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Written by Jonathan Danilowitz

Published: 11 September 2019

Last week the outgoing Baha’i Secretary-General, Dr. Joshua Lincoln, took leave of his many friends, colleagues, and co-religionists in Israel and welcomed the new incoming protégé, Dr. David Rutstein, at a sparkling reception at Jerusalem’s lovely David Citadel Hotel. The guests included what appeared to be the crème de la crème of Israel’s religious, cultural, political and business society. Mingling with the guests were several volunteers from the world Baha’i centers in Haifa and Acre, who chatted with the visitors, explaining the faith and answering questions of the curious. The delicious buffet dinner, accompanied by a range of colorful fruit drinks, was the background for a friendly “shalom” to the two gentlemen. A musical interlude added to the pleasure, while brief welcome and farewell speeches rounded out the reception.

A new Baha’i international website for the 200th anniversary of the birth of the Bab was launched in early September. The website will unfold in stages over the next eight weeks. Currently featuring artistic endeavors created for the occasion, and articles on the lives and teachings of the Bab and Baha’u’llah, the site will expand dynamically over time. A special letter from the Universal House of Justice about the historic anniversary will be published. Dawn of the Light, a feature film commissioned for this upcoming bicentenary, will also be released by the end of this month. The website is available in 10 languages—Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Hindi, Persian, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, and Swahili.

The bicentenary website will connect the world by capturing the celebrations of people in selected communities across the globe as they recall the lives of the Bab and Baha’u’llah and Their unifying message. These glimpses will be illustrative of the thousands of other celebrations that will be unfolding in virtually every country.

On the Twin Holy Days, the website will capture glimpses of a wave of celebrations that will sweep across the planet. This coverage begins at sundown on 28 October in Kiribati and ends at sundown on 30 October in Hawaii. Photos, news, and other media from scores of locations will be published over the course of those 72 hours. There are also plans to include video coverage from Baha’i Houses of Worship.

The worldwide energy of the bicentenary preparations is prompting an efflorescence of activity in country after country. In Europe, communities calling to mind this significant anniversary are producing music inspired by the Bab’s life and teachings, bringing history to life through drama, and redoubling their commitment to constructive action.

France, Moldova, N.Macedonia, the UK and many other countries are deeply involved. For example, seeing the relevance of Bab’s message to today is one of the topics explored in an album of music being recorded in honor of the upcoming bicentenary by Spain’s Baha’i community. Artists from around the country and the Canary Islands are writing and recording pieces in a diversity of genres and styles as well as different local languages from Spain. Young people in Switzerland have written and narrated a short film about the life of the Bab in the style of a Kamishibai theater, a form of street theater and storytelling from Japan.  Hungary’s Baha’i community is one of several that are channeling interest in Faith’s history into a printed publication. A 46-page book published in honor of the bicentenary details the 10 days that ‘Abdu’l-Baha spent in Budapest toward the end of His two-year journey through Europe and North America.

The Director and staff of www.diplomacy.co.il join in extending their best wishes to Dr. Rutstein in his new position here in Israel.

With thanks toThe Baha’i World News Service forpermission to use the material.

Photos by Silvia Golan

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Written by Silvia Golan

Published: 21 August 2019

The Peres Center for Peace and Innovation - the home of the Innovation Nation 

“It takes more courage to make peace than to make war.” - Shimon Peres 

Shimon Peres’ legacy was realising dreams. As you approach the entrance to the Peres Center for Peace and Innovation, an enormous sign reminds you to “DREAM BIG.” It’s framed on one side by the sparkling blue Mediterranean Sea, and on the other, by a modernist angular building, commissioned by Shimon Peres and completed in 2009, that now houses the Israeli Innovation Center: four floors of Israeli innovation past, present and future. 

Shimon Peres established the Peres Center for Peace in 1996 to bring people together - people of all ages, genders, cultural backgrounds, religions, and from all walks of life, from Israel and around the region - through mutual interests in innovation, medicine and healthcare, business and entrepreneurship, education, and more. 

