March 2015

4-7 Col. Richard Kemp Questioning the Credibility of the UN Investigation into Operation “Protective Edge”

16-17Israel Erased From Asian Cup Historical Video

18-19 Truth Behind Gospel of Judas Revealed in Ancient Inks 10 Carlibah St., Tel-Aviv P.O. Box 20344, Tel Aviv 61200,

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Editor Eveline Erfolg Dear friends, February and March are busy months with day, the 14th of Adar. Writers Anthony J. Dennis lots of festivals and events taking To celebrate the joyous holiday there Patricia e Hemricourt, Israel place around the world. is a reading of the Megillat Esther Ira Moskowitz, Israel In the western countries, Valentine's (The Book of Esther) which tells the Bernard Marks, Israel Day and International Women's Day are whole story of the events relating to the Christopher Barder, UK traditionally celebrations on which people holiday. In addition, there is dressing Ilan Berman, USA express their love for one another by up in costumes, giving gifts to the poor presenting flowers, offering chocolates (matanot l'evyonim), giving gifts to friends and sending greeting cards. These holidays (mishloach manot) and having a large Reporters Eveline Erfolg Neill Sandler have lost their original religious or Purim feast (seudat Purim). Gabriel M Avner ideological meanings. The Diplomatic Club is celebrating People across Asia have celebrated International Women's Day with hope for Advertising Tel: 972-3-56.220.61/2 Chinese New Year, known variably as a good future for all women, and every [email protected] the Year of the Goat, the Sheep or the mother and child in the world. Ram. The sign's confusion stems from its This issue includes several articles, related Layout Yanka Studio Chinese character, "yang," which broadly to the security of Israel. It wasn't our www.yankastudio.ccom describes any of the ruminating mammals, intention, but it is a reality of Israel, which with or without horns. Many Chinese is not likely to change, not before elections Accounting Gabriel Elnathan prefer to translate it as the "Year of the and not after. Sheep" because sheep are cute and cuddly, Legal Support Mati Simchowitz and large sheep figures have appeared Law Office around the capital's shopping areas in Sincerely yours, recent weeks. The goat, however, is more Julia Verdel Cover “Christmas Tree” likely to be the original meaning, because General Manager by Marina Zlochin it was a popular farm animal among Han for Joy Art Gallery Chinese, who started the zodiac tradition. As for Israel – it is preparing to celebrate Purim in the beginning of March. Purim festivities commemorate the survival of the Jewish people in Ancient Persia, from The Diplomatic Club Magazine the threat of annihilation at the hand of Printed Monthly the powerful and evil Haman, the "prime minister". Haman plotted to kill the Jews Tel: 972-3-562.20.61/2 on the 13th of Adar, but his plan was foiled Fax: 972-3-562.02.12 and he ended up being killed himself. As a [email protected] consequence, the Jews celebrated the next www.diplomacy-club.com Interview Interview

Nations as being a credible body to his retirement, he has been involved carry out such a task, noting that they advising on issues of security and have historically singled out Israel in Questioning terrorism, as well as an advocate for his view unfairly for similar probes. Israel in the international arena. Kemp expands saying that he believes the Credibility of In explaining why Israel’s conduct that the UN should be investigating from the war is viewed so negatively ’ actions, but doubts that there the UN Investigation abroad, he points to a general anti- will be any serious efforts to do so. As Israel sentiment in places such as he sees it, Israel should not cooperate into Operation Europe. ‘A large number of people with the Human Rights Council’s in the UK are anti-Israel. However, investigation since it has its own “Protective Edge” if you ask many people in the UK internal mechanisms for reviewing to point out Israel on a map, they charges of violations to the laws of An Interview with would probably fail to be able to do war in the same way that Britain and British Col. Richard Kemp so. They don’t really know anything the United States do. about what is going on here and why The most worrying part of this would they? The only thing they conflict to Kemp was how Hamas really know about Israel is what the began firing increasingly intensive media tell them. I believe that there volleys of rockets into Israel, citing is an institutionalized bias against By Gabriel M Avner rates of fire of over 60 projectiles Israel in the media that influences in a single day. He is disturbed by what people say. This includes the how he views the Palestinian groups, Being anti-Israel conduct of the IDF in combat. What s Israelis and including Hamas and Palestinian has become a proxy for they see on the BBC and Sky News, Islamic Jihad, as acting consistently continue to feel the that’s all they know about Israel and reverberations of Operation anti-Semitism. It is in contrast to the laws of war, adds A it’s generally negative.’ that this is unlikely to be a factor in Protective Edge nearly six months Kemp goes on to say that, ‘Being later, the focus appears to have no longer acceptable in the results of the current investigation. anti-Israel has become a proxy shifted away from the battlefield and Kemp notes that in past reports such British culture to be for anti-Semitism. It is no longer into the legal sphere. In response to as the Goldstone Report, the militant acceptable in British culture to be accusations of wartime violations by openly anti-Semitic, but groups were essentially absolved of openly anti-Semitic, but it is almost a both Israel and Hamas during the 52 wrongdoing for their actions. it is almost a requirement requirement to abuse Israel publically of armed conflict, saying that, ‘These days of fighting, the United Nations In discussing the recent resignation in Europe.’ He notes though that there groups use these conventions against A lot of the same Human Rights Council appointed a to abuse Israel publicly in of William Schabas who had led the is generally a different view taken and design their tactics to exploit panel to investigate and determine techniques that are used current investigative panel, Kemp Europe. by British who have served in the the rules of engagement against us. if there are grounds for moving points to the fact that the jurist had Israel Defense Forces’ actions during military in recent years since they In other words, to take advantage of by Hezbollah have been forward with charges of war crimes. previously worked as a consultant the last Gaza conflict. have had to face similar situations our restraint and humanity, making While support for the inquiry has transferred to Iraq and to the Palestinian Liberation against enemies who have utilized it an unfair fight in a number of been building abroad since before the Kemp served for 30 years Organization, and had steered the the same kind of tactics. ‘A lot of ways. It is remarkably hard to make were used to kill British conflict ended in late August, here in as a service member of the British investigation with a serious bias. the same techniques that are used soldiers in a democracy understand Israel both the public and officials Army, taking part in operations in Even though he has stepped down by Hezbollah have been transferred why they must be restrained against and American soldiers. have expressed their doubts regarding Northern Ireland, the Balkans, and from his position Kemp says, the to Iraq and were used to kill British an enemy who is not.’ He adds though the impartiality of an UN-backed Iraq. In 2003, he was appointed to There is a lot of respect for reality is that the findings of the report and American soldiers. There is a lot that it is important to uphold to the investigation. In the face of mounting command of the British forces serving are due to be published in March, of respect for the IDF among British laws of armed conflict, even if it the IDF among British pressure on Israel by the international in where he led their and they will have been heavily troops, so you will see an almost makes operating more difficult and community, British Colonel Richard counter terror actions. Working with troops, so you will see shaped by Schabas, thus further opposite point of view to that of the dangerous. Kemp was recently in Israel to lend both local Afghans and coalition compromising perceptions that Israel mainstream public.’ an almost opposite point his voice and experience to the members, Kemp’s efforts aided in While agreeing that an investigation is being criticized unfairly by the UN, conversation over the legality of the disrupting al-Qaeda and to bring a He disputes the idea that groups like that was evenhanded could be of view to that of the concluding that ‘Personally, I’m not measure of stability to the area. Since Hamas are not cognizant of the laws appropriate, he discounts the United mainstream public sure that the report will be worth the 4 paper it’s written on.’ 5 Interview Opinion

