-
Home
- Art & Culture
Art & Culture
- Details
- Written by Silvia G. Golan & Tony Levy
The HIT Holon Institute of Technology once again honors the achievements of prominent and outstanding leaders who have made significant contributions in the fields of science, innovative technologies, the development and implementation of advanced security systems, medicine, and healthcare, as well as in fostering bridges of friendship and peace between nations. This year, five distinguished laureates were awarded Honorary Degrees by HIT at a ceremony held on September 10, 2024, at the Center for Innovation and Peace, in honor of Shimon Peres, Nobel Peace Prize laureate and the ninth President of Israel.
Prof. Eduard Yakubov, President of HIT, stated, "HIT is proud to award honorary degrees to remarkable individuals of exceptional influence, each of whom has made a unique and significant contribution to Israeli society. For nine years, the Institute has awarded honorary degrees. This year, in light of the ongoing war and the current situation, we have decided to honor individuals who have made significant contributions to security, society, medicine, and the Israeli high-tech industry. The awarding of these degrees serves as recognition and appreciation for their profound and tireless efforts in advancing the State of Israel and society as a whole."
Among the awardees:
In the Field of Medicine
Professor Mordechai Shani – who was awarded the Israel Prize in 2009, successfully led the Shiba–Tel HaShomer Hospital for 33 years. He also served as the Director General of the Ministry of Health. Additionally, Professor Shani is the Founder and Chairman of the Management Committee of the Gertner Institute for Epidemiology and Health Policy Research. He initiated and led revolutionary reforms, including the national health insurance law and mental health reform.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mordechai_Shani
In the Field of Innovative Technologies:
Dr. Orna Berry – is recognized as the first woman to lead the Israeli high-tech industry, establishing herself as a successful entrepreneur, computer scientist, and influential leader. She made history by becoming the first Chief Scientist Officer in the Israeli government, a role during which Israel embarked on its journey to becoming a Startup Nation - a transformation that is still regarded as remarkable. Currently, she serves as the Director of Google Cloud and continues to play a pivotal role in advancing cutting-edge technologies both in Israel and globally. Dr. Berry has also developed programs aimed at enhancing Israel's national research infrastructure in quantum science and technology, as well as in artificial intelligence and data science.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orna_Berry
In the Field of Science:
Professor Daniel Zajfman – is a world-renowned physicist who served as the President of the Weizmann Institute of Science. He has participated in groundbreaking projects, including the development of particle accelerators. In an interview, Professor Zajfman stated, "Excellence comes from the bottom up. We hire the best scientists and then trust them to do their best without directing them. They need to believe that they are working on their own mission, rather than being directed toward a specific goal—such as 'finding a cure for a particular disease.' We say, 'just research,' and great things come out of that. Over the years, I have increasingly realized my role in protecting the space and freedom of our scientists." Professor Zajfman has made significant contributions to the advancement of scientific education in Israel, investing heavily in making science accessible to the periphery through the establishment of educational centers.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daniel_Zajfman
In the Field of Security and Defense Industry:
Boaz Levy – CEO of Israel Aerospace Industries, is recognized as one of the top 10 defense industry leaders of 2024, according to Aviation Week. He successfully led the development of the "Iron Dome" and "Barak 8" defense systems, which have become integral to Israel's defense infrastructure. Under his leadership, numerous satellites and defense systems have been launched into space. Boaz Levy is regarded as a pivotal figure in the global defense industry.
https://www.iai.co.il/about/management/boaz-levy
In the Field of Public Affairs:
The esteemed expert and bridge-builder, Boris David Kandow, Honorary Consul of Uzbekistan to Austria, tirelessly promoted international trade partnerships between Western countries and the former Soviet Union during the Cold War. He actively worked to reduce and eliminate nuclear weapons stockpiles, contributing to global stability. As a trusted advisor to the Presidents of Central Asian countries, he frequently organized parliamentary delegations to the White House and other nations. Kandow has made significant contributions to strengthening academic ties between HIT and scientific institutions in Uzbekistan.
