Traditionally, the Prime Minister gives a message to the community at this event, for some 800 guests including politicians, representatives of religious and social bodies, business people, diplomats, including ambassadors of Arab countries without official ties with Israel, leaders of the Jewish community and a large number of journalists.
Over the years, this dinner has become a major event in the French political calendar, during which the government talks about issues concerning the Jews in France and in Israel. "This dinner is a yearly opportunity for the community to meet the country's leaders", explains a CRIF representative.
Richard Prasquier, CRIF President, elected in May 2007, "is seeking to innovate by inviting the new French President to be the guest speaker", said Edith Lenczner, head of communication. She added: "This is exceptional, but the idea is to do the same each time a new President is elected."
The President of the Republic will be accompanied by the Prime Minister, François Fillon, and the Cabinet Ministers. Several opposition leaders will also be present, including François Hollande, leader of the Socialist Party and Bertrand Delanoë, Mayor of Paris.
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