Ambassador Doulat Kuanyshev

December 2015

4-7 Ambassador Doulat Kuanyshev: prospects for cooperation between Kazakhstan and Israel 8-10 President Rivlin receives diplomatic credentials of new ambassadors to Israel 11-18 Be Well in Israel conference 20-27 Israeli healthcare review Dear friends, 2015 was an eventful year, during which We wish you all the joy and happiness all of us fostered hope for peace.We for the next year. We want you to enjoy wish the Middle East a happier 2016, peace and prosperity, and live happily focused on peace and development, where with good health and familial pleasures. hatred dissolves and harmony blooms. No matter what you need, you may come to us for suggestions. Merry Christmas! According to Christian tradition, We also hope that all the political and Bethlehem is the birthplace of Jesus of economic problems will be solved Nazareth and the town is inhabited by as soon as possible. We wish that no one of the oldest Christian communities more bombs would fall in the Middle in the world, though the size of the East and other parts on this planet! We community has shrunk in recent years are sure that some of these wishes are due to emigration. According to Biblical just dreams, but we are also sure that tradition, the city is also believed to be the sometimes dreams can become true. So birthplace of David and the location where don’t stop to believe in it. he was crowned as the king of Israel. Happy New Year! Happy Holidays! New Year is one of the best festivities of Julia Verdel and The Diplomatic Club team the year. This event is treated specially by people across all the cross-sections of life, all round the world, even though a certain degree of trepidation is always attached to it. New Year 2016 will surely be no different. Each of us would weave a veil of fantasy and contemplate about the high and low tides that may affect our life in the next year. We at The Diplomatic Club will be your friend in need, through the thick and thin all- round the year.

Interview Ambassador Doulat Kuanyshev: prospects for cooperation between Kazakhstan and Israel By Eveline Erfolg clear that European standards Prime Minister to Kazakhstan. We are being implemented, and the hope that this visit will be historic, fact that Israel is a member of not only because it will take place the OECD is appropriate. towards the celebrations of the 25th anniversary of our relations So much for personal impressions; in 2017; I believe it can give a now, in terms of professional certain impetus to their further experience, here I have a very deepening. good understanding and cooperation with my direct partners from Kazakhstan has close and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. consistent cooperation with I also interacted with Israeli Israel; we are linked by intensive diplomats before I had been bilateral economic and trade posted here, in India and in various relations, as well as common other countries, even during my activities within the framework first mission as a young diplomat of the UN, CICA, WTO and other A year ago Doulat Orazbekovich in 1992-94 in Turkey. I always international formats. Kuanyshev was appointed as enjoyed good relations with Ambassador Plenipotentiary of Israeli diplomats; they are very Historically, Kazakhstan has been the Republic of Kazakhstan to professional and responsive a place of great diversity. While the State of Israel. A historian, a partners. the country is predominantly teacher, a translator of Spanish Muslim, we have 17 different and Portuguese, and all-in-all a Essentially, I was impressed and faith groups living in peaceful very pleasant man, he agreed to puzzled by the scope of work co-existence and freedom, as answer a few questions and share that needs to be done here. At guaranteed by our Constitution. some of his perspectives and the same time, on a personal level, We are proud to be a multi-ethnic, insights on a variety of subjects. Israel is definitely something multi-cultural country, and our worth seeing. In addition to the forward-looking tolerance and DC: Doulat Orazbekovich, is it textbook places in Jerusalem hospitality have been recognized difficult to be an ambassador to and Bethlehem, my wife and I, by many world leaders and Israel? together with our son, also visit traditional confessions. other beautiful places, such as Ein DK: Well, in terms of, say, Hod, Caesarea and Zichron Yaakov. personal comfort we are fine. My We founded the Congress of the Leaders of World and Traditional family and I have settled in well, DC: Israel and Kazakhstan, Religions in Astana that plays and we feel great. Naturally, the were the majority is Muslim, significant role in preventing first thing one notices when one established diplomatic relations divisions, as well as enhancing comes to Israel, after hearing in 1992, and the countries have openness and cooperation so much specific news about formed strong ties since. How between traditional faiths and this country, is that the situation would you describe the different ethnic groups. The is not as tense as it was thought current state of Kazakh-Israel Congress provides platforms to be. If we speak in terms of relations? for dialogue and cooperation to personal impressions, I was here promote peace and stability. In three times before, yet so much DK: Kazakh and Israeli relations this regards, it is necessary to say has changed. The country has are very developed; it is sufficient that the Israeli Chief Ashkenazi become more beautiful, greener, to say that on the agendatoday and Sephardic Rabbis participated it is obvious. In general, it is is the first ever visit of an Israeli in these events. 4 Interview DC: Both countries, Israel and and poultry farming projects DK: In 2014, Kazakhstan became Kazakhstan, report ongoing in Kazakhstan. In addition, the a part of the Eurasian Economic bilateral trade across a world leader in water treatment Union (EEU), alongside Russia, widerange of economic sectors. solutions IDE Technologies, for Belarus, Kyrgyzstan and What are the general prospects several years has been working in Armenia. The EEU will act, not in for mutual cooperation? the western region of Kazakhstan, competition with Europe, but in a providing technical solutions for way that we believe will serve the DK: Israel is ranked 5lh water supply in rural areas. interests of both sides. among Asian trade partners of Kazakhstan. Our mutual trade We are extremely interested Recently, during the EEU summit turnover amounted to nearly $1.6 in enhancing and widening in Kazakhstan, the organization’s billion in 2014. Over the last cooperation in high-tech, leaders have decided to start a decade, Israel business investment agriculture and medicine. Only negotiation process on creating in our economy amounted to $212 for the last year more than 100 a free trade zone agreement with million. 270 joint companies are Kazakhstan doctors and nurses Israel, which expressed interest operating in various industries of underwent medical training in launching such negotiations. Kazakhstan’s market. courses and internships at leading We believe that a new agreement Israeli medical centers and clinics. will be aimed at removing trade The main items of Kazakhstan’s barriers between countries – export market are crude oil, One of the opportunities to expand members of EEU and Israel, and ferrous and non-ferrous metals, our bilateral economic relations will increase trade balance and and cereals. In the same time, could be a new economic policy Kazakhstan imports agricultural “Nurly Zhol” (“The Path to the investment flow to the EEU. products, industrial equipment Future”) declared by President N. The EEU offers great and pharmaceutical products. Nazarbayev in November 2014. Nevertheless, we believe that “Nurly Zhol” is a response to opportunities for Israeli business. the potential of our relations the challenges of external factors This single market includes more is not fully realized, due to related to the fall in energy prices, than 170 million consumers and the fact that so far, Israeli the deepening global economic a unified legislative code, which partners were hesitant and did crisis, as well as the “war of functions based on the WTO not risk investing in Kazakh sanctions” between the West and norms, and is harmonized with projects. For Kazakhstan, the Russia. Among the seven priorities the macroeconomic policy areas, concept of economic and trade of the Program: the development competition rules, technical cooperation is closely linked to of transport and logistics, industry regulation systems, transports, the investment aspect, because it and innovation, energy, housing as well as natural monopolies’ allows the creation of long-term, and utilities, social infrastructure, tariffs, agricultural and industrial fundamental relations, which as well as support for small and subsidies. surely reflects the seriousness of medium enterprises. In this intentions. regard, Kazakhstan invites Israeli DC: Kazakhstan’s foreign companies to take active part policy is aimed at the Israel is one of the world’s in implementation of the development of widespread leading nations for innovation and infrastructure development technology, and it takes a leading cooperation with the countries projects related to the initiatives of Europe, Asia, America and position in the areas of water of the President of Kazakhstan. desalination and agricultural the Muslim states. As your industries. There is huge potential DC: Kazakhstan doesn’t view country pushes forward with of mutual cooperation for membership in the Eurasian building multifaceted ties, how Israeli and Kazakhstan business Economic Union as mutually will it maintain the balance it and companies. The leading exclusive to strong economic has struck with the key players Israeli agricultural companies relations with the European in the region, namely Russia, are implementing greenhouse Union. Your comment, please. the U.S. and China? 5 Interview DK: Last year Kazakhstan joined countries, pointing to the EEU as contribute to strengthening the the World Trade Organization an engine for cooperation in the international security system. (WTO) and assumed a variety economic realm. Our President Kazakhstan welcomed the of corresponding obligations has insisted on EEU without Joint Comprehensive Plan of regarding trade liberalization, political constraints. Despite Action over the Iranian nuclear while protecting those economic economic and financial hardships, program approved by group of sectors vital for Kazakhstan as a result of volatility of national international mediators: the U.S., during the transitional period, currencies, Western sanctions Russia, China, France, the U.K. so that they can develop in against Russia and low commodity and Germany this year. We hope conditions of fair competition, prices, our countries managed to that they would unite to fight in accordance with international retain the high intensity of trade against terrorism posing a serious standards. and economic relations. threat to the entire civilized world. In addition, I would like to As for the EU – it remains The US is Kazakhstan’s close draw your attention to the Kazakh Kazakhstan’s largest trade partner in developing the country’s President’s speech at the UN partner. Trade between energy market. Kazakhstan’s Leaders’ Summit on Countering Kazakhstan and Europe reached government welcomes foreign ISIS and Violent Extremism $53 billion, while European investors to develop these mineral in September, 2015. President companies are the source of half resources. The US has supported N. Nazarbayev underlined that of the $200 billion of foreign Kazakhstan’s entry into the WTO. we need to establish a UN led direct investment in our country The US benefits from our “multi- counterterrorism coalition and over the past 20 years. Last year, vector” policy which focuses develop a common mechanism we concluded talks with the EU on strengthening cooperative for tracing, detention and on an enhanced Partnership and relations with major players, extradition of the adherents of violent extremism and terrorism. Cooperation Agreement, marking promoting geopolitical pluralism UN resolutions and decisions on a new era in our relationship, and and resisting the hegemonic countering violent extremism signed documents associated with ambitions of leading powers. should have legally binding Kazakhstan’s accession to the nature. They must be reviewed WTO. DC: Both Kazakhstan and and adopted by the Security Israel support the efforts of Council. China has become a major player the international community across Eurasia. Today, Beijing is to strengthen regional safety The situation in the Middle East more than ever, has the ability and dialogue between nations. has remained a destabilizing factor to access strategic resources and The threat of terrorism for Global security. Kazakhstan communications with Europe supports the legitimate right of via Central Asia, Russia and the in Kazakhstan plays an increasingly important role in the Palestinian people for self- Arctic. The involvement of China determination, and stands for a its relations with Israel. Your in the affairs of Central Asia fair solution of the problem of is growing and, consequently comment, please. Palestinian refugees, as well as increasing its impact on the creation of an independent State economy, politics and security DC: Kazakhstan hosted two of Palestine. At the same time, of the region. The Silk Road rounds of successful talks to Kazakhstan condemns terrorism Economic Belt provides a platform find agreement over Iran’s in all its forms and manifestations for the further acceleration of nuclear program. As a state with and, in this regard, supports China’s economic cooperation with a strong commitment to the the aspiration of Israel to live Central Asian countries. nonproliferation regime, we have in security and recognize its legitimate right to fight against consistently advocated for the Russia and Kazakhstan form the terrorism by the most resolute action. core of the Eurasian integration solution of the situation around process and heads of states Iran’s nuclear program by political Kazakhstan also supports the underline the close ties between and diplomatic means, which will efforts made by the UN, the 6 Interview League of Arab States, the US, DC: This month, the flag of diplomatic relations, promoting Russia and other stakeholders, to the International Exhibitions discussions on international resolve the crisis through genuine Bureau was delivered to trade and commerce, and hosting political dialog between Syrian Astana. What do you expect debates on key global topics. authorities and the opposition, from EXPO 2017? aimed at a peaceful future without Israel has officially confirmed violence and bloodshed. In 2015 DK: Kazakhstan supports the UN its participation in EXPO 2017. initiative “Sustainable Energy for In this regard, we appreciate the Kazakhstan hosted two meetings All,” and this is why the theme of Israeli government for its support of Syrian opposition leaders, the next international exposition of Kazakhstan’s initiative, and which provided an opportunity to in Astana is Future Energy. With believe that Israeli participation discuss the political situation in the growth of the global economy, in EXPO 2017 will bring mutual Syria and possible solutions, such the problem of access to modern benefits for both countries. Israel as the creation of a provisional technology and energy resources is one of the leading countries government. The negotiations is becoming increasingly urgent. in the area of new technologies were based on Geneva principles By the year 2020, energy imports and innovations, and EXPO in finding a solution, the to Asian countries will reach 80%. 2017 opens and expands condemnation of all forms of These facts have contributed new opportunities for Israeli terrorism and a collective call to Kazakhstan’s determination companies and business. to end foreign paramilitary to be a proactive provider of involvement. global energy. At the same I believe that EXPO 2017 will time, it is essential to focus on help bolster Kazakhstan’s role It is necessary to eliminate alternative energy sources and the as a Central Asian leader in the primary cause of violent development of environmentally promoting the need to develop extremism and not only deal with friendly technologies. responsible, sustainable energy policies. In addition, the initiative the consequences. States must EXPO 2017 will run from 10 will establish Kazakhstan as a reject unconstitutional and illegal June to 20 September, during global leader on the challenge of actions by any forces in whatever that time Kazakhstan will future energies, and it will serve country that would lead to the host delegations from over as a catalyst for the country’s destruction of statehood. 100 countries, strengthening transition to a «green» economy.

