More pics at Facebook: Israel Diplo / Diplomacy Israel / Silvia G.Golan
-
Home
- frontpage
- Details
- Written by Silvia Golan
The Diplomatic Salon at the Center for Jewish Impact brought together ambassadors, education leaders and policymakers to discuss learning in the digital age
The Center for Jewish Impact, in cooperation with the Embassies of Finland and Estonia in Israel, held a Diplomatic Salon on education in the digital age. Diplomats, senior officials and education experts from all three countries discussed how to prepare students for a future shaped by artificial intelligence without giving up the human core of learning.
At the center of the discussion was a shared challenge: how to embrace artificial intelligence as a powerful tool for accelerating learning, without allowing it to replace the critical thinking, reading and human connection on which education rests.
H.E. Andres Vosman, Ambassador of Estonia to Israel, described the national spirit behind his country’s educational success: “We know we will never be a bigger country, but we can be a more intellectual one. Much like Israel, we have never been afraid of technology.”
H.E. Dr. Nina Nordström, Ambassador of Finland to Israel, spoke about what must remain human: “My mother, who was a literature teacher, used to say that you should be able to taste and smell what you are learning.”
Merav Zarviv, Deputy Director General and Head of the Innovation and Technology Administration at the Israeli Ministry of Education, presented Israel’s approach: “Every student in Israel should receive basic training in artificial intelligence. Countries that ignore artificial intelligence will not move forward.”
Päivi Leppänen of the Finnish National Agency for Education, who joined remotely, emphasized the fundamentals: “Reading skills are the foundation of everything. Critical thinking is essential, and it is very important to practice it.”
Kalmar Kurs, International Cooperation and Communication Adviser, pointed to what the three countries have in common: “Our shared challenge is education in the age of artificial intelligence. Investing in education is investing in the future.”
Robert Singer, Chairman of the Center for Jewish Impact, closed the evening by thanking the ambassadors and highlighting the importance of equity: “It is very important that we direct resources where they are needed. The percentage of children who have never finished a single book in their lives is high, and we must solve this.”
The salon highlighted the potential for continued cooperation among Israel, Finland and Estonia, three small, innovative nations that share a commitment to excellence in education.
The Center for Jewish Impact works to strengthen the bond between the State of Israel and Diaspora Jewry, to promote the resilience of Israeli society, and to combat antisemitism through strategic partnerships and public diplomacy.
Photo credit Ben Reizer, Center for Jewish Impact
- Details
- Written by Silvia Golan & Stephen Abrahams
At the age of 90, "What more can I do for the State of Israel?", was the question asked by the 9th President of the State of Israel.
The promise was finally fulfilled by H.E. Isaac Herzog in Jerusalem in a city that served as the location for the most significant chapters in Israel's history. Binyanei Hauma will thus bear the name of Shiman Peres. Many promises are made and then forgotten while others take years to fulfill while few become reality. Years ago, when President Herzog, the incumbent Chairman of the Jewish Agency approached Jerusalem's Lord Mayor, Moshe Lion with a proposal that the capital city's most iconic landmark be named in honour of Shimon Peres. Last week he returned to this landmark as President of the Jewish state, fulfilling his promise. In this very building, history repeatedly unfolded. It is not merely a convention centre but a building that hosts a piece of Israel's collective memory. For decades it has served the stage for national events, international congresses, gatherings, exhibitions and cultural occasions. Episodes linked to Israel's political and social history, from Zionist congresses to events surrounding Adolph Eichmann's trial as well as international figures of fame and world leaders who have graced its stage.
Last week, during the "Name Changing Ceremony", President Herzog recounted the initiative of changing the building's name that it was not an easy time as complex negotiations were taking place regarding the transfer of the Binyanei Hauma from the Jewish Agency to Keren HaKayamet Leisrael (KKL) where the Municipality of Jerusalem played an integral role. In his speech, the President acknowledged KKL's involvement as well as every individual and institution that actualized the change.
