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On Thursday afternoon, 31 July 2025 a meeting of the Jewish Women's Initiative Project, a gathering was hosted at the Museum of Tolerance.
The Women's Leaders Forum was established with a clear vision to create a community of groundbreaking women serving as a beacon of inspiration and action in Israeli society. The belief in the ability and power of women to lead change, influence and create a better reality for everyone. The organisation's core values are innovation, solidarity, social responsibility and the inspiration of leadership. Through relentless action the organisation strives in its mission and this is exactly the spirit that motivates and drives it.
At the Jewish Women's Unity Initiative launch held last Thursday a tour was conducted of the "6.29 Exhibition" focusing and depicting the tragedy that occured on the 7th of October 2023 providing thought and encouraging discussion. After the exhibition's tour the delegates had a discussion in various groups with the intention of connecting, learning and deepening ties while promoting a discourse of unity and tolerance, a core value of their forum.
The guest of honour, Prof. Dr. Rene Hanania Levy ,a professor of Neuroscience at the University of Seattle accompanied by his glamorous wife launched his latest book entitled "In An Age Of Sinat Chinam".
Present were Tali Dvir Livnat, founder of the Women Leadership Forum who is also a fine artist having exhibited internationally. She also campaigns vigorously for the release of hostages held in Gaza. Dr. Aliza Lavie, a former member of Israel's parliament, a lecturer at Bar Ilan University teaching "Women in Judaism" and author of five books, a social activist and founder of "120 Women Leadership" which she founded four years ago during the social unrest which was prevalent then in Israeli society.
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Photos credit Silvia G. Golan
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KKL-JNF Opens New Visitor Center and Café at Sataf Forest in the Jerusalem Hills
Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael–Jewish National Fund (KKL-JNF) has inaugurated the new Sataf Visitor Center, a leading educational and tourism attraction in the Jerusalem Hills. The site features an advanced information center, a scenic observation deck, outdoor classrooms, and a boutique French-style bakery and patisserie, “The Sataf.”
The hub was designed to make the historical and agricultural heritage of Sataf accessible to visitors, while offering a unique leisure and culinary experience amid the breathtaking landscapes of the Jerusalem mountains.
Inside the center, visitors will find visually engaging information panels along the corridor leading to the observation deck. These panels present details about KKL-JNF’s work, the uniqueness of the site, its ancient agricultural terraces, traditional crops, and hiking trail maps. All information is provided in Hebrew, Arabic, and English. An open-air classroom overlooking the panoramic view allows groups to gather for briefings before heading out on the trails. The entire site is fully accessible to visitors with disabilities.
Adjacent to the center is “The Sataf,” an artisan bakery-patisserie offering French pastries, local wines, and countryside-inspired dishes. Guests can enjoy seating with spectacular views or take a picnic basket to-go. From the bakery, a short walking trail winds through natural woodland, ancient terraces, and orchards, leading to Ein Bikura, a historic spring where visitors can wade through clear waters and walk inside a carved tunnel dating back to the Roman period - an immersive experience blending nature, history, and refreshment.
The Sataf Forest Hub was built following principles of local and ecological architecture, incorporating sustainable elements such as an integrated solar roof connected to the national grid, a green roof for improved thermal insulation without irrigation, and underground drainage systems to manage runoff and enrich the soil. These features minimize environmental impact and ensure the hub blends naturally into the mountainous landscape.
The Sataf site, covering approximately 1,000 dunams (250 acres), preserves the traditional agricultural landscape of the Jerusalem Hills, including two natural springs - Ein Sataf and Ein Bikura. Since 1985, KKL-JNF has worked to restore ancient terraces and irrigation systems as part of an effort to conserve agricultural heritage and make it accessible to the public.
The site is also home to the “Bustanof” project, an initiative where individuals can cultivate small plots and become part of an active environmental community.
For decades, KKL-JNF Switzerland has been a committed partner in the preservation and development of the Sataf site. Their support, alongside that of other international donors, has been instrumental in bringing the new Visitor Center and forest hub to life—reflecting the deep connection between the global Jewish community and Israel’s natural and historical treasures.
In recent months, KKL-JNF’s Jerusalem region has faced major wildfires, which were managed professionally by the organization’s dedicated teams. KKL-JNF continues to monitor the area and prepare for the summer season to ensure visitors' safety and preserve the forest landscape.
KKL-JNF Chairwoman Ifat Ovadia-Luski, stated: “The new Sataf Forest Hub is a living example of the connection between nature, history, and community. We continue to preserve the heritage of the Jerusalem Hills while creating experiences that invite the public to explore, learn, and enjoy - all while protecting the environment and ensuring accessibility for all visitors.”