Since Peres’ death in 2016, the original Peres Peace House (designed by Massimiliano Fuksas and local architect Yoav Messer) has been transformed in line with his vision to exhibit the world’s first interactive innovation hub; the Israeli Innovation Center. 

The Israeli Innovation Center, which opened to the public in February 2019, highlights the global human impact of Israel’s achievements - from Cherry Tomatoes and Drip Irrigation to Waze and Mobileye - and explores how to expand the “Start-up Nation” into the “Start-up Region”. It also continues to run its scalable and impactful programs designed to bridge the region’s communities. 

The Peres Center is proud to partner with Israel’s leading organisations, and friends from across the globe. This unique network of partners and supporters include the Israeli Innovation Authority, the Israeli Ministry of Economy and Trade and several innovation partners: Adama – Crop protection and innovators in global food security; Orbotech – Innovators in electronics; Checkpoint – One of Israel’s innovators in cyber security since 1993; Intel – Computing; IAI -- Israel Aerospace Industries; and the Manufacturers Association of Israel. 

One of the country's leading non-profit NGOs, the Center has hosted delegations of global leaders in politics and business to learn about Israeli breakthroughs, connected professionals to the local start-up ecosystem, and supported youths from all backgrounds to discover their inner techie, entrepreneur, and peacebuilder. 

Visiting the Israeli Innovation Center 

• The Hall of Inspiration: As you enter the lobby you are struck by the films showing on the screens that take up the entire right wall and continue onto the circular screens scattered on the ceiling. The films depict the global innovations developed in Israel: in agriculture, medicine and healthcare, aerospace and security, hi-tech, and information communication technology. 
• Secrets of Innovation room: Have a chat with one of 18 life-sized innovator holograms from across the hi-tech, agriculture, cyber and medicine sectors. Speak to them in Hebrew, English, Arabic or Chinese to learn about their inspiration and the problem they were trying to solve. Behind each hologram screen you can find some of the personal artefacts and books that inspired our innovators, that they have donated to the exhibit. 
• Shimon Peres’ Study: A replica of Shimon Peres’ study houses his desk, as well as artifacts including his Nobel Peace prize, his collection of his role model David Ben-Gurion dolls, and pictures of the highlights of his achievements. 
• Innovation Nation Room - Find out how Israel became the Start-up Nation with an interactive timeline and a chance to see original examples of Israel's technological and medical achievements, including the first Israeli Airforce flag in space and the capsule endoscopy (a miniature camera in a pill that can be swallowed to see what’s happening inside the gastrointestinal tracts). 
• The Capsule - An unrivalled VR experience, The Capsule, designed with input from Roey Tzanana and Yuval Noah Harari features technology provided by Inception, to enable users to play futuristic games in which they perform medical procedures, travel into space or design the city of the future. 
• The Israeli Expo - DSV and Intuit are the hosts for this floor which was curated in partnership with the Ministry of Economy and Trade and the Israeli Innovation Authority. The room is divided into four islands showcasing the 45 most exciting Israeli innovations today: 

○ 1. ICT – Information, Communications and Technology 

○ 2. Aerospace and Security 

○ 3. Healthcare 

○ 4. Agriculture and Energy 

Above each Island is a loan from the Israel Antiquities Authority representing ancient innovation from days of old, bringing full circle the idea that this region has always been a basin of innovation. 

Flagship programs the Peres Center for Peace and Innovation runs: 

The Peres Center for Peace and Innovation is a leading non-profit and non-government organization focused on developing and implementing unique and cutting-edge programs that promote peace and build bridges. It serves hundreds of thousands of participants of all ages, religions, genders and cultural backgrounds. It runs special programs in Innovation, Sports, Cultivation of Leadership and Entrepreneurship, Medicine and Healthcare, Business and Environment. The programs are implemented with a network of local, regional, and international partners. 

