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Jerusalem Day “Jerusalem – the Eternal City”
Jerusalem Day is celebrated on the 28th of Iyar, according to the Hebrew calendar, or in proximity to that date. On June 7, 1967 (the 28th of Iyar, 5727), in the course of the battles for Jerusalem in the Six-Day War, east Jerusalem was liberated from Jordanian rule and came under Israeli sovereignty.
One or two days before the holiday, a festive parade is held in Jerusalem, entitled “Rural Communities Salute Jerusalem.” Thousands of people march in the parade, mostly members of kibbutzim and moshavim and rural education institutions.
On the eve of Jerusalem Day, a large gathering of thanksgiving is held every year at Mercaz Harav Yeshiva in Jerusalem, with the participation of rabbis from the national-religious population and public figures.
On Jerusalem Day, festive ceremonies are held within Jerusalem and outside the city, as well as state memorial services for the soldiers who fell in Jerusalem during the Six-Day War. A state service is conducted at Ammunition Hill, which was the site of one of the fiercest battles for the city. On this day, the Jerusalem Municipality holds the ceremony for presenting the Worthy Citizen of Jerusalem (“Yakir Yerushalayim”) awards.
The main event of the day is the March of Flags, or “Dance of Flags,” which is held in the afternoon hours. For this event, thousands of people come to Jerusalem, mostly young people from the religious Zionist movement. The celebrants conduct a large procession accompanied by songs, dancing and flag waving, which starts from the city center, enters the Old City and ends at the Western Wall in a mass prayer of thanksgiving.
70
names for Jerusalem according to the Midrash
4
quarters in the Old City
8
permanent gates along the Old City walls
19
- Number of years the city was divided between Israel and Jordan
Legislation on the status of Jerusalem
Following the IDF’s victory in the Six Day War, on June 27, 1967, the Knesset enacted three laws that established the effective unification of Jerusalem and made Israeli law applicable throughout the entire area of the unified city. The municipal boundaries of the city were altered and its area was increased nearly threefold: from 38,100 dunams to 110,000 dunams. Residents of east Jerusalem were granted permanent resident status, and they were permitted to vote in municipal elections, but not in the Knesset elections. One of the three laws passed deals with the preservation of the holy sites in Jerusalem.
On May 12, 1968 the government resolved to commemorate the 28th of Iyar – the Hebrew date of the city’s liberation – as Jerusalem Day. In 1998 this resolution was anchored in a law establishing this date, which symbolizes the continued historical connection of the Jewish people to Jerusalem, as a national holiday.
Basic Law: Jerusalem, Capital of Israel was enacted in 1980, 13 years after the city's unification. The law states that Jerusalem is the capital of Israel, and the seat of the government institutions. The law mandates the protection of the holy places in the city and freedom of access to these places for members of all religions, and establishes the government of Israel’s commitment to provide for the development and prosperity of the city.
https://main.knesset.gov.il/en/about/pages/jerusalem.aspx
Photo Silvia G Golan
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After a three-year, $50 million conservation and renewal program, the new Tower of David Jerusalem Museum opens as the capital’s official museum, June 1.
- New multi-level sunken entrance pavilion at the Jaffa Gate offers a new gateway to the Old City. The new visitor flow, integral to the museum’s concept, allows visitors to first better understand Jerusalem’s history through its new exhibition and provides food for thought to contemplate the complex reality of the Old City before entering its streets and alleyways.
- 10 completely new thematic galleries, telling Jerusalem’s 4,000-year story, and its centrality to Judaism, Christianity, and Islam with models of the Second Temple, the Church of the Holy Sepulcher and the Dome of the Rock.
- Innovative and engaging content, including interactive, 12-meter multi-media wall (largest in Israel), 3-D digital modeling, video mapping, immersive 360 video installation, interactive sphere (first in Israel), 14 interactive maps, new animation films by Ari Folman and others
- Authentic artifacts, some dating back to approx. 1500 years BCE and many displayed in-situ for the first time.
- Citadel accessible to all visitors with ambitious Accessibility Program and first-of-its-kind elevator in Israel, chair lifts and ramps.
