Diplomatic Events

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Written by Silvia G. Golan & G N

Published: 06 October 2024

Upon arrival, guests were welcomed in for a beautiful reception, which included traditional music, arts, folklore, crafts and greasing from regions of Uzbekistan, with performances that highlight the community’s rich cultural heritage. Guests were treated to classical instrumental performances using traditional instruments like the Doyra”-The doyra musical instrument is considered one of the oldest percussion instruments and is used in ritual ceremonies by the Uzbek people. The doyra musical instrument belongs to the group of percussion instruments, along with Shashmaqam singing, a musical genre native to Central Asia. The round table was decorated with flowers, dry fruits, and Challah that covered almost half of that table. As a little-known country, Uzbekistan’s Food and Eating Etiquette can be somehow different from the traditional Food Rules of other places. Below you are going to find some most popular “rules & traditions of eating culture in Uzbekistan”. Uzbek food is the most varied and colorful in Central Asia. Being located on the crossroads of the Silk Road, the food of Uzbekistan has been strongly influenced by the traditional meals of various countries. Unlike Chinese or Indian food, Uzbek cuisine is never too spicy but the moderate use of spices makes it very flavorful. The bread is sacred in Uzbek culture and it is the king of Uzbekistan's food. Due to traditional serve the sweets was on the tables from the beginning of the evening together with the salads, together with traditional bakhsh, plot the traditional dish , Sansa and , dolma. The atmosphere which transfer guests at the deep Uzbekistan culture.

Following the reception, guests entered the main hall, where the gala dinner was served. Live music was played in the background, and folklore stories were told by the brothers Ronen and Chai Davidoff, Etti Jun, Yitzchak Elazarov, and Shimon Fultov. A video presentation was displayed on the large screens around the hall, tracing the evolution of the community over 150 years in Israel.

The gala offered an authentic Bukhari dining experience. Dishes like Plov (rice pilaf with meat and spices), Burekas, fish, salads, spreadings, carpaccio, various types of kebabs, and beef stew were served, reflecting the community’s traditional Central Asian roots. Wine selection included red and white wine, and other cold beverages were offered too.

The ceremonial part was narrated by N12 journalist Mr. Elad Simchayoff, who delivered opening remarks as a member of the Bukhari community . The Honorable President of the State of Israel, Mr. Itzhak Hertzog, delivered his speech on video, recognizing the contribution of the Union of Boucharian Jews , the establishment, and the development of Israel in all aspects of society. The President Herzog also mentioned in his speech that living on the silk-route, Central Asia’s Bukharan Jews oscillated between periods of contact with the wider Jewish world and periods when their political situation prevented travel and trade. In modern history Bukharan Jews left Uzbekistan and Tajikistan in very large numbers when the borders reopened in 1989 and the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991. Locals suffered instability due to economic chaos and weaknesses in the changing state welfare systems, including social security and health insurance. As an ethnic minority, most of whom were not highly proficient in the Uzbek language, Jews were also largely excluded from the project of nation building; they were not admitted to universities, and many were let go from their state-sponsored places of employment. As non-Muslims, Jews were further marked and stigmatized as outsiders. In neighboring Tajikistan, which was experiencing a long-standing civil war, the situation of Bukharan Jews was even more precarious. By 1993, approximately half of the region’s 50,000 Jews had left; most for Israel or the United States, and some for Austria, Germany and Canada.

While no solid statistics are available, community leaders and the press report that 125,000 Bukharan Jews live in Israel and 75,000 in the United States; among them many are the children and grandchildren of immigrants from Central Asia. 

Another keynote speaker was Mr. Yaakov Hagoel, Chairman of the Executive of the World Zionist Organization. In his speech, Haguel emphasized the pivotal role that the Bukhari Aliyah has played throughout the long history of Aliyah to Israel. He mentioned that the Bukhari Aliyah should be recognized as a role model for the fulfillment of Jewish values and the Zionist movement.

A few important blessings were prayed; Varda Ben-Baruch, the grandmother of Idan Alexander, an IDF soldier who got kidnapped to Gaza on Oct. 7th, prayed for the return of all hostages back home; “Flowers of Jerusalem” youth band sang a prayer for the well-being of the IDF soldiers. The main artistic pieces were given by the Raanana Symphony, conducted by Mr. Gil Shochat, with the beautiful singing of the Kolana Yerucham choir,  Ms. Liraz Charchi, and the main performer, the distinguished singer Mr. David Dauer.

The ceremony also gave a stage to honor the notable Bukhari individuals and families who have made significant contributions to Israeli society, whether in business, politics, culture, or community service. One outstanding individual is Mr. Joseph Bar Natan, the existing President of the Union of Boukharian Jews, who delivered his final remarks as President. His remarks, which depicted decades of unprecedented work and contribution, were followed by passing the torch to the new President of the Union, Mr. Moti Kozahinof, who gave his inaugural speech. 

 

Another notable individual who joined the formers on stage was Prof. Eduard Yakubov, the President of the Holon Institute of Technology (HIT) in Israel. Under his leadership, HIT has become a prominent academic institution specializing in science, technology, and design. Prof. Yakubov is a renowned mathematician with extensive research in the fields of mathematical models, applied mathematics, and cybernetics. HIT Holon Institute of Technology President Professor Eduard Yakubov in his speech pay attention of the Boucharian community mailstons: tolerance and education . “ Today, Central Asia is an "island of stability" in an unstable world. Friendship and peace exist there among people from different backgrounds.