7 Events President Rivlin welcomes new ambassadors to Israel

H.E Mr. Peter Hulenyi, Ambassador of Slovakia H.E Mr. Periyasamy Pillai Selvaraj, Ambassador to Israel of Sri Lanka to Israel ecently, H.E Mr. Peter Hulenyi, presented his "From the moment I arrived in Israel, I felt at home. The R credentials to the President who welcomed him and connection between our peoples is very important, and said, "Slovakia is one of Israel’s closest allies in Europe. we wish to widen our cooperation especially in the fields On my visit to Bratislava as Speaker of the Knesset, I was of tourism, agriculture, and industry. I wish to take this greatly impressed by the strong connection between the opportunity to thank you for the good relations between Jewish community and the Jewish people, to Slovakia. our peoples, and the express my hope that they will go I appreciate greatly your support in the international from strength to strength in the future." arena and especially your efforts to prevent Palestinian unilateral moves." The President concluded, "I hope you mbassador of Uruguay, H.E. Mr. Nestor Alejandro Rosa Navarro presented his credentials to the and your wife will feel at home here in Israel." A President, who welcomed him and said, "The relationship Ambassador Hulenyi thanked the President, and began between Uruguay and the Zionist movement goes back in Hebrew to note, "It is a great honor for me to be here over 100 years; and we appreciate that Uruguay was one today." He continued, "Today is the 2nd November, both of the first countries to recognize the State of Israel." as the anniversary of the Balfour Declaration, and the day He added, "We also appreciate greatly the firm stand on which I present my credentials – is one of the most Uruguay has taken against the violence and incitement important days of my life. It is quite incredible to see against Israel." what your country has achieved in such a short time." He spoke of the cooperation and bilateral relations between the countries and said, "I see great potential in our economic cooperation. While we are both small countries, we are powers - you of innovation, and we of production in many fields." The President responded by saying, "The great achievements of Slovakia in the last two decades are testament to the potential of our cooperation." mbassador of Sri Lanka, H.E Mr. Periyasamy Pillai A Selvaraj presented his credentials to the President who congratulated him on his appointment and said, "There are great similarities between the ways our countries are made up of many communities. We know H.E. Mr. Nestor Alejandro Rosa Navarro, very well how hard you have worked, and what you have Ambassador of Uruguay to Israel achieved for the sake of your people and your nation, and Ambassador Navarro responded by thanking the President we would be pleased to see the ties between us strengthen, and said, "The warm relationship between our two people and through cooperation, reach achievements of which has a long history, and we are committed to working to we will both be proud." deepen the good relations between us through economic Ambassador Selvaraj thanked the President and said, and cultural cooperation." 8 Events mbassador of Norway, H.E Mr. Jon Hanssen-Bauer and Ireland are so similar. Ireland, like Israel, is a A presented his credentials to the President. President beautiful country, filled with a mix of tradition and Rivlin welcomed him and said, "I know that you have faith. I want to express my high regard for the ongoing much experience and understanding of this region, and economic, cultural, and academic cooperation between the need to ensure the security of the citizens of Israel in our countries." order to bring an end to the conflict with the Palestinians. We want to live in peace, not just with a peace treaty."