- Conservation of ancient citadel’s walls and minaret.
- Museum area doubled to over 20,000 square meters.
Eilat Lieber, Director and Chief Curator, Tower of David Jerusalem Museum:
“No other museum can tell Jerusalem’s story in such a distinctive setting, within this citadel, that has witnessed so many eventful periods in the city's past. The iconic architecture, massive Jerusalem stone walls and beautifully arched ceiling guard rooms create a unique setting for this museum which will become the gateway to this unique city. Alongside the physical conservation of the walls and towers of this ancient site, we have developed a completely new permanent exhibition and creative programming that tells Jerusalem's long, complex and colorful history in respectful, innovative and engaging ways. Whether it is a school child from Israel – or a visitor from overseas, I hope that the Tower of David can give them a basis for dialogue, tolerance and respect. These are the things that will make the world a better place and visitors from near and far will leave the museum with a better understanding of Jerusalem, this eternal city.”
Jerusalem, May 22, 2023 - After more than a decade in planning and three years of construction with a multi-disciplinary team of archaeologists, architects, curators, researchers, designers and creatives, the new Tower of David Jerusalem Museum opens to the public in the ancient citadel as the capital’s official museum on June 1st.
The $50 million renewal and conservation of the Tower of David Jerusalem Museum was led by Dame Vivien Duffield through the Clore Israel Foundation together with the support of the Municipality of Jerusalem, the Ministry of Jerusalem and Jewish Tradition, the Ministry of Heritage, the Ministry of Tourism, the Patrick and Lina Drahi Foundation, Keren Hayesod, The Jerusalem Foundation, the American Friends of Museums in Israel and the P Austin Family Foundation.
The Tower of David citadel, located between the old and new city, layered with nearly 3,000 years of history, is uniquely placed to tell the story of Jerusalem, a city that has no equal in the world. With its new visitor flow - from the Jaffa Gate entrance pavilion through the galleries, the Phasael Tower observation point and exiting into the Old City - the Tower of David Jerusalem Museum becomes the gateway to the exploration of Jerusalem. Integral to the museum’s new concept, this allows visitors to first better understand Jerusalem’s history through its new exhibition and provides food for thought to contemplate the complex reality of the Old City before entering its streets and alleyways.
The museum's new permanent exhibition begins with an interactive exploration of Jerusalem’s linear urban and cultural development. The next three galleries trace the sanctity of Jerusalem and its religious significance in Judaism, Christianity and Islam, weaving history and artifacts into the spiritual sphere with models of the Second Temple, the Church of the Holy Sepulcher and the Dome of Rock. The journey through Jerusalem's story, told in the different rooms of the citadel, takes the visitor through to the 21st century, focusing on the events and developments that have shaped the city in recent history, and continue to influence its present-day identity as the capital of the State of Israel. These include the completely restored Illés model of Jerusalem, made for the 1873 Vienna World Fair, that offers a unique bird’s eye view of Jerusalem at that time; and the development of modern-day Jerusalem shown through the prism of photography and film.
The galleries are arranged in a thematic-chronological order. While they do create a story together, each one can also stand on its own. Interdisciplinary methods have been used to convey the complex experience that represents the story of the city: history, geography, archeology, literature and theology, film and photography, culture studies, music and more.
Tal Kobo, Curator of the permanent exhibition: " Jerusalem has been invaded, conquered, destroyed and rebuilt– it has been independent and has submitted to empires and civilizations – but never been abandoned. These levels of history are still evident today and define the landscape and culture of the city, making Jerusalem one of the most fascinating cities in the world. It is a tremendous responsibility to curate an exhibition about this unique city".
The renewal and conservation project, which ensured the integrity of the ancient spaces and stones, was undertaken in partnership with the Israel Antiquities Authority. Excavations were carried out by a team of archaeologists in different areas of the citadel complex, followed by a complex conservation program.