En route to the ceremony, the President had a conversation with Mr. Alon Navi, a long serving driver of the Office of the President of Israel who has worked alongside President Peres for over 17 years. Mr. Navi recounted that whenever the President completed a meeting, tour or visit returning to the car asking "What More Can I Do For The State Of Israel?". What was impressive was that he repeatedly asked the same question at the age of 90. After 70 years of serving in public life, positions including Director General of Defence, Ministerial positions, member of Knesset, Leader of the Labour party, Foreign Minister, Prime Minister and finally State president, "it was never enough as there was always something more to do".
Following President Herzog's speech, Lord Mayor of Jerusalem, Mr. Moshe Lion reminisced about conversations with President Peres saying that Peres once told him that no city has created an abundance of history as Jerusalem. Peres was not content to contemplate Jerusalem's history but envisioned "Jerusalem of the Future" wanting to actualize this dream. "Jerusalem of the Future" would encompass an advanced and innovative city open to the world. A city not only being a destination for pilgrims of the three monastic faiths but a city which would attract investors and entrepreneurs. For the Lord Mayor, the name change of Jerusalem's iconic Binyanei Hauma, represents the realization of Peres's vision and can also be a home for constructive and tolerant dialogue and a space where innovation and progress can coexist with conversation.
Mr. Eyal Ostrevski, Chairman of Keren Kayemet Leisrael emphasised a need to restore values such as statesmanship, love for society, pragmatism and moderation without compromising on principles, the aforementioned relating to public life in Israel. For him, Peres epitomized these values. Peres belonged to a generation that witnessed the birth of Israel and his enduring commitment to advancing, progressing and building the State of Israel, he was always looking ahead and envisioning. Thus he could be considered, "The Father of the Nation In His Generation". Every public position he held, he saw as an opportunity to take corrective action and make change. For me, being Keren Kayemet Leisrael's Chairman, this attribute is deeply ingrained in Zionism's fundamental pillar.
Peres established Israel's Presidency as an opportunity for change and of action as opposed to merely being a ceremonial role.
The last speaker was Peres's daughter Tsvia Walden, who provided the audience with a different perspective of the Peres people knew as a statesman. For her, the ceremony held special significance namely that she was the daughter of the person of whom the building will be named. In addition, she was a resident of Jerusalem and also worked tirelessly in her childhood in the Zionist archives. She recalled that in 1949, the Binyanei Haouma's architect, Zeev Rechter, won the competition to design the building, finally in 1963 the building was completed. Massimiliano Fuksas was a prominent architect, who designed Jaffa's Peres Centre of Peace and Innovation. She recalled that during the construction of Jerusalem's recent Yitzhak Navon train station, located opposite the Binyanei Hauma, an underground freshwater stream was discovered beneath the site, being a metaphor for her Father who had the ability to find his way into people's hearts. She described him as a source of hope, love, gratitude and faith in the possibility of creating a better future.
Now, the building will bear the name of a man who's defining characteristic was that he never ceased looking to the future. He was a man who was welcome internationally for his boundless optimism. Now that vision is linked to a location that welcomes visitors from all over the world including researchers, creators and entrepreneurs thus being a tribute bringing generations together.
The ceremony not only was reminiscent of past remembrance but more importantly about a vision for the future, this event being meaningful and significant for Israel, preserving the memory of one of its greatest statesmen.
President Herzog's proposal became a reality linking one of Jerusalem's most iconic buildings to the memory of one of Israel's greatest statesmen.
Video's credit Isaac Ajzen
Photos Silvia G. Golan
- Details
- Written by Silvia Golan
Israel Ministry of Defense : Packed Booths and Dozens of International Delegations: Israeli Defense Companies Draw Strong Interest at Eurosatory 2026, Despite French Restrictions
Israeli defense companies exhibiting at Eurosatory 2026, which will conclude tomorrow (Friday), attracted significant international interest, welcoming a steady stream of visitors and dozens of official delegations from around the world. Representatives from defense ministries, armed forces, security organizations, and defense companies visited Israeli booths to explore advanced technologies and discuss opportunities for collaboration.
