April 2010

PEOPLE Meet the Foreign Press

Middle East Digest Electricity Tariffs in Israel

Diplomatic Events Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson visits Israel Different bank Different banking

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EDITOR Dear Friends, EDITOR This 2008 year is now approaching its end. Despite the rapid end of the purely military phase of the Palestinian Conflict, the conflict is still raging, claiming too many lives. We wish the Middle-East an active 2009 year focused on peaceEditor and Deardevelopment, Friends, where hatred dissolves and harmony blooms.

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As events in the Middle East continue to hold center stage and the PublisherNew York, NY 10017, U.S.AThe Diplomatic Club ltd The Diplomatic Club Magazine requests the pleasure to publish opinions, discussions Club Diplomatique de Geneva world’sThe Diplomatic attention, Club the MagazineMagazine providesis Israel's further fast growing and additional media magazine real-time and English- media P.O.Box 228, Geneva, Switzerland and articles written by Ambassadors. We are looking forward to develop this idea. languageplatform. coverage As events and in supplements, the Middle withEast accuratecontinue in-depth, to hold top-notchcenter stage quality and andthe ClubGeneral Diplomatique Manager de Geneva Julia Verdel world’s attention, the Magazine provides further and additional real-time English- P.O.Box 228, Geneva, Switzerland quantityThe Diplomatic than any other Club Israel-based and myself media. wish you all a successful New Year. language coverage and supplements, with accurate in-depth, top-notch quality and Writers Barry Rubin Publisher The Diplomatic Club ltd quantityThe Diplomatic than any Club other Magazine Israel-based requests media. the pleasure to publish opinions,Yours discussions sincerely, Anthony J. Dennis and articles written by Ambassadors. We are looking forward to developJulia this Verdel idea. Patricia e Hemricourt, Israel GeneralPublisher Manager JuliaThe DiplomaticVerdel Club ltd The Diplomatic Club Magazine requests the pleasure to publish opinions,General discussions Manager Ira Moskowitz, Israel Theand articles Diplomatic written Clubby Ambassadors. and myself We wish are looking you all forward a successfulAnd to the develop Editorial New this Year.Team idea. GeneralWriters Manager JuliaBarryBernard Verdel Rubin Marks, Israel Gelukkige nuwe jaar Bliain nua fe mhaise dhuitYours sincerely, Christopher Barder, UK The Diplomatic Club and myself wish you all a successful New Year. Anthony J. Dennis Gezuar Vitin e Ri Felice anno nuovo Julia Verdel Writers BarryIlan Berman, Rubin USA Yours sincerely, Patricia e Hemricourt, Israel Kul 'am wa antum bikhair Akimashite Omedetto GozaimasuGeneral Manager IraAnthony Moskowitz, J. Dennis Israel And the EditorialJulia Verdel Team Reporter PatriciaNeil Sandler e Hemricourt, Israel Sheta Brikhta Saehae Bock Mani ba deuGeneral sei yo! Manager Bernard Marks, Israel Gelukkige nuwe jaar Bliain nua fe mhaise dhuit ChristopherIraKsenia Moskowitz, Svetlov Barder, Israel UK Shuvo Nabo Barsho NEWROZ PIROZBEAnd the Editorial Team Gezuar Vitin e Ri Felice anno nuovo IlanBernard Berman, Marks, USA Israel GelukkigeBloavezh Mat nuwe jaar BliainLaimgo nua Jauno fe mhaise Gadu! dhuit Advertising Tel: 972−3−562.20.61/2 Christopher Barder, UK Kul"Chestita 'am wa Nova antum Godina" bikhair AkimashiteLaimingu Naujuju Omedetto Metu Gozaimasu info@diplomacy−club.com Gezuar Vitin e Ri Felice anno nuovo Ilan Berman, USA Sheta Brikhta Saehae Bock Mani ba deu sei yo! Reporter Neil Sandler KulFELI 'am ANY wa antumNOU bikhair AkimashiteSrekjna Nova Omedetto Godina Gozaimasu Ksenia Svetlov ShuvoXin Nian Nabo Kuai Barsho Le NEWROZTratry ny taona PIROZBE ReporterLayout NeilEgor SandlerKutikov Sheta Brikhta Saehae Bock Mani ba deu sei yo! Tanya Leschinsky BloavezhPace e Salute Mat LaimgoIs-Sena t-Jauno Tajba Gadu! Advertising KseniaTel: 972−3−562.20.61/2 Svetlov Shuvo Nabo Barsho NEWROZ PIROZBE "Chestita Nova Godina" Laimingu Naujuju Metu info@diplomacy−club.com BloavezhSretna Nova Mat godina! LaimgoGodt Nytt Jauno Gadu! AdvertisingAccounting RodedTel: 972−3−562.20.61/2 Rinegold FELI ANY NOU Srekjna Nova Godina "ChestitaStastny Novy Nova rok Godina" LaiminguMasaganang Naujuju Bayung Metu Banua info@diplomacy−club.com Xin Nian Kuai Le Tratry ny taona Layout Egor Kutikov Godt Nyt Maligayang Bagong Taon Legal Support Mati Simchovitz Law Office FELI ANY NOU Srekjna Nova Godina Tanya Leschinsky Pace e Salute Is-Sena t- Tajba XinGELUKKIG Nian Kuai NIEUWJAAR! Le TratrySzczesliwego ny taona Nowego Roku Layout Egor Kutikov Sretna Nova godina! Godt Nytt Tanya Leschinsky PaceMELKAM e Salute ADDIS AMET YIHUNELIWO! Is-SenaFeliz Ano t- TajbaNovo Accounting Roded Rinegold Stastny Novy rok Masaganang Bayung Banua SretnaOnnellista Nova Uutta godina! Vuotta GodtAN NOU Nytt FERICIT Godt Nyt Maligayang Bagong Taon LegalAccounting Support MatiRoded Simchovitz Rinegold Law Office StastnyBonne Annee Novy rok MasaganangS Novim Godom Bayung Banua GELUKKIG NIEUWJAAR! Szczesliwego Nowego Roku GodtBo Nadal Nyt e Feliz Aninovo MaligayangSretna nova Bagonggodina Taon Legal Support Mati Simchovitz Law Office MELKAM ADDIS AMET YIHUNELIWO! Feliz Ano Novo GELUKKIGProsit Neujahr NIEUWJAAR! SzczesliwegoSubha Aluth AwrudhakNowego Roku Vewa Onnellista Uutta Vuotta AN NOU FERICIT MELKAMGILOTSAVT ADDIS AKHAL AMET TSELS! YIHUNELIWO! FelizStastny Ano Novy Novo rok Bonne Annee S Novim Godom OnnellistaKenourios ChronosUutta Vuotta ANsre novo NOU leto FERICIT Bo Nadal e Feliz Aninovo Sretna nova godina BonneL'Shannah Annee Tovah SFeliz Novim Ano Godom ~Nuevo Prosit Neujahr Subha Aluth Awrudhak Vewa BoNaye Nadal Varsha e Feliz Ki Shubhkamanyen Aninovo SretnaGOTT nova NYTT godina ! /Gott nytt GILOTSAVT AKHAL TSELS! Stastny Novy rok Prosit(Cantonese) Neujahr Sun Leen Fai Lok SubhaSawadee Aluth Pee AwrudhakMai Vewa KenouriosBoldog Ooy Chronos Ayvet sreYeni novo Yiliniz leto Kutlu Olsun The Diplomatic club Magazine GILOTSAVT AKHAL TSELS! Stastny Novy rok L'Shannah Tovah Feliz Ano ~Nuevo Printed monthly KenouriosSelamat Tahun Chronos Baru sreShchastlyvoho novo leto Novoho Roku Naye Varsha Ki Shubhkamanyen GOTT NYTT ! /Gott nytt L'ShannahSal -e- no mobarak Tovah FelizYangi Ano Yil Bilan~Nuevo Tel: 972−3−562.20.61/2 (Cantonese) Sun Leen Fai Lok Sawadee Pee Mai NayeSanah Varsha Jadidah Ki Shubhkamanyen GOTT NYTT ! /Gott nytt Fax: 972−3−562.02.12 Boldog Ooy Ayvet Yeni Yiliniz Kutlu Olsun The Diplomatic club Magazine (Cantonese)www.diplomacy−club.com Sun Leen Fai Lok Sawadee Pee Mai info@diplomacy−club.comPrinted monthly Selamat Tahun Baru Shchastlyvoho Novoho Roku Boldog Ooy Ayvet YeniT YilinizHE D IPLOMATICKutlu Olsun Club Magazine 3 www.diplomacy−club.comThe Diplomatic club Magazine Sal -e- no mobarak Yangi Yil Bilan Printed monthly Selamat Tahun Baru Shchastlyvoho Novoho Roku Tel: 972−3−562.20.61/2 Sanah Jadidah Fax: 972−3−562.02.12 Sal -e- no mobarak Yangi Yil Bilan Tel: 972−3−562.20.61/2 www.diplomacy−club.com info@diplomacy−club.com Sanah Jadidah Fax: 972−3−562.02.12 www.diplomacy−club.com www.diplomacy−club.comTHE DIPLOMATIC Club Magazine 3 info@diplomacy−club.com www.diplomacy−club.com THE DIPLOMATIC Club Magazine 3