Given the extremely challenging circumstances resulting from the war in our country, HIT Holon Institute of Technology deeply appreciates the contributions of these honorary laureates. We are inspired by their unwavering leadership in preserving and reinforcing the fundamental values of the State of Israel and Israeli society, which they uphold and pass down from generation to generation.
VIP representatives attend the ceremony:
Mr. Jakhongir Aminov - Ambassador of the Republic of Uzbekistan to the State of Israel
Mr. Sherzod Shavkatbekov - Council of the Embassy of the Republic of Uzbekistan to the State of Israel
Mr. Mukhtar Yskak - Deputy Ambassador of the Republic the Republic of Kazakhstan to the State of Israel
Ms. Assel Ustenova - 1st Secretary of the Republic the Republic of Kazakhstan to the State of Israel
Ms. Aydan Karimli - 3rd Secretary Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the State of Israel
Mr. Yoel Razvozov - Deputy Minister of Tourism
Ambassador Dan Oryan – Director of Civil Diplomacy Israel MFA
Mr. Mr. Cohen Pinchas (Pini) - Chairman of the HIT Board of Trustees
Prof. Eduard Yakubov – HIT President
Prof. Adir Pridor - Chairman of the Executive HIT Committee
Photo credit Silvia Golan
More Pics & videos at Facebook Diplomacy Israel / Israel Diplo / Silvia G Golan
- Details
- Written by Stephen Abrahams
On Friday morning, 6 September at the Jerusalem Theatre, a reception was hosted by the ambassador of the Kingdom of Thailand to the State of Israel, H.E. Ms. Pannabha Chandraramya, featuring the foremost figure in Asian fashion photography, Mr Nat Prakobsantisuk entitled "Be-Live", on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of bilateral relations between the two countries.
The ambassador opened the exhibition by thanking all present and welcoming Mr. Nat Prakobsantisuk on his second visit to Israel. She dolefully emphasized her condolences to all hostages and their families and mentioned their release. She, voluntarily, has not finished her tour in Israel as she feels deeply responsible for the remaining 6 Thai hostages still in captivity and did not feel entirely comfortable passing on this predicament to her successor. She thanked the management of the Jerusalem Theatre and mentioned Mrs.Tali Friedman in helping to make it possible for the exhibition to be held at the Theatre.
Warmly welcomed was Mr. Naor Shiri, a member of Knesset and head of the Israel - Thailand Friendship parliamentary group who responded that it was a privilege for him to be present.
H.E. Ms Chandraramya stated that "The Exhibition is Homage to a Landscape" with metaphorical significance as the photographer's content was primarily scenes of places of worship including churches, mosques and the Western Wall in Jerusalem, Bethlehem and Nazareth. He also has numerous photographs of Buddhist temples in Thailand and of worshipers "His Intention is an Attempt to Create a Deeper Understanding Between Two Peoples and is Not Only a Celebration of 70 Years of Bilateral Relations".
The ambassador asked me to inform readers that viewing to the public is until Monday, 30 September and that the proceeds of all sales will be donated by the Embassy and by Mr. Prakobsantisuk to the Jewish National Fund (K.K.L) who will use the money to plant trees in various forests owned by the Foundation. A great deal of forestry has suffered severe damage as a result of explosions and deliberate fire during the incumbent war.
When I introduced myself to Mr. Prakobsantisuk with the intention of hearing the motivating force and philosophy inspiring his work,he informed me that he creates "hypothetical realities" which can exist in any life situation. His belief is essentially Buddhist and "The Acceptance of Freedom of Religion and Personal Belief is a Necessary Right of Everyone to be Respected by Others". The "Dignity of Difference and Respect Without Dogma" being a central pillar of his belief system. His work is marked by a strong sense of empathy and narrative of his unique style. He poignantly stated that "Buddhism Believes in Changing the Protagonist and Not in Influencing, Judging and Changing the Thoughts of Others".Most importantly "Universitaly" is expressed in his work and thus based on the integral aspect of respect.
