikogu Press Service
Merilin Kruuse
+372 631 6592; +372 510 6179
merilin.kruuse@riigikogu.ee
Questions: press@riigikogu.ee

Link uudisele: The Estonia-Israel Parliamentary Friendship Group celebrates the 100th anniversary of Jewish cultural autonomy in Estonia

According to the members of parliamentary friendship groups, it is in Estonia’s direct national interests to have a rules-based international order built on international law, and the countries of the axis of evil have been undermining this for years, virtually with impunity. “Military strikes by the United States and Israel against Iran weaken the Iranian regime and its autocratic allies, whose obvious goal is to change the world order. The autocratic regimes of Iran, North Korea, and Russia create instability throughout the world. With the support of Iran, North Korea, and China, Russia continues its war of conquest in Ukraine. Iranian drone technology—particularly Shahed-type weapon systems—forms the backbone of Russian air strikes targeting Ukrainian cities and civilian infrastructure to terrorize the Ukrainian people,” they say, and add that therefore, the Iranian regime poses a threat not only to Israel and the Middle East region, but also directly to the security of Europe and Estonia.

The parliamentary friendship groups point out that Estonia is a steadfast ally of the United States and a close friend of Israel, and reaffirm their support for strong transatlantic unity in confronting common threats. “We welcome the joint operation of the United States and Israel in Iran and express our full support to the armed forces and troops of both countries, and wish them success,” the joint statement says.

The members of the Riigikogu wish strength and courage to the people of Israel, who are once again living under Iranian missile and drone attacks, and strongly condemn Iran’s attacks against Israel and its neighbours. “These attacks show the true nature of the Iranian regime. Attacks against civilian targets and energy infrastructure are particularly atrocious and must not go unpunished. The democratic world must make it clear that aggression against the countries of the region and, above all, deliberate attacks that endanger the civilian population and critical infrastructure will have consequences for the aggressor,” they say.

The joint statement calls on democratic nations to maintain and strengthen political, diplomatic, and economic pressure on the Iranian regime, including its missile and drone industries, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, and all structures responsible for aggression abroad and repression at home. The members of parliamentary friendship groups recall that the Riigikogu has designated the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organization and has called on other democratic nations to do the same, and they reiterate that call.

“We underline that the future of Iran must belong to its people. The people of Iran need the firm, united, and resolute support of the democratic world to overthrow the autocratic regime. Only in this way can we ensure, in the long term, that Iran will never acquire nuclear weapons, will no longer export war and terror, and that the Iranian people will finally be able to choose a free, secure, and dignified future for themselves,” the joint statement of parliamentary friendship groups says.

The statement is signed by Chairman of the Estonia-Israel Parliamentary Friendship Group Eerik-Niiles Kross and members of the group Meelis Kiili, Juku-Kalle Raid, Riina Sikkut, Aivar Sõerd, Peeter Tali, Vilja Toomast and Kristo Enn Vaga. Tali is the Deputy Chairman of the Estonia-USA Parliamentary Friendship Group, and Kross, Sõerd and Vaga are members. Martin Helme, Mart Helme, Helle-Moonika Helme, Jüri Jaanson, Mario Kadastik, Raimond Kaljulaid, Ester Karuse, Ando Kiviberg, Toomas Kivimägi, Eero Merilind, Henn Põlluaas, Mati Raidma, Luisa Rõivas, Kersti Sarapuu, Pipi-Liis Siemann, Margit Sutrop, Kadri Tali, Urve Tiidus and Kristina Šmigun-Vähi from the Estonia-USA Parliamentary Friendship Group also signed the joint statement.

The full text of the Joint Statement in English

Riigikogu Press Service
Karin Kangro
+372 631 6356, +372 520 0323
karin.kangro@riigikogu.ee
Questions: press@riigikogu.ee

Link uudisele: Parliamentary friendship groups issued a joint statement in support of eliminating the Iranian threat

“We acknowledge that all the countries of the region have the right to sovereignty and territorial integrity as well as to the inviolability of their internationally recognised borders. We express our support to the Republic of Azerbaijan in the establishment of lasting peace on its territory, in integration, and reconstruction,” the members of the Parliamentary Friendship Group write.

The Parliamentary Friendship Group also took the opportunity to emphasise the importance of lasting peace and stability in the Southern Caucasus, as well as the respect for the principles of international law. “We value dialogue, building of trust, and peaceful development of the region. The Estonia-Azerbaijan Parliamentary Friendship Group appreciates the parliamentary cooperation between our countries and is committed to strengthening it further,” says the Group in its statement.