The Diplomatic Club Magazine 3 People Meet the Foreign Press By Ksenia Svetlova

Sergey Pashkov Richard C. Schneider Claudio Pagliara

During operation Cast Lead, when Israeli and foreign engagement in Gaza (2005), elections in PA(2006), war journalists were groaning together on the border between in Lebanon (2006), coup d’etat in Gaza (2007), operation Gaza and Israel, frustrated about not being able to get in- Cast Lead (2009) and this is just partial list of important side, a veteran foreign journalist, who has been working and unforgettable events that made huge headlines all in the region for more then 20 years told me laughingly over the world. Yet lately it seems that foreign journalists that during the years of peace process his bureau almost in Israel experience “dry season” all over again. Although closed down. “Back then everybody was really concerned the situation here is far from being perfectly calm, the for their work places. It seemed that peace is just around daily routine of Qassam here and there, Gaza shelling the corner, and when it will happen, the foreign journal- once in a while, sporadic arrests in West Bank and ongo- ists will be no longer needed. We thought that in no time ing FATAH-HAMAS bash doesn’t seem to be enough to we would have to leave or concentrate on trans-border to- provide high-profile stories and headlines. Three foreign mato growing” he said. Well, unfortunately that scenario correspondents: Claudio Pagliara who works for Italian didn’t materialize as planned, and the foreign journalists RAI, Sergey Pashkov – the Middle East bureau chief of stayed right where they were: skipping between Jerusa- Russian governmental broadcast corporation and Rich- lem and Ramallah, Gaza and Jenin, reporting about the ard C. Schneider, German ARD bureau chief agreed to new victims and old politicians, covering funerals, elec- share their experiences of the years spent in Israel, and tions and inaugurations. The intifada was followed dis- reflections on the current situation..

Q.What is the special significance of Claudio Pagliara to understand how our country is affected by being a foreign journalist in the Mid- I’m a Middle East foreign correspondent for it, how can we deal with polygamy, covered dle East particularly today? Especially Italian network RAI, based in Jerusalem. Mid- women etc. in the age of citizen reporters and so- dle East is very relevant important for a coun- cial networks? try like Italy who sent me here. Everything Sergey Pashkov that happens here effects the global stability, especially since many issues that traditionally I live here since late summer of 2003 when we were associated with the Middle East became re-established our bureau in Jerusalem. Back very important for us at home. For example, then our administration rightly assumed that in Italy now we are also dealing with radical Israel will continue to be a hub for many sig- Islam. We talk about this phenomenon which nificant events, so there was a need for local is now a domestic problem for Italy, we’d like bureau. When I came to Israel, I travelled to

4 The Diplomatic Club Magazine Rubrika

Tel Aviv where our previous office was located, Richard C. Schneider then I went to Jerusalem and immediately made I’ve been working here since 2006 as up my mind. I thought then and I think now bureau chief and chief correspondent of that Jerusalem is the perfect place for a foreign ARD German TV. I’ve been to Israel be- journalist, due to it close proximity to Knesset, fore, but as a visiting reporter, who trav- Ramallah and the central part of Israel. During elled all around the world. Now I’m based the intifada the proximity to PA was especially here, and I don’t travel as much, but still important. Of course, you can also get all the it is a very dynamic experience. You know important information without leaving Moscow that anything can happen very quickly, an- through news agency. But our work is different. ything can explode anytime and you have We bring exclusive stories and unique footage, to be ready when it happens. and for that you need personal contacts, you need to live and create here.

Richard C. Schneider Q. After so many years of ongoing con- Claudio Pagliara flict in the Middle East, is there still a I do feel that people at home are tired of the We have the same situation in Germany. need for news flow from here at your usual political stories, so now we are concen- Currently we are hardly doing any news, end? trating on human stories. Here, in Israel and mostly magazine stories. We produce 6-9 PA a journalist can easily locate hundreds of documentaries each year and we are focus- those. Israeli society is extremely rich and ing on in depth stories, and also with stories diverse, and so is the Palestinian society that don’t have to do with conflict. where people are very resourceful and crea- tive. The last story I worked on in Gaza is Sergey Pashkov fascinating. A few young fellows managed to establish a successful ringtone produc- Today if you want to reach out to people tion company which they run from their and interest them with your stories, you basement in one the houses in Gaza, and need to keep up to very high standards, be- recently they got a big contract with one of cause they are used to high profile stories the major telephone companies to provide by now. If you are doing a story about Gaza them Arabic and English ringtones. I feel tunnels, you need at least to get inside, if that sometimes I break stereotypes, for ex- not to cross to another side. Couple of Qas- ample when I report about a book of Amos sam rockets in the Negev now don’t evoke a Oz that is being translated into Arabic, and great deal interest, since just recently we re- that significant change that the West bank ported from a real war and news consumers is going through today. want drama. Nowadays everybody is waiting to see what will happen with Iran and that’s why many bureaus continue to function.

