Archive | 2010 | September
Hollywood stars salute Israel
Movie industry figures attend gala event in support of Jewish state at Kodak Theater, complete with limousines, red carpet, paparazzi. Actor Jon Voight: World playing a dangerous game by going against Israel
Hollywood stars, red carpets and Israel: More than 500 people were present at an event dedicated to Israel held in Hollywood on Monday, including reel stars, movie industry veterans and local business figures.
All came to express their support for Israel. The exclusive event, entitled “From Vision to Reality,” opened in traditional Hollywood style with a glittering red carpet walk. Guests arrived one after the other, drawing up in limousines and stepping out onto the expanse of red where photographers waited, then going on to give interviews to TV networks and speaking warmly of Israel.
Among those attending were Jon Voight, father of Angelina Jolie; Shaun Toub, known for his role in Crash; actor and scriptwriter Howard Rosenman, Beverly Hills Mayor Jimmy Delshad; Israeli-American producer Avi Arad; Israel’s Deputy Foreign Minister Danny Ayalon; and actor-models Moran Atias and Noa Tishby, who also MC’ed the event. Representatives from Hollywood’s major studios were also present.
Big names and stars including Arnold Schwarzenegger, Toby McGuire (“Spiderman”) and Michael Welch (“Twilight” series) confirmed their participation but failed to show up. Nathalie Portman asked to attend, but was unable to come because of filming in Canada.
$1,000 per ticket
The event was held at the Kodak Theater, which hosts the annual Oscar awards. Guests paid $1,000 for tickets, and the money was donated to educational projects for Israel’s youth. After a grand cocktail reception, guests watched a show which included films about Israel. Then Ayalon, Arad and Voight gave speeches.
Voight, who granted Arad with a lifetime achievement award, said that anything connected with Israel was important to him, and that anyone who understood anything must stand by Israel. The world is playing a dangerous game by going against Israel, he added.
Gilad Segev and Carmel Ackman sang during the ceremony, and fine food was served to the sound of Israeli songs. Five pupils and their teacher who had taken part in the “Tomorrow’s Leaders” project of the Citizens’ Empowerment Center in Israel were invited onto the stage. This project was founded by Israeli-American billionaire Yitzhak Nazarian for education towards democracy among Israel’s youth.
Israeli Schools to advance women’s leadership
New Education Ministry program aims to encourage female students to pursue political careers by combining civics, gender studies
A new Education Ministry study program will combine civics and gender studies with the aim of encouraging female students to join the political arena in the future.
The program was developed in collaboration with WePowerorganization for the advancement of women leadership, and is meant to empower women and instill values of social justice and equality.
Commissioner of Gender Equality in the Education Ministry Miriam Schechter said the program deals with issues such as promotion of women in politics, and is aimed at encouraging young female students to man key and influential positions in Israeli society.
Schechter explained that in the past few years, the program was tested as a pilot in several junior high schools, and after proving successful among both students and teachers, it was decided to integrate it as part of the study curriculum across the country.
In its first stage, the program will be implemented among 9th grade students, as part of their civics studies enhancement courses, and will total 30 hours annually.
As part of the program, the students will be asked to analyze cases of gender discrimination. The gender studies will also constitute part of the material for the 2-credit point matriculation exams in civics studies, and will count as 20% of the final grade.
“Civics is a subject that deals with public life, and gives students tools to analyze the social reality in Israel,” said Adar Cohen, Chief Supervisor of Civics Education at the Ministry of Education.
“Therefore,” Adar noted, “it is extremely important to combine gender with civics and social issues, in order to place the topic on the public agenda and instill values of equality between the sexes from a young age.”
Last week, Ministry of Education Director-General Shimshon Shoshani denied reports according to which his ministry drastically cut down the budget for civics education, and allocated the funds to Judaism studies instead.
Shoshani further claimed that in contrast to reports, the ministry actually decided to add a total of 50 annual hours to the study of civics.