H.E. Ms. Alison Kelly, Ambassador of Ireland to Israel H.E Mr. Jon Hanssen-Bauer, Ambassador of The President noted that the Ambassador had arrived Norway to Israel during a very difficult period, and that stressed that Israel The President went on to speak about the relations between was committed to the status-quo on the Temple Mount, the two countries, and said, "There is much potential for and said, "Israel has no war with Islam, and we have cooperation between our countries, especially in the no intention to change the status-quo agreement on the fields of innovation and energy – where we can work to Temple Mount – we have not, and will not change one find solutions to benefit the whole world." letter of the agreement." He added, "Today, the world is smaller than ever, and Ambassador Kelly thanked the President for his warm what happens in one region has an impact on the whole welcome and noted she was deeply honored to be world. The situation the Middle East has resulted in representing Ireland in Israel. She spoke of the expansion hundreds of thousands of refugees, and the world must in the bilateral relations between the two countries and work together to find a solution to this human tragedy." said, "My team and I will continue to work to strengthen and expand the cooperation between our countries, Ambassador Hanssen-Bauer thanked the President and especially in the fields of technology and medical said, "I want to convey the deep appreciation of King and advances, among others." Government of Norway. This year we mark 65 years of diplomatic relations between our two countries, of which we are very proud. Our cooperation has grown over the years, and this year alone there has been an increase of 20% in our investment in Israel, which is out of a faith in the strength of the Israeli economy. I see great importance in my role to increase and expand the relations between our countries." The Ambassador added, «We are proud of the fact that we hosted the Oslo Accords, and are very aware of the difficulties since. We are here in order to assist in the reaching of an agreement which will bring peace and security to Israel. I want to express my deep appreciation for your personal efforts to strengthen Israel as a democratic and Jewish state, and to protect equal H.E Mr. Osman Keh Kamara, Ambassador of rights and opportunities for all the citizens of Israel. We Sierra Leone to Israel recognize that the values, upon which Israel was built, are on-resident Ambassador of Sierra Leone, H.E Mr. the same values upon which Norway was built." NOsman Keh Kamara presented his credentials to the mbassador of Ireland, H.E Ms. Alison Kelly, President who welcomed him warmly and said, "I want A presented her credentials to the President who to express my appreciation for the good relations between welcomed her warmly and said, "In many ways, Israel our countries, which we see expressed in the many 9 Events citizens of Sierra Leone who participate in the Ministry ollowing, Ambassador of Slovenia H.E. MS. Barbara of Foreign Affair’s Mashav program." F Susnik presented her diplomatic credentials to the President, who congratulated her on her appointment and Ambassador Kamara said, "Thank you for your warm said, "We greatly appreciate the good relations between words about my country. You have helped us immensely our countries, and we are proud to have been among the in our struggle against Ebola, and in the development first nations to recognize Slovenia’s independence." of dialysis treatment. I want to express my deepest appreciation for your help. I will do all in my power to Ambassador Susnik expressed her condolences over the ensure that my time as Ambassador to Israel will serve to passing of Fifth President of Israel Yitzhak Navon, and strengthen and further the ties and cooperation between spoke with the President about the historic and significant our countries." friendship between Israel and Slovenia.

H.E. Mr. Alexander Petrovich Shein, Ambassador of Russia to Israel H.E. Mr. Werner Matias Romero Guerra, Ambassador of El Salvador to Israel he Ambassador of Russia H.E. Mr. Alexander T Petrovich Shein has also presented his diplomatic ext, Ambassador of El Salvador H.E. MR. Werner credentials to the President. President Rivlin began, "I NMatias Romero Guerra, presented his diplomatic want to express my deepest sympathies to the families of credentials, and said, "Throughout the years, Israel has those who perished in the plane disaster in the Sinai. Our been by our side, through good and bad times. It is a great thoughts with their families and all the Russian people at honor for me to represent my country in Israel, and work this time." He went on to add, "We live in a small world, to strengthen our bilateral ties in many fields." where an event in one region can affect the world. We understand Russia’s strategic concerns, while we need to be aware of all that is going on around us. The name of the game is security - without security, we will never be able to move the process forward." Russian Ambassador Shein thanked the President for his welcome and noted, "President Putin sees Israel as a very important partner in the Middle East, and Russia is keen to widen our bilateral relations with Israel – there is much potential for cooperation in the areas of hi-tech, culture, agriculture, and more."

H.E. Dr. Bardhyl Canaj, Ambassador of Albania to Israel inally, Ambassador of Albania, H.E. DR. Bardhyl FCanaj presented his diplomatic credentials to the President and invited him to visit Albania, noting that the President was "well known in Albania and the media followed his activities and statements closely." The President thanked him for the invitation, and wished him much success in his new role.

H.E. Ms. Barbara Susnik, Ambassador of Slovenia to Israel 10 Events Holiday Bazaar Raises Nearly NIS 60K for Beit Uri Residence The event, Beit Uri’s largest fundraiser of the year, was organized by members of the diplomatic corps living in Israel: Mrs. Maria Kuglitsch, Ms. Jean Murphy, Mrs. Ane Vahr, Mrs. Kaori Matusomi and Ms. Mary Knight-spouses of Ambassadors Host Jean Murphy, second from left, thanked from Austria (recently departed,) Yossi Shachar, Director of Beit Uri and the Beit Uri choir for their EU, Denmark, Japan, and the U.S. passionate member of the choir, welcomed shoppers and explained the mission of Beit Uri. performance and Beit Uri’s staff for their Deputy Ambassador, respectively. dedicated work which enriches On hearing of the bazaar, Mrs. Rivlin the lives of residents and the community at It was hosted by Jean Murphy and large. Pictured left to right: her husband EU Ambassador Lars reiterated the importance of the work Elina Durian, choir masterJean Murphy Hezi, Faaborg-Andersen in Herzliya done by Beit Uri and expressed a resident at Beit Uri who makes beautiful Pituach. appreciation for the generosity of its handmade paper and works of art Jeanette Beit Uri opened in 1969 on a large many supporters. On the Hill Café Koll, parent supporter in charge of fundraising products were a big hit—more than and development at Beit Uri tract of land in Afula, and today is home to more than 100 youth and 300 packages of pastries, preserves The Beit Uri Residence for the adults with a wide range of mental and olives were sold, made in their Mentally Challenged held its annual and physical challenges. Residents, own kitchens by residents. holiday bazaar Friday, Nov. 27, Beit Uri is growing, and constructing organized by diplomats living in a new assisted-living residence. With Israel. Thanks to gorgeous weather a one-to-one ratio of committed and a record number of supporters, care-givers to a population whose the event raised almost 60,000 abilities range from high functioning shekels. The bazaar featured an to constant monitoring, the financial impressive number of crafts, foods and artistic creations, produced at Beit Uri by the residents themselves. The designs were their own, the Candle-maker Zeevi with his instructor Aliza workmanship their own, and even Almagor many of the raw materials were aged 6 to 60, live with hearing cultivated at Beit Uri. and visual problems, behavioral Event goers commented on the high disorders, Down Syndrome, autism and other compromised abilities; Olives, fruits and With rock-star but they positively thrive with the pastries, picked and confidence, Hezi education, care giving and myriad prepared by Beit Uri spoke about his paper- activities which are accessible to residents, were among making to Stella them at the village. the most popular Seroussi, member products at the Beit Uri of the International Beit Uri’s “On the Hill” Café is Bazaar. Women’s Club in Israel. a unique project managed at the Choir members perform at the Beit Uri holiday outlay is extensive and needs are bazaar in Herzliya Pituach residential home, where high- great. The organization gladly hosts functioning residents prepare and quality and artistic expression in visitors to their village of hope, serve delicious meals at the dairy products like candles, handmade and seeks grants and charitable kosher café daily for both individuals paper, ceramics, baskets, wood contributions. and groups. Over the last two years, carvings and weavings, and Beit Uri the café has welcomed its nearby Also unique is Beit Uri’s governance residents themselves competed with neighbors, the business community, by anthroposophic principles, which each other for sales, in friendly play educational constituents, diplomatic encourages residents’ observance with shoppers. visitors and the Israeli President’s and awareness of the natural world A special feature was a mini concert wife, Mrs. Nehama Rivlin, who around them. Residents live close to performed by residents singing and was moved by the “loving and nature-whether hiking in the woods, playing instruments, led by choir nurturing environment of Beit Uri” growing organic herbs in a large master Elina Durian, and Yossi and announced the promotion of productive garden, or shearing their Shachar, director of Beit Uri. It was mentally challenged communities as own farm animals for wool, to use in joyful and heartwarming, and didn’t one of her goals. their delightful handmade crafts. leave a dry eye in the house. 11 Events Documentary Film on the Philippine Sanctuary for Jews Premiered at the Yad Vashem

The one-hour documentary recounts how President Manuel L. Quezon, the five Frieder brothers Philip, Henry, Alex, Morris, and Herbert, then US High Commissioner to the Philippines Paul McNutt, and then Army Colonel Dwight Eisenhower - men of different backgrounds, yet "It is my hope, and indeed my expectation, united by their moral courage to help others in need - that the People of the Philippines will have, helped 1,300 Jews escape the Nazis and immigrate to the in the future, every reason to be glad that Philippines. At a time when many countries shut their when the time of need came, their country doors or circumstances made it desperately hard for Jews was willing to extend a hand of welcome." to escape with their lives, these men embarked on a plan of rescue and settlement in the Philippines, risking their President Manuel L. Quezon reputations and careers, simply because they believed it was the right thing to do.

