For eighteen years, [Zvi Ammar](https://zvi-ammar.fr/) served as the president of the Jewish community of Marseille. This fundamental period of his career allowed him to work for the well-being of the members of this community, as well as for those of other religious faiths. Indeed, the priority for this man of the field has always been to reconcile different aspirations to seek republican consensus. We wanted to speak with him to learn more about his achievements and future projects.
Journalist: You were previously president of the Jewish community of Marseille, what is your current role?
Zvi Ammar: Today, I am the President of the regional consistory of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region. This body is important because it comprises seventeen communities, including that of Marseille, but also those of Marignane, Toulon, Avignon, not to mention Aix-en-Provence. Our role is essential because we fully participate in the life of the Jewish community in the region.
Journalist: For a long time, you also held another role within the community, that of President of the Jewish community of Marseille.
Zvi Ammar: Indeed. I greatly enjoyed fulfilling this role, as the Marseille community has no less than eighty thousand people. They regularly attend sixty synagogues. Additionally, many associations were created by our members, notably associations related to culture, youth, or memory.
Journalist: What actions did you take during your presidency of the Jewish community of Marseille?
Zvi Ammar: My main desire was to go beyond divisions to bring together the various communities present in Marseille. This is an act that allows preserving harmony and cohesion among all the inhabitants of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region. Therefore, I strived to develop quality and respectful relationships with all representatives of different faiths as well as with believers over the eighteen years. Consequently, we forged strong ties with Catholics, Muslims, Protestants, and Buddhists. These efforts are important because they help create a more serene society. For me, consistently seeking this social peace is essential, especially since periods of internal or external tension are frequent, particularly due to the complex situation in the Middle East.
Journalist: You have also been a significant player in the rapprochement between France and Israel.
Zvi Ammar: For the majority of Jews in France, France and Israel are like their parents. For this reason, we love both equally and make no distinction. Moreover, the Jewish community seeks harmony between these two parents. That is why bringing the two countries closer is a cherished objective of mine. I have therefore organized different initiatives towards this end and made several trips to Israel to strengthen the ties between these two countries. I would add, in conclusion, that an eternal bond exists between Jews and the Holy Land, no matter where they are in the world.
Journalist: When you headed the Jewish community of Marseille, you developed local initiatives to fight against inequalities. Can you tell us more about this?
Zvi Ammar: First and foremost, I did not want the lack of money to be an obstacle to a dignified existence. That’s why we implemented Shabbat baskets. This day is the most sacred of the week in the Jewish calendar. It was thus necessary for community members not to lack anything. Every Thursday, we provided each Jewish family a basket containing twenty-seven food products to celebrate Shabbat under the best conditions. But we also extended beyond the Jewish community, opening this assistance to Catholic or Muslim families who could also benefit from the Shabbat baskets. This project worked very well, and I am very pleased. It indeed shows that there is still a lot of misery in today’s society. Nevertheless, our team managed to provide a bit of human warmth to hundreds of people, which is of utmost importance. Additionally, I believe that a religion earns its noble character only when it is fraternal, tolerant, and open to others. With the Shabbat baskets, we demonstrated that we could all help each other, regardless of the communities.
Journalist: Can you share your opinion on the election of the president of the central consistory that took place on October 24th?
Zvi Ammar: Firstly, it is important to grasp the significance of the central consistory. It is the federation of all the consistories in France. Based in Paris, it includes two hundred and fifty Jewish communities from the metropolitan territory and the overseas territories. The new president of this institution was elected on October 24th. However, this election was peculiar because, for the first time, there was only one candidate: Master Élie Korchia. He nevertheless secured the support of three hundred eleven grand electors. Ultimately, he was elected president of the central consistory with 89.8% of the votes cast in his favor.
Journalist: You are indeed a supporter of Mr. Korchia and consider him an ideal candidate for these functions. Why?
Zvi Ammar: Throughout my career, my main concern has been to support republican actors. This is because they are the key players in living together. I believe we must always seek what unites us and, as much as possible, alleviate what differentiates us. That’s why I supported Master Élie Korchia unreservedly; he is a brilliant man who always seeks consensus. This consensus is part of the republican values that we all share and cherish as French citizens. This is also why we have excellent working relationships with several elected officials. Notably, the president of the metropolis and the Departmental Council, Martine Vassal, as well as the President of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur Regional Council, Renaud Muselier. He perfectly knows how to bring together moderate political trends so they can work together on joint projects.
Journalist: To conclude this interview, what are your projects within the consistory?
Zvi Ammar: I will continue my efforts for social peace. This is still a relevant objective in light of social tensions. For this reason, I aim to gather communities as well as political parties and citizens, provided they respect living together. This is because, in my eyes, republican consensus is a pillar of our society.