Under the inspired direction of Kimmel Eshkolot Architects, Prof Etan Kimmel and lead architect Yotam Cohen-Sagi, the ancient citadel that was built as a fortress to keep people out, was transformed into a welcoming and accessible environment, ready to house a modern museum and everything that entailed. Etan Kimmel, Founder, Kimmel Eshkolot Architects on the architectural challenge: “The opportunity to bring the 21st century to this ancient iconic site is both a responsibility and an honor. We were set the task of renovating one of the earliest and most important architectural treasures of Jerusalem. Our challenge boiled down to our ability to find solutions to preserve the ancient stones which represent Jerusalem’s past without compromising their historic value or their beauty, all the while planning new architectural structures and introducing modern infrastructure using modern materials to create a fruitful, interesting meeting between the new and the old. Ever-present in our planning was our respect for this ancient structure." The result is a fully accessible museum with over 85 percent of the citadel being accessible with the newly leveled entrances to the ancient guardrooms, elevators and ramps as well as modern infrastructure, technology and networks being hidden from view.
Studio de Lange, Prof Chanan de Lange and Architect Tal Roih de Lange, developed the concept design and the permanent exhibition design of the new museum. Chanan de Lange: “This project was exceptional. To design a contemporary up-to-date exhibition in an international museum housed in a building with historical, archaeological, and cultural layers, stretching back 3,000 years of history was a challenging and unique opportunity. We created a site-specific museum experience with a modern, clean and accessible design. We adopted a minimalist and gentle approach and celebrated clean open spaces."
This minimalistic and delicate design stands in contrast to the existing powerful citadel structure. In order to balance the quantity of content, the original guardrooms of the citadel are left uncluttered with only a few wall texts. The design concept reflects the museum's wish to be used as a basis for discussion about Jerusalem and this continuing dialogue between Jerusalem's history and the present-day city can be felt in every room as Studio de Lange chose to open the existing windows of the citadel. For example, the visitor can study limestone vessels from 1st century Jerusalem against the backdrop of a view of Mishkenot Sha’ananim, thanks to vitrines created in the citadel’s arched window spaces. The design cleverly combines three main ways to engage the visitor with the history of Jerusalem: through authentic artifacts, each one carefully picked to tell different aspects of Jerusalem's history; through technology and multimedia – throughout the museum great detail has been given to the layers of technology that bring the stories to life; and through audio-visual where an audio guide will accompany visitors through the visually striking exhibition rooms. Architect Tal Roih de Lange "The result is a sensory experience that encourages active participation and allows visitors to engage in Jerusalem's history in various dynamic, stimulating and enjoyable ways."
Creative digital media, directed by Yoav Cohen, features digital storytelling and interactive media designed for meaningful engagement throughout the museum’s galleries. The 12-meter interactive multi-media wall, Sands of Time, that runs the length of the introductory gallery allows visitors to discover for themselves Jerusalem's 4000-year history with just a quick touch. The media concept for this interactive installation was designed by award-winning experience design firm Local Projects, responsible for the 9/11 Memorial and Museum, amongst others, in the US. The end-design and programming were carried out by Shortcut Playground, Israel. Other highlights include the animation of a map from 1584 depicting Jerusalem during the time of the Second Temple; the 3D scanning of a bird's eye view of 19th century model of Jerusalem and the recreation of the interactive projection on a copy of the 6th century mosaic Madaba Map of Jerusalem, an interactive sphere of the world which is the only one in Israel and more.
Films created for the museum include an animated history of 4,000 years of Jerusalem history in three minutes by Golden Globe winner artist Ari Folman; several animated short films related to different periods based on archaeological and historical evidence, together with research and the reconstruction from Yeshiva University NY, the visualization of the Arch of Titus; a 360-degree filming inside the Dome of the Rock and the Al Aqsa mosque that allows visitors to "enter" into these holy sites. An original film of Jerusalem from 1896, including footage by the Lumiere brothers, has been edited to bring to life Jerusalem at the turn of the 20th century. A montage of images from different religious festivals are projected onto one of the vaulted ceilings in a guardroom. Created by David Polonsky, one of the most important illustrators working in Israel today, the seven-minute experience allows the three calendars of Judaism, Christianity and Islam to converge in an only-in-Jerusalem manner.