The Diplomatic Club Magazine 5 People

Richard C. Schneider I remember that during operation Cast Lead I was cursed by both sides, and I can’t say Until now no official side ever complained that I was surprised by that. Once I reported about my work or accused me of anything. on a family in Gaza that lost 16 of it mem- As for the reactions, well usually I get equal- bers in a few seconds: their house was heav- ly bashed by both sides. And since the bash ily shelled by Israeli aviation. I went inside comes from both sides I feel that I’m doing and I saw bleeding people, somebody was my work right. During the Cast lead opera- holding a baby who lost an eye. The central tion we were working 24/7 and reported a lot room that was shelled used to be a children’s about the implications of the war. So we got room and I saw the remains of small beds and plenty of critical reactions: approximately 48- uniforms…How can you not show that? And 51% acclamation and criticizing from both then you hear the reactions on the Israeli side sides. Also, I remember very well an incident “The Kremlin journalist Pashkov and his tra- that took place after I reported on a clash be- ditional hatred of Jews” etc. I understand that tween settlers and Palestinians from a neigh- perhaps the author of these lines for a bit of a boring village. Following the broadcast I got moment felt for these kids, and it scared him, an angry mail from a European Jew who wrote so he chose the anger over empathy. to me that I behave like the spokesman of the Palestinian. Soon another viewer, an Arab, Q. An old joke says that for every two blamed me for my “overt sympathies “ to the Claudio Pagliara Jews there are at least three opinions. Jews. So what I did is, I sent to each of these A reporter might feel close to the people, In Israel and PA there are so many nar- guys the letter of the other (without names but he must always seek the balance. At the ratives, which often contradict with and email addresses, of course) and saying: same time, I don’t believe in absolute neutral- each other. Are you being criticized well, you judge now again. sometimes for choosing one narrative ity in journalism, I don’t believe in not being involved at all. We are human beings, after all. or version of story over another? Do Sergey Pashkov you believe in absolute objectivity? Psychologically it’s very hard. I remember the first day of my arrival in 19 of August 2003. I Sometimes it’s difficult to escape the temp- just arrived from Paris, and by 8 o’clock in the tation to support one side or another to morning there was a major terrorist attack in become an active element in this conflict. Jerusalem, in bus number 2. It is a line which I suppose that the balanced position is a goes through Orthodox neighborhoods in Je- product of experience and age. It does not rusalem. 25 people were killed. I have all the exclude emotional engagement, yet I be- memories from the site. And of course the lieve that reporters should act like doctors funeral afterwards. who treat everybody.

Q. Are there any unique difficulties Claudio Pagliara Of course, I’m a human being and I accumulate feelings and emotions about things that shock you must contend with professionally During Cast lead operation the reporters were me. I’ve been coming to this region for 20 years working in Israel? prevented from entering to Gaza all along the now, and it’s hard to see the ongoing conflict, war, I believer it was counterproductive deci- the suffering and the losses of lives on both sides sion for Israel, and it was controversial also without anything moving ahead which you could in Israel. When I entered Gaza, I discovered seriously call a “solution” or even “peace”. many facts – I interviewed the human shield – a lady who were inside a building of many floors that was taken by HAMAS to shoot Sergey Pashkov rockets at Israel. Also, I found out that one It’s not very difficult to work here, but there of the schools that reportedly was shelled by are some nuances. Psychologically it’s difficult Israel, all the shelling happened outside the to observe the human suffering, it takes time building. And all of these things were report- to get used to the way you are treated in the ed as a fact by some journalists. I believe that airport, to the slackitude of the people who are the coverage could be more fair. It was very responsible for relations with the Foreign press. frustrating to be there on the border. I especially remember the coverage of Makka- biada. It seems to me as exactly the case when Richard C. Schneider the foreign journalist should be informed, yet we weren’t allowed to film the ceremony at the The war in Gaza was a very frustrating ex- stadium, and we were told that some Ameri- perience. We have an office in Gaza and can Jewish organization was given the filming while I was on the phone with one of my rights. At the same time, usually when you live colleagues, we heard explosions and I was in one place long enough and know many peo- very afraid for them. ple, you can resolve almost all the problems.

6 The Diplomatic Club Magazine People

Q. After so many years in Israel, do you Richard C. Schneider learned some Hebrew so I could communi- feel a part of the Israeli landscape ? Do cate with my friends and understand better you have a sense of “home away from I have a personal attachment to the region the life around me. When I started learn- home” here? as I live my daily life here and I plan to be ing Hebrew I also understood more things here for still quite a while. At the same time, about the Bible, and it gave me a push. Now I don’t feel that I really belong here. In fact I can use Hebrew during interviews and it I don’t think that I belong anywhere. Born helps a lot. I believe it’s very important to in Germany as a child of immigrants, I nev- dedicate time to things like that. er developed anywhere “roots”. “Home” is for me rathe a metaphorical word. It’s not connected to any state or country or terri- Sergey Pashkov tory, it is where my friends are, where I have I became very fond of this land and its emotional connections, even to something people, on both sides of the fence. By like food or music or languages. now I have a feeling that I know every- body here, as I got in touch with so many Claudio Pagliara people producing different stories on politics, economics, religion, social life Before I came to Israel, I moved a lot. I refer etc. My home is Russia, but I feel very at to myself as Ulisses who is always on his way ease here in Israel, perhaps also because to somewhere. I like Jerusalem very much so many Israelis speak Russian. and during seven years of my stay here I s c .تعال، بتفهم CREATE Come & Try

Baradonai restaurant invites you to joy meat combination you have never tried before authentic smell that will take you far away. Lebanon kitchen in Tel Aviv 3 Taarucha St. Tel Aviv port 03-5444418 The Diplomatic Club Magazine 7 Interview with Rabbi Avraham Firer