President of KKL-JNF Switzerland, Arthur Plotke, added: “Sataf is a magical place close to Jerusalem that holds a special place in our hearts. Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, this Visitor Center stands as a symbol of sustainable development and deep connection to the land. It invites every visitor to embark on a journey through history, nature, and community.”
Opening Hours: Sunday–Saturday, 7:00 AM–4:00 PM (extended hours coming soon)
Location: Sataf – Upper Parking Lot (Waze)
Kosher: All pastries are kosher-certified; the site is open on Shabbat
Accessibility: Fully accessible to the public
Photos Lior Avitan
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An exhibition celebrating the enduring bond between the people of Israel and the natural world, as reflected through science, literature, music, and art curated by Tsila Hayun, Neta Asaf and Karine Shabtai at the National Library of Israel.
The National Library is in full bloom. Hidden among the pages and collections are countless flowers represented in stories and poems, in ornamental patterns and illustrations, in music and sound, in academic studies and in reference books. They appear in the verses of the Songs of Songs, whose protagonists are likened to flowers and whose love unfolds in nature, as well as in ancient manuscripts illuminated with a range of flowers.
This exhibition focuses on local flowers since the emergence of Zionism. Plants and flowers served as an important means of expressing the connection between the Jewish people and the land. Flowers represented the country's unique and variegated natural expanses and constituted an integral part of the Zionist educational process. The first local botanists wrote flora books and academic studies that disseminated their botanical knowledge. In doing so, they contributed to the construction of Hebrew culture and to strengthening its affinity to the land. A dedicated space within the exhibition features some of the botanical illustrations accompanying these studies. Beyond their stunning colours and compelling compositions, they faithfully capture the original plants.
In the late 19th century, pressed flowers were popular souvenirs among pilgrims and visitors to the Holy Land. Pressing flowers became a means of connecting with the landscape for Jews living both in Israel and in the diaspora. Flower - picking also became a national leisure activity which ceased following a widespread public campaign and legal regulation due to the realization that it was threatening the range of local flora with extinction.
Beyond their national and Zionist symbolism, wildflowers and cultivated flowers were also imbued with personal, emotional and relational resonances. These were expressed in poems and songs of love and beauty, alongside ones imbued with pain and mourning which were assimilated into the national canon. Israeli children were themselves likened to flowers: natural,free and full of vitality and potential for growth. Many of them spent their Saturdays and holidays walking in nature and observing flowers with their families.
The works created for this exhibition reveal the centrality of flowers as an inseparable part of local experience, memory and aesthetics.
This exhibition was made possible thanks to the generosity of Great Hill, AG Fund, Joyce and Daniel Strauss, in memory of Stephanie and Jack Gabel and Gwendolyn and Joseph Strauss. Dr. David and Jemima Jeselsohn of Zurich, Switzerland.
During the month of August, guided tours of the exhibitions will begin, offered to visitors, alongside tours of the permanent exhibition at the library. In addition, families and children will be invited to shorter, tailored tours of the exhibition, which will be integrated with the summer activity that will take place during the summer holidays: "The Secret Garden" - on the themes of flowers and nature.
To register for tours and for details about the exhibitions, visit the National Library website
Photo Rut Kopel
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On the 26th of October 2025 till the 30th of October 2025 after a two year hiatus, the Tel Aviv Fashion Week will take place featuring 28 spectacular shows of Israeli designers disseminating the latest and trendiest Israeli fashions, culture and creativity injecting inspiration and dynamism to Israel's Fashion world.
Participants include Victor Vivi Bellaish, Alon Livne, Alembika, Tovale, Yanky and Nantaf, Shai Shalom, Shahar Avnet, David Wexler, Mother of All, Gloan Taub, Noa Pasternak, Shenkar School of Fashion and Design, Aharon Ganish, Shani Shemer and Kian Frankfurt. Upcoming and emerging designers who will participate for the first time are Mirza, Liel Yamin, Yaron Minkowski, Idan Laros and many more new trendsetting designers.
Motty Reif, Tel Aviv Fashion Week's founder and executive producer stated "I am proud and excited to bring back Fashion Week now, at a time when we all need hope, culture and vision. After two challenging years, the power of blue and white creations are evident to us - not only aesthetically but humanely and socially. Fashion Week has always represented an idea more than clothes itself, it infuses life, gives hope and connects communities, hearts and dreams".
He added that "Israeli Design is synonymous to a beating heart defining us as a society, culture and creative force. I consider this task as a mission and a moral obligation to provide designers the appropriate stage to present, influence and lead. As a society, this week is our opportunity to pause and celebrate the genepool of local talent existing in Israel. I consider fashion to be manifested in all sizes, and ages and do not want the same models as there are different sizes for different women".
Tel Aviv Fashion Week promises to be an interesting event not to be missed.