Economic Colonel Richard Kemp Richard Kemp has spent most he was wounded in a multiple Challenges his life fighting terrorism and terrorist mortar attack in South insurgency, commanding British Armagh's bandit country. In 1993 Facing troops on the front line of some he was appointed Member of of the world's toughest hotspots, the Order of the British Empire Palestinians including Afghanistan, Iraq, the by the Queen for intelligence Balkans and Northern Ireland. work in Northern Ireland. He took part in the invasion of Iraq Richard was sent to Kabul in By Gabriel M Avner 2003 to take command of British in 1991 in a Challenger tank n a report on 18 January 2015 in Forces in Afghanistan. Realising with the Desert Rats, and was the Israeli newspaper Haaretz, that there was an increasing decorated for bravery with the a number of high profile political defense officials expressed their terrorist threat, but no resources United Nations Protection Force kidnappings. He was appointed I fear that deteriorating economic or plans in place to deal with it, in Bosnia in 1994. In 2001, he Commander of the Order of the conditions in the could he immediately put together an formed a tri-service organization British Empire for his work and, give rise to renewed violence along unconventional force of British to train 45,000 British troops in the words of the Chief of the southern border. Questions of how troops and US Marines. They deploying on operations each Defence Intelligence, had "huge a future state of Palestine will be able begged, borrowed and stole year around the globe, and later influence at the highest level of to sustain itself without the reliance equipment to gain intelligence was counter terrorism adviser to government." on international donors, how the hot and launch covert surveillance. the Macedonian premier. Since retiring from the Army button issue of “normalization” is Writing about Richard, the Most of the last five years Richard has been responsible harming cooperation between Israelis Canadian general commanding of Richard's military career for security of one of the most and Palestinians, and other important international forces at the time were spent in Downing Street threatened terrorist targets challenges to an economically viable said: "His efforts led directly to as head of the international in London, has advised on Palestinian society weigh in heavily the most successful offensive terrorism team at the Joint countering the terrorist threat on the future security relations counter-terrorist operations Intelligence Committee, in New York and Mumbai, and between the two nations. in Kabul, with several key where he was responsible for was appointed special adviser economies in the region, it is fairly and shoes as subcontractors for Israeli terrorist leaders now under producing assessments on the on terrorism to the House of Brigadier General (res) Gadi Zohar impressive. That said the West Bank companies. Industrial areas, like arrest, significantly setting back growing global terrorist problem Commons Home Affairs Select of the Council for Peace and Security is extremely dependent on Israel – the one in Barkan, have helped to the enemy campaign." Along for the Prime Minister and the Committee. provides some insights on the current where it buys most of its goods. provide jobs for Palestinians and the way, Richard helped to Cabinet. In 2005, at the request In 2007 and 2008 Richard state of the Palestinian economy The Palestinian economy is mostly have been useful in providing them disarm local warlords, trained of the US Ambassador to Iraq, led a campaign to recognise and its complicated relationship based around services and donations. with additional opportunities. Zohar the fledgling Afghan army and he spent three months on a the sacrifice of British troops with Israel. In addition to leading As employment options are more says that there is a high level of police and even played a part in special intelligence assignment killed and wounded in action the Civil Authority during the early 1990s, Zohar sits on the board of limited in the West Bank, some motivation by Palestinians to work preventing a coup d'état against in Baghdad, Fallujah and by the award of a medal similar the Israeli-Palestinian Chamber of 50,000 travel to work legally in toward building a stronger economy, President Hamid Karzai. Mosul. Over this period he was to the US Purple Heart. This Commerce and Industry (IPCC). In Israel. Zohar says that, despite even establishing a functioning stock also a member of Cobra, the gained support of the majority of Richard joined the his work with these organizations, the hassles of security checks, exchange based in Nablus. government's top-level crisis Members of Parliament as well the day after he left school, and Zohar has become well acquainted Palestinians can earn nearly In more recent years, there has been a management committee. He as widespread support among spent the next 30 years in some with the successes and difficulties that double of what they could make rise of a small hi-tech sector based in Chaired the Cobra Intelligence serving and retired military of the world's most notorious are being experienced in Palestinian domestically. This number does not cities such as Nablus, Ramallah, and Group, responsible for personnel, and resulted in the trouble spots. He first came under society. include those who cross into Israel Bethlehem. This move toward hi-tech enemy fire on the Falls Road in coordinating the work of the institution by Her Majesty The Zohar notes that it is important illegally. comes with an increasingly better- as a 19-year-old infantry national intelligence agencies, Queen of The , to differentiate between the West In speaking about the smaller educated workforce. Zohar notes platoon commander. During including MI5 and MI6, during awarded now to the next of kin Bank and the Gaza Strip, which is proportion of the various that, “The Palestinian population is one of the 8 tours of duty in the July 2005 London bombings, of all British servicemen and currently under control of the Hamas manufacturing activities in the West very well educated with even more Northern Ireland that followed, the Madrid and Bali attacks and women killed on operations. government. The situation in the Bank, Zohar notes that the stonework institutions of learning than even in West Bank is markedly different he industry there is well developed. Israel. Some attend Israeli schools says, and when compared to other Others produce items such as textiles such as in Ariel.” Many of them have 6 7 Opinion Opinion