• Starting-Up Together - Launched in 2017, Starting-Up Together addresses challenges of inclusivity and opportunity by encouraging underrepresented communities in Israel to become involved in entrepreneurship, innovation, and the high-tech sector while promoting shared-living and creating a sense of community among its Israeli Arab and Jewish participants. 

The participants, aged 25 and above, possess the motivation and vision to succeed in their field, but do not have access to the training or connections needed. Each program cycle includes 30-40 participants, half Israeli Arabs and half Israeli Jews, with an emphasis on women, minorities and underrepresented communities. This holistic pre-accelerator program grows entrepreneurs and opens the door for their participation in the Start-up Nation through workshops, boot camps, meetings with experts, mentoring, networking opportunities, and more. Alumni continue to receive support for 12 months following the end of the program. Starting Up Together is conducted through an important partnership with the Edmond de Rothschild Foundation. 

• CityZoom - Launched in 2018, CityZoom creates connections between innovators, local and multinational companies and city governments by implementing meet-ups between industry leaders, municipal stakeholders and academics; round table discussions and webinars with innovation experts, entrepreneurs, researchers and city leaders; and an International Smart City Conference. Partners include Tel Aviv University, Atidim, the Israeli Ministry of Economy, the Israeli Ministry of the Interior, and Digital Israel. 
• Strengthening Private Sector and Business-to-Business Cooperation - Together with local, regional, and international stakeholders, the Peres Center identifies and targets challenges and opportunities in order to facilitate easier trade and economic growth through policy, structural research and practical action. Ongoing programs work to assess needs, build capacities, and link the Israeli and Palestinian economies, while fostering cross-border, people-to-people interaction. 
• Startup-Link - Startup-Link aims to expand the Start-up Nation into the Start-up Region by the creation of a new Palestinian startup incubator-accelerator, which trains the next generation of Palestinian entrepreneurs. The project also brings together experienced 

Israeli innovators and young Palestinian entrepreneurs to strengthen ties and mutual understanding and invigorate the Palestinian innovation ecosystem. 

• SharakehTech – Partnership for New ICT Horizons - The potential of the Palestinian hi-tech sector is widely recognized but struggles to penetrate markets. Launched in 2018, this program exposes 40-60 Palestinian and Israeli professionals and ICT companies over 3 years to mutually beneficial business opportunities and capacity building through a multilayered process and match making opportunities. 

In addition, 50-70 Palestinian students and recent graduates receive work experience and exposure to the ICT industry. This program connects the Israeli and Palestinian hi-tech sectors and promotes cooperation, thus strengthening innovation in the Palestinian private sector and forging unique cross-border business relationships. 

• Sport in the Service of Peace – Twinned Peace Sports Schools - Launched in 2002, twinned groups of Jewish and Arab, Israeli and Palestinian girls and boys come together through sport, breaking down barriers and building lasting friendships. Over 20,000 participants from 60 communities have participated in the Peres Center's unique methodology that includes bi-weekly training and peace education sessions, joint soccer training, inter-language learning, and the annual "Mini Mondial" tournament. During the last activity year (2017-18), the project reached 500 participants from 20 communities. Member of 8 international networks; 19 delegations sent abroad; recipient of 8 awards including: Beyond Sport 2016 "Leadership in Sport Award"; Peace and Sport, Monaco 2011 "Best NGO"; the Wingate Award 2010 "Best NGO in the Field of Peace and Sport". 
• YaLa Young Leaders – Launched in 2011, this program connects almost 1 million young people from around the MENA region through Facebook and virtual platforms. Over 1,500 participants from Israel, the Palestinian Authority, Egypt, Tunisia, Morocco, Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Iraq, Sudan, Algeria, and more have participated in in-depth virtual training programs. 4 regional face-to-face conferences and 5 on-line conferences have been held. 
• Training Doctors - Launched in 2005, Training Doctors trains Palestinian physicians and medical personnel in Israeli hospitals for 2-5 years, creating a network of Israeli and Palestinian medical professionals. To date, over 260 Palestinian healthcare professionals have been trained, in turn treating over 1.5 million Israeli patients. Of program graduates, 90% continue to serve in the Palestinian public healthcare system, and 20 have gone on to become heads of hospitals or heads of departments. 40 are in training today. 
• Saving Children - Launched in 2003, Saving Children has provided lifesaving treatment to Palestinian children in Israel when treatment is not available within the Palestinian healthcare system. Working with every major public and non-profit hospital in Israel and the Palestinian Authority, over 12,500 children have been treated. Following years of 