Photography: Haydon Perrior – Runway Photography / Eran Levy – Model Photography by Vivi Blaish / Lens Productions / Silvia Golan
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On Thursday evening, 17 July 2025, on the occasion of the 32nd anniversary of Viet Nam - Israel diplomatic relations (12 July 1993 - 12 July 2025) and 80 years of Viet Nam diplomacy (28 August 1945 - 28 August 2025), H.E. Mr. Ly Duc Trung Ambassador of Viet Nam to the State of Israel hosted a photographic exhibition entitled "Echoes of a People" in the chancery of the new premises of the Embassy of Viet Nam in Tel Aviv.
Photographers who participated in the exhibition included the curator, Prof. Benjamin Peretz, Professor Emeritus of Pediatric Dentistry at the University of Tel Aviv and a specialist of medical hypnosis. This exhibition was his seventh, his previous exhibition was in Georgia in 2015. He was asked by the Ambassador to participate in this auspicious event celebrating 80 years of Vietnamese independence and 50 years of Vietnamese unification.
The other two participants were Mr. Le Vu Hoi, Chief of Viet Nam News Agency's Bureau in Israel and Mr. Le Thai Hoa, the Embassy's Commercial Counsellor.
Most photographs taken by Mr. Le Voi Hoi capture street scenes and people during his reporting assignments in various cities across Israel. His work often focuses on the contrasts between life and contemplation, between human contemplation and the glitz of modern life. His photographs seize fleeting moments portraying the beauty of people and life in Israel.
Mr. Le Thai Hoa is in charge of the Embassy's Trade office, responsible for promoting economic, trade, investment, industrial and energy cooperation between Viet Nam and Israel. One of his hobbies is photography, capturing the beauty of everyday life. He often goes on picnics and takes photos of people, landscapes and social life in Israel..
The Ambassador spoke and introduced Tomer Barkay, an Israeli apprentice at the Embassy and student of political science at Tel Aviv University. He mentioned that it is the first time an exhibition is being hosted at the Embassy's new premises. He said that diplomacy provides a platform for people to meet, relationships to flourish and the possibility of establishing contacts.
Photography is a common language between people and after having met Prof. Peretz the Ambassador decided to host this exhibition in conjunction with two Vietnamese photographers. Thirty two photographs represent thirty two years of bi lateral relations between Viet Nam and Israel. Last year there was 3 billion of trade between Viet Nam and Israel.
The exhibition's curator, Prof. Peretz spoke, saying that the exhibition was entitled "Echoes of a People" and that the photos were all taken in Israel. A few weeks ago he attended a seminar at the Van Leer Institute in Jerusalem and one of the photos included a family returning from a funeral reflecting the time we live in. As a photographer I watch from the margins and afterwards participate. Sometimes I shoot from a distance and other times not. My photography tells a story rooting every character in an everyday setting. Hope, Mystery and pain are captivated in my work.
Vietnamese coffee was served as well as Vietnamese lychees now grown in Israel and the Ambassador mentioned that when he eats one he feels that he is back home in Viet Nam.. A selection of fresh fruit, sandwiches, vegetable crudites and soft drinks were available as well as scrumptious fish rolled in a cabbage leaf prepared by the Ambassador's wife Mrs. Trang Pham.
The Ambassador presented a certificate to Ms. Daphne Hassan who won second prize in a photographic exhibition of photographs taken by Israelis visiting Viet Nam. This exhibition was sponsored by the Embassy. Ms. Hassan spent a memorable month touring Viet Nam after completing her military service.
Among the many interesting guests were Mr. Gil Haskel, Chief of State Protocol at the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Michael Ronen, a retired Israeli diplomat who worked in the Foreign Ministry's Asian division, Mr. Mickey Levy, a former Speaker of the Knesset, Chief of Police in Jerusalem and Israel's Police Attache to the U.S.A and Canada, Mr. Ron Doron, Vice President of the Israel - Asia Chamber of Commerce, Ms. Angela Scharf, Foreign Relations Coordinator of Women Wage Peace, Mr. Nitzan Horowitz, former Minister of Health and former Mayor of Raanana , Mr.Yoram Ray Naor Honorary Consul General, Mr. Eyal Buvilski PhD President Israel - Viet Nam friendship Association, Mrs.Anat Sar-Israel, fashion designer of women clothes and the founder of the brand "KIKI DRESS TO DRESS", in collaboration with ambassador of Vietnam. Anat has set fashion productions for different events., Mr. Ariel Goldshtein Senior Advisor to the Chief of Staff of the Prime Minister's Office, and last but certainly not least Mr. Gershon Gelman the Histradut's Chairman of the International Relations Division (General Federation of Labour in Israel).
Diplomacy.co.il warmly congratulates H.E. Mr Ly Duc Trung on the auspicious anniversary of 32 years of Viet Nam - Israel diplomatic relations and for a memorable evening of photographic art.
Photos Silvia G. Golan
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