many of these tech firms are also Palestinian side. While the group has West Gaza Refrence subcontractors for Israeli companies, had some success in pairing Israelis Indicator which bring on additional issues with and Palestinians for business ventures Bank Strip Period accusations of “normalization.” and guiding Palestinians through the Employed Persons by Sector Concerns over appearances that they bureaucracy of the Israeli system, the IPCC has faced challenges due to the may be complicit in normalizing Public Sector 15.6 41.0 2nd quarter 2014 the continued situation, vis-a- desire to dissociate from Israel. vis the conflict with Israel, many Palestinians, he says, have Private Sector 67.5 54.0 2nd quarter 2014 Palestinians have avoided economic “rejected ideas of an economic UNRWA 0.6 5.0 2nd quarter 2014 gone to study elsewhere in places cooperation with Israelis. The specter peace in exchange for some level like Jordan and the West, from which of normalization has shown itself in of autonomy,” adding that, “We Israel and Settlements 16.3 0.0 2nd quarter 2014 they have returned with important Zohar’s experience with the IPCC, here at the Council and many of my Total 100 100 2nd quarter 2014 skills for growing this new sector. noting that it is an Israeli organization colleagues believe that we need to It is important to note, though, that without a parallel partner from the work to resolve the conflict.” National Accounts The West Bank and Gaza Strip Gross Domestic Product (Value in USD Million) 5,064.40 1,878.30 2013 Main Statistical Indicators GDP per capita (Value in USD) 2,051.40 1,103.90 2013 Real GDP growth rate (%) 0.7 6.3 2013 West Gaza Refrence Indicator June 2014 Bank Strip Period Consumer price index (Base year 2010=100) 111.5 101.26 compared with May 2014 Population Foreign trade Population (million) 2.79 1.76 Mid 2014 Population Density (individual/Km2) 493 4,822 Mid 2014 Registered Exports (US Thousand Dollar) 777,685 4,683 2012 sex ratio 103.3 103.3 2014 Registered Imports (US Thousand Dollar) 4,305,590 391,766 2012

Number of localities 524 33 2013 Infrastructure Average Number of Rooms in the Housing Unit 3.4 3.5 2013 Quantity of Consumed Water in the Economic Establishments 2631.6 1858.3 2013 Average Housing Density (persons per room) 1.5 1.8 2013 (1000 cubic meter/month) Percentage of connected Economic Establishments to public water Population structure 90.7 71.0 2013 network, % 0-14 37.6 43.2 2014 Percentage of connected Economic Establishments to sewage network, % 62.8 70.3 2013 15-29 30.1 29.9 2014 Percentage of connected Economic Establishments to solid waste service, % 84.9 79.3 2013 30-59 27.4 23.2 2014 Percentage of connected households to public water network, % 94.5 99.9 2013 60+ 4.9 3.7 2014 Percentage of connected household to sewage network, % 40.6 83.1 2013 Natural increase rate 2.59 3.41 2014 Percentage of household that have solid waste service by local authority, % 77.8 59.9 2013 Life expectancy at birth (Male) 72.2 71.2 2014 Area of Land (km2) 5,655 365 2013 Life expectancy at birth (Female) 75.1 74.1 2014 Area of Forest (km2) 98.2 3.2 2011 Average household size 5.1 6.0 2012 Area of Cultivated Land (km2) 843.5 88 2011 Total fertility rate 4.0 5.2 2008-2009 Infant mortality rate 18.1 20.1 2010 8 9 Events Events

President Rivlin Chinese Ambassador hosts Latin American Ambassadors Zhan Yongxin Arrives to Israel in Israel

n 11 February 2015, On the occasion of the arrival and assumption President Reuven Rivlin of office of a new Ambassador to Israel, H. E. Ohosted at his residence Ambassador Zhan Yongxin, the Embassy of Ambassadors to Israel from the People's Republic of China to the State of Latin American countries. At Israel hosted an event at Dan Hotel. the beginning of the meeting, In his opening remarks, the Ambassador the President welcomed the welcomed the guests to continue to lending Ambassadors and said he was they support to the Chinese Embassy and delighted to welcome them to his himself, contributing this efforts to promote residence. friendship and cooperation between China He said, “These are not easy times, and Israel. "Let me conclude by wishing you when we are across the region, a pleasant evening. Wish you and your family dealing with the threat of terrorism a good health and success in the Chinese New and extremism. We are seeking a Year. Wish the China-Israel relations bear even return to dialogue and the negotiating more fruits and progress in the future", he said. table, instead of unilateral steps. It is important that we return to negotiations, and arrive at agreements which are as always, subject to one key principle – the rule of democracy. 66th Republic Day of Every treaty or agreement that Israel’s India government has brought before the Knesset has been accepted by the n 26 January, 2015, the Indian Ambassador addressed the gathering power of the majority.” Embassy celebrated the 66th and read out excerpts from the Indian The President urged the ambassadors ORepublic Day of India at the President's speech that was made to carry the message to the Palestinian Ambassador's residence in Herzliya. on the occasion of the Republic Authority, that unilateral initiatives H.E. Ambassador Jaideep Sarkar Day. There were Indian cultural will not lead to a viable solution. The hoisted the national flag of India to performances: patriotic songs and President said, “The common fear we mark the beginning of the ceremony. Bhangra, an Indian dance form, which This was followed by singing of the was performed by Indian soldiers at Ambassador Sarkar hoisting share, is that of economic instability the Indian flag. leading to an unstable democracy. At Indian National Anthem. the UNDOF. Delicious Indian snacks such times, there is great importance in the strengthening of society in our country, and our commitment to the values of democracy. These values are key to the security of our citizens. "We are very proud of the strong connection between Israel and the Latin American countries. This relationship impacts the lives of our peoples in many ways – from economy to security, from hi-tech to agriculture.” Speaking on behalf of the delegation of ambassadors was Ambassador of Mexico, Federico Salas. He told the President, “We are greatly honored to have this meeting with you, and will be pleased to continue to hold such meetings in the future. All of us come from a group of countries with a friendly predisposition toward Israel, and we look to this part of the world with a keen interest, not only to what is happening in the political arena, but also in the strengthening of economic ties, ties of cooperation, ties between our peoples. I want to assure you, Mr. President, that we will do all we can to promote Ambassador Sarkar harmonious living for Israelis and the Palestinians, together, in mutual prosperity, and in security. addressing the gathering 10 11 News News