The Museum kicks off its first summer season with a special opening event for the public on June 1st with events throughout the month ending with the last weekend in June with a back-to-back program of guided tours, all starting at the Tower of David and spreading out into both the old and the new city. In July, an interactive multi-media exhibition "Street Games" allows the visitor to become the "architect of the city" with well-known Jerusalem streets in the new Gallery space dedicated to changing exhibitions. Throughout the summer, there are activities for families and children. For more information and ticket purchase, please see our website www.tod.org.il
Dame Vivien Duffield, Chairman of the Clore Israel Foundation: We hope that we have created a striking 21st century museum that has balanced the architectural and structural preservation of the ancient fortress against adaptation for exhibitions that now contain artifacts with a wealth of modern technologies. Today, the museum is the center for learning and knowledge, leading to dialogue and understanding in this city. The Tower of David should continue to be a beacon of peace, tolerance, and coexistence among the inhabitants of this extraordinary mosaic of people who live in this wonderful city.”
President of the State of Israel, Isaac Herzog: In the book Song of Songs, King Solomon writes, “Like the Tower of David is your neck, built as a fortress.” Indeed, thanks to its fantastic location and its extraordinary appearance, this citadel has become throughout the ages a symbol of the magic and longing for this city and for everything that it represents. The generous support of Dame Vivien Duffield and all the partners involved have facilitated not only the preservation of the citadel but also the extensive renovation of the archaeological park and the establishment of galleries and new exhibits, as well as the renewal of infrastructure and improvements for accessibility.”
Mayor of Jerusalem Moshe Lion: “The Jerusalem municipality is honored to be a leading partner in the conservation and renewal of the Tower of David Jerusalem Museum. Jerusalem is like no other city, and the Tower of David Jerusalem Museum is like no other city museum. The ancient citadel has been the symbol of the city through the ages and one of the most important historic and archaeological heritage sites in the world. The new Tower of David Jerusalem Museum at the Jaffa Gate will serve as the new gateway to Jerusalem for the millions of visitors, tourists and pilgrims who want to explore the city’s rich and complex history before visiting the religious sites and ancient alleyways of the Old City.”
Eli Escusido, Director of the Israel Antiquities Authority: "The extensive renewal and conservation of the Tower of David are an unusual opportunity for us in the Israel Antiquities Authority to re-examine and learn more about one of the most fascinating sites in Jerusalem.
Our archaeologists discovered ancient fortifications, hidden passageways, previously unknown rooms, and more. The meticulous conservation of the minaret by the conservation department of the Israel Antiquities Authority will allow the Tower of David minaret to stand strong for many generations to come. The story of the citadel continues to be revealed in front of our eyes, and now will be presented to the public within the framework of the new museum."
Eilat Lieber - Director and Chief Curator of the Tower of David Jerusalem Museum, Tal Kobo - Curator of the Permanent Exhibition, Yael Brandt – Assistant Curator, Kimmel Eshkolot Architects: Prof Etan Kimmel Co-Founder and Lead Architect Yotam Cohen-Sagi, Studio de Lange: Prof. Chanan de Lange and Arch. Tal de Lange - Concept and permanent exhibition design, Yoav Cohen – Creative and Digital Media Director
About the Tower of David Jerusalem Museum
Located at the Jaffa Gate entrance to the Old City, the Tower of David Jerusalem Museum resides within the ancient citadel, once the fortress defending the city. Today, it stands as a prominent cultural institution, intertwining the historical narrative of Jerusalem with its significance to Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Its archaeological excavations reveal the city's evolution across 3,000 years, while educational programs, guided tours, workshops, and lectures offer immersive learning experiences. The museum showcases temporary exhibitions featuring Jerusalem's contemporary expressions in art, design, architecture and more. The museum rests on the seam between modern and ancient Jerusalem and its towers offer spectacular 360-degree views of the entire city, new and old. As daylight fades, the citadel walls transform into a canvas for mesmerizing sound and light displays, projecting the history of Jerusalem and the tale of King David in huge breathtaking images. The museum, an independent nonprofit, strives to honor its commitment to preserving Jerusalem's rich heritage.
