Israel

Israel is Europe’s third largest trading partner in the Middle East and its economic performance is among the strongest in the OECD. Israel is also a major political and security actor in the Middle East and Mediterranean basin. As a result, Europe and Israel share important strategic objectives, including combating terrorism and extremism, fostering stability, regional cooperation, and peace. The cooperation with Europe is vast and includes areas, such as cyber security, counter-terrorism, agriculture, water and food security, and innovation. The discovery of gas in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea opened further opportunities for cooperation.

Scientific collaboration is a fundamental component of the bilateral relations. Both Israeli and European academic institutions rank yearly among the most innovative worldwide. With high rates of R&D funding and a record number of start-ups, Israel is a central hub for global science and innovation. The scientific cooperation contributed to breakthroughs in research in multiple sectors, from smart irrigation, through child tumors and robotics.

Europe and Israel share fundamental values and strategic interests and benefit from robust economic relations despite political differences. ELNET’s mission and programs serve to enhance mutual understanding of these common values and interests.

ELNET in Israel

ELNET’s Israeli office serves as a central hub in the network, facilitating delegations and dialogues in cooperation with ELNET’s European affiliates and Friends of ELNET in the US. The Israeli office is also responsible for developing strong relationships with Israeli decision-makers, research institutes, businesses and civil society leaders. Under the leadership of an international board and led by Director David Siegel, a former Israeli diplomat, ELNET-Israel fosters Israeli-Europe ties, while educating the Israeli policymakers about the importance of strengthening relations with Europe.

ELNET-Israel

Tel Aviv
Tel: +972 (0)73 737 0546
E-mail: israel@elnetwork.eu

ELNET Strongly Opposes the UN Blacklist

February 12, 2020

ELNET believes that approaching the legitimate political debate over Israeli settlements through blacklisting is misguided and harmful to both Palestinians and Israelis.

Special ELNET Panel at the Herzliya Conference

July 30, 2019

For the sixth year, ELNET and the FSD hosted a special roundtable entitled “Europe facing political and identity crises. What is it to Israel?” at the Herzliya Conference.

Israel’s Elections – what’s next?

June 1, 2019

In an unexpected turn of events, the Knesset voted to dissolve itself on May 29, shortly after the deadline for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to form a coalition, triggering an unprecedented second election.

Safe & Smart City Conference

January 15, 2019

The third edition of the prestigious “Safe and Smart City Conference” brought to Jerusalem top European and Israeli innovators, start-ups, investors and politicians.

Drifting Apart or Working Together?

May 10, 2018

ELNET and FSD special roundtable at the 18th Herzliya Conference discussed US-Europe relations relations and their impact on Israel.

A new Europe and the Middle East

June 23, 2017

This year’s special ELNET and FSD roundtable at the Herzliya Conference discussed “A new Europe in the making: what’s in store for Israel and the Middle East?”

Omri Attar

Acting Executive Director, ELNET-Israel

Omri Attar acted as Chief Operations Officer at ELNET in 2016-19 and Chief of International Staff in 2015-16. He is the founder of the Europe Forum, a leading thinking group of organizations based in Europe and Israel, and former Chief Spokesperson of the IDC Herzliya Student Union. He has a broad background in project management within non-profit organizations and NGOs. He holds an MA in Knowledge-based Policy, Educational, Social and Public Leadership, a BA in Government, Diplomacy and Strategy, and a Certificate of Third-Sector Management studies, as well as additional certification of Negotiation studies from Harvard Law School.

Yossi Abravanel

Deputy Executive Director, ELNET-Israel

Yossi Abravanel is a former entrepreneur in the fields of telecom and homeland security in Israel and beyond, with extensive experience in work vis-à-vis governments in West Africa and Israel, and as a Jewish Agency’s Aliyah representative in Paris. He holds an MBA from the University of Sorbonne and a BA from Jerusalem Collage of Technology.

Benjamin Touati

Deputy Executive Director, ELNET-Israel

Benjamin Touati is a former representative of the Jewish Agency in Paris, political advisor of Israeli ministers and director in national institutions, including World Mizrahi Movement, with vast experience in project management in public and non-governmental sectors. He holds an MBA from the Jerusalem College of Technology and a BA in History from Paris University.

Julia Lisiecka

Senior Research and Communications Manager, ELNET-Israel

Julia Lisiecka has a broad background in policy research, project management and communications and formerly worked at the EU Institute for Security Studies (EUISS), dealing with international relations and security topics. She holds an MA in Middle Eastern Studies from SOAS, University of London and a BA in Applied Sociology from Warsaw University.

Tamara Epelbaum

Operations Manager, ELNET-Israel

Tamara Epelbaum previously served as the Head of North American Desk, Head of the Latin America and Asia Desk and interim Head of the European Desk at the IDF Spokesperson’s Unit. She holds an MA in Diplomacy and Conflict Resolution from the Interdisciplinary Center (IDC Herzliya), a BA in Political Science from Columbia University in New York, and a BA in Talmud (Jewish Law) from the Jewish Theological Seminary (JTS).

Yasmin Burk

Account Manager, ELNET-Israel

Yasmin Burk is an accounting professional with experience in management and accounting in private and non-governmental sectors. She studies accounting and economics at the Open University in Tel Aviv.