A veteran of Israel’s diplomatic service, Daniel Shek served as Ambassador to France between 2006-2010, considered to be one of the best periods of relations between Israel and France.  During his 27-year long career he also served as Director of European Affairs, Spokesman of the Israeli Foreign Ministry and Consul General in San Francisco. He has extensive experience in European Affairs. While working closely with the late Shimon Peres he has participated in several chapters of Arab-Israeli negotiations.

As ambassador in France he oversaw the process of Israel’s accession to the Paris-based OECD. The invitation to Israel to begin this complex, multi-dimensional process arrived weeks after taking his post and four years later, it was ambassador Shek who, alongside OECD Secretary General Angel Gurria, signed the agreement papers, formalizing the recognition of Israel’s place among the leading economies in the world.

Ambassador Shek has for many years taken part in devising media strategies for the Israeli Foreign Ministry. As a recognized expert in public diplomacy, he was among the most effective advocates for his country. He continues to be a frequent guest on media outlets worldwide. He is a strong believer in “soft power” and people to people processes and has throughout his career devoted special attention to projects in the areas of commerce, R&D and culture.

A close associate of former Minister of Foreign Affairs Tzipi Livni, Ambassador Shek is co-founder of her HATNUA party and has accompanied her election campaigns. 

Since leaving the Foreign Service, Ambassador Shek is an independent consultant on international affairs, strategic communication and political campaigns in Europe, Africa and Israel and teaches Diplomacy at Tel Aviv University. He is also a member of the leadership team of IPI, the Israeli Peace Initiative, a civil society driven effort to promote regional peace in the Middle East and chairs the Public Council of the Arava Institute for Environmental Studies.

In 2011, then Foreign Minister of France, Bernard Kouchner, awarded him the rank of Officer in the Order of the Légion d’honneur.