In the exhibition, images of Thailand and Israel alternate, presenting a mesmerizing presentation of images and glimpses from two worlds. He lives and works in Bangkok and travels extensively in Asia as he specializes in fashion photography. His sister, who is his personal assistant and manager, joined him on this trip and it was enlightening to speak to her as she impressed me by her urbanity and world travels.
Last but not least, he stated that " His Art was a result of his belief in Buddhism which served as the driving force of his creativity".
Guests enjoyed an array of Thai delicacies namely "Chicken Pad Thai" which is stir fried noodles with egg, chicken and tamarind paste, savoury crispy noodles, tapioca balls with tofu filling, Thai sweet coconut sticky rice popped with egg custard, grilled salmon and crispy fried shallots as well as shredded coconut and sesame. Another table consisting of fresh fruit beautifully presented and cheese was also available for those adverse to oriental fare as well as wine and fresh fruit juices.
telaviv.thaiembassy.org/en/index
Address: David Marcus St 20, Jerusalem
Phone: 02-560-5755
The Director and staff of Diplomacy.co.il share their good wishes to the Ambassador, to Mr. Nat Prakobsantisuk , to the Embassy Staff and to the people of Thailand on this auspicious occasion
- Details
- Written by Stephen Abrahams
At a photographic exhibition,commemorating the 80th anniversary of the liquidation of the "Kovno Ghetto" entitled "Back to Kaunas", by acclaimed photographer, Mr Michael Shubitz who works for German television as well as being a film artist, was hosted on Sunday,1 September at the Jerusalem theatre by the ambassador of the Republic of Lithuania to the State of Israel,H.E. Mr. Audrius Bruzga in association with the Embassy of Lithuania to Israel,the Lithuanian Institute of Culture,the Association of Lithuanian Expatriates in Israel and the Fristo Stiftung.This exhibition was originally created by Mr. Shubitz for "Kaunas 2022 European Capital of Culture",
One of the most well-known ghettos in the German - occupied east was the Kovno ghetto.Between 1920 and 1939, Kaunas, was the country's capital and largest city.In 1939, it had a Jewsih population of approximately 32 000 which was 1/4 of the city's population.
Soon after occupying the area, German officials established a civilian administration for the local district under SA Major General Hans Kramer.Under his auspices, in July and August 1941, German occupation officials concentrated the remaining Jews, some 35 000 people, in a ghetto established in Slabodka.It was an area of small primitive houses and no running water. After the Ghetto was liberated by the Soviet army on 1 August 1944, 500 Jews survived in forests and bunkers.
Mr. Michael Shubitz,whose Father had miraculously survived the ghetto by giving a false name when taken as a prisoner from the 7th fort to be executed, was saved.This fact was confirmed years later when Mr. Shubitz met Prof. Porat, whose speciality was the "Kovno Ghetto". In addition to the afore -mentioned he was a policeman in the ghetto, who collaborated with the Jewish underground. As mentioned in his speech, this exhibition was a cathartic experience for him as his parents never spoke of their past. The only remnant from the Shubitz family,also on display, was a family photo that survived the war, which included his Father as a boy taken on the occasion of his sister's immigration to Palestine.
Present were survivors of which two spoke.Dr. Shalom Kaplan Eilati spoke passionately in Hebrew saying that the 12 elongated photographs of the survivors' portraits "is a sad memorial to the 220 000 Lithuanian Jews that perished". Of the 25 000 Jews that entered the ghetto, 4 500 survived which accounts for 7%. Of the 5 000 children below the age of 13, that entered the ghetto, only 250 - 300 remained.
