AJC promotes strong relations between France and Israel.
We counter anti-Israel sentiment by fostering dialogue, organizing frequent trips to Israel for French leaders, and speaking out against demonization of Israel. AJC promotes a more nuanced view of the Jewish state, its challenges, and its accomplishments.
Project Interchange (PI) is an educational institute of AJC that brings current and emerging leaders on weeklong seminars to Israel so they can experience the Jewish state beyond the headlines. AJC Paris regularly brings French delegations—politicians, journalists, and thought leaders—to Israel with PI.
In 2016, AJC Paris organized its third PI seminar in Israel for French Muslim civic leaders. The Muslim participants all had the credibility within their own communities to demystify Israel and shatter misconceptions about Jews. The group travelled across Israel and the Palestinian territories, meeting with key political leaders. The seminar highlighted the role of minorities in Israel’s civic, political, educational, and intellectual life, as well efforts to further mutual respect.
The trip and connections it fostered have helped further AJC Paris’s efforts to encourage collaboration between France’s Jews and Muslims to combat hatred and bigotry, and protect the freedom of religion. For example, the two communities have jointly worked to counter proposals to ban ritual slaughter, which threatens the practice of both religions.
