Alliance Israélite Universelle

After Jews become citizens in modern nations in 19th century Europe, changes occur in philanthropic practices. France, the first nation to grant full citizenship to its Jewish population, formed government administrative centers (consistories) to administer the government. In Jewish quarters this administrative agency became the Alliance Israélite Universelle. This organization served Jewish betterment, not only in France but internationally. Its membership negotiated the Edwado Montara Case as well as the Treaty of Berlin (1878). It also operated schools in some of the French colonies, introducing the French language, girls’ education, and apprenticeship programs.