abbi Avraham Elimelech Firer Prize. And Rabbi Firer has an Honorary was very simple compared with today, and is director and founder of the Doctorate from the Weizmann Institute in today his friend is fine; this is how Rabbi world-famous organization Ezra Rehovot as well as a Ph.D from Bar Ilan and Firer started in this field. The reputation of RLeMarpeh. The organization was founded Haifa Universities. All of Ezra LeMarpeh’s how he and his organization began to assist in 1979 with the goal of alleviating the suf- services are offered free of charge. Hun- in the treatment of patients here in Israel fering of the sick and their families. The dreds of volunteers are busy, 24 hours a day just spread by word of mouth, nothing was organization offers a wide range of services, in an effort to respond to the appeals for said about it at that time in the media. including flying patients to medical - cent help and fulfill the vital mission of the or- ers around the world, bringing renowned ganization. The organization’s headquarters About his knowledge of medical subjects physicians and surgeons here to Israel for are in Bnei Brak in the “Beit Ciporin” Build- and anatomy and diagnosis, Rabbi Firer says medical procedures, lending medical equip- ing at 24 Chida Street. he was always curious, not just in the medi- ment (currently approximately $3,000,000, cal field but in everything. His father, Rabbi with about 50,000 people in Israel using This reporter asked the Rabbi: “Who is Rab- Naftali Firer, was ready to help people 24/7, this service), ambulance services around bi Firer?” The Rabbi replied that he tries to not only in medical areas. The organization the country, access and availability of new meet Rabbi Firer every day and know what tries to answer every call. He says that really, medications and techniques, x-ray and im- his purpose is, what his activity should be. anyone could do his job; one just needs to be aging duplication services, visiting the sick He says he hopes he will “find Rabbi Firer dedicated and devoted. His purpose is not and humanitarian aid, emergency blood someday.” Before he started his activities to know the medical area, the anatomy, the donations, first-aid courses, counseling now, he was a student in the yeshiva, which molecular structures, or know the new treat- and referral to specialists (about 150,000 he enjoyed. He says he has always used his ment, the purpose is to practically know how people helped yearly), home care facilities time well. Some thirty years ago, a friend all information can help or save a life. He for children with cancer, video conferenc- from his class went to the U.S. for very se- does not want to waste time accumulating ing and – international tele-medicine reha- rious surgery, there were complications, as information that will not be useful in helping bilitation day care centers, specialist clinics, it was very difficult to remove a tube from patients, every minute matters. If a target is “Home Away From Home” for special chil- him, and Firer was called on for all the lo- clear in helping a patient, taking into consid- dren, a hydrotherapeutic swimming pool gistics to transfer him back to a hospital in eration all limitations, like money, he tries to Israel. The procedure was very difficult, he and more. The organization with its direc- get the best, maximum treatment that can was intubated, and the airline and air crew tor, Rabbi Firer, have received numerous be given, he believes anyone could do this. awards, including the Knesset Chairman’s had no experience at that time transferring Award, the President’s Shield for Outstand- patients trans-Atlantic. He was successfully Rabbi Firer said that if the target is clear, ing Volunteer Work, The Minister of Labor transferred, and all treatments were made, a you can do the same thing for many patients & Welfare Award, and the esteemed Israel portable ventilator was used; all technology in a day. He takes about 150 telephone calls

8 The Diplomatic Club Magazine a day, in addition to personal meetings of about 40 people a day, but says he manages to lead a normal life. His family has a part- nership with him, in supporting him in his work, it is also a privilege for them; yet it is quite uncommon for any of his family mem- bers to come and visit him at the office. Once a year or every 2 years Rabbi Firer or- ganizes a dinner for fundraising, but most of the income comes from private donors. There is no separate department for fun- draising. He maintains excellent relations with all assisting physicians, despite the discomfort in relations of sometimes mov- ing a patient from one hospital or charge of physician in order to get different special treatment. But the physicians understand that he is not doing it for business, he is not making any income from this work, so it is easier for them to tolerate that the patient is moving from their department to a col- Amin Kassam, MD, Medical Director, Neuroscience Institute, John Wayne Cancer Institute league’s department. If a doctor does not In Ezra Lemarpe office after a few surgery's that he perform in Israel take the Rabbi’s patient for one reason or able to connect the patient to a doctor in from all over the world to Israel for medi- another, he goes to another doctor. the U.S., where he flew for treatment by the cal procedures. The doctors enjoy it and The Rabbi receives many calls from dip- surgeon. He says he has no idea how people want to return. Most of the doctors do lomats and embassies with requests and learn about him in all these countries. not charge any money for their services, many calls to help in transferring foreign and only ask for payment for expenses, About the future? The Rabbi just wants to nationals with severe health problems out such as airfare and hotels. Among some of continue and expand activities. A free den- of Israel. In addition to salaried staff, many the prominent physicians that Rabbi Fir- tal clinic for children has been opened in volunteers work for Ezra LeMarpeh. For er and Ezra LeMarpeh have worked with the Bnei Brak municipality. Ezra LeMarpeh example, there are more than 40 medical are Michael D. Sussman, MD, Pediatric sends groups of children cancer patients workers in the Rehabilitation area, 22 am- Specialty Care, Orthopedics, Portland , overseas to the U.S. and Europe for treat- bulances and soon an additional 3 ambu- Oregon, Elad I. Levy, MD, FACS, FAHA, lances for the South. All ambulance driv- ment and for rehabilitation in Switzerland Associate Director of Neurosurgery and ers must have a special emergency vehicle in the Alps, among other projects. And Radiology, University of Buffalo, New York, license, which requires extremely intensive groups of children with neurological disor- Professor Samuel Menahem, MD, Monash training of many hours, and very long work ders and other disabilities are sent abroad Medical Centre, Melbourne, and Hartzell hours. Every worker has a different field of to hotels in Europe, such as Italy, for physi- V. Schaff, MD, Division of Cardiovascu- expertise, whether in cancer, or children cal therapy. Rabbi Firer is realistic about lar Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Min- with special needs, etc. The Rabbi is ready dealing with people’s medical problems; if nesota, who has come for procedures to to work with any country in the world in he cannot help them he tries to help them Israel a number of times, and is shown in providing help to patients, even countries deal with their problem and accept their the documentary “A Reason to Question” without diplomatic relations with Israel. situation and keep it in perspective emo- showing his work with Rabbi Firer and He spoke about, for example, working with tionally. He feels privilieged to be able to Ezra LeMarpeh in dealing with extremely a patient with ophthalmologic problems provide this service, not less than perform- complicated cardiac cases. One benefit from Saudi Arabia. He received a call from a ing a life-saving procedure. Ezra LeMarpeh is that it exposes the doctors here in Is- hospital in Saudi Arabia, and the Rabbi was brings prominent physicians and surgeons rael to the expertise of these master phy- sicians in a learning experience in surgery. Another benefit is that the patient gets to stay with their own family for comfort and support. Usually the Rabbi prefers to send the patient abroad, because the attend- ing physician abroad is more familiar with the working team they have there, such as anesthesiologists, nurses, etc. and might be able to function better, because it is a multi-disciplinary team. The organization operates quietly and effi- ciently away from the limelight. Hundreds of thousands have benefited from its voluntary services and in calling on some of the best medical specialists and services in the world. The individuals helped are witnesses to Ezra LeMarpeh having had a share in alleviating their suffering. And Rabbi Firer with his self- less dedication to his work is one of the most Mr. Andrew Parker, Consul General for the United States in Israel remarkable and effective men in our world In rehabilitation day care center of Ezra Lemarpe and a source of tremendous inspiration.