successful best practices and by request, this program was expanded to include Syrian children when the geopolitical situation enabled us to do so.

Israel Innovation Center is the first and only visitor center of Israeli innovation in which you will be exposed to the unbelievable story of the state of Israel, the innovation nation, in a fascinating journey inspired by the vision of the late Shimon Peres.

 -Tour of the Israel Innovation Center for NIS 30 until the end of August

- Planning a convention, event or gathering?

Photos Silvia G. Golan

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Written by President’s Spokesperson’s Office

Published: 10 September 2019

President Rivlin:

"We must work harder to ensure there are more women ministers and MKs. As elections approach, I urge all Israeli women to make your voice heard."

President Reuven (Ruvi) Rivlin today, Tuesday 10 September / 10 Elul, hosted the Women in Diplomacy Network at Beit HaNasi, which brings together Israeli women diplomats and women diplomats representing their countries in Israel.

The network was established in 2012 by Israeli women diplomats together with the diplomatic community in Israel. It is a support network for women diplomats throughout their career and a platform for ideas and initiatives to address the question of gender equality in the world of diplomacy.

“Women have fought and continue to fight for the right to represent their countries as diplomats. The fight for equality was and still is, a just cause, and you are proof of its success,” said the president. “In your professional life, you bring greater diversity, a different perspective and fresh thinking to the world of foreign policy conflict resolution and diplomacy. In our complex and challenging world, that has never been more important. It is not just for women to fight for gender equality. We must all demand it and work towards it.”

The president added, “We cannot imagine history without the many great and courageous woman who did not wait for any man's approval in order to fulfill their calling and change the world. Here in Israel, Golda Meir served as an early role model for us.” The president also remarked that he hopes to see a woman president in the coming years.

“We are proud to see Israeli women in the roles of President of the Supreme Court, Governor of the Bank of Israel, government ministers, party leaders, IDF general, Nobel Prize winner and CEOs of major companies. But there is still much more to do. We must do more to bring Arab and ultra-Orthodox women into the workforce and to positions of leadership, and we must work harder to ensure there are more women ministers and MKs. As elections approach, I urge all Israeli women to make your voice heard and seek elected office and positions of influence, especially in decision- making on conflict resolution, foreign policy, and security,” he concluded.

Photos by Silvia Golan

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Written by Silvia

Published: 14 August 2019

THE FIFTH WORLD HOLOCAUST FORUM: World Leaders will Gather in Jerusalem to Commemorate the 75th Anniversary of the Liberation of Auschwitz and International Holocaust Remembrance Day

World Holocaust Forum Foundation President Dr. Moshe Kantor:

“This event will provide a unique opportunity for world leaders to stand up and declare ‘enough’ to antisemitism”

(Wednesday, 14 August 2019, Jerusalem) – Heads of State from Europe, North American and Australia have been invited to attend the Fifth World Holocaust Forum, taking place on 23 January 2020, at Yad Vashem in Jerusalem.

The event, titled “Remembering the Holocaust, Fighting Antisemitism,” is being organized by the World Holocaust Forum Foundation, headed by Dr. Moshe Kantor, in cooperation with Yad Vashem, under the auspices of the President of the State of Israel, H.E. Mr. Reuven "Ruvi" Rivlin.

As the world prepares to mark the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, the message will be clear that antisemitism has no place in our global society.