The Estonia-Azerbaijan Parliamentary Friendship Group is chaired by Maria Jufereva-Skuratovski. Its members are Jaak Aab, Vadim Belobrovtsev, Züleyxa Izmailova, Aleksei Jevgrafov, Ester Karuse, Toomas Kivimägi, Aivar Kokk, Eerik-Niiles Kross, Lauri Laats, Andres Metsoja, Heljo Pikhof, Juku-Kalle Raid, Urmas Reinsalu, and Aivar Sõerd.

Parliamentary friendship groups help the Members of the Riigikogu communicate with other national parliaments, carry out Estonia’s foreign policy, and promote our country around the world.

For more information, please contact:
Maria Jufereva-Skuratovski
Chair of the Estonia-Azerbaijan Parliamentary Friendship Group of the Riigikogu
6316616
maria.jufereva-skuratovski@riigikogu.ee

Link uudisele: The Estonia–Azerbaijan Parliamentary Friendship Group of the Riigikogu expresses its deep condolences to the people of Azerbaijan on the 34th anniversary of the Khojaly massacre

“As the Chairman of the Support Group, I strongly condemn all acts of violence, repressions, and systematic human rights violations committed by the Iranian authorities and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), including the killing of at least 33 protesters. I condemn the brutal suppression of peaceful protests, arbitrary arrests, and severe restrictions on freedom of expression, freedom of assembly, and access to justice,” Raid writes in the Statement.

Raid also pointed out that the Riigikogu and the Government of Estonia had to stand firmly with the people of Iran, hold those responsible for crimes against humanity to account, and continue supporting democratic movements and defenders of human rights across the world.

Full text of the Statement

Free and Democratic Iran Support Group is chaired by Juku-Kalle Raid; members of the group are Züleixa Izmailova, Ester Karuse, Eerik-Niiles Kross, Leo Kunnas, Katrin Kuusemäe, Hanah Lahe, Urmas Reinsalu, Pipi-Liis Siemann, Tarmo Tamm and Kristo Enn Vaga.

For more information, please contact:
Juku-Kalle Raid
Chairman of Free and Democratic Iran Support Group
juku-kalle.raid@riigikogu.ee
+372 5815 9492

Link uudisele: Chairman of Iran Support Group expresses support for the people of Iran

According to Lauri, the statement of support by the members of the Riigikogu is a confirmation to the people of Estonia that the members of the Riigikogu continue to oppose violence against women, stand for the continuation of the current policy, and do not intend to support withdrawal from the Istanbul Convention.

Through associations, the members of the Riigikogu can draw attention to a specific issue, and support or protect the interests of a narrower sphere of life. The Riigikogu Women’s Association has 12 members.

The statement was signed by Maris Lauri, Signe Riisalo, Eero Merilind, Madis Timpson, Valdo Randpere, Toomas Järveoja, Urmas Kruuse, Timo Suslov, Õnne Pillak, Helmen Kütt, Kristo Enn Vaga, Jüri Jaanson, Andre Hanimägi, Mati Raidma, Mario Kadastik, Mait Klaassen, Hanah Lahe, Yoko Alender, Maria Jufereva-Skuratovski, Andrus Seeme, Mart Võrklaev, Katrin Kuusemäe, Margit Sutrop, Kalle Laanet, Pipi-Liis Siemann, Signe Kivi, Annely Akkermann, Lauri Läänemets, Reili Rand, Züleyxa Izmailova, Tiit Maran, Jaak Aab, Eerik-Niiles Kross, Mihkel Lees, Luisa Rõivas, Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart, Andrei Korobeinik, Madis Kallas, Irja Lutsar, Diana Ingerainen, Toomas Uibo, Tarmo Tamm, Peeter Tali, Raul-Stig Rästa, Liina Kersna, Tanel Kiik, Toomas Kivimägi, Anti Allas, Riina Solman, Ando Kiviberg, Riina Sikkut, Anti Haugas, Kalev Stoicescu, Vilja Toomast, Kadri Tali, Lauri Hussar and Marko Mihkelson.

Text of the statement: 

The Constitution of the Republic of Estonia protects everyone’s right to free self-realisation, which must not be suppressed by violence. Estonia has taken a strong stance on preventing all forms of violence and combating violence, and will continue to do so. 