Ambassador Imperial speaks about President Quezon's moral courage to help Jewish refugees during the premiere screening. President Quezon ordered an "Open Door Policy" initially allowing up to 10,000 European Jews to enter the Philippines. He went further by donating a land he owned in Marikina (outside Manila) for settlement and lobbying more land for Jewish refugees in Mindanao. As the Philippines was then a Commonwealth Government subject to US policies on visas, High Commissioner McNutt took on the task of convincing the US to keep the Philippine borders open and issue thousands of working visas for Jews. The Frieder brothers worked on raising funds to transport Jewish refugees to Manila, providing them jobs in the brothers' cigar factory, and building housing and schools for their children. During the program, Philippine Ambassador to Israel Neal Imperial said that the event was purposely held in November to coincide with the anniversary month of the "Kristallnacht" (Night of Broken Glass) and show that 77 years ago the Filipinos were in solidarity with the European Jews, expressing outrage at the racism and "Rescue in the Philippines: Refuge from the Holocaust", inhumanity of the Nazis and their sympathizers through a film documenting the story of 1,300 Jews fleeing the a large indignation rally held in Manila in 1938, when Holocaust and finding a safe haven in the Philippines, other countries chose to be silent. was screened for the first time in Israel on November 2015 at the Yad Vashem.

12 Events Diplomatic delegation of embassies of Africa visits Kaplan Hospital in Rehovot

The delegation of diplomats from African countries visited Kaplan hospital. The gathering was an initiative of The Diplomatic Club together with representatives at the medical conference. Diplomats were surprised by the modern facilities and high level of the staff’s professionalism.

The group was joined by seniors of the hospital including CEO Dr. Carlos Gruzman, CFO Amir Ben Ari, Head Cardiology Array Prof. Kobi George, Head Pediatrics Division Prof. Eti Granot, Head Day Care Surgery Dr. Alex Duchan, Head Unit IVF Unit Prof. Zeev Shoham and others.

National Day of Romania in Israel

The National Day of Romania in Israel was celebrated at the National Museum of Art in Tel Aviv, with over 700 people participating. The Israeli officials that spoke were Yaakov Litzman, minister of health of Israel, and Yoseph Yonah, member of the Knesset and chairman of the Romania-Israel friendship group. The event was dedicated to the Romanian and Israeli doctors who helped the victims of Colectiv Club. At the event also participated His Beatitude Theophilos III, Patriarch of Jerusalem. Mrs. Monica Schwartz, Israeli-Romanian soprano sung the national anthems of Romania and Israel, and Mrs. Sofia Vicoveanca sung Romanian traditional folk music.

The copyright of the photos is of Embassy of Romania to Israel .

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BE WELL IN ISRAEL By Eveline Erfolg As part of its efforts to serve the the Israeli Ministry of Health diplomatic community in Israel, Prof. Arnon Afek, and Director- The Diplomatic Club hosted the General of Maccabi Healthcare ‘Be Well in Israel’ conference, Services Mr. Ran Saar. dedicated to Israeli medicine and Health Minister Litzman came healthcare for diplomats. to the conference to express For one evening, the lobby of support in the initiative offering a the Wohl Center at Bar Ilan uniform basic healthcare package Campus transformed into an for foreign citizens. In his speech exhibition area displaying a wide before the representatives of selection of healthcare services the diplomatic community in tailored to the specific needs and Israel, Minister Litzman gave his requirements of the diplomatic assistant’s cell phone number and community. The Diplomatic assured the diplomats that they Club wishes to thank all the can always contact him with any supporters exhibiting in the problems they encounter when conference, including Maccabi dealing with the Israeli medical Healthcare Services, Hadassah authorities. University Hospital, Herzliya "We have a good healthcare Medical Center, Assuta Hospital, system. If our help is needed, Meuhedet Healthcare Services, we will help, but you must be Kaplan Medical Center and healthy, so you won’t need us,” many others. said Litzman, “my assistant With well over 100 in attendance, Haim speaks English and you can the event was joined by many call him anytime. Thousands are distinguished leaders in various calling and each and everyone fields of Israeli healthcare and gets a response.” medicine, among which were Many speakers complimented Israeli Minister of Health Rabbi Minister Litzman’s work on Yaakov Litzman, President of the the healthcare system long Federation of Israeli Chambers after he left the conference. of Commerce Mr. Uriel Lin, Prof. Arnon Afek said that Associate Director General of the current Minister of Health

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“is not destroying the existing subjects, with simultaneous system, but is building more translation into French and resources”. Russian. The conference was led by The lectures were delivered Ms. Julia Verdel, the CEO and by prominent specialists Managing Director of The representing the different Diplomatic Club in Israel. Ms. components of the medical care Verdel announced the Club’s delivery system, such as Big initiative to hold an international Data, a subject addressed by healthcare conference with the Prof. Varda Shalev, Director aim to set world-class standards of MaccabiTech, as well as that will allow ambassadors, new technologies in fertility diplomats, representatives of treatments in Israel, a subject churches and foreign journalists, elaborated by Prof. Ronit residing in a foreign country, to Haimov-Kochman, infertility benefit from the same level of specialist at the In Vitro medical services in every country Fertilization Unit of Hadassah where they are staying. Hebrew University Hospital. Ms. Verdel explained that Another important issue treated healthcare is quite a dramatic during the workshop day was issue for the members of the breast cancer, explained by diplomatic corps and their Dr. Tamar Sella, Director of families during their mission. In the Marlene Greenebaum most cases, diplomats are asked Multidisciplinary Diagnostic to insure themselves privately, Breast Center. In addition, even though they are entitled Prof. Louis Shenkman, Head to state services. She offered to of the International Department bind these different services into at Herzliya Medical Center, a uniform package of the same revealed a number of important high quality that will be provided facts regarding the necessity to all diplomats around the world. of a routine medical screening. The workshop day, which The lectures were concluded featured innovations in the by Ms. Zohar Aviv, Clinical national and private healthcare Director of International Courses systems, included a number for Medical Professionals and of lectures and discussions on Medical Tourism at the Kaplan a variety of healthcare related Medical Center.

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18 wide variety of medical services (treatments, hospitalizations, and medications) in Israel. The range of services provided is comparable to the basket of health services established by the National Health Insurance Law, including:

U n l i m i t e d a c c e s s t o p r i m a r y Maccabi Healthcare Services services, with its 5241 medical services: a general has been providing high quality physicians across the country practitioner and pediatrician medical services for more than being its primary contact with Hospitalization services and 70 years, guided by its founding its members. Maccabi also offers referral to an emergency room principle of supplying a wide rangeof complementary Professional medical services advanced healthcare of the services through several Examinations in imaging, highest standard. Maccabi’s subsidiaries, including: Assuta diagnostic, and gastroenterology main mission is to provide Medical Center, MaccabiDent, institutes comprehensive personal medical MaccabiTivi, MaccabiPharm, Laboratory and elective care to each member with Maccabi Fund, Maccabi Care, hospitalization procedures the most sincere dedication. and many others. At the end of 2013 Maccabi had over 2 million During the past year Maccabi policyholders. State-of-the-art technologies has received further support Maccabi Healthcare Services of its communication strategy, Well-Come Healthcare Plan offers you the best of modern as the Myers-JDC-Brookdale Whether you are returning to technology, and is constantly Institute has published a survey Israel after residing abroad for striving to improve its medical commissioned by the Israeli several years or you are a tourist, facilities and treatments with the Ministry of Health. Among its diplomat, student or foreign aid of the latest developments. highlights, the survey stated citizen, Maccabi’s ‘Well-Come’ Maccabi Online is the most that Maccabi members have the healthcare plan offers you a range progressive, personal internet highest level of satisfaction of of services that corresponds to service in Israel and it can all healthcare recipients in Israel. the basket of health benefits be accessed via the internet, enjoyed by all Maccabi smartphones, and information Maccabi Healthcare Services members. Now you can ensure kiosks. Moreover, before was established in 1941 by the your peace of mind on healthcare issuing medications at Maccabi World Union. Unlike for you and your family. pharmacies, our innovative other HMOs of that period, technology can evaluate the new Maccabi aimed to offer health Maccabi's healthcare services are medications against previously coverage benefits also to those based on modern technologies, supplied medications, to who did not belong to one of the with the goal of providing prevent potentially dangerous various employee unions. From the general public with the interactions. its inception, Maccabi added a type of medical care usually variety of specialists to its ranks, only found in private health Another advanced benefit is mainly from Western Europe, insurance plans. Maccabi has the teleradiology, which is a and offered its members a choice highest proportion of specialist digital transmission of of their own doctors, believing physicians, and its members radiological images from that independent physicians can personally select any every clinic in Israel, for would provide members with physician and service provider rapid diagnosis by the best the best and most professional throughout the country. specialists in the national healthcare. Over the years, teleradiology center. Simply visit either Maccabi's Maccabi has positioned itself People of all ages may join the Facebook page or website at as a leader in terms of medical ’Well-Come’ plan, subject to www.maccabi4u.co.il, services quality, as well as in medical underwriting and the to be impressed by the terms of customer satisfaction. terms described on the Maccabi variety of services that Maccabi is based on community website. The plan includes a awaits you at Maccabi. 19 Health

