Riverdale hears how ELNET nurtures Israel-European relationships

Have you ever thought: If European leaders could go on a Birthright trip to Israel, it might improve Israel’s relationships on the continent? Turns out that is happening.

The European Leadership Network (ELNET) has sent 35 delegations of European leaders to Israel in 2024 alone, ELNET President David Siegel told congregants at the Hebrew Institute of Riverdale on Shabbos Lech Lecha, That follows 480 trips since its founding in 2007, showing Europe’s officials the real story about what’s happening in Israel.

Last week’s pogrom in Amsterdam awoke fears among Europeans, who are gravely concerned about Islamist terror. This is a view shared with Israel, creating a natural bond as Europeans watch what is happening and wonder: When it happens next, could it be me or my family?

Siegel, a former Israeli diplomat, observed that both Israel and Europe have multi-party parliamentary governments. This tends to lead to the parties farthest to the left and right gaining sway while the majority in the middle have trouble finding ways to be properly represented.

ELNET was founded in 2007 by Larry Hochberg, Hubert Leven and Newt Becker z”l, men who had been involved in the Rashi Foundation, AIPAC, FIDF, and the world of business and finance.

Europe is a vital strategic partner for Israel. Siegal pointed out that where he lives in Haifa, Cyprus can almost be seen with the naked eye — that’s Europe. Greece, Italy, Spain and France also share the Mediterranean coast with Israel.

But it’s not only a close neighbor in proximity. Europe is a key influencer of the International Criminal Court and the International Court of Justice, both of which have Israel in their sights.

Europe is also the world’s largest democratic bloc. With Russia, China and Iran becoming more threatening, a strong Europe-Israel alliance is increasingly important. Israel has become a key weapons and defense importer to European countries.

Over the last 17 years, ELNET’s sustained relationship-building with key lawmakers, business leaders and decision makers have strengthened ties with between Europe and Israel, building — often under the radar — the groundwork for greater cooperation.

After Oct. 7th, 14 European countries halted funding to UNRWA (the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East) and the E3 (France, Germany and Italy) joined the US in dispatching military assets to defend Israel from Iran and the Houthis. Nine European countries partnered with the US and Israel to shut down Hamas’ finance operations. Ten countries have also introduced a full ban on Hezbollah activities and fundraising.

Economically, Europe is Israel’s largest trading partner. Germany leads on that front, but all European countries are essential allies and ELNET works to nurture these relationships.

An ELNET conference will convene in Paris on May 18-20. Participants will get to ask questions of those who influence the Israel-Europe relationship and shape the future of the next decade for the Western alliance.

Information about ELNET or its conference are at elnetwork.eu, or can be obtained from Chief Development Officer Jay Haberman at jhaberman@felnetus.org