EFI – European Friends of Israel

Vision

EFI draws its members together to increase understanding, to deepen the relationship between Europe and Israel, to expand and reinforce European support of Israel, and promote democracy, peace and dialogue in the region.

Activity

EFI was established in 2006 under the leadership of Michel Gourary and is now the biggest organization of its kind in Europe, gathering 1500 Parliamentarians and Policy Makers who are Friends of Israel, from the European Parliament, the 27 National Parliaments of the European Union and from 20 National Parliaments of the Council of Europe.

www.efi-eu.org

we build too many walls and not enough bridges

- Isaac Newton

Michel Gouray

Michel Gouray, born in Brussels, was at his early twenties a Member of the UEJB (Union of Jewish students in Belgium) Board and Treasurer of the Belgian Federation of the Jewish Youth. Then he developed his professional career for 22 years as a Project manager and specialist in Municipal and Community services development in France, Belgium and Israel, focusing on developing and implementing different models of municipal and community services. Michel who has a MA in Public Administration from Clark University and a BA in Community Social Work from the Hebrew University, was for many years a Consultant and Coach for Crisis intervention professional teams and developed a unique model for Community empowerment. After having been based in Paris as the Head of the Jewish Agency delegation for South Western Europe and managing all its activities in France, Belgium, Italy, Spain, Portugal and Switzerland, Michel moved his professional activities to Brussels, Capital of Europe. And since 2005, he works as a senior political consultant and advisor to different European organizations dealing with EU and Israel affairs. Michel believes in developing European citizens’ initiatives to strengthen the relations between European Democrats and Democrats & People of good will in the Middle East and in Israel.