Assuta – Bringing Medical Advances to the Whole Family

Envision an operating room with a multi-armed robot, whose range of motion exceeds that of the human hand. Imagine being able to get a 3D image from inside the human body in vibrant color. Or picture a technology that can comfortably imaging and the first hospital in the to move far ahead of traditional deliver a complete radiation country to begin using it. This is a rehabilitation centers. It is now able treatment in one dose. clear reflection of the importance to administer unique rehabilitative These wonders and others like the Assuta places on remaining at treatment for neurological damage them are used every day at Assuta. the forefront of medical innovation. caused by stroke, as well as Since its establishment in 1935, the The technology improves diagnostic treatment following jaw injury or hospital has led the way in the use of accuracy, helping medical buildup of crystals in the ear. These cutting-edge technologies, bringing professionals better predict the diverse treatments allow Assuta the future right to the heart of Tel results of clinical and paraclinical to fully serve all of its patients, no Aviv. With pioneering advancements treatments. Faster, more precise matter the medical issues they face. that range from diagnostics all the diagnosis gives patients even greater Assuta's dedication to progressive way through rehabilitation, Assuta confidence in their medical care, medical care provides a framework provides an all-embracing medical letting them know that they are in that guides all the hospital's solution for the entire family. good hands every step of the way. treatments. It has led Assuta to develop outstanding expertise in a Diagnostics of the Future Long Term Care for Long variety of areas, becoming the ideal Assuta's leadership begins with Term Health comprehensive medical solution for state-of-the-art diagnostics, using Assuta goes beyond diagnosis and patients with a wide range of needs. the most advanced technologies treatment to ensure patients' full available to best suit the needs recovery and satisfaction even after Bringing New Hope to of both patients and doctors. all procedures are complete. Assuta's Cancer Patients Incorporating all existing medical physical therapy and rehabilitation Breaking new ground in the use of imaging tests, including MRI, center has always focused on those surgical and medical treatments, CT, PET-CT, ultrasound, and suffering from sports injuries, Assuta provides oncology patients X-ray, Assuta's imaging institutes recovering from orthopedic surgery, with the very latest, most wide- are staffed by Israel's foremost or dealing with ongoing pain in the ranging options. For example, radiological experts. Assuta was one joints and spine. Recently, however, innovative Intrabeam technology of the world's pioneers of PET-MRI the center has expanded its expertise enables targeted, one-time delivery

20 Health

Next-Gen Care for the Next Generation As part of Assuta's commitment to medical care throughout the entire family lifecycle, the hospital has developed two of the country's leading IVF (In-Vitro Fertilization) departments, at both its Ramat HaChayal and Rishon LeZion locations. The number of procedures at both branches has grown steadily over the years, and with it the overall rates of successful pregnancies and healthy births following treatment. These are just a few of fields in which Assuta has achieved renown among both patients and medical professionals. The uniquely diverse range of cutting-edge medical of radiation during and after surgery, customized, 3D-printed parts. treatments and technologies, thereby reducing side effects and This innovation is setting new combined with premier service and saving precious time by eliminating benchmarks for precision and accessible, central locations, makes the need for frequent hospital visits. personalization in orthopedic Assuta an ideal family healthcare Similarly, NanoKnife makes it surgery around the country, offering solution for patients from around possible to treat tumors located near patients better care and long-term the world. major blood vessels or in areas not comfort. accessible to surgical intervention. Assuta is always at the service of As a result, a significant percentage Seeing the Future Clearly members of the Diplomatic Club, ready to provide information, of pancreatic cancer patients, as well The Assuta Eye Institute is as patients with hepatic or intestinal support, and advanced care of every renowned as one of the largest kind. tumors previously considered of its kind, performing the full inoperable, can now extend and range of eye surgeries, including improve their quality of life. Contact Us: cataract surgery, cosmetic plastic [email protected] surgery, and pediatric strabismus Tel: +972-3-7644044 (please A Step Ahead on Orthopedic surgery. As the ophthalmological Innovations mention that you are a Diplomat center continues to expand, more Club member) In the last decade, the entire medical surgeries are constantly added to world has seen a rise in procedures the list. The center now attracts www.assuta.com that were rarely attempted in vitrectomy patients, as well as 20 HaBarzel St, Ramat HaChayal the past due to their complexity patients requiring surgery for the and long recovery periods. But most complex ophthalmological as technology advances, so do conditions, including those resulting the advantages of these intricate from diabetes or old age. With these procedures. Staying ahead of this procedures, Assuta provides eye trend, Assuta performed the first hip care for all ages, meeting the needs transplant in Israel that benefited of families throughout Israel and the from computerized planning and world.

