January 14, 2003
11 Shevat, 5763
Jerusalem

300 Leaders of the French Jewish Community will Convene in Jerusalem

They will march in solidarity with Israel through Jerusalem's Jaffa, King George, and Ben-Yehuda Streets on Friday 17 January 12:30 -14:00.

The Consistoire Central, the umbrella organization of all of France's Jewish communities, decided to hold their annual convention this year in Jerusalem in a demonstration of solidarity with Israel. The convention will take place from 16-23 January. The Jewish Agency is a senior partner in the organization of the convention.

Over 300 of France's top Jewish leaders, headed by Chief Rabbi Joseph Sitruk and the President of the Consistoire Central, Jean Kahn will arrive in Israel for the event.

Convention delegates are scheduled to meet with the President of the State of Israel, Moshe Katsav, Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, cabinet ministers, members of Knesset, and the Chief rabbis of Israel, the mayor of Jerusalem and top Jewish Agency officials. They will travel to Netanya on Thursday, 16 January, where they will meet the mayor, On Saturday night they will hold a salute to the State of Israel and Aliyah. On Sunday, 19 January the delegates will visit the North of Israel where they will see projects of the Jewish Agency's Partnership 2000 program, tour the Lebanese border and dedicate a forest. They will tour Jewish Agency absorption centers and also visit hospitals where they will meet victims of terror and hospital staff.

Solidarity March:

One of the main events of the convention will take place this Friday (17 January) between 12:30- 14:00, when the delegates will parade through Jaffa, King George, and Ben-Yehuda streets. The marchers will carry Israeli flags as a sign of solidarity with victims of terror and the city of Jerusalem. Families of French origin who lost loved ones in terrorist attacks will march at the head of the parade.

For additional information contact
the Office of the Spokesman:
Yehuda Weinraub
Liaison to Foreign Press and Media
Jewish Agency for Israel
Mobile:972-53-927017
Fax: 972-2-6204013