The strong engagement came despite the French government's decision to ban the establishment of an Israeli national pavilion, prohibit the participation of official representatives, and restrict the display of Israeli products. Nevertheless, international delegations actively sought out Israeli companies during the exhibition, holding meetings and discussions focused on defense cooperation, technological innovation and commercial partnerships.
Defense and Military Attaché of Israel to France, Col. Sagi Fink:
“Despite the restrictions imposed on Israeli defense companies and the arbitrary blocking of some of them, the Israeli pavilions drew very active foot traffic throughout the exhibition. During the course of the show, senior officials, chiefs of staff, generals, and defense ministers from various countries visited the Israeli pavilions, expressed their support, and showed keen interest in Israeli technologies. Numerous meetings were held with industry representatives and senior officials from various countries, aimed at advancing and preserving these relationships.”
The exceptional level of engagement throughout the exhibition reflects Israel's position as a global leader in defense technology and innovation. Israeli-developed systems are used by armed forces, security organizations, and emergency responders worldwide, providing capabilities that help protect lives, enhance operational effectiveness, and address increasingly complex security challenges. The strong international demand for Israeli technologies, even in the face of France’s restrictions, underscores the industry’s reputation for innovation, reliability, and operational relevance.
This broad international interest is fully aligned with the Israel Ministry of Defense’s strategy to expand Israeli defense exports, strengthen strategic partnerships, support the IDF's force buildup, advance Israel’s foreign policy objectives, and reinforce the country’s defense industrial and technological base.
Photos from the Israeli industry pavilions at the exhibition.
Photo Credit: Israel Ministry of Defense
Media and Public Affairs Bureau
Israel Ministry of Defense
- Details
- Written by Silvia Golan
U.S. Embassy Delegation Visits Upper Galilee to Advance U.S.-Israel Economic Cooperation and Regional Growth
UPPER GALILEE, Israel — A senior U.S. Embassy delegation in Israel, led by Acting Economic Counselor Wendy Nassmacher, visited the Upper Galilee yesterday for an intensive program focused on strengthening U.S.-Israel economic cooperation, supporting the region’s recovery and long-term growth, and exploring new opportunities in industry, healthcare, innovation, tourism, agriculture and regional development.
The visit brought the American delegation together with regional leadership, academic and research institutions, major manufacturers and initiatives supported by American partners.
Asaf Langleben, Head of the Upper Galilee Regional Council, welcomed the delegation and presented the challenges and opportunities facing northern Israel. He emphasized the importance of strengthening the region following the war through employment, investment, infrastructure and expanded international economic partnerships.
Langleben also introduced the delegation to representatives of some of the Upper Galilee’s leading manufacturers and exporters, including companies with significant commercial relationships with the United States. The discussions highlighted the region’s sophisticated industrial base and opportunities to deepen trade, investment and technological cooperation between northern Israel and the United States.
Among the companies and industries presented were Plasan, the Kibbutz Sasa-based defense and vehicle-protection company with longstanding involvement in major U.S. defense programs; SPO (Smart Precision Optics) at Kibbutz Shamir; and regional manufacturers including Elcam Medical. Discussions addressed exports, workforce needs, investment, business continuity and opportunities for expanded cooperation with the U.S. market.
The delegation also visited the Galilee Culinary Institute (GCI), a major JNF-USA initiative designed to establish the Upper Galilee as an international center for culinary education, food innovation and entrepreneurship. GCI brings together culinary excellence, agriculture, tourism and economic development, while creating new opportunities to attract students, entrepreneurs, visitors and investment from the United States and around the world.
Major American Investment in Israel and the North
The visit highlighted the extraordinary contribution of JNF-USA, which has invested approximately $2 billion in projects in Israel over the past 10 years, with significant investments directed toward strengthening communities and economic development in northern Israel.
Through its long-term commitment to the Galilee, JNF-USA has supported initiatives in healthcare, tourism, education, economic development, community resilience and regional growth, with the objective of helping create the conditions for more Israelis to build their futures in the North.