21 Health

By Jacky Ovadia

22 Health

23 HealthHealth Health FRPSDULVRQZLWKWKH86&DQDGDDQG PRဧ(8FRXQWULHV Herzliya Medical Center ,VUDHO %RDဧV D JUHDW UHSXWDWLRQ LQ WKH ¿HOG RI PHGLFLQH 3URPRWLRQ The Most Luxurious Private Hospital In Israel of medical tourism contributes VLJQL¿FDQWO\ WR WKH LQGHSHQGHQFH RI KRVSLWDOVDQGKHDOWKFDUHRUJDQL]DWLRQV as the revenues reinforce the public KHDOWKFDUH V\ဧHP DQG HQDEOH WKH SURYLVLRQRIPRUHD൵RUGDEOHVHUYLFHV IRUFLWL]HQV hospitals and specialty clinics with DYDLODEOHIRUWKHORFDOSRSXODWLRQ 7KHHFRQRPLFFRQWULEXWLRQRIPHGLFDO -&,FHUWL¿FDWLRQDQGDOOWKHIDFLOLWLHV 2൶FLDO SROLF\ WUHDWV WKH LQGXဧU\ DV tourism in 2013 was approximately FRPSO\ZLWK$PHULFDQဧDQGDUGV SDUWRILWVH[SRUWDFWLYLWLHVDQGPDQ\ PLOOLRQZLWKFXဧRPHUV ,Q WKH ODဧ GHFDGH WKH JRYHUQPHQW international hospitals are opened VSHQGLQJ DQ DYHUDJH RI SHU KDVLQYHဧHGPRUHWKDQPLOOLRQ ZLWK WKH JRYHUQPHQW¶V VXSSRUW YLVLW WLPHV PRUH WKDQ WKH DYHUDJH LQ KHDOWKFDUH IDFLOLWLHV UHVHDUFK DQG $SROOR +RVSLWDOV WKH ,QGLDQ FKDLQ QRQPHGLFDO WRXULဧ ZKR VSHQGV HGXFDWLRQ 7KH JRDO LV WR PRELOL]H RI SULYDWH KRVSLWDOV SHUIRUPHG DERXW 0HGLFDO WRXULVP DOVR thousands of local and foreign WUDQVSODQWV LQ PRUH WKDQ WKH JHQHUDWHV UHYHQXH IRU WKH ,VUDHOL SDWLHQWVWKDWKDYHEHFRPHDFFXဧRPHG EXVLHဧWUDQVSODQWFHQWHULQWKHZRUOG HFRQRP\DVDZKROH+RZHYHUWKHELJ to receiving medical treatment in VHFRQGRQO\WRWKH8QLWHG6WDWHV winners and the main engine behind 7KDLODQG 6LQJDSRUH ,QGLD 86 DQG 6LQJDSRUH7KHFRXQWU\KRဧV the blossoming medical tourism RWKHUFRXQWULHV PHGLFDO WRXULဧV D \HDU WKURXJK LQGXဧU\DUHWKHKRVSLWDOVWKHPVHOYHV Dubai is an example of a healthcare aggressive regional and international ,VUDHOLVNQRZQZRUOGZLGHIRULWVKLJK Herzliya Medical Center (HMC) is s Medical staff – over 500 of the FOXဧHU IRFXVHG RQ WKH SXUVXLW RI SURPRWLRQ 6LQJDSRUH R൵HUV UDQNLQJV±RIWHQ¿Uဧ±LQJOREDOKHDOWK a luxurious private hospital, located most experienced and senior doctors TXDOLW\ဧDQGDUGVDQGH[FHOOHQWSDWLHQW SXEOLF DQG SULYDWH KHDOWK V\ဧHPV LQGLFHVDQGLWOHYHUDJHVWKLVWRSURYLGH in Herzliya by the Mediterranean in Israel, including public hospital de- Seaside, and in close proximity to ex- partment and unit heads. WUHDWPHQW &RPELQHG ZLWK UHVHDUFK VSHFLDOL]LQJ LQ FRPSOH[ VXUJHULHV D VHFRQGWLHU LQ PHGLFDO WRXULVP clusive hotels. sMedical Procedures – the hospital DQGLQWHUQDWLRQDODFDGHPLFD൶OLDWLRQ Present government activities position PHGLFDOWUDLQLQJ0DQ\FRXQWULHVDUH The International Department serves performs operations of all types in- its ambitious goal is 500 thousand 6LQJDSRUH DV RQH RI WKH ZRUOG V VHQGLQJ PHGLFDO WHDPV WR ,VUDHO IRU the needs of visitors from over 50 cluding complex invasive medical different countries and dedicated to procedures assisted by state of art PHGLFDOWRXULဧVE\WKHHQGRI OHDGLQJ PHGLFDO GHဧLQDWLRQV ZKLFK SURIHVVLRQDO WUDLQLQJ LQ WKH ¿HOGV RI the care of foreign nationals in Israel technology. ,QGLD $GYDQFLQJ DJJUHVVLYHO\ LV DOVR WKH PRဧ H[SHQVLYH LQ $VLD WUDXPD RQFRORJ\ DQG FDUGLRORJ\ DW including: diplomats, tourists, and busi- sPersonal service – the international IRU WKH SDဧ \HDU ,QGLD KDV IRFXVHG GXHWRWKHKLJKHUFRဧRIOLYLQJDQGD DGYDQFHGOHDUQLQJFHQWHUVHဧDEOLVKHG nessmen. department staffed by a multilingual We believe that high quality medicine team speaking a total of 11 differ- on legislating and implementing WKULYLQJHFRQRP\ WRWUDLQ,VUDHOLSURIHVVLRQDOV is, ﬁrst and foremost, personal medi- ent languages cater to all the patiens’ regulations for the medical sector *RYHUQPHQW VXSSRUW LQ WKH ¿HOG RI Bloomberg Rankings positions cine, the type of medicine that takes needs. into account the entire spectrum sExclusive Hospitalization – private WR OXUH PHGLFDO WRXULဧV $QDO\ဧV PHGLFDOWRXULVPLVFULWLFDOLQRUGHUWR ,VUDHOLQWKHWKSODFHRIWKHZRUOG V KHDOWKLHဧFRXQWULHVZLWKDWRWDOKHDOWK of the patient’s medical and service rooms or luxurious well designed HဧLPDWH WKDW ,QGLD ZLOO JURZ DQG NHHSH[SHUWVLQWKHFRXQW\RIRQO\ needs, down to the last detail. suites with sea view. VFRUHRI±KLJKHUWKDQ6SDLQ EHFRPHRQHRIZRUOG VPRဧLPSRUWDQW PLOOLRQLQKDELWDQWV6SRQVRUHGE\WKH WKH 1HWKHUODQGV 6ZHGHQ *HUPDQ\ GHဧLQDWLRQVLQWKLV¿HOG 0LQLဧU\RI+HDOWKWKHSK\VLFLDQVDUH )UDQFHDQGWKH86 ,QGLDLVDORZFRဧOHDGHULQWKHPHGLFDO VHQWIRUWUDLQLQJLQWKHZRUOG VOHDGLQJ WRXULVPPDUNHW3DWLHQWVDUHZLOOLQJWR PHGLFDO FHQWHUV WKH\ UHWXUQ ZLWK Jacky Ovadia is a specialist For more information please call the international department at HMC EULGJHFXOWXUDOGL൵HUHQFHVIRUVDYLQJV NQRZOHGJH WKDW DOORZV WKHP WR R൵HU in business development and 972-9-9592962/3 s www.hmc-ims.com of as much as 85% compared to their KLJKTXDOLW\VHUYLFHVFRPSO\LQJZLWK marketing of medical tourism, FRXQWU\ 2QH RI WKH PRဧ LPSRUWDQW LQWHUQDWLRQDOဧDQGDUGV a strategic adviser to the Israeli Ministry of Tourism and a AETNA U.S.A | B.C.B.S AXA-ASSISTANCE | Cigna U.S.A | Cigna U.K | PPP | AIG SIMPLY HEALTH METLIFE FRQWULEXWLRQV RI WKLV VHFWRU LQ ,QGLD 6LQJDSRUH V KHDOWKFDUH V\ဧHP LV consultant for "Clalit" – the | AMERICAN FOREIGN SERVICE | TRICARE | S.O.S INTERNATIONAL | BUPA | BUPA LATIN AMERICA | HEALIX | LVPRELOL]DWLRQRIUHYHQXHVWR¿QDQFH FRQVLဧHQWO\ UDQNHG DV WKH ZRUOG¶V largest chain of hospitals in Israel. ALLIANZ | IMG | MSH | HTH | GEO-BLUE (HTH) | EURO-CENTER | REDBRIDGE | UNITED HEALTH CARE | GEHA KLJKTXDOLW\DQGD൵RUGDEOHPHGLFLQH OHDGHU ZLWK D VLJQL¿FDQW JDS LQ | IMA GIE | Global Beneﬁt Group | DAVID SHIELD | GLOBAL EXCEL | APRIL | CELTA ASSISTANCE | PATRA