Estonia has adopted several legislative amendments that protect women from violence. Our country joined the Istanbul Convention in 2017 and established a cross-sectoral prevention council led by six ministers to ensure prevention, protection, and support in all areas.

Systematic work has changed society. According to a study by the Social Insurance Board (2024), only 10% of people in Estonia consider intimate partner violence a private family matter in which others should not interfere. In short, our society understands that violence against another person is a crime and a violation of human rights.

The Istanbul Convention is not a slogan-like ideological document. It provides a framework for countries and societies to prevent violence, protect victims, and ensure justice. The Convention provides social workers, victim support workers, and women’s shelters specialists with the tools they need to stop violence before violence destroys lives.

The undersigned members of the Riigikogu of the Republic of Estonia wish to give the population a sense of security by confirming that the state will not back down or deviate from its current course. Prevention, assistance to victims, punishment of violent individuals, and the provision of counselling will always be priorities for the Republic of Estonia. Cooperation in combating violence against women will continue in all state institutions and non-governmental organizations.

In Estonia, it is impossible to turn a blind eye to violence against women and domestic violence. A relationship survey conducted by Statistics Estonia (2023) showed that nearly 41% of women have experienced violence in a partnership relations at least once in their lives. 39% of women have experienced psychological violence, 13% physical violence (including threats), and 9% sexual violence. Young women aged 18–29 have experienced violence more than average, while women aged 65–74 have experienced it less. 

746 sexual offences were registered in Estonia in 2024. In 95% of cases, the victim was a woman.

A survey conducted by the Social Insurance Board (2024) shows a change in awareness. It found that 80% of respondents consider controlling behaviour by a partner, such as prohibiting communication with friends or restricting financial decisions, to be intimate partner violence. Furthermore, the majority of respondents think that both physical and sexual abuse are serious problems that must be prevented by all means. There is a widespread belief that family relationships must conform to the values, norms, and customs prevailing in society. Otherwise, it is a social problem that must be addressed.

Where can you find help?

• Crisis helpline 116 006 offers crisis counselling round the clock. 
• Emotional support and pastoral care helpline 116 123 counsellors offer emotional support in Estonian, Russian and English.
• Victim support website www.palunabi.ee of the Social Insurance Board also gives advice via text chat. 
• Call the violence prevention helpline at 660 6077 to arrange a meeting with a counsellor.
• The contact details of sexual violence crisis support centres can be found at https://www.palunabi.ee/en/sexual-violence-crisis-support-centers.
• The contact details of regional victim support officers can be found at https://sotsiaalkindlustusamet.ee/ohvriabi#kontakt.
• Information about women’s support centres is available at https://www.palunabi.ee/en/womens-support-centres.
• If your life and health are in danger, call 112.

For more information, please contact
Maris Lauri
Chair of Riigikogu Women’s Association
+372 631 6595
maris.lauri@riigikogu.ee

Link uudisele: Members of the Riigikogu issued a statement of support for combating violence against women

Kross: The free world should be grateful to Israel, not teach it to make war

According to Chairman of the Estonia-Israel Parliamentary Friendship Group Eerik-Niiles Kross, relations between Estonia and Israel have been good in recent years, but there is concern about the spread of ignorant anti-Semitism in society, which is nevertheless more modest in Estonia than in the old Europe.

“The innocent people murdered two years ago left behind thousands of mourners. Some of those who were kidnapped have been killed by today or have died, and it is believed that Hamas holds around 20 Israeli hostages who are still alive. We recall that among the victims of Hamas there was also one Estonian citizen.

The Parliamentary Friendship Group of the Riigikogu has made several statements in support of Israel, and we wish Israel strength in protecting its people now and in the future. We hope that the war started by Hamas will end with a more lasting peace in the Middle East,” Kross said.

“Israel has managed to significantly weaken Hezbollah, restrain Iran’s nuclear ambitions, bring about the retreat of Syrian dictator Al-Assad’s reign of terror, and has come very close to defeating Hamas.

The free world should be grateful to Israel for this, and not teach it how to make war,” he added.

Kross also welcomed the news that Israel would open its embassy in Estonia in November this year.

“Estonia and Israel – high-tech democracies with barbaric neighbours – are natural partners for cooperation,” he emphasized.

Solman: 7 October showed that Israel must constantly protect its people

Member of the Riigikogu Riina Solman, who was in Israel, near the Lebanese border a year ago and had to take shelter from Hezbollah rocket fire, recalled that the attack on 7 October had been a shock to the whole world.