China's Hainan Airlines to launch Tel The Beach-Outdoor Aviv-Beijing route Libraries are Back!

hina's Hainan Airlines has filed a request ast year The Tel Aviv-Jaffa Municipality opened its first with Israel's Civil Aviation Authority to ever outdoor library, where tourists and beach-goers are Coperate three weekly direct flights between able to check-out books for their leisure time at the beach. Beijing and Tel Aviv from September. L At the beginning of April, eight libraries will be reopened, and In the initial stage, Hainan will operate three weekly you are invited to participate. We' wish to include a variety of flights between Ben Gurion airport and Beijing on books from around the world, as the library serves both residents Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, probably using and tourists. We are looking for fiction or poetry books for A330 passenger jets. These are days on which El Al "light reading" (since it is outdoors, and the book cannot be does not operate flights on the Tel Aviv-Beijing route. taken home). Hainan Airlines, whose representatives visited Israel The library offers books in the following languages: English, last month, plans to launch a fourth weekly flight at Russian, French, German, Spanish and Hebrew. If you have a later stage. books in the aforementioned languages and would like them to be included in our libraries, please let us know at [email protected] According to the Israel Airports Authority, 54,000 passengers travelled on the Tel Aviv-Beijing route The books will not be returned, but we will store them during the winter and take them out again the following year. You’re books will be highly appreciated in our effort to reinforce inter-cultural relations. Please be sure to mention the in 2014, up 5% from 2013. The potential for growth books were the present of your Embassy to the city of Tel Aviv-Jaffa. is huge, with 34,000 Chinese tourists that visited Minister of Tourism Dr. Uzi Landau with VP Hainan Airlines Hou Wei Israel in 2014, up 36.2% from 2013, according to the Ministry of Tourism.

Holidays are coming! TAKE YOUR Alitalia PROMO CODE* Israel Send holiday gifts to your loved ones abroad News for with MoneyGram with 25% discount on fee Summer from March 01 till April 30, 2015 2015 only at the selected locations! srael is one of the main strategic markets for Alitalia, starting 29 IMarch 2015 we will increase Promo code* is valid only at the following locations: our activity between Israel and Italy in Milan, open every day and via selected local travel agencies. from 26 to 29 weekly flights on the ALBERCOM LTD-Ben Yehuda 1, Tel Aviv 10:00-23:00, from 1 May - 31 October This summer we are offering very route from Tel Aviv to Rome with 2015. special fares to all Alitalia destinations ALBERCOM LTD- Ben Yehuda 13, Tel Aviv ALBERCOM LTD- Kugel 27, Holon connections to 26 Italian destinations Over this six-month period, Milan will when departing from Tel Aviv. ALBERCOM LTD- Ben Yehuda 70, Tel Aviv V-CHANGE- Bialik 10, Ramat Gan and beyond. become a global showcase where more Current promotion valid for sale until ALBERCOM LTD- Kikar Rabin 8, Tel Aviv V-CHANGE- Bialik 50 , Ramat Gan With 4 daily flights ( Monday - than 140 participating countries will 16 March 2015. Saturday) and 5 daily flights on Sunday show the best of their technology that Italy starting from 296$, North we can provide the Israeli guests offers a concrete answer to a vital need. maximum flexibility and availability America starting from 799$(fares are Alitalia together with Etihad are the moneygramisrael.co.il to reach our entire network . for round trip and include all taxes). official global airline carriers of the Looking forward to welcome you on This year we are inviting the Israeli event and such as tickets are available * Promo code is not valid for money transfer in locations which are not participating in the action. Customers get 25% off the transfer fee subject to providing teller board on Alitalia flights! at the location with promo code in printed or electronic form. Absence of promo code, regardless of the reason, does not give the customer the right to get the market to Enjoy the experience of the for sale with special discount via discount. The discount is valid for sending any amount of money to any country by MoneyGram. The Company reserves the right to terminate the offer at its sole Universal exhibition of The Expo 2015 Alitalia web site www.alitalia.co.il discretion, at any time it deems necessary. You can verify validity of the offer with the tellers at the participating locations. © 2015 MoneyGram. All rights reserved. 12 13 Events Events

Francophonie Film Festival Food for Thoughts he Romanian Cultural Institute in Tel Aviv and the Embassy of Romania to the State of Israel are proud to Holon Design Week invite you to the first edition of the Francophonie Film Festival which will take place on March 13, between 25th - 26th March 2015, T12:00-18:00 at the Tel Aviv Cinematheque. During the festival there will be screened, in three series, films from Design Museum Holon Romania, France, Switzerland, Canada, Belgium, Cyprus, Vietnam, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Greece. uring Holon Design Week 2015 the Embassy of Italy Concurrently, in the lobby of the Cinematheque there will be organized national stands from all 12 of the participating in Israel, the Israel-Italy Chamber of Commerce, countries: France, Belgium, Canada, Cyprus, Greece, Switzerland, Vietnam, the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Dthe Italian Trade Agency and the Italian Cultural Ivory Coast, the Republic of Congo, Cameroon and Romania. Institute, in collaboration with Design Museum of Holon, The festival will open with the screening of the Romanian film “The Bridge” (2014, directed by Vlad Trandafir), are holding “Food for Thoughts” – a conference dedicated to followed by the Swiss film “Back to Mandima” (2011). design in the context of food. The timing is very appropriate: the universal exhibition EXPO Milano 2015, opening on May 1st, is dedicated to the theme “Feeding the Planet, Energy for Life”. This topic gives both Israel and Italy a Lithuanian unique opportunity to present their excellence in food and Statehood Day agriculture to the world at large. In both countries, today more than ever before, quality foodstuff and its preparation 67th National n the occasion of the day of restoration of Lithuania’s statehood, have been elevated to an art form, prominent in culture and 25th anniversary of re-establishment of the independence and society. Cuisine, being an expression of culture, both Day of Sri Lanka Oof the Republic of Lithuania, the Lithuanian Embassy in Israel traditional and innovative, can prompt sociological, cultural, he Sri Lanka Embassy in Israel celebrated the held a gala concert at the Tel Aviv Museum of Art, with the cooperation historical and artistic reflections. Indeed, the Embassy 67th National Day of Sri Lanka on 4 February of the Israel-Lithuania Chamber of Commerce and Industry. of Italy, in cooperation with the Israel-Italy Chamber of at the Embassy premises in Tel Aviv. The event Commerce, the Italian Trade Agency and the Italian Cultural T The concert featured performance by the pianist Petras Geniusas – one was organised by the Embassy with the participation of the most prominent, versatile and adventurous Lithuanian musicians, Institute, have organized a carnival of events aiming at of Ambassadors, Honorary Consuls, professionals and as well as graphic artworks by Kristina Norvilaite, a renowned and strengthening the economic, commercial, cultural and artistic business community representatives of Israel and the awarded artist, and member of Lithuanian Artists' Association. ties between Italy and Israel through food and design. Sri Lankan community.