The President of France, H.E. Mr. Emmanuel Macron, President of Germany, H.E. Mr. Frank-Walter Steinmeier, President of Italy, H.E. Mr. Sergio Mattarella and President of Austria, H.E. Mr. Alexander Van der Bellen are among the leaders who have so far confirmed their attendance of this historic event.

Founded in 2005 by Dr. Moshe Kantor, President of the European Jewish Congress, the World Holocaust Forum Foundation is an international organization dedicated to preserving the memory of the Holocaust and its important lessons for all of humanity, including fighting rising antisemitism. Past World Holocaust Forum events have taken place at Auschwitz, Babi Yar and Terezin, in cooperation with Yad Vashem, with the highest-level political and diplomatic representation.

The event takes place against the background of the rise in hateful and violent expressions of antisemitism, especially in Europe. Given this alarming situation, efforts to educate about the dangers of antisemitism, racism and xenophobia and foster Holocaust commemoration and research have made this event more crucial and relevant than ever.

“This conference takes place at a very important historical moment – seventy-five years since the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, and with the voices of Holocaust denial and antisemitism once again rising,” President of the State of Israel Reuven "Ruvi" Rivlin said. “We will never support those who falsify the truth or those who try to ensure the Holocaust is forgotten. Not individuals and not organizations; not leaders of political parties and not heads of states.”

“I invited world leaders to join us at this sacred moment of memory and commitment, and I am delighted by the number of responses, that is growing every day. We will make every effort to ensure that the event will be meaningful and will leave a real mark on the struggle against antisemitism and for the education of the next generation.”

“This event is especially important because as the Holocaust recedes further into the past, some of its memory is being forgotten and its lessons are no longer being learned,” World Holocaust Forum Foundation President Dr. Moshe Kantor said. “’Never Again’ is an action plan, one that we must reclaim as a call to protect the future while remembering the past.”

“This event will provide a unique opportunity for world leaders to stand up and declare 'enough' to antisemitism, intolerance and racism and stop the hate. The World Holocaust Forum Foundation is uniquely positioned to be able to provide an opportunity for our leaders to turn the knowledge and awareness of the Holocaust into action in a collaborative effort to eradicate antisemitism and all other forms of hatred.”

"The Holocaust, aimed at the total annihilation of all Jews everywhere, and the eradication of their civilization, was fueled by extreme racist antisemitism," Yad Vashem Chairman Avner Shalev said. "In the aftermath of the Second World War, the international community enacted universal principles and instituted international organizations with the express purpose of averting future crimes against humanity.  The ways in which antisemitism has persisted and proliferated over recent years must be identified, studied and understood. We must all be alert to antisemitism's current manifestations and remain resolute in combatting it where it appears. It is the responsibility of all humanity, and especially the leaders that will gather here at Yad Vashem, to work to fight antisemitism, racism and xenophobia."

Additional information and details regarding the World Holocaust Forum will be forthcoming.

About Yad Vashem

Yad Vashem, the World Holocaust Remembrance Center, was established in 1953.  Located on Jerusalem's Mount of Remembrance, it is dedicated to Holocaust commemoration, documentation, research and education. Since its inception, Yad Vashem has dedicated itself to perpetuating the memory of the Jewish men, women and children who were murdered by Nazi Germany and its collaborators, and to passing on the legacy of the survivors. Its state-of-the-art museums, world-class research and education centers, and expansive archives and libraries provide an unparalleled venue for inter-generational learning and contemplation, reflected also in its comprehensive online resources utilized by millions of people around the globe. Drawing on the memories of the past, Yad Vashem seeks to meaningfully impart the legacy of the Shoah for generations to come.

Photo  From left: Chairman of Yad Vashem Avner Shalev, President of The State of Israel Reuven (Ruvi) Rivlin, World Holocaust Forum Foundation President Dr. Moshe Kantor and Special Advisor to Yad Vashem Chairman Arie Zuckerman. (Credit: the President’s office)