Dita Sperling - Zupoich, who celebrated the anniversary of her 102nd birth in April 2024 in Tel Aviv, was unfortunately not present. Aharon Barak, former president of the Supreme Court and Prof. Tzi Garfunkel,a world authority on the "Dead Sea transform" and a renowned former Professor of Geology at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem department of Earth Sciences were also not present.Other prominent figures that survived "Kovno Ghetto" and were not present was a former commander of the U.S. army's prestigious "Green Berets" as well as a former Fire Chief of New York city.
Another survivor, Mrs. Sarah Kupelowitz also spoke and mentioned her experiences.
A moving moment was when I introduced myself to a child survivor. Abracha,who immigrated to Israel four years ago from Chicago.He was accompanied by his son,Eli,an prominent figure at the Ihr David foundation as well as his grandson who recently finished his matriculation exams.
H.E. Mr. Andrius Bruzga.spoke with pathos referring to the ubiquitous posters "Bring Them Home" uniting us into "The Faith of the Family".As a token of appreciation he also presented each survivor with a bouquet of flowers.
Mr. Shai Schnitzer, Honorary Consul of the Republic of Lithuania to the State of Israel and president of :president of S.Schnitzer Diamonds Ltd".in Ramat Gan,N.Y. and Hong Kong and Mr. Dani Dayan, chairman of Yad Vashem also graced us with their presence.
www.diplomacy.co.il cannot sufficiently express their gratitude,thanks and appreciation to the Ambassador and to Mr. Shubitz whose invaluable effort,sacrifice and tenacity actualized this memorable vernissage. Also thanks to Mr. Jonathan Hanig,a professional photographer who worked for no fee and gave us permission to publish his photos.
Photo credit Jonathan Hanig
- Details
- Written by Silvia G. Golan
In order to celebrate Romanian Language Day - one of the most important events in the diplomacy of culture, designed to highlight the diversity and spiritual wealth of various Romanian-speaking communities in the world - the Romanian Institute of Culture from Tel Aviv organized and hosting an event dedicated to the personality and work of the writer Panait Istrati, described by Marin Sorescu as "the first Solzhenitsyn in European literature".
This event took place at the institute, in Romanian and Hebrew, on Monday, September 2
The event was attended by
- The Israeli journalist Benny Ziper, who will talk about his research that he did at the "Panait Istrati" house in the city of Raila - a museum that preserves manuscripts, books with a dedication, rare editions, first editions, documentary photos - documentary
- The Israeli journalist Benny Ziper, who will talk about his research that he did at the "Panait Istrati" house in the city of Raila - a museum that preserves manuscripts, books with a dedication, rare editions, first editions, documentary photos - documentary
material intended for the study of the life and work of Panait Istrati;
- Zamfir Blanc, curator of the "Panait Istrati" museum and deputy director of the city museum in Raila, with a lecture and video on "Panait Istrati and the Jewish world in his time";
- Lucian-Zev Hershkowitz, historian and librarian at the National Library of Israel, with a lecture on "Jewish Aspects in the Panait Istrati Writings".
- Zamfir Blanc, curator of the "Panait Istrati" museum and deputy director of the city museum in Raila, with a lecture and video on "Panait Istrati and the Jewish world in his time";
- Lucian-Zev Hershkowitz, historian and librarian at the National Library of Israel, with a lecture on "Jewish Aspects in the Panait Istrati Writings".
The work of Panait Istrati (1884-1935), written in French and Romanian, has been translated into more than 30 other languages.
In the stories and novels he wrote, he describes the world of the proletariat, whom he knew closely in his city of Braila and in the Danube Delta, where he met a mixture of peoples and religions, as well as in the various cities of Europe he passed through during his life. Among the subjects ,the favorites in his literary work are due to the fascination for the East, which for Istrati was a source of general knowledge and self-knowledge, of liberation and of light. Likewise, wandering and nomadism are also important themes in Istrati's work, since the concept of wandering fits his extroverted, hasty and excited nature. Among his most famous works are "Kira Kirlina", "The Deer of Baragan Field", "Kudin", "The Old Englishman", "Sunrise", "Confession for the Defeated".