28 29 24 Health Health FRPSDULVRQZLWKWKH86&DQDGDDQG PRဧ(8FRXQWULHV Herzliya Medical Center ,VUDHO %RDဧV D JUHDW UHSXWDWLRQ LQ WKH ¿HOG RI PHGLFLQH 3URPRWLRQ The Most Luxurious Private Hospital In Israel of medical tourism contributes VLJQL¿FDQWO\ WR WKH LQGHSHQGHQFH RI KRVSLWDOVDQGKHDOWKFDUHRUJDQL]DWLRQV as the revenues reinforce the public KHDOWKFDUH V\ဧHP DQG HQDEOH WKH SURYLVLRQRIPRUHD൵RUGDEOHVHUYLFHV IRUFLWL]HQV hospitals and specialty clinics with DYDLODEOHIRUWKHORFDOSRSXODWLRQ 7KHHFRQRPLFFRQWULEXWLRQRIPHGLFDO -&,FHUWL¿FDWLRQDQGDOOWKHIDFLOLWLHV 2൶FLDO SROLF\ WUHDWV WKH LQGXဧU\ DV tourism in 2013 was approximately FRPSO\ZLWK$PHULFDQဧDQGDUGV SDUWRILWVH[SRUWDFWLYLWLHVDQGPDQ\ PLOOLRQZLWKFXဧRPHUV ,Q WKH ODဧ GHFDGH WKH JRYHUQPHQW international hospitals are opened VSHQGLQJ DQ DYHUDJH RI SHU KDVLQYHဧHGPRUHWKDQPLOOLRQ ZLWK WKH JRYHUQPHQW¶V VXSSRUW YLVLW WLPHV PRUH WKDQ WKH DYHUDJH LQ KHDOWKFDUH IDFLOLWLHV UHVHDUFK DQG $SROOR +RVSLWDOV WKH ,QGLDQ FKDLQ QRQPHGLFDO WRXULဧ ZKR VSHQGV HGXFDWLRQ 7KH JRDO LV WR PRELOL]H RI SULYDWH KRVSLWDOV SHUIRUPHG DERXW 0HGLFDO WRXULVP DOVR thousands of local and foreign WUDQVSODQWV LQ PRUH WKDQ WKH JHQHUDWHV UHYHQXH IRU WKH ,VUDHOL SDWLHQWVWKDWKDYHEHFRPHDFFXဧRPHG EXVLHဧWUDQVSODQWFHQWHULQWKHZRUOG HFRQRP\DVDZKROH+RZHYHUWKHELJ to receiving medical treatment in VHFRQGRQO\WRWKH8QLWHG6WDWHV winners and the main engine behind 7KDLODQG 6LQJDSRUH ,QGLD 86 DQG 6LQJDSRUH7KHFRXQWU\KRဧV the blossoming medical tourism RWKHUFRXQWULHV PHGLFDO WRXULဧV D \HDU WKURXJK LQGXဧU\DUHWKHKRVSLWDOVWKHPVHOYHV Dubai is an example of a healthcare aggressive regional and international ,VUDHOLVNQRZQZRUOGZLGHIRULWVKLJK Herzliya Medical Center (HMC) is s Medical staff – over 500 of the FOXဧHU IRFXVHG RQ WKH SXUVXLW RI SURPRWLRQ 6LQJDSRUH R൵HUV UDQNLQJV±RIWHQ¿Uဧ±LQJOREDOKHDOWK a luxurious private hospital, located most experienced and senior doctors TXDOLW\ဧDQGDUGVDQGH[FHOOHQWSDWLHQW SXEOLF DQG SULYDWH KHDOWK V\ဧHPV LQGLFHVDQGLWOHYHUDJHVWKLVWRSURYLGH in Herzliya by the Mediterranean in Israel, including public hospital de- Seaside, and in close proximity to ex- partment and unit heads. WUHDWPHQW &RPELQHG ZLWK UHVHDUFK VSHFLDOL]LQJ LQ FRPSOH[ VXUJHULHV D VHFRQGWLHU LQ PHGLFDO WRXULVP clusive hotels. sMedical Procedures – the hospital DQGLQWHUQDWLRQDODFDGHPLFD൶OLDWLRQ Present government activities position PHGLFDOWUDLQLQJ0DQ\FRXQWULHVDUH The International Department serves performs operations of all types in- its ambitious goal is 500 thousand 6LQJDSRUH DV RQH RI WKH ZRUOG V VHQGLQJ PHGLFDO WHDPV WR ,VUDHO IRU the needs of visitors from over 50 cluding complex invasive medical different countries and dedicated to procedures assisted by state of art PHGLFDOWRXULဧVE\WKHHQGRI OHDGLQJ PHGLFDO GHဧLQDWLRQV ZKLFK SURIHVVLRQDO WUDLQLQJ LQ WKH ¿HOGV RI the care of foreign nationals in Israel technology. ,QGLD $GYDQFLQJ DJJUHVVLYHO\ LV DOVR WKH PRဧ H[SHQVLYH LQ $VLD WUDXPD RQFRORJ\ DQG FDUGLRORJ\ DW including: diplomats, tourists, and busi- sPersonal service – the international IRU WKH SDဧ \HDU ,QGLD KDV IRFXVHG GXHWRWKHKLJKHUFRဧRIOLYLQJDQGD DGYDQFHGOHDUQLQJFHQWHUVHဧDEOLVKHG nessmen. department staffed by a multilingual We believe that high quality medicine team speaking a total of 11 differ- on legislating and implementing WKULYLQJHFRQRP\ WRWUDLQ,VUDHOLSURIHVVLRQDOV is, ﬁrst and foremost, personal medi- ent languages cater to all the patiens’ regulations for the medical sector *RYHUQPHQW VXSSRUW LQ WKH ¿HOG RI Bloomberg Rankings positions cine, the type of medicine that takes needs. into account the entire spectrum sExclusive Hospitalization – private WR OXUH PHGLFDO WRXULဧV $QDO\ဧV PHGLFDOWRXULVPLVFULWLFDOLQRUGHUWR ,VUDHOLQWKHWKSODFHRIWKHZRUOG V KHDOWKLHဧFRXQWULHVZLWKDWRWDOKHDOWK of the patient’s medical and service rooms or luxurious well designed HဧLPDWH WKDW ,QGLD ZLOO JURZ DQG NHHSH[SHUWVLQWKHFRXQW\RIRQO\ needs, down to the last detail. suites with sea view. VFRUHRI±KLJKHUWKDQ6SDLQ EHFRPHRQHRIZRUOG VPRဧLPSRUWDQW PLOOLRQLQKDELWDQWV6SRQVRUHGE\WKH WKH 1HWKHUODQGV 6ZHGHQ *HUPDQ\ GHဧLQDWLRQVLQWKLV¿HOG 0LQLဧU\RI+HDOWKWKHSK\VLFLDQVDUH )UDQFHDQGWKH86 ,QGLDLVDORZFRဧOHDGHULQWKHPHGLFDO VHQWIRUWUDLQLQJLQWKHZRUOG VOHDGLQJ WRXULVPPDUNHW3DWLHQWVDUHZLOOLQJWR PHGLFDO FHQWHUV WKH\ UHWXUQ ZLWK Jacky Ovadia is a specialist For more information please call the international department at HMC EULGJHFXOWXUDOGL൵HUHQFHVIRUVDYLQJV NQRZOHGJH WKDW DOORZV WKHP WR R൵HU in business development and 972-9-9592962/3 s www.hmc-ims.com of as much as 85% compared to their KLJKTXDOLW\VHUYLFHVFRPSO\LQJZLWK marketing of medical tourism, FRXQWU\ 2QH RI WKH PRဧ LPSRUWDQW LQWHUQDWLRQDOဧDQGDUGV a strategic adviser to the Israeli Ministry of Tourism and a AETNA U.S.A | B.C.B.S AXA-ASSISTANCE | Cigna U.S.A | Cigna U.K | PPP | AIG SIMPLY HEALTH METLIFE FRQWULEXWLRQV RI WKLV VHFWRU LQ ,QGLD 6LQJDSRUH V KHDOWKFDUH V\ဧHP LV consultant for "Clalit" – the | AMERICAN FOREIGN SERVICE | TRICARE | S.O.S INTERNATIONAL | BUPA | BUPA LATIN AMERICA | HEALIX | LVPRELOL]DWLRQRIUHYHQXHVWR¿QDQFH FRQVLဧHQWO\ UDQNHG DV WKH ZRUOG¶V largest chain of hospitals in Israel. 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28 29 25 Health

26 Health

AAllll thethe Reasons Reasons for for a Righta Right Choic Choicee

RaRambam’smbam’s MultidisiciplinarMultidisiciplinaryy Heart TeTeam:am: Cardiologists (le(left)ft) and cardiac surgeons (right), performingperforming an aortic valve replacement.They are but one example of Rambam’s medical teams renowned for their expertise worldwide . ambam Health Care Campus is one including cancer, bone marrow transplantation, of Israel’s largest academic hospitals, general surgery, heart disease, and serious Rlocated in Haifa, a city renown for pediatric conditions. the peaceful coexistence of its multicultural citizens. The hospital is situated in one of the Our multicultural and multilingual (Hebrew, most picturesque locations in Israel between English,Russian) staff have one goal: to assure Mount Carmel and the Mediterranean Sea. you receive the best possible healthcare – a personal experience with empathy and respect. The Department of International Medicine at Rambam offers the latest in modern If you, a member of your family, or others and technologically advanced medical you care for are facing a challenging medical procedures. Each year thousands of patients treatment or surgery, making the right worldwide apply online for specialized medical health care choice makes all the difference. care in our department. Contact us now for a consultation with one of our experts. Patients seek our help for a wide variety of consultations, treatments, and therapies, provided by renowned specialists in their field,

27 Entertainment A-Sham, The First Arab Food Festival Part of the Holiday of Holidays Festival of Downtown Haifa

A-sham , the first Arab Food Festival, took place within the framework of the Festival of Festivals, in downtown Haifa from December 8-11, 2015. The A-sham Festival celebrated the world of Arab cuisine, showcasing dishes which are fast disappearing from the local culinary landscape. The festival, an initiative of the Downtown Haifa Administration, is under the creative direction of 2014 Master Chef Israel winner Dr. Nof Atamna-Ismaeel from the northern Israeli Arab city of Baqa al- Gharbiyye and by Arieh Rosen.

The word A-sham in Arabic refers to the geographic area known as the Levant, with its famous Arab cuisine, which stretches from Aleppo in the north through to the Negev in the south, in Lebanon and Trans-Jordan. The festival was focus on the interesting cultural context of the Levantine kitchen, looking at culinary interpretations of special life- style moments - for example cookies made with hilbe (fenugreek seeds) for the nursing mother to improve the quality of her milk. Together, the chefs will bring back tastes that are slowly disappearing for reasons that include being too labor-intensive - such as habisa, a black and white pudding sweetened with carob juice that takes hours to prepare - and being associated with "poor" cuisine - such as haroumanieh, green lentils cooked with eggplant in pomegranate juice.

During the four-day festival, 25 selected chefs from around Israel were each cooperated with a downtown Haifa restaurant, creating at least one "festival dish" from the Levantine kitchen. The festival dish costed no more than NIS 35, and a map detailing all 25 restaurants, chefs and dishes were available to festival-goers, allowing them to taste their way through the festival.

