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Written by Silvia G. Golan

Published: 20 July 2023

Saraya is theTurkish Embassy Cultural Center inTel Aviv-Jaffa

 

Hosting the event ; Ambassador of Türkiye to Israel , H.E. Şakir Özkan Torunlar; Eyal Grinberg  CEO Steimatzky ; Mr. Aaron Nomaz - the Author

Special cultural event dedicated to commemorating the life and accomplishement of Donna Gracia, a remarkable woman who left an indeleble mark on the history of the Ottoman Empire.

Guests enjoyed  Turkish and Ladino music performed by Renin Meseri and Jako Hazan

Donna Gracia is a book based on real historical events, in the center of which is a woman, a daughter of a family of Anosim from Portugal. The plot story takes place against the background of the reign of Charles V, King of Spain and Emperor of Germany, Elizabeth I, Queen of England, and Suleiman the Magnificent, Sultan of the Ottoman Empire.

 

After the deportation of the Jews of Spain and Portugal, she became a model figure -  Donna Garcia - who, with the help of her extreme wealth, resourcefulness and courage, set up measures to save masses of martyrs from the clutches of the Inquisition, and towards the end of her days she extracted from the hands of the Sultan a promise to establish a national home for the Jewish people in the Land of Israel. Throughout the story, a drama unfolds in the heroine's soul: the tension between the great identity and the hidden one, a tension that she and her family members will not be able to resolve, despite their tireless 

commitment to the Zionist cause.

Donna Garcia was a great leader who dedicated her life to saving her people. Inscribed in the collective memory as someone who, despite her arduous work for her people, actually received a cold shoulder and alienation from them. This did not prevent her from continuing her life's work, being the greatest banker of her time, a sharp-witted politician, a regular guest in the Ottoman palace and the closest friend of Horam Sultan, the wife of Suleiman the Magnificent. She deserves to be counted among the heroes and heroines of Zionism for her work to renew Jewish political life in the Land of Israel, and to win the title of "the first Zionist".

 

 

 

 

'Donna Garcia'  of Aaron Nomaz's first book, published in Israel.
An industrialist who graduated from "Berkeley" and a diplomat living in Turkey, who marveled at weaving a vivid and lively plot based on real events, describing in a painfully tangible way the events of one woman who dedicated her life to saving her people who were persecuted for their religion and faith, and deserves to be counted among the heroes and heroines of Zionism for her work to renew Jewish political life in the Land of Israel.

Hebrew translation - Moshe Kimchi, born in Istanbul and retired ambassador;
Introduction to the book - Historian Dr. Tzvika Sahaik - curator and founder of the Dona Garcia Museum in Tiberias
Published by Steimatzky, price: NIS 116, available in the Steimatzky network and bookstores

 

Aharon Nomaz, an industrialist graduated from "Berkeley" and a diplomat living in Turkey. His other books: Yosef Nashi, the Sultan's Jewish spy; Yosef Nashi, following big dreams; Stroma - the stories of the disaster that calls for the exploration of conscience, are bestsellers in Turkey.

Donna Garcia was translated into English, and is now published in Hebrew by Steimatzky.

 

 https://www.steimatzky.co.il/

 

  

 Photos by Silvia Graciela Golan

More Pics at Facebook  Diplomacy Israel / Israel Diplo / Silvia G. Golan

 

 

 

 

 

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Written by Silvia G. Golan

Published: 06 July 2023

"Seeing the voice - female photographers say No to domestic violence" - a special photo exhibition combining photos with well-known songs, by 15 female photographers, initiated by attorney Dana Daraznin - marked "No to domestic violence" was launched at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Foreign Minister Eli Cohen on Tuesday 4/7/23 this week inaugurated the exhibition "Seeing the Voice" at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs saying a message to the employees of the Ministry that he is against gender violence, domestic violence and against violence in general: "This is one of the most painful and important issues. We at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs are committed to the matter as part of the perception that says there is no place in our society for any violence of any kind, and we must do everything to denounce it. I congratulate Hamotal Rogel Fox, who is responsible for gender equality in the ministry, for promoting this important exhibition that will be placed in the center of the ministry in the near future and will reflect this clear message".