Source: Ynetnews.com
TORONTO: Israel Film Festival
The third annual Toronto Israel Film Festival is a varied gourmet meal, providing Festival-goers with a small taste of the best of modern Israeli cinema. As in previous years, a variety of full-length feature films will be screened at this year’s Festival, of which the most prominent is likely The Matchmaker, a hit with Israeli audiences this summer, and A Matter of Size, a success in Israeli cinemas last year. Israel’s documentary cinema industry is reaching new heights. This year, the Festival has selected two outstanding documentaries: Precious Life, in which the complexity of the Middle East conflict is reflected in the struggle to save a baby, as well as the essential historical document A Film Unfinished. Dr. Raz Somech, the central focus (we say hero) of Precious Life will be a Festival guest and present to answer your questions. The issue of religion is central to Israeli society. Two fascinating and thought-provoking short fiction films dedicated to the subject, Wasserman the Rain Man and A Green Chariot will be screened together. A Green Chariot director, Gilad Goldschmidt , will be a Festival guest. Gilad will introduce the two short films, and be available to answer audience questions. Israeli cinema deals with complex and relevant issues – very much like the country, itself. These qualities ensure this year’s Toronto Israel Film Festival, like years past, will captivate its audiences.
For Information and film listing visit : http://www.israelfilmfestival.ca/
Chinese envoy: We admire Israel
After three years as China’s ambassador to Israel, Zhao Jun is in love. ‘You have created miracles for 62 years,’ he says. In Yedioth Ahronoth interview, he talks about warm relations between two countries, his government’s ties with Iran
China’s Ambassador to Israel Zhao Jun encounters the same question time and again. During visits to his homeland he is asked what it’s like to serve in a country known as a world power with 200,000 residents.
“I explain to them that Israel only has seven million residents – barely a small town in China,” he says. “They find it hard to believe. I understand them. News doesn’t change all the time in China like it does here – every hour. It took me time to get used to it as well.”
He spent Yom Kippur at the Kfat Shmaryahu synagogue near his residence. No, he didn’t fast, but felt the need to express his solidarity.
“When the supervisor informed me that there was an available position for an ambassador to Israel, I immediately said yes. He said, ‘Think about it for one night; consult your family.’ I told him there was no need. I am interested in the position. Like others, I thought it was a country constantly in a state of war.
“When I arrived here I discovered a wonderful country. What captured my heart was the residents’ friendly attitude. The friendship between Israel and the Chinese people has been going on for over 1,000 years, including during the Holocaust when Jewish refugees were given shelter in China although China was in dire straits, under a Japanese attack.”
Mutual trust
On Tuesday, September 28, China marks 18 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations with Israel. The Chinese, like the Israelis, view this number as a symbolic milestone. “For us it symbolizes happiness and prosperity,” the ambassador explains.
A festive gala dinner was to be held at the Beit Shean amphitheater in the presence of President Shimon Peres. This location was chosen, among other things, in honor of former politician David Levy, who lives in Beit Shean and served as foreign minister when the relations with China were first established.
Zhao says he is working with the Israeli Foreign Ministry on preparing Benjamin Netanyahu’s upcoming visit to China, where he says the prime minister is expected to be welcomed warmly.
“You might not know this,” he says, “but we in China admire you and your Jewish mind, which has brought many Nobel prizes. The free China was established in 1949, one year after Israel, but we view what you have achieved as a miracle. We are brothers, almost twins. We admire you for creating miracles for 62 years.”
Undoubtedly, the greatest success in China and Israel’s relations is the trade ties. In the past 18 years, trade relations have been extended and have grown from $42 million to $6 billion.
“Israel contributes greatly to China in agricultural affairs, an important and significant field in China,” Zhao says. “These days more than 20 universities have established ties with Israeli universities; nearly 20 Chinese universities have signed twin city agreements with Israeli cities; and the first Confucius Institute opened at Tel Aviv University in 2007.
“All these are signs of good relations. We have learned a lot from you. The Chinese government sees the importance of developing the relationship between China and Israel, and is willing to advance mutual trust and cooperation between the two countries and two governments.”
How can the cooperation between our two countries be strengthened?
“Israel is proud of its advanced science and technology, while China enjoys the advantage of natural resources and spacious lands. So we have a lot to share in order to reach winning solutions.”
Succeeding in China is every Israeli businessman’s dream.
“Well, it’s the dream of 90% of businesspeople in the world. But Israelis have a good chance, because it’s a win-win situation.”
China has the habit of becoming a partner in the infrastructure and resources of many countries in the world, mainly in Africa. Israel still doesn’t have many natural resources.
