The 13th Plenary Assembly of the World Jewish Congress (WJC), the leading international organization representing Jewish communities in over 80 countries around the Globe, met on 26-27 January 2009 in Jerusalem under the motto "We stand by Israel". Over 400 representatives of Jewish communities from all continents, international Jewish organizations and guests attended the meeting. The Plenary Assembly is the highest decision-making body of the WJC and meets every four years. The WJC was founded in Geneva in 1936. It serves as the diplomatic arm of the Jewish people to governments and international organizations.

Apart from elections for WJC president and executive officers, delegates also discussed the current military conflict in Gaza and other threats against Israel, as well as the repercussions for Jewish communities around the world, notably regarding the related surge in anti-Semitism. There were debates on other international developments, such as the recent Mumbai terror attacks, efforts to delegitimize Israel in international bodies, and the situation in Venezuela. On 27 January, delegates marked International Holocaust Remembrance Day in a special ceremony at Yad Vashem, Israel's Holocaust memorial institution in Jerusalem.

ICJW is an international affiliate of the WJC. Former ICJW president Sara Winkowski was elected by the Latin American Jewish Congress as vice-president of the World Jewish Congress.