The Diplomatic Club Magazine 9 diplomatic events

Electricity Tariffs in Israel By Gina Cohen The Diplomatic Club Magazine has decided to write a number of articles on energy in Israel and has asked Gina Cohen to oblige us in this matter. Gina Cohen has been working as a consultant in the local energy industry for the last dozen years, specializing in all aspects of the natural gas chain and electricity generation: from oil and gas exploration and development, to gas sales agreement negotiations, to the development of private power plants. She represents a number of international companies that have opera- tions in Israel and in the region. In addition, Gina is the author of the only Hebrew-English Energy Lexicon which compiles over 7,000 terms in both languages explaining a wide variety of facets dealing with energy in general and energy in Israel in particular (www.hebrewenergy.com)

ver the last couple of months, electricity consumers fell by between 8.6% ment necessary in 2010-13 to meet expected there has been extensive debate to 12.5% based on the voltage at which the electricity demand, given the electricity tar- and a lot of disagreement between electricity is supplied. The rate decrease re- iffs set by the Public Utilities Authority. the various bodies that are responsible for O flects a NIS 2.2 billion decline in the IEC's At the same time, Minister of National In- electricity prices in Israel. These bodies in- annual fuel budget due to a greater reliance frastructure Minister Uzi Landau was pro- clude the Ministry of National Infrastruc- on natural gas, which comprises about 40% moting higher tariffs in order to use any ture that is responsible for policy setting, of its fuel consumption. Natural gas is also funds available to promote programs such the Public Utility Authority-Electricity more efficient for electricity production. as energy efficiency, energy conservation, (PUA), or namely the electricity regulator In total, the IEC's fuel costs have been re- renewable energy and even the construction that is responsible for setting standards duced by 24.6%. of new power plants within the framework and tariffs and Israel Electric Corporation of the emergency program decided upon by (IEC) which generates and supplies 99% of Both the IEC and the MNI, however were far from happy with this new tariff setting. the government to meet growing electricity the country’s electricity. In response IEC ordered a study to be con- needs. The Minister explained that if Israel The issue culminated on the 1st of February ducted by the World Bank, as part of a re- is to embark on a policy based also on re- 2010, with the PUA approving new lower search on benchmarking of electricity tariffs newable energy, this will cost $2 billion and electricity tariffs, in light of the natural gas around the world. The World Bank report- that such an investment would need to be partially funded by a hike in electricity rates revolution which has changed the face of ed that Israel's electricity tariffs at the end of about 18% between 2010 and 2020 and the local energy sector enabling the genera- of 2008 were 20% lower than in countries not a decrease in prices. tion of lower electricity due to lower costs to which it was compared, and added that of fuel. Thus, as of February 15 the electric- IEC has been forced to reduce investment The PUA chairman Amnon Shapira agreed ity rate for residential consumers dropped in recent years to a less than desirable level that a hike in the tariffs of about 3%-5% a by 9.6% to 41.32 agorot per kilowatt hour; because of the low electricity tariffs, high year would be required for renewable ener- rates for commercial and public institu- debt to equity ratio, and their high salary gy and further funds would also be required tions dropped by 16.3% to 43.59 agorot per costs. The World Bank concludes that IEC as part of the tariff in order to invest in the kilowatt hour and the rate for large-scale will find it difficult to finance -the invest upgrade of the electricity grid. Pros and cons of lower tariffs: Pros of the disadvantaged. Lowering electric- ergetic streamlining. Electricity tariffs in ity rates will also indirectly result in other Israel were already among the lowest in the Tariffs are supposed to reflect the cost prices being lowered such as water and ad- western world, so there is no reason to cut of producing electricity. Tariffs should them further. These low tariffs are one of rise when the price of fuels rises and ditional sectors where energy costs are a the main reasons for the difficult financial should fall when the price of fuels central factor. situation of IEC. falls. All other considerations such as Cons encouraging energy savings, and ener- Low electricity tariffs create a negative in- getic streamlining, should be encour- Lowering the tariff of a product in exces- centive for the entrance of private electric- aged through taxation or subsidies with sive demand such as electricity will lead to ity producers into the market. This may the appropriate approvals. Lower tar- increased consumption and in the long- delay and even endanger implementation iffs reduce inflationary pressures and term will require the construction of even of the reform of Israel's electricity sector, strengthen the competitiveness of- ex more polluting power stations. Lowering and in the long term the lack of competi- porters. Lower tariffs are also more so- electricity tariffs contradict government tion from private producers may result in cially friendly and improve the situation policy which is attempting to encourage en- higher prices.

10 T he D iplomatic C lub M agazine SHELL YAELL gallery

187 Ben Yehuda St. Tel Aviv, Tel: 03-5469297 Opening hours: Sun-Thr 10:00 to 19:00, Fri 10:00 to 14:00 The Diplomatic Club Magazine 11 Israeli artist strengthens international cultural ties

Enjoying major global success as a critically acclaimed contemporary artist having been featured in muse- ums and galleries throughout the US, Europe, Israel and Asia, Ilana Raviv is the first Israeli-born artist to have had a solo exhibition in Russia's most pres- tigious museums, The State Russian Museum in St. Petersburg, as well as at Moscow's Museum of Modern Art (MMOMA). Widely covered by the Russian media and press, the opening at the State Russian Mu- seum, attended by hundreds of invitees, was inaugurated by Dr. Petrova Evgenija, Deputy Director of The State Russian Mu- seum, and The Honorable Israeli Ambas- sador to Russia, Mrs. Anna Azari, both of whom expressed their pleasure at being able to strengthen cultural ties between Russia and Israel through this historic event and who looked forward to continuing this re- lationship with further exhibitions by the artist in Russia. Mrs. Lubov Shakirova, Curator of Modern Art at the State Russian Museum, on the paintings of Ilana Raviv: “We are presenting an artist… whose works are comparable to the expressive and dramatic works of the ‘Avant-Garde Amazons' – the apocalyptic figures of Na- talia Goncharova, and the cards cycle of Olga Rosnova.” A year later, following her success in St. Petersburg, Ilana Raviv was invited by the President of the Russian Academy of Arts to exhibit her work in a one-woman show at the "MMOMA“– Moscow Museum of Modern Art which was organized by the Government of Moscow – The Department of Culture of the City of Moscow, The Em- bassy of Israel in Russia, and the Russian Academy of Arts. Dr. Andrei Tolstoy, Head of the Re- search Department of the Moscow ry… Her paintings are reminiscent of the 20th bilities in reflecting normal ordinary details, Museum of Modern Art and Cor- century’s greatest works. Not only Matisse and were raised on Cartesian philosophy. In fact, responding Member of the Russian Picasso, but also Albert Marquet and Raoul every dot, every line, every color highlight is Academy of Arts has said of Raviv: Dufy, the wonderful French fauvist artists… completely calculated as was manifested by "…this type of exhibition is clearly a defining Raviv is part of this school, the French school such artists as Matisse and Georges Braque, event. Raviv is an important and vital link in of seemingly simple but also totally calculated Picasso’s colleague, who jointly established the the chain of artists of the 20th and 21st centu- art. The French artists, with all of their capa- Cubist movement."