Design Museum Holon IN-Possible by Alessi March 25 - June 06, 2015 The exhibition invites viewers for a behind-the-scenes glimpse into one of the most important and influential design companies in the world of design. The exhibition will be presenting for the first time more than fifty designs by some of the world's best and most renowned designers and architects, including Philippe Starck, Zaha Hadid, Patricia Urquiola, Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec, and Ettore Sottsass, whose development process was halted before they reached the finish line. 14 15 Sport Sport

from the clip, replete with rousing Israel music and dramatic narration, is the tournament's 1964 winner, Israel. Despite the video's reading, "As we erased head towards the AFC Asian Cup 2015, we take a look back at all the past winners and legends of the AFC from Asian Asian Cup since 1956," the narrator skips from Korea's 1960 victory to Cup history Iran's victory in 1968. In response to the omission, AFC officials told Guardian Australia that video Israel's absence from the video was a surprise to the confederation, which would be "seeking answers." The mission of 1964 host hosted and won the 1964 football cup. Guardian writes that it is understood and winner Israel The three-minute clip, posted on the video was produced by an outside Oembarrasses Asian Football the Asian Football Confederation's agency. Confederation; oversight blamed on official site, traces the history of the A spokesperson for the Executive Israel's triumphant national soccer team holds the Asian Cup in 1964. external production agency.An official cup from South Korea's victory in Council of Australian Jewry, the Photo by Moshe Pridan/Government Press Office video history produced in the run up 1956 to Japan's triumph in the most elected representative body of to the 2015 Asian Cup has omitted recent 2011 tournament. Australia's Jewish body, appeared to Israel, despite the country having both However, conspicuously absent tie the omission to Arab and Muslim countries refusal to recognize Israel's Just for the record… However, after a Kuwaiti motion right to exist: “There are countries to have Israel expelled from the in the AFC which wish that Israel Despite the video's selective memory, confederation was adopted in 1974, didn’t exist and that the Jewish Israel hosted the finals of the third Israel spent two decades without people’s sovereignty in its homeland AFC Asian Cup from May 26 to belonging to a regional confederation, was brought to an end," Alexander June 3, 1964, winning in title with until it was accepted into the European Ryvchin said to Guardian Australia. a perfect record of three wins. India confederation in 1994. “It would bring great shame to the was runner-up (only four countries world game, which should unite and competed, the others being South Up against so many illustrious inspire, if the omission of Israel from Korea and Hong Kong). The four European national teams, however, the film was an act of politically venues were Ramat Gan Stadium, odds are that Israel's 1964 triumph motivated historical revisionism.” Kiryat Eliezer Stadium in Haifa, may remain its single solitary victory Bloomfield Stadium in HJaffa and for many years to come. Ryvchin called on the Football Hebrew University Stadium in Federation of Australia to bring the pictures from HAARETZ. Jerusalem. issue up with the AFC president, Bahraini royal Salman Bin Ibrahim As Guardian Australia notes, the 1964 Al-Khalifa, if a “satisfactory victory is Israel's only international explanation” was not provided. football competition title. Citing a veritable golden age in Israeli soccer, Despite being omitted from the video the paper also notes that Israel was history, Israel does, however, feature runner-up in both the 1956 and 1960 on the cup's online table of past tournaments, and placed third in 1968. Not omitted: Iran. The Iranians won the 1968, 1972 and 1974 Asian Cups - the only winners. team to have won three consecutive AFC tournaments. (YouTube screenshot) 16 History History