General information / about accessibility at the museum Phone: 02-626-5393 email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
To order guided tours: 02-626-5347
To order tickets : *2884 | 02-626-5333
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Photos by Silvia G. Golan
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On May 23, 2024, The 3rd HIT Annual Euro-Asia HIT Seminar was held at HIT Holon Institute of Technology in cooperation with MFA Israel. In frontal attend distinguished delegates from Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Georgia, influencers and bloggers. In the seminar participate also students from Uzbekistan complete their B.Sc. degree in Industrial Mathematics and Computer Science at HIT , Institute of Technology officials and guests. On Zoom were connected representatives from EuroAsian and Balkan countries: from Ministries of Innovation, Education, Universities, IT Centers and hubs, and HIT students and alumni from those countries as well.
HIT opens the doors for the 3rd time and organized this important seminar in two parts. In the first section participant listened lectures on innovative technologies in architecture and engineering by Prof. Haim Dotan , AI and Instructional Technologies by Dr. Dan Kohen Vaks, HIT Head of BA program Faculty of Instructional Technologies , Dr. Evgeni Smirnov on Strategies and Technologies for leadership and Mr. Oren Simanian spoke about how to build Startups and Strat Up Nation as well .
This seminar is a token of appreciation for the extensive academic activities of HIT in the region. The Institute's involvement with Eurasian countries through science and applied scientific research, serves as a bridge between cultures and peoples, as well as an Israeli strategic interest in strengthening its relations with Muslim countries that supported Israel and provided refuge for Jews who escaped the horrors of the Holocaust.
In his opening remarks, the President of HIT, Prof. Eduard Yakubov, said, "This seminar is a true expression of our vision and desire to serve as a bridge between cultures and peoples. We are proud to host the distinguished delegation and share our achievements in the academic field and technological innovation."
H.E. Ambassador of Azerbaijan Mammadov note :
It is the best example of cooperation what we are doing here. How we change our views and what recommendations you will bring to promote our people to people ties.
H.E. Ambassador of Kazakstan Yemberdiyev emphasized:
Yakubov it’s one once to me him to understand the huge man with vision and hart
Our state are linked with strong bonds and the sky is a limit
We are looking forward to working together with HIT and Israel for the bright future.
אין חכם כבעל ניסיון
H.E. Ambassador of Uzbekistan Aminov added : This seminar is one more step to grow our cooperation and to promote our initiatives.
Other invitees from the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs were Mr. Ronen Krausz, Director of the Central Asia and Caucasus Department; Mr. Ran Natanzon, Director of Innovation, and Mr. David Atar, consultant of the Central Asia and Caucasus Department.
Mr. Ronen Krausz generalized :"We need more initiatives like this. The HIT gave as again the best example of how to build a strong fundament for cooperation and promote it for the better future of our countries and people".
HIT Holon Institute of Technology has been promoting since 2014 the institute's international strategy with Euro-Asia countries. HIT is proud of his strong ties with those countries. Building the bridge between HIT and Euro-Asia academic, innovation, government, etc., institutions institute also built strong foundations to educate the future generation of students regarding the needs of industry and society as well. The golden triangle between academy – industry - and society is the heart of HIT’s DNA. Today Institute has scientific relations with more than 130 research institutions from 35 countries in the world, most of them with Euro-Asias countries. HIT opens for international students and holds programs for undergraduate and graduate studies in Industrial Mathematics and Computer Science, as well as student exchanges. HIT with a multidisciplinary approach is a leading factor in various fields of science, hi-tech, artificial intelligence, digital technologies for medicine, instructional technologies, industrial design, visual communication, etc. Students develop their discipline exams projects and/or final degree projects together with industry, hospitals, municipalities, governance, etc., depending on their needs.
Since 2018 HIT has been holding a bachelor's degree completion program in Industrial Mathematics and Computer Science students from universities in Euro-Asian countries. As part of this program, 59 students from Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan graduate with bachelor's degrees in 2022 and 2023. A total of 150 students enrolled in the program. The program is taught in English. The program also organizes studies of the Hebrew language.