A particularly important initiative discussed during the visit is the development of a world-class medical and emergency center in Kiryat Shmona, a joint effort of JNF-USA and Jentezen Franklin Media Ministries. The initiative is intended to significantly strengthen access to high-quality medical and emergency services for residents of Kiryat Shmona and the surrounding Upper Galilee and to provide essential healthcare infrastructure for the region’s future growth.
The delegation’s program also included exposure to the Upper Galilee’s growing academic, scientific and innovation ecosystem, including Tel-Hai and MIGAL Galilee Research Institute, as well as discussions concerning tourism, agriculture, food technology and regional economic development.
The visit underscored a central message: the Upper Galilee is not only rebuilding. It is positioning itself for a new period of growth based on its people, advanced industries, research institutions, agriculture, tourism assets and deep relationship with the United States.
Regional leaders expressed appreciation to the U.S. Embassy delegation for coming to the Upper Galilee, meeting directly with local leaders and businesses, and examining practical opportunities to strengthen American-Israeli cooperation.
The parties agreed on the importance of continuing the dialogue and identifying concrete opportunities for expanded U.S. investment, trade, tourism and institutional partnerships that can contribute to the economic recovery and long-term prosperity of northern Israel.
Photo credit Arbel Neria
- Details
- Written by Silvia Golan
On May 13, 2026, President Isaac Herzog convened the President’s Conference for a Shared Israeli Future at the International Convention Center in Jerusalem. The conference featured speakers, panels, and dialogue forums that addressed President Herzog’s vision for rebuilding Israeli society and moving from crisis to repair ahead of Israel’s 80th anniversary.
The conference opened with an address by President Herzog, followed by remarks from Becky Caspi, Director-General of the Jewish Federations of North America’s Israel office, a partner of the conference. The program also featured a special conversation between the First Lady Michal Herzog and the actress Gal Gadot.
During the conference, President Herzog addressed the issue of Prime Minister Netanyahu’s pardon request:
“It is important for me to explain why I am calling for dialogue toward an agreement and why I am calling for discussions toward a settlement. I truly believe that on these weighty issues, which tear the heart of Israeli society and divide it, the right path is to reach understandings and agreements wherever possible. I believe in understandings and agreements. And in this case too, it is difficult for everyone. Certainly for the parties involved, it is enormously difficult. But once one side has said it is willing to come to the room, I also expect the other side to come to the room too.”
Addressing the rise of antisemitism faced by Jewish communities around the world, President Herzog said:
“We must also remember that we have brothers and sisters across the ocean, the Jewish people, who are going through a hell of unimaginable antisemitism, who look to us with worry and anxiety and want us to be an anchor of stability and responsibility. They want to hear us, and they want to know they have our backing.”
President Herzog also addressed the broader need to lower tensions within Israeli society and strengthen internal dialogue:
“When there are fuel fumes in the air and we are entering elections, the answer is here in this tremendous movement of ‘Time to Talk.’ A movement that comes and says: I am coming to talk to you. I want to hear your pain. I want to understand that there is a tremendous social evolution in Israeli society.”
In her address to the conference, Becky Caspi, Director General of the JFNA Israel Office said:
“Israel’s shared future will not only be built in Jerusalem, Sderot, or Kiryat Shmona, but alongside Jewish communities in New York, Toronto, Miami, and Los Angeles. The partnership between Israel and North American Jewry is a strategic asset that goes far beyond economic support. It is a relationship that bolsters our resilience, our common values, and our shared future. In the coming years, Jewish Federations will continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with Israel — in recovery, in growth, and in strengthening the bonds with Jewish communities in the United States and Canada.”
In conversation with the First Lady Michal Herzog, Gal Gadot said:
“It’s become very complicated to be an Israeli in the world today. Especially after everything we’ve been through since the war, and because of the media and social networks, which are a problem in their own right. I feel anger, sometimes I feel fear, and there’s also great frustration at seeing how quickly people judge and form opinions. I wish they would amplify the voices in this room and this conference to the world, so they could see what Israel really is.”
Photos Silvia G. Golan
More pics at Facebook: Israel Diplo / Diplomacy Israel / Silvia G.Golan & Instagram SilviaGolan
