An evening with Author and Journalist Valerie Abecassis.

The Israel Bonds Women’s Division in France, together with the Moadon Centre, hosted an evening featuring journalist and author Valérie Abecassis, who spoke about her latest book, Place des Otages (Hostage Square). In conversation with Catherine Lacrosnière, Co-Chair of the Women’s Division in France, she shared her experience of being in Israel with her family on 7 October 2023 and explained how that moment reshaped her perspective as a journalist.

Guests were welcomed by Michel Oiknine, of MOADON, alongside Elizabeth, Israel Bonds representative in France, and Arnon Perlman, Israel Bonds Executive Director of International Sales & Operations. In their opening remarks to the large gathering, they underscored the importance of strengthening the bond between Jews worldwide and Israel through Israel Bonds, thanked our event partners, and highlighted MOADON’s ongoing commitment to dialogue and cultural initiatives.

Isabelle Amsallem, one of Israel Bonds’ most prominent lay leaders in France and Co-Chair of the Women’s Division, highlighted the role Israel Bonds play in strengthening Israel’s economy and shared her family’s personal connection to the organisation. She concluded with an inspiring call to action that resonated strongly with the audience, many of whom were discovering Israel Bonds for the first time.

In Place des Otages, Valérie Abecassis draws on her long career as a journalist, as well as her personal proximity to the events of 7 October 2023, to document a period that profoundly shook Israeli society. Known for her work across French and Israeli media from ELLE magazine to i24News, she approaches the subject with both professional precision and deep sensitivity, combining investigation, testimony, and reflection. The book traces the human impact of the attacks and their aftermath, giving space to voices often left unheard and capturing the emotional weight carried by families, communities and an entire country.

The evening closed with lively discussion and reflections. Isabelle Amsallem and Catherine Lacrosnière thanked the audience for their participation and warmly invited them to become part of the growing community of Israel Bonds lay leaders.