12 The Diplomatic Club Magazine The exhibitions at the State Russian Mu- itself, therefore is self evident and very clear that ums such as the Holocaust Memorial seum as well as at the MMOMA were a first the work does not come out of any kind of lack, Museum in Washington DC, The Mos- of their kind for any native-born Israeli art- but from a cup that runnith over filled by art cow Museum of Modern Art, The State ist at such renowned Russian institutions, from the source which is art in relationship to life Russian Museum in St. Petersburg, as and included many of the artists' paintings and death as mother, daughter, wife, teacher, the well as at the International Convention and drawings displaying works from differ- dynamics of living to points of joy in revelation Center in Jerusalem, where her monu- ent periods of Raviv's oeuvre. and celebration is her art." mental painting Both exhibitions were poised to further Dr. Alec Mishory, historian and art “The Tabernacle of Peace – A Tribute to strengthen cultural ties between Israel and critic: Zachariah” (Acrylic on canvas 8 X 2.12 m) is Russia and represented an important mile- on permanent display at the main entrance “… Europa, Leda, Flora, Helen, Pandora, stone for international recognition of Israeli lobby. In honor of the 60th anniversary of Scheherazade, Alice, and Godiva have nev- artists in general and Israeli female artists in the State of Israel a poster of the paint- er been depicted in this manner, in such a particular. ing was presented to attendees of the last storm of colors and expressionist shapes… Prime Minister's Conference in Jerusalem. Most recently Ilana Raviv exhibited her They proudly display their attitudes towards An original signed by Raviv copy on canvas works in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, and their spouses or show us how they conduct was presented to the Prime minister at that is currently preparing for another major in- their personal introspection. ” occasion. ternational project. Dr. Miriam Or, historian and art re- Ilana Raviv was honored by the city of Tel- searcher: About the artist: Aviv as "Woman of the City" in the Arts for “… the construction of her art is such that the com- 2008. Ilana Raviv was born in Tel Aviv, Israel and position begets a new invention, a new pathway Raviv divides her time between her Tel- studied art at the Art Students League in on the road to endless creative achievements of Aviv Neve-Tzedeck studio and her New- New York. Her work encompasses different humankind.” York studio. Additional information about media, including paintings, drawings, etch- Examples of Raviv’s work can be found the artist can be found at her web-site: ings, tapestries and ceramics, and can be in the permanent collection of muse- www.ravivart.com and on YouTube. found in museums, as well as in private and corporate collections around the world. Raviv's work has been described as “syn- thetic realism,” (Knox Martin) which makes use of extreme metaphors, and has earned enthusiastically favorable reviews both in Israel and abroad. Much of it focuses on femininity and relations between the sexes. In her own words, the artist describes her work as: “a different version of reality, a metaphor which creates and shapes an arti- ficial life on canvas, a variety of flat designs and contrasts not taken from academic na- ture - the abstract.” Branka Berberijan, Spanish art critic: “… exciting and poetic, more of a revelation than a cold intellectual analysis. Ilana Raviv's lively ar- tistic temperament demands large surfaces which are a real song of praise of an intuitive art that can forestall any criticism that is ‘enthusiastically and politically biased’ (Charles Baudelaire), pre- paring it and justifying its existence.” Knox Martin, the well-known New York painter and former Yale profes- sor of art: ..."underlying the art of Ilana Raviv’s painting and drawing there is a characteristic of truthful- ness of the concretization that can be seen in a cer- tain period of the works of Jackson Pollak, Hals and Miro… … This distinguished artist is then open to the dance of intelligence that comes out of the work

The Diplomatic Club Magazine 13 Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson visits Israel

The Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson, a veteran British athlete who has won 16 Olympic medals, visited Israel on Thursday, 15 April, 2010. She visited the Challenge Center for therapeutic bicycle rid- ing in Tel Aviv and participated in a ride with Israeli paralympic ath- letes Mr. Nati Gruber, a cyclist, and Ms. Pascal Bercovitch, rower, climber and filmmaker (pictured). Later in the day, she was slated to join a training session in Tel Aviv at beit Halohem of the Israeli paralympic team training for the 2012 London Games. She was to close her visit by meeting the Israeli business community at the therapeutic horseback riding center in Tel Mond. (Photos by Mati Milstein/British Embassy)

Photos by Mati Milstein/British Embassy

Here’s how we raised the money:

• There were over 50 vendors selling as- • The members sold delicious cooked food France, Germany, Guatemala, Colombia, sorted products: jewelry, children’s gifts, and drink from their home countries South Africa, Nigeria, Ivory Coast . carpets, ceramics, silk goods, kitchen in Asia, Africa, Latin-America, North • An auction of hotel stays, spa services, wares, olive wood items, paintings, America, and Europe, plus cheeses from and signed jerseys of Maccabi Tel-Aviv etc. from Israel, the West Bank, South Ireland, France, the Netherlands and basketball team and Maccabi Tel-Aviv America, Cambodia, Korea, Ivory Lithuania. soccer team Coast, and India, among other places. • The International Women’s Club had a Some of the jewelry sellers included Jo table of scrumptious home-baked goods. Stewart, one of the members; Suzette Reynas, a member of the IWC; Maya • There was a Surprise Table, where you can pick a wrapped gift ranging from Offer Jewelry Design; Lorraine Davidi vases to jewelry to picture frames to who- and Handmade jewelry by Wafa from knows-what? the Turkish Bazaar in Old Acre; Some of the artists are Yoram Gal, an artist • A raffle with assorted prizes: dinner at from Jaffa; Sali Ariel from Herzliya Pitu- local restaurants, hair treatments, baskets ach, www.saliariel.com; Jerusalem Art- of food and crafts from baskets of food ists’ Company. Other vendors include and crafts from Bulgaria, Italy, United Jinny Kim, who sells Korean furniture; States of America, the Russian Federa- Sunbula, from Jerusalem; Debra Silver, tion, Romania, Slovenia, the Netherlands, who sells Green Choice Label Organic Uruguay, Brazil, Kenya, Egypt, Japan, the Products – Herbs & Spices; and Margret European Union Delegation, Croatia, Ellwanger, who sells silk items from a Georgia, Latvia, and the Kingdom of Cambodian non-profit organization. Jordan, Ireland, Canada, Korea, India,