"Fanait Istrati was discovered by the French author Romain Rollin in the early 1920s - of the last century.
"Fanait Istrati was discovered by the French author Romain Rollin in the early 1920s - of the last century.
Panait Istrati quickly became one of the most famous writers in the world. Except for a few cases, he wrote his work in French, but kept the atmosphere, thought and features of the Romanian language. Later, he rewrote a large part of his work in his native language.
"He is the writer whose work is marked by love of man and love of freedom - the only human asset for which one must sacrifice everything: money, glory, health, life, and even his personal freedom" - wrote Zamfir Blanc, curator of the "Fanait Istrati" treasure and deputy director of the city museum in Raila.
The Romanian Institute of Culture in Tel Aviv is pleased also to present the exhibition of paintings
"Surrealism, Music and Flowers" by the Romanian-born Israeli artist Paul Simo.
The official opening took place on Thursday July 25 at 18:00 in the presence of the artist and distinguished guests.
Paul Simo is a native of Capilinita (Hergita district) who graduated from the Bard School of Popular Art, Romania. After immigrating to Israel in 1989, he continued to work in the field of art and decorative painting. Paul is an active member of the Netanya Artists Association who exhibited in solo and group exhibitions in Israel and abroad including Romania, Hungary, China, South Korea and the USA and won prestigious awards
The exhibition is open until
24.09.2024
Entry is free but you need to book in advance
For more information and to register for a visit
Tel.: +972-3-696 17 46,
Photo courtesy of The Romanian Institute of Culture in Tel Aviv
- Details
- Written by Silvia G. Golan
The Nymphs and Goddesses Rise to Life:
Wall paintings of stunning beauty from the Roman period discovered in Ashkelon are being revealed and made publicly accessible for the first time
These paintings decorating ancient tombs of wealthy people were discovered decades ago, but few people ever saw them. Now, they are preserved near the city’s marina by Israel Antiquities Authority conservation experts, funded by the Ashkelon Municipality, as part of the overall development of the city’s many archaeological gems
Two vaulted tombs, at least 1,700 years old, displaying magnificent wall paintings rarely found in Israel, of Greek mythological characters, people, plants and animals, will soon be revealed to the public for the first time. This work is one product of the broad cooperation between the Ashkelon Municipality and the Israel Antiquities Authority to develop and integrate the city’s exceptional heritage assets into its public areas, for the well-being of both residents and visitors.
These ancient vaulted structures are located near Ashkelon’s marina, in a public area situated in-between residential towers. The municipality decided to make the site publicly accessible, and consequently this previously-neglected area was turned into an inviting public garden containing the two tombs – even a mere glimpse inside immediately opens a window into an ancient and fascinating world.
Ashkelon Mayor, Tomer Glam, says: “Ashkelon is one of the world’s oldest cities, and as we shape and design the city's future, we ensure a place of honor to its glorious and rich past. In recent years we have made a real revolution in the realm of historical site preservation. We made sites accessible to the city's residents and to the general public, and then organized events and produced educational, cultural and touristic programs with the aim of connecting the city's history to its present. This is the appropriate moment to thank Deputy Mayor Miri Altit for her comprehensive professional work in this endeavor, and to thank the Israel Antiquities Authority for this cooperation of such immense importance, helping us position Ashkelon as Israel’s City of Antiquities.”
The site was found way back in the 1930s, about 300 meters from the beach; a sand-filled vaulted tomb. The tomb structure was excavated by a British expedition and dated to the early 4th century CE, and it is comprised of a hall with four adjacent burial troughs. This passageway is decorated by a range of paintings, impressive in quality and skill, and include depictions such as that of Demeter – the Greek mythological goddess of the earth and grain. Other images are of plants such as vines and grape clusters; different types of leaves and branches; and depictions of nymphs – mythological figures related to nature; their heads adorned with lotus plant wreaths, and holding pitchers from which water pours out. There are also various birds, deer; children picking bunches of grapes and gathering them into baskets; a figure playing Pan’s flute; and a
wide range of many other images – mostly notably, Medusa the Gorgon’s head— a monstrous female face with hair made of snakes. In Greek mythology, her look turned those who gazed on her to stone.