of Christianity or whether it was, like the Louvre proved to be the Archaic Mark, a fake. Barabe brought clincher. together a team of scientists with a That study found that contracts variety of specialties, and they ran the in Egypt in the mid-third Gospel through an intensive analysis century were written in lamp of microscopy and spectroscopy. black ink, in the traditional Truth At first, their findings offered little Egyptian style. But they were hope that the Gospel of Judas was officially registered in the Behind Gospel real. The document was written in two traditional Greek style, using inks — black and brown — mixed brown iron gall ink. of Judas Revealed together. The black was an ink called The Louvre study findings "lamp black," which was consistent suggested to the team that in Ancient Inks with the inks used in Egyptian the presence of both inks was writings from ancient times and into consistent with an early date the third century, Barabe said. for the Gospel of Judas, Barabe By Stephanie Pappas But the brown ink was more said. mysterious. It was an iron-rich ink long-lost gospel that casts documents from the third century What's more, the Louvre study called iron gall, but it lacked the Judas as a co-conspirator A.D., the same time period of the found that the metal-based inks sulfur usually found in inks of this of Jesus, rather than Gospal of Judas. from this time period contained A sort. The pressure was on to explain little sulfur, just like the ink on a betrayer, was ruled most likely "What the French study told us is the difference. the Gospel of Judas. authentic in 2006. Now, scientists that ink technology was undergoing a "One thing that made this a little bit reveal they couldn't have made the transition," Barabe told. The Gospel The discovery gave the more dramatic than we would have call without a series of far more of Judas' odd ink suddenly fit into researchers the confidence liked is, we did the sampling in the mundane documents, including place. [Religious Mysteries: 8 Alleged to declare the document third week of January of 2006, and Ancient Egyptian marriage licenses Relics of Jesus] consistent with a date of and property contracts. the press conference was already approximately A.D. 280. scheduled for the third week in April The Gospel of Judas is a fragmented CSI: Ancient Egypt (Barabe and his colleagues of that same year," Barabe said. "So caution that this finding doesn't Coptic (Egyptian)-language text Barabe and his colleagues specialize we had three months to turn this prove beyond doubt that the that portrays Judas in a far more in thorough investigations of old — critter around with a conclusion, and document is authentic, but sympathetic light than did the gospels or supposedly old — documents and it really put an enormous amount of rather that there are no red that made it into the Bible. In this artwork. The chemical composition pressure on us, because we were faced flags proving it's a forgery). version of the story, Judas turns Jesus of inks used can reveal the difference with what was essentially a three- "There was definitely a point over to the authorities for execution between something authentically month rush project." where, all of the sudden, I just upon Jesus' request, as part of a plan ancient and a forgery. In 2009, kind of relaxed and said, 'This to release his spirit from his body. In Barabe helped expose a gospel Authenticating is probably just fine,'" Barabe the accepted biblical version of the called the "Archaic Mark," which the gospel tale, Judas betrays Jesus for 30 pieces said. some claimed was a 14th-century Some facets of the document did of silver. Barabe presented the behind- manuscript, as a modern forgery. suggest authenticity. The most the-scenes story of the Gospel As part of a 2006 National Geographic He's also worked with the Federal promising of these characteristics, of Judas investigation today Society (the Society) investigation of Bureau of Investigation to detect Barabe said, was that the ink wasn't (April 8) at the annual meeting the document, microscopist Joseph forged paintings. piled up in the warped papyrus, of the American Chemical Barabe of McCrone Associates in A call from National Geographic, suggesting the document was written Society in New Orleans. After Illinois and a team of researchers however, was a "big deal," Barabe before the warping happened. Had the National Geographic investigation analyzed the ink on the tattered gospel said. "It was both thrilling and an someone tried to write on a pre- of the Gospel of Judas, the document to find out if it was real or forged. honor," he added. warped papyrus, the ink would have Instead, the Gospel seems to have script analysis and linguistic style. Some of the chemicals in the ink been written on flat papyrus and aged was returned to the Coptic Museum The Society wanted to find out if the gathered in crevices and dips — a Barabe hit the books, looking for raised red flags — until Barabe and naturally. National Geographic also in Cairo. Gospel of Judas, discovered in the sure sign someone had intentionally other studies on early Egyptian inks. his colleagues found, at the Louvre commissioned other analyses of the Live Science"" 1970s, really dated back to early days tried to make new papyrus look old. The study of Egyptian marriage Museum, a study of Egyptian Gospel, including radiocarbon dating, certificates and land documents from 18 19 International Women's Day International women's day

How Hilda the forgotten Fifties plus-size pin-up was rediscovered one year after the man who created her died

endured for more than three decades, eet Hilda, the creation of online gallery ToilGirls has published somewhat clumsy attitude, making and today there are numerous Tumblr, Voluptuous in all the illustrator Duane Bryers prints of one of America’s longest- her all the more charming. Facebook and Pinterest pages and pin-up art’s best kept running pin-up girls, who graced In one of Bryers’ paintings, Hilda right places, a little clumsy M dedicated to the buxom redhead. secret. Voluptuous in all the right calendars from the mid-Fifties until leans forward suggestively, squeezing places, a little clumsy but not at all the Eighties. between two rungs of a ladder to paint Many Hilda fans admire her but not at all shy about uniqueness in a world of thin and shy about her figure, Hilda was one Although Hilda’s creator passed away, a wall. her figure, Hilda was one conventionally attractive pin-up girls. of the only atypical plus-sized pin-up his red-headed cartoon lives on today A handkerchief hangs out of the back of the only atypical plus- queens to grace the pages of American as a testament to the sex appeal of of her yellow bikini, barely covering One writer wrote on his blog: ‘If calendars from the 1950s up until the fuller-bodied women. her ample behind. one’s natural male instinct is to sized pin-up queens early 1980s, and achieved moderate respond to the rounder, softer, more Not only was Hilda one of the only Another image shows an almost- ‘I had various models over the years, He recounts his reaction to the plus- notoriety in the 1960s and actually generously proportioned woman, you plus-sized pin-up girls of her time, but nude Hilda warming up in front of a but some of my best Hilda paintings sized pin-up when he first laid eyes today. will understand why there is so much she also displayed a fun, carefree and furnace, flashing a cheeky smile as I’ve ever done were done without a on her: ‘As I browse through the to like about [Hilda].’ Despite being one of history’s longest she covers her breasts with her red model.’ incredible paintings in this calendar, the personality of this zany redheaded running calendar queens alongside the pajamas. ‘Her fresh and fun-filled freckled face Hilda is often depicted wearing just likes of Marilyn Monroe, even the Despite being one of create a symphony for the eyes. She’s maiden of mayhem unfolds,’ he Bryers told the Arizona Daily Star in a bikini made out of flowers which most dedicated vintage enthusiasts simply peachy-keen’ writes. history’s longest running 2010: ‘I got the idea for a plumpy gal strategically cover her assets. probably won’t have come across ‘Curious, creative, giddy, anxious, pinup and thought I’d like to make it The blogger calls Hilda a ‘vision of One painting shows her diving into Hilda before. calendar queens alongside exasperated, troublesome, but always into a calendar series. But how was I femininity’ and ‘an ideal example of water, causing the flowers to float fun. To gaze upon Hilda is to gaze The typical Fifties pin-up girl was the likes of Marilyn going to sell a plump girl?’ full-figure perfection.’ away. slim and conventionally-posed. But upon a hot playful Summer’s day. He then brought the series to the She is all the more special in that a recently-unearthed collection of Monroe, even the most She humorously puffs up her cheeks U.S.’s top calendar maker at the time, Duane Bryers did not base her on a ‘Her large, full breasts, her round and images has revealed the less familiar and blows bubbles in the water as dedicated vintage Brown & Bigelow, who ‘reluctantly real life model, but instead fashioned gentle tummy, her thick curvaceous Hilda, a plus-sized redhead who broke her nude womanly curves are put on put it in the line and figured it would her from his own imagination and legs, and her fresh and fun-filled the mold with her plump figure and enthusiasts probably display. last a short time.’ fantasy. freckled face create a symphony for light-hearted demeanor. Artist and art collector Les Toil the eyes. She’s simply peachy-keen.’ won’t have come across In reality, while she may have ‘She’s a creation out of my head,’ A year after the death of Duane created a blog dedicated to Hilda been less prominent because of her the artist told online pin-up gallery http://www.dailymail.co.uk/ Bryers, the artist who created her, Hilda before. after discovering one of her calendars curvaceous figure, the Hilda series ToilGirls in 2002. in an antique shop. 20 21 Lifestyle Lifestyle

