Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael-Jewish National Fund (KKL-JNF) brought together Jewish leaders from 22 countries to promote global ties to Israel and Zionism last weekend, the organization announced.

"Now, more than ever, there is importance in the deep connection between all organizations," said KKL-JNF's Manager of the Education and Community Division, Sar Shalom Jerbi.

Participants included Jewish representatives from across Europe, Asia, and Africa, including Tunisia, Morocco, Russia, Kosovo, Israel, Moldova, Romania, and Hungary, and met with the aim of promoting global ties to Israel and Zionism.

Organized by KKL-JNF’s Education Division and its Department for Strengthening Zionist Identity in the Diaspora, the event focused on providing educational tools to deepen Jewish identity and connections to Israel. 

The conference included lectures, workshops, and interactive activities designed to promote Zionist values among younger generations.

KKL-JNF conference in Paris draws Jewish leaders from 22 continents. (credit: ALAIN AZRIA)
KKL-JNF conference in Paris draws Jewish leaders from 22 continents. (credit: ALAIN AZRIA)
One of the speakers was Miriam Peretz, who lost two sons during their IDF military service. She spoke about resilience, optimism, and Israel’s central role in Jewish life. An Israeli-style Shabbat reception was also held, led by IDF Chief Cantor Shai Abramson.

Also present were delegates from the Jewish Agency, World Zionist Organization, Israel’s Education Ministry, and Jewish schools operating worldwide.

Jerbi highlighted the significance of the conference, stating, "It is moving to see Jewish organizations coming together under KKL-JNF's initiative to exchange ideas on Zionist education, love of the land, and connection to the State of Israel. Now, more than ever, fostering deep connections among organizations is crucial."

He continued, "The conference sparked new connections between Jewish organizations and underscored the urgent need for continued investment in Zionist education in the Diaspora. KKL-JNF will remain a leader in Zionist education worldwide and a welcoming platform for collaboration toward future generations."

A 'first-of-its-kind' conference 

Tova Ben Nun-Cherbis, Principal of the Lauder-Reut School in Romania, remarked, “This conference, initiated by KKL-JNF, represents a rare opportunity for knowledge sharing and cooperation between Jewish communities. The connections made here give hope for the future of Zionist education in the Diaspora.”

Paul Fittousi, Principal of the "Yosef Girsa" School in Geneva, Switzerland, added, "We aspire to create educational experiences for students that connect them to Israel emotionally and in terms of values throughout the entire year – through ceremonies, holidays, and joint initiatives with institutions in Israel. I thank KKL-JNF for this fruitful and first-of-its-kind conference that brings together Jewish organizations and provides an opportunity to see and learn from one another."