A joint diplomatic mission to Greece of the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress (EAJC) and the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations began on the 8th of February. Similar missions by the leading Jewish structures have already become traditional – joint delegations have already visited the Republic of South Africa, Georgia, Kazakhstan, and Marocco. The mission was headed by EAJC Secretary Michael Chlenov and Head of the Conference of Presidents Alan Solow. The delegation of over sixty members included representatives from the EAJC, the Conference of Presidents, the European Council of Jewish Communities, and the Russian Jewish Congress.

The first meetings were in Thessaloniki, where the delegation was received by mayor Yiannis Boutaris in the town hall. The EAJC delegation was headed by General Council Chairman Josef Zisels. During the meeting, the mayor noted that the Jews and Greeks are tied together not only by history, but by a common hope for a better future. The head of the united Jewish community of Greece David Saltiel also greeted the delegation. Alan Solow returned the greeting. On behalf of the joint diplomatic mission, NCSJ Director Mark Levin presented the Thessaloniki mayor with a mezuzah made in the form of the heavenly Tree of Life.

After a meeting with the leadership of the city, the joint delegation visited a memorial to the victims of the Holocaust, the synagogue, and the Jewish museum. The first day of the diplomatic mission ended on a meeting with the local Jewish populace in the Jewish cultural center.