14 T he D iplomatic C lub M agazine Omega 3 of Clary Sage a New Age of food supplements Vegetal Omega 3, of Clary Sage – is an out- from seaweed and humans from plants, seeds The product, protected by a worldwide pat- standing health product - a real Israeli 'Start- & nuts) the more complex unsaturated fatty ent, registered to the Israeli Ministry of Ag- Up', developed, grown and manufactured in acids, known as DHA & EPA. So, when we riculture, distributed worldwide by the Israeli Israel. consume fish oil, not only we receive those "Marvalous" company, has gained so far USA It all began with an 8 year long research of "2nd hand", we do not enjoy the advantages of FDA approvals, as well as those of Mexico, Dr. Nativ Dudai, head of the "Vulcany Insti- ALA, an essential fatty acid by its own, which Romania and Kazakhstan and coming soon, tute", a subsidiary of the Israeli Ministry of we receive in our mothers' milk and is a man- of the European Community, Russia, Canada Agriculture, in the search for a plant resource datory ingredient in Breast Milk Substitutes. and other countries. for functional food & food supplements ex- The fantastic fact about Dr. Dudai's discovery The product is distributed through network tremely rich in Omega 3. is the richness of essential food supplements marketing, therefore it can be found only in For most people, it is common knowledge: which Clary Sage oil contains next to ALA: chosen health food stores and pharmacies. another 100 active ingredients, such as CoEn- Omega 3 is an essential food supplement, it is "Sense of Gaya", known by its' Hebrew name zyme Q10, Omega 9, Phytosterols, Sclareol, made out of fish oil, and it contains 2 valuable "Chochmat Ha'adama" (the wisdom of earth), anti-oxidants and many other, which due to unsaturated fatty acids – DHA & EPA. is one of those few locations, which by incor- natural synergy, turn this kind of Omega 3, porating a Health & Herb shop with a natural But being made of fish oil, comprises many into a "Super food supplement". disadvantages, the most dominant: its taste healing clinic, will also provide professional & smell, being unsuitable for many users Clinical tests, as well as numerous enthusiastic consultancy. and the worst, being contaminated by heavy reports from consumers & practitioners, based metals and other industrial wastes (originat- on continuous consumption, prove why Omega ing from polluted oceans, a fact which has 3 ALA of Clary Sage is the new "Gospel" among recently caused a major lawsuit filed in Cali- food supplements: it has no smell or taste, it has fornia, claiming 8 large manufacturers of food a shelf life of 2 years, vegetarians can consume it, supplements, have failed to alert consum- it is safe for all users, it improves cardiovascular ers about the toxic contents of their fish oil health, reduces and in some cases may replace Omega 3). medications for triglycerides & high sugar levels in the blood and high blood-pressure, improves The result of Dr. Dudai's research, cold pressed cognitive functions & depressive conditions, oil from the seeds of Clary Sage - known as improves and in some cases may replace medi- "Salvia Sclarea", which containing over 50% cations for ADD ADHD, improves skin & hair ALA (Alpha Linoleic Acid), as well as 100 condition, improves arthritis & other inflam- other active & essential ingredients, marks a matory conditions, supports eye-health, the im- new age of natural food supplements. mune system and proper fetus & baby develop- ment and more. ALA, is a vegetal basic, unsaturated fatty acid, from which fish & humans synthesize (fish, www.chochmat-haadama.co.il or www.senseofgaya.com

The Diplomatic Club Magazine 15 Shlomit Rozen By Neil Sandler Promotes Beautiful Skin With Her Ananda Bio Cosmetics Shlomit Rozen is the Director of Ananda Bio skin care products and sun protection prod- Eran Magon, who today runs the Ayurvedic Cosmetics, genuinely organic, now in exist- ucts in this line. school at Tel Aviv University . After that she ence for 13 years . Organic Cosmetics, or any studied with teachers from India, and studied Ananda is the goddess Mother Earth in San- organic products at all, are the most superior medical herbs and also has a Master’s in reik- skrit which gave the name to the company, products; they are also known nowadays as ki. She has been a yoga practitioner for years. and it also represents the inner place of hap- “green products” . The reason Shlomit start- In 1997 she began to make this product, with piness we reach in meditation. Ananda prod- ed to make organic cosmetics is because in the aim of stopping the aging process of the ucts are sold mostly in natural food stores, as general, synthetic chemicals in our environ- skin. She was determined to create cosmetics well as in pharmacies. She gives many lectures ment and in non-organic cosmetics can make that would achieve this aim. She then made a about nutrition and health and her cosmetics the skin get older quicker. Atopic dermatitis connection with a chemist with a laboratory to groups. For example, last year she went to is a new condition, apparent for the last 10 and they began to work together. At that time an Ayurvedic international conference in Tu- or so years, because people’s skin has become it took a long time to discover the materials rino, Italy, representing Israel. This October to work with, such as shia butter, also called Shlomit has been invited to represent her line karita, from Africa. After that she discovered of cosmetics products at a cosmetics conven- the Grenoble Nuts. She includes natural fra- tion in Austria. Ananda has two products for grances in some of her cosmetics, like laven- babies for sun ray protection. The skin prod- der, citrus and jasmine. Shlomit uses jasmine ucts for men are lighter, and absorbed more absolute oil, costing more than $5000 per liter easily, including after-shave lotions. The skin to produce, and uses the Grenoble Nut abso- absorbs everything we put on it into our sys- lute and citrus oils absolute. There are prod- tems, another reason why these chemical- ucts with organic honey and propolis as well. free organic cosmetics are so superior: they Shlomit emphasizes that people’s skins are ex- do not add any toxins into our system. None posed to damaging electrical waves from com- of Ananda cosmetics are in metal containers, puters, cell phones, etc. as well as from the sun. which add toxicity, but in glass or in special sensitive to all the new chemicals introduced She has an anti-wrinkle serum from Hiaronit toxic chemical-free plastic. The SPF for adults into our environment. It was very difficult for acid, a natural substance, including a men’s in the cosmetics is 30 and for children Ananda Shlomit to find the ingredients she wanted in version. The prices for Ananda cosmetics are offers a 50 SPF. There are Ananda cosmetics the beginning. She is an herbalist, and an ay- more reasonable than for other organic pure with Dead Sea minerals. There are about 600 urvedic, using this Indian medicine that uses products. When you buy Ananda products in manufacturers of Dead Sea products in Israel, organic food, yoga, meditation, which is an Israel they are about 30% less expensive than but only about 5 of these manufacturers use entire life-style. The difference between her in Europe. The products have special organic the Dead Sea salt with all the minerals inside. cosmetics and other organic cosmetics is that certification for both in Israel and in Europe. Ananda uses mud and green clay from the her products are at least 95% organic, while The products are distributed in Europe under Dead Sea and herbs from the Dead Sea area the organic certification from Israel allows Ananda Austria, Ananda as well as Dead Sea salt with all the minerals cosmetics that might only be 10% organic to Italy, etc. Shlomit Ro- in the products, for example in skin cream. be listed as “organic”. Her products are sold zen’s Ananda Bio Cos- Ananda skin products with the Dead Sea ma- in Europe; her biggest market is Austria, fol- metics is a superior line terials work very effectively again psoriasis, lowed by Germany and Italy, and Ananda is of cosmetic products, seborrhea, atopical dermatitis. People travel also sold in Belgium. Her most popular prod- of utmost quality and from abroad to the Dead Sea in Israel for uct contains Grenoble nuts, which grow in integrity, and created to the benefits of these materials, and they can France and are like walnuts, the trees grow achieve beautiful skin. get them from these cosmetics. Ananda has for a long long time, and the nuts contain el- about 50 Dead Sea products in their line. ements that counter the effects of UV rays and pollution: the two main reasons for skin Shlomit Rozen is an Ayurvedic nutritionist, aging, and also elements that are very good and studied for three years at a private Ay- for the skin cells. She uses these ingredients urvedic school in Israel with a teacher who is a in her line of Grenoble Nut products, the regular doctor as well as an Ayurvedic doctor, most popular line. There are seven skin care products, three hair care products, men’s www.ananda-israel.co.il