Participating chefs include Hamoodi Abouelafia, Balkees Abu Rabia, Meir Adoni, Hila Alpert, Johnny Gurik, Habib Dawoud, Osama Dallal, Massimiliano di Mattero, Zuzu Hanna, Moyin Halabi, Haim Cohen, Avi Levy, Alaa Musa, Elias Mattar, Omer Miller, Omar Elwan, Hmodi Okala, Naher Araid, Nashat Abbas, Husam Abbas, Dukhul Safadi, Amos Sion. Dr. Nof Atamna-Ismaeel will also be hosted in a famous Polish bakery in Haifa, dating back to the 1940s, where she prepared two sweet festival dishes. Local restaurants hosting the chefs in downtown Haifa include Jack VeHa'afunim, Angus, Jacko Seafood, Jotti, Dovrin 7, The Diner, Ha'Ogen pub, Ha'namal 24, HaMa’agan, the Pint Pub, Venya Bistro, Talpiot Hamara, Kula, Libira, Lahza, Ma’ayan Habira, Noventa Nova, Sangria, St. Etienne, Café Palmer, Hummus Fadi, Hummus Faraj, Café Sammy, Star restaurant, Kalman's, Kielser's, Spira bakery shop and Strudel cafe.Participating growers and producers include Ghanem Dairies from Baqa al-Gharbiyye , Arak Masada from Kfar Ma'aliya and Abu Wassim.

28 Entertainment Alphaville is coming to Tel Aviv. February 5-6, 2016

German band Alphaville is coming to Tel Aviv, Israel for two concerts in February 2016. The band is stopping in Israel as part of its European Tour. Marian Gould, Bernhard Lloyd and Frank Mertens formed the band back in 1982 under the name “Forever Young” but then changed it to Alphaville two years later. Lead singer Gould is currently the only original member still in the band. Alphaville has sold more than 6 million albums. Some of its hits include “Big in Japan”, “Forever Young”, and “Dance with Me.” Alphaville will be performing on February 5 & 6, 2016 at the Mann Auditorium in Tel Aviv.

The Magic Flute

Children Opera Hour Papageno the bird catcher embarks on a perilous journey to find princess Pamina and return her to prince Tamino who lovers her and waits for her. On his journey he will encounter the Queen of the Night and her three ladies and at the end of the day will also find love. Mozart's beloved opera in a special version for the entire family with colorful costumes. Sderot Sha'ul HaMelech 19, Tel Aviv-Yafo TUE 1.12.15 17:00 | TUE 5.1.16 17:00 | TUE 23.2.16 17:00 TUE 8.3.16 17:00 | TUE 5.4.16 17:00

Shamel Pitts returns with a new live performance: BLACK BOX.

Black box is A Poetic Dance Performance written, conceived and performed by Shamel Pitts. The Black Box is being used as a metaphor referring to the “Black Box” device found on airplanes. the Black Box is to survive and record all events that happen before the crash. a Black box also refers to a performance space which is usually more intimate and of closer proximity than a theatre. Little Black Book of RED is a collection and fluid arrangement of many texts and prose written over several years by Shamel Pitts and it began as a private book project and developed into a physical visualization of the atmosphere and stories in the book, which deals a lot with the tension between dualities.

Credits: Written, Conceived, and Originally, the first performances of BLACK BOX were in Shamel’s apartment, in a small Performed By Shamel Pitts Produced By Galit Reich room that he painted all BLACK, preformed for 30 of his closest friends, on his 30th birthday Lighting Design By Tom Love Graphic Design By Zohar Shemesh for 30 minutes. Now it is performed out of home in Beit Haomanim. Each performance will Videography By POISON Music Edit By: Dudi Bell be followed by a gallery gathering and discussion of the work. Photos: Alex Apt Photography 29 Entertainment Pilobolus dance company

Il trovatore Giuseppe Verdi New Production | Sung in Italian | Duration: 2 hours and 45 minutes One of the leading modern dance companies of our time works. Libretto Salvadore Cammarano | Conductor Daniel Oren | Director Michal Znaniecki | Set Designer On the Nature of Things - Performed by three dancers Luigi Scoglio | balanced on a two foot wide column. Lighting Designer Bogumil Palewicz

who rides a bicycle. A collaboration with Etgar Keret and Manrico Vassileva, Dinara Alieva, Ira Bertman | Di Luna George Petean, Ionut Pascu, Tito You | Azucena Marianne Automation - A n ew c ollaboration with S idi Larbi Cornetti, Enkelejda Shkosa | Ferrando Carlo Striuli | Cherakaoui. Automation takes place in a mirrored world Inez Alla Vasilevitsky, Anat Czarny | Ruiz Eitan Drori somewhere b etween " Tron" a nd " Bladerunner" a t the same time. The Israeli Opera Chorus Ethan Schmeisser MEGAWATT - A n electrifying experience. A f ull- company piece . A breathtaking display of the company's Rishon LeZion physical endurance. English & Hebrew Surtitles Translation: Israel Ouval - A collaboration with the Grammy winning band OKGo. *SAT 26.12.15 11:00 | **THU 31.12.15 20:00 | FRI 1.1.1 13:00 | SAT 2.1.16 20:00 | MON 4.1.16 20:00 "Fascinating and r ebellious." ( Fort W orth S tar TUE 5.1.16 20:00 | THU 7.1.16 20:00 | Telegram) FRI 8.1.16 13:00 | SAT 9.1.16 20:00 | WED 20.1.16 20:00 | THU 21.1.16 20:00 | MON 11.1.16 20:00 | TUE 12.1.16 20:00 | FRI 22.1.16 13:00 WED 13.1.16 20:00 | FRI 15.1.16 13:00 | SAT 16.1.16 20:00 Sderot Sha'ul HaMelech 19, Tel Aviv-Yafo Israeli Opera * TOWARDS OPENING 26.12.15, 11:00 ** PREMIÈRE 31.12.15, 20:00

30 Entertainment 5 most important sites any Christian should visit in Israel The holy land is full of places important to Christianity. Some of those places connect to certain stories and people, but only the most important ones are the places where Jesus lived and died. The story of the holy land is the story of Jesus and in the locations listed here, you will be able to follow His footsteps, His miracles and His legacy to the world. Nazareth In the New Testament, the city is described as the childhood home of Jesus, and as such is a center of Christian pilgrimage, with many shrines commemorating biblical events. While you walk these streets you imagine how Jesus walked here 2000 years ago. Over a dozen sites and placed of interest for the Christian tourist are waiting to be seen around Nazareth, Which is the largest Arab city in Israel. From the Basilica of Annunciation to the colorful Old Market, Nazareth has you covered for a beautiful day filled with Jesus’s spirit and new experiences.

The Jordan River This river which witnessed Jesus’s baptism gets its water from the melting Hermon mountain snow. It runs from North to South from the Sea of Galilee and into the Dead Sea. Jordan River offers more than just hikes, water sports and natural reserves- you can also be baptized at the Yardenit baptismal site. Yerdenit is a registered baptismal site and is located on the banks of the river between magnificent Eucalyptus trees. It is the perfect spot for recollection in serenity.

Jerusalem is as important to Christianity as Nazareth, and holds dozens of historic and religious locations to visit. To this day, Jerusalem remains the point where fortunes are shaped and epic battles are fought. Jesus and Jerusalem are bound together, and you can feel that as you walk the streets which are filled with raw beauty and ancient secrets. The Garden of Gethsemane, Via Dolorosa and many sites of great importance, await you in the Holy capital of Israel.

Cana of the Galilee The very first miracle Jesus had ever performed was turning water into wine at a poor couple’s wedding in Cana. Visiting Cana is an emotional and inspiring experience. It is possible to actually witness a Christian wedding or the renewal of wedding vows when you visit, acts that became a tradition over the years. The small village is located in between the scenic views of the Galilee and was recently renovated. A beautiful promenade was built to welcome the 200,000 tourist that visit Cana every year.

Sea of Galilee This is where Jesus gathered his first disciples, and performed the miracle of walking on water. By the gorgeous shores of the Sea of Galilee, surrounded by beautiful mountains, you will not only feel how special it is, you will also understand what Jesus felt when he came here. You will gaze upon the same views which Jesus did, and hopefully you will find inspiration just like He did. The entire surrounding of the Sea of Galilee is filled with history. You might want to take the stone path from Capernaum to the place of multiplication of loaves and fishes. Once you’ve visited these special places, you will realize how this experience changed you, how it made you stronger and inspired. Once you’ve felt those things, you will understand that falling in love with the holy land is inevitable. This season, come visit the Land of the Bible for a once in a lifetime trip. We are waiting for you!

31 Dede Do Not Feed the Animals | 3.12.15

The exhibition Do Not Feed the Animals introduces a new body of works by Israeli street artist Dede, familiar to audiences from the public sphere. In recent years, motifs that allow to easily trace his imprint keep surfacing in the artist’s works: Band-Aids diversely used, little structures, sheds and buildings all integrate in his paintings, in the figures of animals made of wooden planks, ever on the run, searching or struggling. His large paintings are on display over walls in the public sphere, as well as in galleries, different art events and exhibition spaces in cultural hubs around the world, such as London, New York, Tel Aviv and Berlin.

Opening- 3/12/15, 20:00 pm, Dan Gallery, 107 Ben Yehuda St. Tel Aviv