Sailing (Skipper) course the way to fulfill your dream

Becoming a licensed Skipper has tech employees etc') at 35-50 years Getting out to the he ocean is big, as it is said, in it. This article gives the basic in mechanics and ship handling, information about the options that are seamanship and navigation and long changed from a distance dream old that wants to create a new hobby open sea, lifting and so is the number of to a very realistic thing. In Israel courses for people who wish in the market for learning how to sail. participate in several courses for 50-60 years old heading to their sails, a glass of T different topics. about 1,500 students attend this pension or in it to fulfill their dream and become Israeli Skipper course yearly, FOUR TIMES the No matter the "format" you choose – wine, hanging with Skippers. The courses that are been course number of students than a decade American Skipper held by the leading training centers taking it easy, in your own pace, and the family, hours Skipper course is the "Flag" course of ago. The population that attend the varies from short courses of 2-3 getting the license in about a year, course the sailing training centers. At the end courses these days diverse as well Few training centers in Israel offers to of happiness with meetings of several hours, that gives or making it intensively in about a of it you will get a license – issued and about 30% of them are women. option to receive an American license. the people you love the basic knowledge and gives license month – the course is a unique and fun by the ministry of transportation and The students population includes This license is recognized worldwide for small speed boats, and up to long, experience. The Skipper course opens – that's the feeling allows sailing a vessel of up to 24 three sub-population that has specific and lets you charter a yacht abroad. overall and very professional courses, a window to a whole new world: a of life. Everyone meters (78 feet), all over the world. characteristics: that take place for many months and world of fun and experience, a world Studding for the American license is In order to get this license you will can find the sailing holds deep knowledge of different of silence, of "escaping" the daily life, Discharged soldiers significantly easier than the Israeli have to demonstrate knowledge course as a fit. topics about the sea and about sailing and the overload of work. Middle Class + (business men, high requirements and relatively shorter. 22 23 Lifestyle Health

One can accomplish these studies in office. The information is being given After this week of sailing abroad, we 10 classes in Israel or while sailing by e-learning system that contains all get back to Israel and do a "marathon" abroad for several days. the needed theoretical material (in studying on Monday and Tuesday, and slide shows and videos) and practice on Wednesday you take two out of Course length apps for Smartphone's and tablets. four exams. On the following week The training centers whishes to reach Guided by a personal instructor that we repeat the same procedure and 100% graduation and therefore the will take you all the way, until you take the remaining exams. course is taking place "Until you get your license, will help you get the After passing successfully the four Medical become a Skipper". The average Skipper license in no time. exams, one has to clear his calendar however, is 6-8 month. 10 days in paradise for 4 days of training for the practical service The training center walks you and you're exam of the ministry of transportation throughout the whole process, with that will take place on the 5th day. no time limit, until you become a a Skipper Congratulation, you are a Skipper! for Skipper. Afterwards, the sailing club This unique course opens the way to The "typical" Israeli skipper uses gives his graduates the option to get the Skipper license in one 10th of his license in varies ways: many of keep on sailing on the yachts that the standard time. It is built for people them finish the course and keep on diplomats. they studied on as club members, for that like to get "everything now". The sailing as club members in the club domestics and abroad sails. way it works: they graduated from. In that way and other. Same for Ambassador and A group of 4-6 persons are flying they can charter the clubs yachts and ho once have had some will arrange a medical tests at your Private Skipper same for the worker from Sudan. to a destination of their choice (ex. keep on the "sea party" with family business with Israeli home, we will receive a “tofes 17” Of course: this is a public medicine. course Greece, Turkey, and Croatia), with and friends. Wmedical service providers for you, we will get a check up for The big training centers are aware will understand this article very According to the National Health you, we will take care about your an instructor, they sail in the region The other common option is to the difference in population that quickly. Insurance Law of 5751-1991 public children’s health in Israel. If you are for a whole week and study the chartering yachts abroad and sail wishes the get the Skipper license. medicine provider can not supply the diplomat, if you have a family, if you theory during that. Staying onboard bareboat or as part of a flotilla in Yesterday I was waiting for the officer Many times, these people are better service then to citizen of Israel. have a children you have to think the yacht for a whole week while beautiful locations. The remaining in one of the public Sick funds. I just very busy with little time to spare. about it. studying the practice and getting to sailors that stay in Israel uses the Sea wanted to pay and receive forms. The shaming is that the private Therefore, you can take a private know thoroughly the yachts' systems of Galilee or the red sea. I spent 2 hours for this. What you insurance company based on the Skipper course at home or at your improves the sailor skills significantly. can do? Nothing. Only this officer services of public sick funds. All of WE ARE OPEN THE can receive your money, only this them. DIPLOMATIC MEDICAL officer can give your permissions Do you want a good medicine - you COORDINATION CENTER. for the treatments, only this officer need money. And, I don’t need to tell become a most important person in you, when doctor hear that you are IT IS ALRADY About the this medical center. diplomat – price jump up. How many ESTABLISHED. What can I say? The same situation times the representative of foreign IT IS ALREADY WORKING. with the insurance companies, with insurance company suggested you a TRY US. course: the medical centers. I remember, one full service and could not provide it?! of my friends, diplomat, asked me Good service for foreigners is not a We have an agreements with Starting date - 15.3 on Sundays Hours - 18:00-21:00 to found a gynecologist, who can do very strong side of the medical service Meuhedet, Macabi. The entire course will be in English (instructor, immediate US according to the list of in Israel, Israelis know to handle it – We have an agreements with teaching materials, etc.) the insurance company. If it wasn’t they know this language. Harel,Clal,Ayalon. me, fluent speaking Hebrew, I could During our long experience with the The course includes a theoretical part conducted not believe in this. It’s took me a few If you are member of one of them diplomatic insurance plans (since – we can help you. in the classroom, and a practical part conducted hours to understand, that it is not any 1998), and, a newly with a public If you don’t know what to do and on a yacht at sea. gynecologist with equipment for US Sick funds, on the list of this company. Under how to purchase a local insurance The Diplomatic Club suggested you Those interested in the course, can have a free trial promising to leave this company, a – call us. as following: cruise that takes place on week days at 16:00, mane coordinator made us a favor We have a legal supporting for or Friday at 9:30 or 12:00. and found one. We will take all this problems from diplomats . you. We will arrange an appointments I am not talking about not- up-dated Remember – you are a very to the best local doctors for you, we web sites; about lines to laboratory special. 24 1700-700-058 Herzliya Marina. Open Hours – 8:00-21:00 Sunday to friday Health Health

