The University of Tel Aviv and its French Friends Meet at Paris' Hôtel de Ville to Reward Initiatives in Favor of Cooperation Between France and Israel

The University of Tel Aviv and its French Friends Meet at Paris' Hôtel de Ville to Reward Initiatives in Favor of Cooperation Between France and Israel

Anne Hidalgo, Mayor of Paris, awarded the President's Medal, and Maurice Lévy, Chairman of the Board of Publicis Groupe, made Doctor Honoris Causa of the University of Tel Aviv

Paris - November 3^rd, 2015 - On November 2^nd, 2015, Israel's leading academic institution, the University of Tel-Aviv, and its French friends organized a gala reception and award ceremony in the salons of the Paris Hôtel de Ville.  

On this occasion Anne Hidalgo, who visited the campus of Tel-Aviv University with the Paris City Council during her trip to Israel in 2015, was awarded the President's Medal by Professor Joseph Klafter. This very high distinction, bestowed on eminent political personalities, acknowledges the decisive action taken by the Mayor of Paris in favor of the development of academic and scientific exchanges between universities in Paris and Israel, and in particular with Tel Aviv University.

During this dinner Maurice Lévy, Chairman & CEO of Publicis Groupe, received the title of Doctor Honoris Causa. This prestigious academic distinction is a tribute to the essential role he has played at the head of Publicis Groupe, to his commitment to the fight against antisemitism in favor of tolerance, his support for Israel and for all peace initiatives, such as economic cooperation between the Israelis and Palestinians.

In the course of the evening Professor Moshe Zviran, Dean of the Business School, which is one of the world's top twenty such institutions, described the dynamic virtuous circle of innovation and entrepreneurship in Israeli society and the decisive role it plays in the university system.

François Baroin, Patrick Bloche, Antoine Compagnon, Dominique Perben, Christian Poncelet and Jean-Claude Trichet, all members of the Honorary Committee of the French Friends of Tel Aviv University, also took part in this gala tribute.  Marc-Olivier Fogiel and Aliza Bin-Noun, Israel's Ambassador, were also present.

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