The initiator and curator of the exhibition - attorney Dana Daraznin: "The exhibition includes 15 female volunteer photographers who joined together and went through professional lectures to understand the issue and convey a clear message against domestic violence. The exhibition is dedicated to Miriam Shalom (deceased), the mother of the photographer Rachel Levy, who was murdered by her husband. The purpose of the exhibition is to give expression to the types of violence that are not visible to an unprofessional eye and are difficult to identify, to prevent the terrible phenomenon. The photographs together with the lyrics of familiar songs, which we have never thought of them at that context, make it possible to absorb and understand deeply what this sophisticated violence is and penetrate the mechanism of repression and denial." Attorney Dana Daraznin has many years of experience in family law and is an expert at resolving disputes and conflict amicably. she believes that early identification of the phenomenon will greatly help to prevent it.

Ilanit Kizoni - a photographer and the exhibition producer clarified that in the nearest future the exhibition is expected to travel to other places in Israel and to be distributed in the missions of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs around the world.

List of names and roles of all photographers in the exhibition: 

DANA DARAZNIN Initiator, curator and photographer

 ILANIT KITZONI Producer and photographer

 LIRON SHEINKMAN Artistic director and photographer

 DALIT PINES SASSON Graphic artist and photographer

 Photographers : RACHEL LEVI ; ILANA SLAVIN ; ORIT LANDAU  ; MONA YEHIAV ; HAGIT KIKIN EVEN HEN ; MICHAL NIR MA AHAVTI  ; ADITAL SHARIR ; TSOFIA SHLASKY ; SMADAR REINHOLD ; 

ELIZ AZUELOS ; VARDA SHVARTZ 

 Ambassador Dan Oryan was the coordinator of the exhibition for the foreign ministry. Oryan was a partner to making the exhibition fit for the ministry towards sending it to be presented abroad in cooperation with the embassies. 

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will host the exhibition in the coming month, the work of the photographers - who look through the lens and tell sensitively and intelligently about violence in a place that is supposed to be loving, protected and safe.

For contact: on Facebook "Seeing the Voice"

- https://www.facebook.com/tzalamot?mibextid=LQQJ4d

 The Staff of www.diplomacy.co.il congratulates the participants of this important iniciative

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Written by Silvia G. Golan

Published: 16 July 2023

Tel-Aviv Celebrates 20th Anniversary of Annual  “Opera in the Park” Tradition with a Special Production of Madame Butterfly Thursday  August 3rd, 2023 | Ganne Yehushua Park

 Doors open: 7:00 pm | Show starts: 8:30    Free Entry

On August 3rd, the Municipality of Tel Aviv-Yafo, in collaboration with the Israeli Opera, will continue the tradition of free opera productions at Ganne Yehushua Park with a special production of the beloved opera, Madame Butterfly. Produced by renowned Italian composer Giacomo Puccini, Madame Butterfly is among the greatest operas of all time. In accordance with long-standing tradition, the event will be moderated by the mayor of Tel Aviv-Yafo, Ron Huldai.

Ron Huldai, Mayor of Tel Aviv-Yafo: “‘Opera in the Park,’ a 20-year Tel-Aviv tradition, that allows tens of thousands of local and international opera lovers to experience the beauty and magic of the opera beneath the starry sky in an accessible way. I created the tradition inspired by the belief that every person in the country deserves the opportunity to enjoy art, and opera in particular. I am immensely proud that this event attracts a diverse audience every year, drawing in everyone from avid fans of the opera to first-timers. This year, theatergoers will undergo an emotional and artistic journey as they enjoy the timeless beauty of one of the most renowned operatic masterpieces ever composed. I implore everyone to come and enjoy the show with us this year!”

Every year since its inception 20 years ago, thousands of people of all ages have flocked to Ganne Yehushua to enjoy “Opera in the Park” and take in the artistry and storytelling of the opera free of charge.

Madame Butterfly, composed by Giacomo Puccini and based on the short story by John Luther Long, is considered to be one of the most famous operas of all time. The reputation and name of Madame Butterfly precede it, and not only among die-hard lovers of the opera. Several of the arias featured in the opera have become well-known in general popular culture.

Madame Butterfly details the tragic tale of Cio Cio San, a young Japanese girl who falls in love with an American naval officer named Pinkerton, with devastating consequences. After they marry, Pinkerton leaves Japan, leaving her destitute, alone, and pregnant with his child. Upon his return to Japan after three years of absence, she discovers that he has married an American woman, and the couple wants to adopt her child. She chooses to preserve her dignity and take her own life, allowing her son to be left with his father and father’s wife.

