The conference aims to strengthen young Zionist leadership across Europeand deepen Jewish identity, while fostering meaningful collaboration amongcommunities and organizations. It places particular emphasis on the ZionistLeadership Academy (ZLA) initiative, a joint program led by the World ZionistOrganization and KKL-JNF, which supports community leaders and youthmovement representatives aged 20–35 from across Europe.
During the conference, KKL France and KKL-JNF, the organizers, will presenttheir “Education for Impact” strategy, an educational approach developed foryouth that highlights best practices for strengthening community participationand youth leadership.
Participants will take part in sessions, lectures, and workshops focused oneducation and social impact, Zionist leadership and an introduction to Jewishcommunity life in France. In addition to the formal program, participants willtake part in social and cultural activities, including a special “In the Footstepsof Herzl” tour in Paris, communal Shabbat events, and facilitated groupdiscussions on the topics raised during the conference.
The conference will conclude with a closing session and practical discussionsfocused on implementing the program’s key takeaways and strengtheningongoing cooperation among organizations and communities across Europe, aspart of the broader initiative to establish the first Zionist Council.
The conference will be led by Daniel Benlolo, CEO of KKL France, JoshuaZarka, Israel’s Ambassador to France and Ariel (Benny) Goldgewicht, director of the department of Pioneering Youth and Future Generations at theWorld Zionist Organization.
WAY Europe 2026 reflects the shared commitment of KKL-JNF and the WorldZionist Organization to developing the next generation of leadership in Europeand strengthening the connection between the Jewish communities and theState of Israel. The initiative is based on a long-term vision of building aneducational, values-based, and a Zionistic community infrastructure for futuregenerations.
Daniel Benlolo, CEO of KKL France, said: “This is a historic moment forEuropean Jewry. The establishment of the first Zionist Council reflects ourbelief in the ability of young people to lead meaningful change within theircommunities. In light of challenges that community members haveexperienced in recent years, JNF France is proud to lead an initiative thatbrings Zionist vision together with innovative educational efforts aligned withthe challenges of our time.
Sar Shalom Jerbi, Head of the Education and Community Division at KKL-JNF, said: "Investing in the younger generation is an investment in thefuture of the Jewish people. The ZLA program and the initiative to establishthe Zionist Council in Europe reflect a long-term educational approach thatcultivates leadership committed to strengthening love of the Land of Israel,love of the Jewish people and their heritage, and deepening the connectionbetween Jewish communities in the Diaspora and the State of Israel.”
Sergio Edelstein, Head of the Department for Informal Education atthe WZO, concluded: “Nowadays, in light of the shared challenges facing theJewish people both in Israel and in the Diaspora, the young people in theyouth movements are the future for strengthening the bridge within the Jewishpeople worldwide. We are committed to this.”