Key Meetings and Institutions Visited

The intensive program brought the students to the heart of France’s centers of influence and decision-making. The itinerary was structured around several key sectors:

 

• The Political and Parliamentary Sphere

The students visited both chambers of the French Parliament. At the National Assembly, they met with Member of Parliament Constance Le Grip, Chair of the France-Israel Friendship Group. Later, they visited the Senate and exchanged views with Senator Pierre- Antoine Lévi on domestic and foreign policy issues.

 

• The Legal and Judicial System

They explored the French legal framework through visits to its highest institutions: the Council of State with Frédéric Puigserver; the Court of Cassation with Judge Frédéric Dieu; and the Court of Auditors, where they learned how public spending is monitored and supervised.

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• The World of Economics, Business, and Academia

The students participated in a fascinating discussion with Philippe Aghion, Nobel Prize in Economics, at the Collège de France. They also took part in several meetings and dinners with leading entrepreneurs.

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• The Israeli and Jewish Connection

The students began their stay with a meeting with Robert Ejnes, Vice President of CRIF (the Representative Council of Jewish Institutions in France), who provided valuable insight into the dynamics of the French Jewish community. They later visited the Israeli Embassy in Paris for a particularly enriching discussion with Ambassador Joshua Zarka regarding Europe’s current diplomatic challenges.

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• Peer-to-Peer Engagement and Public Diplomacy 

The Israeli students participated in a dinner and open discussion with outstanding French students. This gathering provided an excellent opportunity to build lasting personal relationships and engage in authentic dialogue about life in Israel and France. The Israeli students were able to share their perspectives as young Israelis while gaining insight into the views of French youth.

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Key Takeaways Reported by the Israeli Student Delegation

“We returned from this delegation with valuable insights that will directly influence our future professional paths.

 

• Governance and Institutional Heritage

While we deeply appreciated France’s rich cultural and historical heritage, our time in Paris was above all an immersive educational experience. Gaining an inside view of the French legal system and its elected institutions significantly broadened our understanding. Examining these structures firsthand allowed us to deepen our reflections on governance and law while exposing us to new approaches to public administration.

 

• Building Bridges Through Youth Diplomacy

This delegation highlighted the vital importance of direct encounters between young people. Building strong relationships among future decision-makers today is essential to creating a shared future and strengthening the bond between Israel and France. This mission is particularly important in the current context, where Israel’s image faces challenges among segments of young people worldwide. We firmly believe that the most effective response lies in consistent, values-based initiatives that bring the next generation closer together. By fostering authentic dialogue, overcoming misconceptions, and cultivating mutual respect, we are laying the groundwork for long-term partnership and meaningful impact.

 

• Lessons from Business and Entrepreneurship

A roundtable discussion with several business leaders provided a rare and transparent perspective on both the successes and failures of major innovators. Conversations with individuals who have built global enterprises offered valuable professional lessons:

 

Professional Humility: Remaining grounded, listening when others possess greater expertise, and empowering them to lead when appropriate.

 

Managerial Courage: Having the ability to make difficult strategic decisions while maintaining confidence in the face of uncertainty.

 

Human Capital: Surrounding yourself with reliable, ethical, and highly capable individuals whom you can trust completely.

 

This delegation demonstrated the immense value of face-to-face international dialogue. The success of this initiative underscores the importance of continuing such programs in the future. These experiences enable us to build essential human bridges, better understand European institutional models, and communicate the realities of Israel with nuance to the next generation of global leaders and policymakers.

 

We would like to express our sincere gratitude to the France-Israel Foundation for making this exceptional opportunity possible.”