HIT are active partners in GEW Global Entrepreneur Weeks in the region. HIT organized with Euro-Asia partners many conferences on Mathematics, Technologies of Tourism, Medicine technologies, and devices, food security, etc.. HIT organized 3 unbelievable STEM2+D (Science, Society/ Technology, Tourism/ Engineering, Education/ Mathematics, Medicine/ Design), the over-arching framework of a multi-level and multidisciplinary innovative approach. HIT is a pioneer of this unique new concept and format. All HIT initiatives are in cooperation with and with the constant support of foreign ministries of Euro-Asian countries and Israel, and other government and academic institutions.As part of the HIT undergraduate program and cooperation initiatives, Holon Institute of Technology holds seminars and meetings with the Israeli high-tech industry and the development centers of the giant companies MICROSOFT, GOOGLE, AMAZON, IBM, Facebook, etc.During HIT's last (STEM)^2+D conference in 2022 hosted by universities NUU National University of Uzbekistan-Tashkent, BuxDu Bukhara State University-Bukhara, and SSU Samarkand State University-Samarkand, HIT held the first Israel-Uzbekistan forum "Days of Science & Technology". The forum was a fruitful platform where participants from all Euro-Asia academic institutions met in focused sessions and discussed diverse aspects of international academic cooperation, the 5-year goals of academic institutions, and highlights of recent scientific achievements.The 3rd HIT Annual Euro-Asia HIT Seminar this is a natural successful continuation of the HIT's initiatives to strengthen ties with the countries of Euro-Asia. The visit reflected the positive support these countries have given Israel. Countries with a young population active on social media, constitute a significant target audience for maintaining a positive image of HIT and Israel in the academic, innovative, and social world.Mrs. Tony Levy, External relations ,President Office HIT Holon Institute of TechnologyWebs for those who are interested in learning or knowing about the Holon Institute of Technology:Photos credit Silvia G. Golan
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Eylon Levy, a former Israeli Government spokesperson, called on the Government of Israel to establish an elite team of spokespeople in all languages, and in all time zones - a special forces unit able to spring into action at a moment’s notice, anywhere in the world, properly armed with the ammunition, backup, and defensive gear - during a keynote address at the B’nai B’rith World Center Award for Journalism Recognizing Excellence in Diaspora Reportage held yesterday (May 26) in Jerusalem.
Held for the 32nd consecutive year, the ceremony was attended by numerous dignitaries including the Minister of Diaspora Affairs and Combating Anti-Semitism, Amichai Chikli, who also delivered a speech.
Levy emphasized that the October 7 disaster triggered a regional conflict that escalated into a global war against Jews worldwide. He stated that Israel is losing the information battle in the international media, which is portraying Israel unjustly in this conflict. He stressed that the purpose of the State of Israel is to stop complaining about the hostility Jews face and suggested that the Israeli government should establish an elite team of professional, multilingual spokespersons that would represent Israel in global media at all times and locations. Suitable candidates for this global outreach can be found among new immigrants and in the Diaspora, serving as a force multiplier. He emphasized that this global battle for Israel's international standing requires a united front, leveraging the strength of Diaspora Jewry as a powerful ally. He stressed the importance of creating a unified command center to address media crises and fortify ties with the Jewish diaspora in this shared effort. "Israel is the only country required to defend itself in the court of global public opinion around the clock. It isn't fair. It isn't right. It isn't just. But it is what it is".
This year’s winners are Elad Simchayoff, European correspondent for Channel 12 News and Canaan Lidor, Jewish World reporter for The Times of Israel.
Lidor was recognized in the written media category, in memory of Luis and Trudi Schydlowsky, for his extensive coverage on various issues concerning the Jewish world and Jewish communities in Holland, Tunisia, the U.S. and elsewhere in 2023.
Lidor has written previously for The Jerusalem Post, Haaretz and Maariv. Simchayoff was recognized in the broadcast media category for his coverage on the rising of anti-Semitism in Europe following Oct.7 and for his "One a Day" podcast series.