“Yes, but there have been signs recently of gas discovered near Haifa. If this is true, China may invest in gas and oil drilling. I discussed it with (Israeli business mogul) Yitzhak Tshuvayesterday. He wants to explore the possibility of bringing Chinese investments here in the oil and gas field.”
There are problem with the light rail in Tel Aviv and the project is about to be nationalized from Africa Israel, which has partnered with the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation. Will the Chinese government press (Prime Minister Benjamin)Netanyahu to leave the project in your hands?
“The light rail project encountered difficulties because the agreement was signed by a number of companies before the financial crisis. The government is talking about a re-organization. We don’t believe in increasing pressure. All concerned parties must hold talks to come up with solutions. We have other options as well: The train to Eilat is one of them, and we want to take part in it.”
Recent reports talks about a planned railway line from China to London through Iran and Syria.
“I’m not an expert on this line, but I think these are rumors about some distant vision. It doesn’t seem realistic at the moment.”
Netanyahu’s vision to shorten the way from Asia to Europe with a train from the Eilat port to the Ashdod and Haifa ports, without the need to pass through the Suez Canal, is quite similar. Are you promoting it?
No mercy
His house in Kfar Shmaryahu has a Chinese flag in its living room alongside an Israeli flag. He has been serving in China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs for 37 years, a significant part of them in Europe. In the Middle East this is his first experience. Ambassador Zhao has no problem dealing with more sensitive issues in the Israel-China relations.
China doesn’t appear to share Israel’s concerns on the Iranian threat.
“That’s not true. We are against the development of a nuclear weapon by the Iranians, but Iran has the right to use nuclear energy for civilian purposes. We agree with Washington’s stand on this matter. We believe that the nuclear problem must be solved through a dialogue between the sides, and China definitely takes part in these discussions.”
(Iranian President Mahmoud) Ahmadinejad is threatening to destroy Israel. What is your stance on this?
“We have made it clear, to the Iranians as well, that we are against countries using such threats.”
You didn’t rush to join the sanctions against Iran.
“That’s not true. The UN adopted a resolution on the sanctions several months ago, and we joined it.”
Peace talks have been launched, and for some reason China is not taking part in them.
“We play an important and significant role in the Middle East as members of the UN Security Council. A special delegation is scheduled to visit Israel next month, including the Chinese representative.”
You’re also providing the Palestinian Authority with financial aid.
“We help them build schools, roads and infrastructure. We have completed a number of economic projects and continue to help through our office in Ramallah.”
How does China view peace between Israel and the PA?
“At this moment peace in the Middle East is facing a new historic opportunity. China has always supported the peace process. This is China’s consistent stand, that all sides involved in the Middle Eastern issue will solve the differences between them properly through negotiations based on the relevant UN resolutions.”
I see here embroidery on your wall of the Potala Palace in Lhasa – the Dalai Lama’s palace in the former Tibetan capital.
“Tibet was always part of China and was oppressed by the Lama regime, including the family of the Dalai Lama, which held 60,000 slaves without any rights. They murdered them mercilessly. Their skin was used for musical instruments, their skulls for wall lights. We have proof of that in museums. Tibet was and will always be part of China. Despite the Dalai Lama’s declarations, he does not seek peace and is working to divide China against the people’s stand.”
Taiwan is in the same turmoil as far as you are concerned. Do you think it could develop into war?
“Taiwan is also part of China and was created because of a civil war. We are in favor of unification and against Taiwan’s independence. A war could be a reaction, but the majority of the public is against it. So we have suggested that we sit and talk. We’re all Chinese.”
Why do Israelis only get a three-month visa?
“This is a question I have been asked on many occasions. It doesn’t matter, it’s the procedure. Israelis also have security procedures and I don’t ask why the Chinese only get a 10 to 15-day visa in Israel.”
Will the deportation of foreign workers affect China’s policy towards Israel?
“I won’t comment on that. It’s an internal Israeli policy, and every government has the right to make its own decisions.”
More and more factories are moving from Israel to China. Soon there will be no industry left here.
Source: Ynetnews.com
Ottawa: Canadian Beer and Israeli Company
It’s the middle of the semester and it’s time for a drink. Come out to the Aulde Dubliner (upper floor) in the Market for some drinks and relaxation with the Israeli Awareness Committee.