Founded in 1860, the Alliance israélite universelle is today one of the principal international organizations in the field of Jewish education and culture.

Its objective rests on the diffusion of a type of Judaism that is simultaneously faithful to tradition, tolerant and open to the modern world. Furthermore, the Alliance strives to promote French language and culture abroad.

It acts as a major partner in defending human rights and dialogue between religions. Its work is made up of its network of schools in France and abroad, its schools of continuing studies (Section Normale des Etudes Juives and the Collège des Etudes Juives) as well as its extensive library and publications.