16 The Diplomatic Club Magazine The Orange House of Architect Arieh J. Ginzburg

By Neil Sandler

rchitect Arieh J. Ginzburg wel- keep the air cooler. The complete space Ginzburg received his architecture degree comed this reporter to his fantas- of the house is about 3000 square feet , on from Kansas State University and then went tic modular house, in the Zahala a 5150 square foot lot. on to work at an architectural firm in Wash- neighborhood 5 miles northeast of Tel ington, D.C. for five years. Ginzburg’s father A The flooring on the main floor is of slate Aviv. He understatedly describes his “Or- was a civil engineer and his mother was an imported from Vermont, the first shipment ange House”, as “a lot of fun to be in”. He architect. After returning to Israel Ginzburg to Israel in the 150 year history of the com- sees himself as having had the special role worked on designing buildings and houses, but pany. The metal wall surfaces were treated of full control in the development of the stresses that the Orange House is a custom- with acid to change the texture and blend in House, unusual for an architect; being the made, tailor –made production, a very specific with the slates. When the natural light hits developer, owner, builder, designer as well project. He built it speculatively, on his own the slates they show a purplish eggplant hue. as the main user of the Orange House. land, designed it himself and built it himself. There are orange cut-out lines in the floor, Ginzburg has been able to experiment He used a lot of very basic building materials, illuminated from below, which not only more, and try out different applications much of it “industrial” some of which he se- mark parts of the module, but demarcate by living himself in the house over time. lected from junkyards. Ginzburg is also a pro- the different areas of the living space, with- This was the first home that Ginzburg fessional illustrator, and is extremely skillful in out blocking with walls or partitions, mak- designed, before this he was involved in producing hand-drawn prospectuses. ing the space seem much larger and allowing other spheres of architecture. Water from light to pass freely . The main construction The Orange House is open for hosting sump- the pool beside the house cools the house of the house is of steel, and painted a pleas- tuous parties and events and affairs, and has as breeze enters from the north through a ing shade of tangerine orange, making the had fabulous events such as fashion shows wall that opens and there is an overhang steel warmer to the eye and giving it the up to now, and including weddings (there is that keeps the pool cool. This is natural “Orange House” name. There is the main a synagogue within near walking distance). air-conditioning during the long, hot sum- area , an upstairs, with a master bedroom There is a large parking lot conveniently mer. The angle of the sunlight in winter with a Jacuzzi, and two other bedrooms, all nearby. The events are generally for 150-200 hits the water and reflects the pool - sur having their own bathroom, and a finished guests. All parts of the house are open for face into the house, producing dancing basement, downstairs area. the party guests, for example the basement water reflections inside in an inverted ef- area might be assigned for a children’s part of fect. No air conditioning is necessary in Ginzburg spent as much time designing an event. And of course, the garden is open the house, but because of the events that and building the garden area as on the for guests to roam to the different sitting the house is used for, air conditioning has House itself. At night, the intermediate corners. The bedrooms have been used for been put in some areas. The walls are can- areas in the garden are dark and we pass models to change outfits and for cosmetic opy walls, made of very thin membranes to various illuminated sitting areas, creat- makeovers before entrancing to the audience and 90% of the walls’ thickness is insula- ing greater mystery and feeling of greater below. There have been wine-tasting parties tion. Directional orientation of the open- expanse. There is the 40x13 ft. reflecting and other promotional events. ings are carefully designed to produce pool, traversed by a Japanese-style bridge maximum cooling in the summer, with to the House entrance, which are lined Arieh Ginzburg has chronicled the creation optimal circulation of cool air from out- by black volcanic stones, and papyrus and of the Orange House and is hoping to pub- side. The openings to outside are mostly other water plants beside, and the water is lish a book about it, complete with his own north-south, overhangs are employed to kept crystal clean. drawings. Middle East Digest

Suzette Reyna and Her Exquisite Necklaces By Neil Sandler

The lovely, vivacious Suzette Reyna wel- rior designers she has befriended, attending comed this reporter to her gorgeous apart- design fairs in Europe and gaining practical ment in north Tel Aviv. Suzette served two experience in designing, choosing and ob- years as Vice President of the International taining decorative materials from the most Women’s Club and then was President for reputable sources. one year 2008-2009. The current President Her necklaces are made of semi-precious is Margarita Stegniy, wife of the Russian stones , of which there are a huge variety, Federation Ambassador to Israel. The In- such as agate, quartz, crystal, coral, car- ternational Women’s Club has about 400 nelian, amethyst and onyx. She creates her members and maintains a close relationship with the Diplomatic Spouse Club. IWC designs by playing with different colors, Israel was established in 1969. Suzette has shapes , sizes and cuts of the semi-precious been a member of the Club for the last 20 stones in her necklaces. Suzette has an ex- years, she was invited to join by the then- tensive collection available, with pieces that President, the wife of the Turkish Ambas- reflect the current fashion and stone color sador to Israel. She arranged a trip to her trends. Suzette says, that like other women, native Istanbul in May 2009 for 20 IWC she has worn gold and diamond jewelry in members, which included a guide from the various stages of her life. Now, however, she Turkish Tourist Board and VIP entrance has come to the conclusion that diamonds for tour-goers to every place. She maintains and gold can sometimes be too expensive, contact with a great number of Ambassa- and that they can be far from completing dors’ wives who left Israel over the years, an outfit. Her semi-precious stone jewelry and often meets them when return here provides the additional charm, esthetic and to visit , after making such strong connec- dynamism that are needed in the “look”. tions. She is very proud of her most recent Semi-precious stone jewelry, necklace and/ contribution to IWC charitable events, the or bracelet, can lift the esthetic level of a performance by the Moscow Rachmaninoff simple dress or shirt dramatically. It can be Trio for the Make A Wish Foundation, at worn day or night, with an evening gown, Weil Auditorium in Kfar Shmaryahu on and change the appearance completely. Ad- February 10. The IWC functions from Sep- ditionally, the fact that an exquisite semi- tember to June, with a summer break. Last precious stone necklace costs only several year’s opening lunch was held at the Turkish hundred dollars, instead of several thousand Embassy Residence and the closing at the dollars invested in gold or diamonds makes American Embassy Residence. Generally, the semi-precious stone necklace a natural around 200 women attend the events. and desired choice for any elegant woman these days. The diversity of color of stones Growing up in Istanbul gave Suzette a deep make them a match for any dress. impression of the art and beauty of the Ot- toman and Turkish art and culture. She has She has a “boutique” approach in market- always had the chance to travel extensively ing her necklaces, to be more personalized and frequently to Europe, the Far East and in designing for each individual customer. North America. Her Turkish cultural roots Only in Bologna and in Barcelona are any and appreciation of European and other of her works sold in shops. A good number world cultures has fed her artistic crea- of Ambassadors and Ambassador’s wives tions. She has had a line of her personally- have bought her designed jewelry. Suzette designed necklaces, using semi-precious says that sometimes she meets women stones for about the last seven years. With wearing her jewelry and is overwhelmed her jewelry work, she has attended count- with the jewelry’s beauty, and cannot al- less fashion and jewelry shows of the top ways realize that she herself created the Italian and French designers in Milan, Flor- piece. Suzette would like to be contacted ence, Cote d’Azur and Paris. In addition she directly by those who want to experience has been influenced by the prominent inte- her jewelry creations.

18 The Diplomatic Club Magazine