The conference aims to strengthen young Zionist leadership across Europe and deepen Jewish identity, while fostering meaningful collaboration among communities and organizations. It places particular emphasis on the Zionist Leadership Academy (ZLA) initiative, a joint program led by the World Zionist Organization and KKL-JNF, which supports community leaders and youth movement representatives aged 20–35 from across Europe.
During the conference, KKL France and KKL-JNF, the organizers, will present their “Education for Impact” strategy, an educational approach developed for youth that highlights best practices for strengthening community participation and youth leadership.
Participants will take part in sessions, lectures, and workshops focused on education and social impact, Zionist leadership and an introduction to Jewish community life in France. In addition to the formal program, participants will take part in social and cultural activities, including a special “In the Footstepsof Herzl” tour in Paris, communal Shabbat events, and facilitated group discussions on the topics raised during the conference.
The conference will conclude with a closing session and practical discussions focused on implementing the program’s key takeaways and strengthening ongoing cooperation among organizations and communities across Europe, as part of the broader initiative to establish the first Zionist Council.
The conference will be led by Daniel Benlolo, CEO of KKL France, Joshua Zarka, Israel’s Ambassador to France and Ariel (Benny) Goldgewicht, director of the department of Pioneering Youth and Future Generations at the World Zionist Organization.
Photograph: Tania Cohen
WAY Europe 2026 reflects the shared commitment of KKL-JNF and the World Zionist Organization to developing the next generation of leadership in Europe and strengthening the connection between the Jewish communities and the State of Israel. The initiative is based on a long-term vision of building an educational, values-based, and a Zionistic community infrastructure for future generations.
Daniel Benlolo, CEO of KKL France, said: “This is a historic moment forEuropean Jewry. The establishment of the first Zionist Council reflects our belief in the ability of young people to lead meaningful change within their communities. In light of challenges that community members have experienced in recent years, JNF France is proud to lead an initiative that brings Zionist vision together with innovative educational efforts aligned with the 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 the future of the Jewish people. The ZLA program and the initiative to establish the Zionist Council in Europe reflect a long-term educational approach that cultivates leadership committed to strengthening love of the Land of Israel, love of the Jewish people and their heritage, and deepening the connection between Jewish communities in the Diaspora and the State of Israel.”
Sergio Edelstein, Head of the Department for Informal Education at the WZO, concluded: “Nowadays, in light of the shared challenges facing the Jewish people both in Israel and in the Diaspora, the young people in the youth movements are the future for strengthening the bridge within the Jewish people worldwide. We are committed to this.”