The opera will be conducted by Dan Ettinger, the musical director of the Israeli Opera. It will be directed by Gadi Schecter, who has directed previous iterations of “Opera in the Park.” Much of the talented cast hails from the Israeli Opera, including soprano singer Alla Vasilevitsky in the titular role, baritone Oded Reich in the role of Sharpless, mezzo-soprano Shay Bloch, and tenor Joseph Dennis. The opera will also feature dancers. The Israeli Opera Choir will be accompanied by the Israeli Rishon LeZion Symphony Orchestra.

Madame Butterfly in Ganne Yehushua Park

Thursday | August 3rd, 2023 | Doors open: 7:00 | Show starts: 8:30

Conductor: Dan Ettinger

Director: Gadi Schecter

Set and Costume Designer: Niv Manor

Lightning Designer: Eyal Levy Sharon

Choreographer: Kim Gordon

Video Designer: Yoav Cohen

Sound Designer: Yuval Zilberstein

Cast:

Madame Butterfly: Alla Vasilevitsky

Lt. Pinkerton: Joseph Dennis

Sharpless: Oded Reich

Suzuki: Shay Bloch

Goro: Eitan Drori

Keith Pinkerton: Gal Kohav

The Bonze: Yair Polishook

Imperial Commissioner: Shahaf Regev

Dolore: Eli Nachmani

The Israeli Opera Choir Conducted by Itai Berkovitch

The Opera Orchestra: The Israeli Symphony Orchestra Rishon LeZion

Translation Subtitle: Israel Yuval

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Written by Silvia G. Golan

Published: 19 June 2023

On Wednesday, June 7th, the Kassim Ghanim junior high school hosted its first Model UN conference. Students from the Cyber, Leadership and Values program at Brenner Junior high school in Petah Tiqva came to Maghar, where they received a warm welcome from the principal and made many new friends. 

It was the first MUN for all of the delegates, and their performance throughout the day was outstanding. The committee discussed the challenges of social media, from issues of privacy and fake news to cyberbullying and freedom of speech. The mood got particularly dramatic when the three main blocs split the vote, forcing a series of votes on the resolutions along with feverish last minute negotiations. 

Throughout the day the students learned a lot about diplomacy, practiced speaking English and meeting peers from other communities, and had a great time! 

Diplomacy teacher Summar Farraj told Diplomacy.co.il that “participating in Model United Nations can have a significant impact on students from Maghar City as well. MUN can help these students improve their language skills, as it requires them to communicate frequently and confidently in English. Similarly, it can broaden students' horizons, exposing them to international issues and cultural diversity that they may not be familiar with in their local community. 

Additionally, MUN can provide an opportunity for those students to develop their leadership skills and gain experience in diplomacy and conflict resolution, which can be valuable in any career path they choose to follow later in life. Moreover, being part of a multicultural environment can allow students to connect with peers from diverse backgrounds and share unique perspectives on global issues, creating a sense of unity that promotes peace and harmony. Overall, participating in MUN can be incredibly beneficial to the students from Maghar and from anywhere else, opening up new opportunities, broadening their horizons, and helping them become more confident and knowledgeable global citizens.”

Sigalit Levi, the Principal of Brenner Junior High School, noted that although the Brenner students had just learned about MUN two prior to the conference, their hard work preparing was reflected in an impressive performance at the conference, including several awards. She said that “we are very proud of our students, who represented our school so well.” Levi thanked Mrs. Rachel Amrani, Director of the “Chen” Young Ambassadors School, for believing in the students, and choosing Brenner Junior High to represent the city of Petah Tiqva.

Mrs. Amrani explained that the Chen School for Young Ambassadors constitutes a core pillar of the Petah Tikva Municipality's diverse activities for outstanding students, and is designed to cultivate key skills in the next generation of Israeli diplomats. In order to instill values of good citizenship and excellence in education in the future leaders, they are given the opportunity to take part in courses, simulation, tours and delegations abroad, as well as to meet different groups within Israeli society, including decision makers at the political, social and economic level. 

Mrs. Amrani noted that “Given the challenges of the State of Israel in the local and international arena, the value of this program is self-evident. The school aims to provide knowledge in the fields of politics, diplomacy, advocacy, Judaism, public speaking and communication, for personal and professional skills, and the opportunity to experience advocacy activities through meetings with youth from abroad, professional and renowned lecturers, politicians and media persons. These meetings give our students a strong sense of public mission, which sees representing Israel as an important national mission.”

Photo credit: Steven Aiello