“7 October 2023 showed Israel that the Jewish State must be constantly on guard to protect its people. This particular attack exceeded all limits of humanity after the Holocaust. I would like to ask the critics: how can a country live in peace with a neighbour who behaves barbarously?” Solman said.

She pointed out that the military infrastructure and tunnel network created by Hamas in Gaza was extensive – nearly 500 kilometres according to estimations – and built under hospitals, schools, and kindergartens, partly with the money of European taxpayers.

“These structures had to be destroyed to protect civilians, but this has mostly been followed by accusations. How should a country act to protect its people? Israel’s aim has been to disarm terrorists, to remove them from power, and to bring back the hostages – this remains the biggest unresolved issue to this day,” Solman said.

“Conditions are imposed on the Jewish State and it is reproached for protecting its people, but are any conditions imposed on terrorists? I do not understand why there are still people in Estonia who justify Hamas, when it is a criminal terrorist organization,” she added.

Security and future plans of the Jewish Community were discussed

The challenges facing the Jewish Community of Estonia, security issues, and the Community’s important contribution to Estonian society were also spoken about at the meeting.

Member of the Parliamentary Friendship Group Riina Sikkut underlined that it was the constitutional duty of the Estonian state to ensure that all ethnic groups feel safe in their homeland. The representatives of the Jewish Community thanked the Estonian state for its attention and care.

Representatives of the think tank Ariel talked about their activities and the plans of the Estonian Jewish Student Association, which is currently being established, were also discussed. Eduard Klas gave an overview of the activities of the Jewish Community.

The Parliamentary Friendship Group commemorates all the victims

The Estonia-Israel Parliamentary Friendship Group of the Riigikogu expressed its condolences to the close ones of all Palestinian and Israeli civilians and soldiers who have lost their lives in the war. The Parliamentary Friendship Group believes that every war is regrettable and hopes that the guns will fall silent in all war zones as soon as possible.

The Estonia-Israel Parliamentary Friendship Group of the Riigikogu is composed of Chairman Eerik-Niiles Kross and members Vadim Belobrovtsev, Meelis Kiili, Lauri Laats, Riina Sikkut, Riina Solman, Aivar Sõerd, Peeter Tali, Vilja Toomast and Kristo Enn Vaga.

For more information, please contact:
Estonia-Israel Parliamentary Friendship Group of the Riigikogu
Eerik-Niiles Kross, Chairman
eerik-niiles.kross@riigikogu.ee

Link uudisele: Estonia-Israel Parliamentary Friendship Group: The year 2023 showed that Israel has to be constantly on guard to protect its existence

“Estonia and Israel are traditionally united by common values – respect for freedom, human rights, and the rule of law, as well as unconditional love for their countries. We value highly the warm and friendly relations between our countries. We will continue to strengthen parliamentary dialogue and cultural and economic ties,” the Estonia-Israel Parliamentary Friendship Group of the Riigikogu states in its congratulation.

“Today, the State of Israel is facing difficult times. However, its people have repeatedly proven to the whole world that hard times only make this country and its people stronger. We wish the people of Israel peace, security, prosperity and confidence in tomorrow.”

The Estonia-Israel Parliamentary Friendship Group of the Riigikogu is composed of Chairman Eerik-Niiles Kross and members Vadim Belobrovtsev, Meelis Kiili, Lauri Laats, Riina Sikkut, Riina Solman, Aivar Sõerd, Peeter Tali, Vilja Toomast and Kristo Enn Vaga.

For more information, please contact:

Eerik-Niiles Kross
Chairman of Estonia-Israel Parliamentary Friendship Group
eerik-niiles.kross@riigikogu.ee

Link uudisele: Estonia-Israel Parliamentary Friendship Group congratulates Israel on its Independence Day

Vaga added that Taiwan has also contributed to Ukraine’s reconstruction efforts in partnership with Estonia. In June last year, the Estonian Centre for International Development ESTDEV received 1.1 million euros from the Taipei Mission in Latvia for the construction of family homes in Ukraine. “Taiwan’s slogan “Taiwan can help, and Taiwan is helping!” is very powerful and shows that Estonia is in a very similar value space with Taiwan,” Kristo Enn Vaga underlined.