A special citation for Fostering Israel-Diaspora Relations through the Arts in Memory of Naomi Shemer was presented to the internationally acclaimed Israeli singer Ilanit. The citation, established in 2014, has been presented previously to singer
and songwriter Nurit Hirsh, David D’Or, Idan Raichel, David Broza, Yehoram Gaon, Shalva Band, Danny Sanderson, Shuli Natan and the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra.
The Chairman of the B'nai B'rith World Center in Jerusalem, Dr. Haim Katz, and the Director of the B'nai B'rith World Center in Jerusalem, Alan Schneider, is Director of the B'nai B'rith World Center in Jerusalem presented the prizes to the winners.
Since its establishment in 1992, the B’nai B’rith World Center Award for Journalism has recognized excellence in reporting on contemporary Diaspora Jewish communities and on the state of Israel-Diaspora relations in Israeli print, broadcast
and online media. Widely recognized as the most prestigious prize in the Israeli media industry for Diaspora reportage, it was established to help strengthen the relationship between Israel and the Diaspora.
The award is presented in memory of the late Wolf Matsdorf, editor of the World Center’s journal “Leadership Briefing” and a journalist in Israel and Australia, and his wife Hilda, a pioneer in social work in both countries, as well as in memory of Luis and Trudi Schydlowsky.
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On Monday May 20th, the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Tel Aviv celebrated the inauguration of President Lai Ching-te with a cultural evening at the Tel Aviv Cinematheque. The Cinematheque was adorned in flags and colors of Israel and Taiwan, and guests enjoyed refreshments, before the formal portion of the evening, followed by a cultural movie screening.
President Lai Ching-te was elected the 8th president of the Republic of China in January 2024, after previously serving as vice president, and prior to that, as premier of the Republic of China. Prior to entering politics, he worked as a public health expert.
To celebrate the occasion, guests were invited to view the film Gaga, “An authentic tale of family and traditions”. The film explores the challenges facing a traditional family from an indigenous community in Taiwan. It touches on themes about clashes between modernity and tradition, and highlights the physical and cultural beauty and diversity of Taiwan, while acknowledging the challenges that indigenous communities face.
MK Boaz Toporovsky, chair of the Israel-Taiwan friendship caucus in the Knesset, opened the evening, mentioning that he had just participated in a delegation to Taiwan, where the members discussed increased collaboration between the countries. He noted the strong support that Taiwan had provided to Israel both in the immediate aftermath of October 7th, as well as more recently when Iran launched an aerial assault on Israel, and stated that “Israel will not forget its friends.” He also stressed the shared values of democracy common to both Israel and the Republic of China, and mutually beneficial interest in promoting economic and cultural ties.
The mayor of Ra’anana, Chaim Broyde, spoke next. Emphasizing that he was not just mayor of Ra’anana, but also “Chaim, the son of Zalman and Hana- both Holocaust survivors”, Mayor Broyde highlighted the challenges that Jews worldwide are facing, and thanked Taiwan for its strong support and close ties.
Representative Ya-ping Lee, head of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Tel Aviv, addressed the audience of diplomats and friends of Taiwan. Representative Lee reiterated unwavering support for the victims of terror and violence, and paid note to the Israeli hostages still being held in Gaza, offering hope and a prayer that they would return home safely soon. Addressing the focus of the evening, Representative Lee noted that three different presidents of the Republic of China have now been elected after visiting Israel, joking that perhaps the food in Israel led to political success.
Distinguished guests in attendance included Raanana Mayor Chaim Broyde, MK Boaz Toporovsky, head of the Israel-Taiwan Friendship Caucus, MK Boaz Bismuth, MK Matti Sarfati Harcavi, MK Efrat Rayen, Maariv Editor Golan Bar Yosef and his wife Shai Li, Zehava Galon, president of the research institute ZULAT for Equality and Human Rights, Albert Pinhasov, Rector of Ariel University, former minister Nachman Shai, Gabriel Hayon, President of the Diplomatic Institute, and ambassadors, diplomats, military, business and civil society leaders. All of the guests were given gifts to take home to learn more about Taiwan and plan their own visits.
www.diplomacy.co.il congratulates the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office and the nation of the Republic of China on this important occasion.
Photos credit Silvia G. Golan
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