Another vaulted and decorated tomb in the public garden was relocated here from another Ashkelon site already in the 1990s, to ensure its preservation. This tomb, uncovered in the excavation of Dr. Elena Kogan-Zehavi—Israel Antiquities Authority, dates from the 2nd century CE. In the building’s center is a hall whose walls are decorated with colorful paintings of human figures, birds and other images from the animal and plant worlds. Around the hall are vaulted loculi, in which lead coffins were discoveredף decorated with human, animals and vegetative images.
In recent months, these structures and their decorations have been preserved through a complex process executed by Vladimir Bitman, David Kirakosian, Alexei Ronkin and Yoni Tirosh HaCohen, conservation department experts at the Israel Antiquities Authority. According to Mark Abrahami, head of the Israel Antiquities Authority’s art conservation branch, “Ancient wall paintings are usually not preserved in Israel’s humid climate. As the paintings were in a relatively closed structure it protected them, to some extent, for decades. Naturally, exposure of the centuries-old paint to air and moisture caused fading and weathering. We had to conduct a long and sensitive process to stop and repair the ravages of time and weathering. Some paintings had to be removed from the walls for thorough treatment in the Israel Antiquities Authority's conservation laboratories, until they were returned to the site. The other walls of the structure were cleaned, the pigments in the colors of the paintings were accentuated, and the entire building was strengthened and stabilized to preserve it for future generations."
In recent years, the Ashkelon Municipality has invested considerable resources in the care and development of the city’s ancient sites in cooperation with the Israel Antiquities Authority. Among other works, a large public park was opened in the new Wine City neighborhood, with an ancient industrial site at its heart. This complex includes winepresses and olive presses, warehouses, a bathhouse and more. A mosaic on Yekutiel Adam Street is also conserved and preserved right next to a playground, unique in that it incorporates archaeological elements. The well-known sarcophagus courtyard, a public display of dozens of impressive and rare items found throughout in the city, has been upgraded. A display of beautiful ancient artifacts was set up on Kadesh Boulevard, and more.
When the public garden is opened for the upcoming holidays, residents of Ashkelon, Israeli visitors and tourists will be able to gaze in wonder and enjoy the beauty of these rare paintings and thus learn about the fascinating past history of this bustling modern port city.
According to Eli Escusido, Israel Antiquities Authority Director, “The city of Ashkelon is one of the first cities in Israel that are wisely acting to leverage the enormous potential in values and aesthetics embodied within its heritage assets. Ashkelon is an example of how the integration of ancient findings into the urban fabric – in collaboration with the Israel Antiquities Authority, in a manner that imparts additional worth to and provokes interest in its public spaces. I am so very
pleased that finally – thanks to this valuable cooperation with the Ashkelon Municipality and the professional work of our conservators, Ashkelon’s residents and visitors will soon be able to enjoy the striking and extraordinary view of these decorated tombs.”
According to Mirey Altit, Ashkelon Deputy Mayor and Head of Historical Site Conservation in the Ashkelon Municipality, “Together with Mayor Tomer Glam, we made and continue to make a revolution in the field of historical site preservation in our city. Alongside the conservation work in collaboration with the Antiquities Authority, we are taking the care to make the historical sites accessible to the general public, to develop their surroundings and to conduct educational and cultural activities in them. We invite you to come to the city and enjoy everything Ashkelon has to offer, including in the sphere of antiquities and archaeology."
Video with English subtitles https://youtu.be/bgHe5UJkzIU
Photography: Emil Aladjem, Israel Antiquities Authority
Dr. Elena Kogan-Zehavi, Israel Antiquities Authority, who uncovered one of the tombs about 30 years ago, standing in the tombs after their preservation