The visit of the Estonian defence industry companies to Taiwan takes place on 4–8 February. The head of the delegation is Kristo Enn Vaga, and the delegation consists of member of the Estonia-Taiwan Support Group Kalle Laanet and representatives of Estonia’s defence industry companies Threod Systems, TrackDeep, Semetron and Frankenburg Technologies. The delegation will meet with Vice President of Taiwan Hsiao Bi-khim, Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung and Secretary-General of the National Security Council Joseph Wu, and visit the Ministry of Defence of Taiwan. They will also have meetings with the Defence Industry Association, the Asia UAV AI Innovation Application R&D Centre, and several defence industry companies of Taiwan. This is the second visit of the Estonia-Taiwan Support Group of this Riigikogu to Taiwan. The previous visit took place in March 2024. The Foreign Affairs Committee of the Riigikogu visited Taiwan in November.

Photos: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Taiwan

For more information, please contact:
Kristo Enn Vaga
kristoenn.vaga@riigikogu.ee
+372 56267733

Link uudisele: Vaga: Estonia donates 1.11 million medical masks to Ukraine in cooperation with Taiwan

According to the group, Israel is a state governed by the rule of law, where an independent judicial system is in place, where alleged war crimes, including those committed by the Israel Defence Forces, are investigated and the perpetrators are prosecuted. Hamas, however, is a terrorist organisation whose main aim is to destroy the democratic State of Israel.

The parliamentary friendship group pointed out that it agreed with what the President of the United States, Joe Biden, had said: “The ICC issuance of arrest warrants against Israeli leaders is outrageous. Whatever the ICC might imply, there is no equivalence — none — between Israel and Hamas.” In the opinion of the Members of the Riigikogu it is noteworthy that the US immediately rejected the arrest warrants issued by the ICC against Israeli leaders. “The arrest warrants call into question the impartiality of the International Criminal Court. They make it more complicated to resolve the conflict, to release Israeli hostages from Hamas and to achieve a lasting ceasefire,” they said.

The Estonia-Israel Parliamentary Friendship Group of the Riigikogu reaffirms its continued support for the State of Israel and its right to self-defence. “We continue to be seriously concerned about the situation in the Middle East and we hope that the armed conflict will be resolved as soon as possible and that the long-awaited peace will come to the region. We welcome the decisions of France, Greece and other European countries not to recognise the ICC arrest warrants against Israeli leaders and call on the Estonian Government to follow them,” the parliamentary friendship group said in the Statement.

Chairman of the parliamentary friendship group Eerik-Niiles Kross and members Vadim Belobrovtsev, Karmen Joller, Meelis Kiili, Lauri Laats, Riina Solman, Aivar Sõerd, Vilja Toomast and Kristo Enn Vaga signed the Statement of the group.

For more information, please contact:

Eerik-Niiles Kross
Chairman of Estonia-Israel Parliamentary Friendship Group
eerik-niiles.kross@riigikogu.ee

Link uudisele: Parliamentary friendship group calls not to recognise ICC arrest warrants for Israeli leaders

With this, the ICC Chief Prosecutor is placing the democratically elected members of the Government of Israel on the same level as the leaders of an Islamist terrorist organisation.

Israel is a state governed by the rule of law, where an independent judicial system is in place. Alleged war crimes, including those committed by the Israel Defence Forces, are investigated and the perpetrators prosecuted. Hamas is a terrorist organisation whose main aim is to destroy the democratic State of Israel. 

ICC arrest warrants call into question the impartiality and competence of the International Criminal Court. They make it more complicated to resolve the conflict, release the hostages and achieve a lasting ceasefire. 

The credibility of the ICC is in Estonia’s national interests, especially in the current times, and undermining it is worrying and regrettable.

We reaffirm our continued support for the State of Israel and its right to self-defence.

We call on the governments of Estonia and Estonia’s allies not to recognise ICC arrest warrants against the leaders of the State of Israel.

The Estonia-Israel Parliamentary Friendship Group of the Riigikogu (Parliament of Estonia) is composed of Chairman Eerik-Niiles Kross and members Yoko Alender, Vadim Belobrovtsev, Meelis Kiili, Andrei Korobeinik, Lauri Laats, Jürgen Ligi, Riina Solman, Aivar Sõerd, Peeter Tali, Vilja Toomast and Kristo Enn Vaga.

For more information, please contact:
Eerik-Niiles Kross
chairman of Estonia-Israel Parliamentary Friendship Group
eerik-niiles.kross@riigikogu.ee

Link uudisele: Estonia–Israel Parliamentary Friendship Group: Application of the International Criminal Court for arrest warrant for leaders of the State of Israel is regrettable