Take a Medical Vacation The qualities that appeal to medical tourists throughout the Middle East and around the world are also very attractive to international citizens based in Israel. It isn’t just the highly skilled and experienced physicians or the state-of-the-art equipment, but that all-important personal touch. Patients and their families are ensured a hassle-free trip with full peace of mind, as every issue is handled by a personal assistant who accompanies them throughout their treatment program. Assuta’s staff is multilingual, helping each patient feel informed and completely at home. The International ensuring they receive the best possible Always a Step Ahead Department works for the patient, care for their personal needs. The Technological advances play a helping to book accommodation, Department also coordinates more significant role in healthcare select the right surgeon or specialist, appointments, helps patients navigate today than they ever have before, and arrange nursing care or a private the details of insurance coverage, and complementing human surgical and anesthesiologist. provides full reports in English. diagnostic skills. Assuta has embraced Among the international health Every treatment at the hospital, these developments, adopting the insurance providers that currently whether minor or major, is conducted state-of-the-art equipment it feels have agreements with Assuta are in accordance with the highest will positively contribute to patient BUPA International, AXA PPP Assuta standards of quality and proficiency. recovery and wellbeing. International, Vanbreda International, More than 500 types of procedures Recently, the hospital’s pride and Goral Assistance, Allianz Worldwide a world of quality care are carried out at Assuta every joy has been the da Vinci medical Care, Aetna International, Mutas, and n Israel, one name is literally These crucial factors, together with to promote wellbeing and a healthy year in a variety of fields, ranging robot, which represents a renaissance BCBS. synonymous with health: Assuta, the chain’s devoted personal service, lifestyle throughout the community. A from the common to the relatively in the surgical art. The robot is With its winning combination of which means “health” in the have firmly established Assuta as the visit to Assuta may only be for a brief rare: oncology, general surgery, operated entirely by a human I skill, technology, and an unparalleled ancient Aramaic language. Today most advanced hospital in the Middle period, but the hospital’s surgeons, cardiology, neurology, treatment surgeon, but enhances the surgeon’s personal touch, Assuta’s enviable Assuta is known worldwide as the East, and one of the most attractive specialists, nursing teams, technicians, of spinal injuries, ENT, abdominal own abilities by guaranteeing the record of high-quality healthcare has private hospital network that has medical tourism destinations and other staff – fully understand that surgery, ophthalmology, dermatology, precision necessary for the most already endured for 80 years, and redefined healthcare for the modern worldwide. healthcare continues at home. This is and more. complex laparoscopic, urological, seems certain to continue for decades generation. why Assuta’s treatment concept is a Assuta also devotes particular and gynecological procedures. holistic one, encouraging healthful to come. Assuta is the leading private hospital The Personal Touch attention to diagnostics and ongoing Remaining at the forefront of its field, approaches to everyday life. chain and largest surgical center Established in 1934, Assuta’s care throughout its four hospitals however, requires ongoing efforts that Essential Assuta Facts in Israel, attracting patients from flagship hospital in Israel’s largest This commitment to personal and three medical centers, which recognize constantly-rising standards 80 years of excellence across the globe that are drawn by city has set a new benchmark for service is also enshrined in a unique include imaging institutes, cardiology as well as higher patient expectations. 1,500 top physicians and specialists its record of excellence in all facets medical excellence. The complex professional program that focuses institutes, dialysis units, IVF centers, As part of these efforts, Assuta has 500 kinds of procedures of healthcare. was recently entirely rebuilt to fulfill on developing the bedside manner – an oncology institute, women’s health gained accreditation from the Joint For the past 80 years, Assuta has 21st century needs – not only the very respectful, patient, and compassionate centers, gastroenterology units, pain Commission International (JCI), 16 operating theaters, 9 departments provided a “one-stop-shop” service latest technology, but also an inviting – of all the staff. clinics, sleep clinics, and a wide representing the very highest quality for every medical need. It appeals to environment that helps patients and In line with this approach, Assuta’s variety of specialist clinics. patient care. discerning patients who are seeking their families feel at home. dedicated International Department the most highly-skilled medical Assuta’s staff members believe supports patients every step of the Tel: +972-3-7643247 personnel, superior quality standards, that their goal isn’t simply to carry way, till the completion of the entire Email: [email protected] and state-of-the-art technologies out sophisticated, highly effective treatment period. Patients are able to Address: 20 HaBarzel st., Tel Aviv available anywhere in the world. surgeries and other treatments, but select their own preferred specialist, Website: www.assuta.com 26 27 Resort Resort

Contact Us Today Gaash Hot Springs, Kibbutz Gaash – 09-952-9404 www.hameigaash.co.il Directions to Gaash Hot Springs Spa We are located right off of the central Tel Aviv-Haifa road (Road 2) Travelers from the North From Road 2, take the right turn from at the Sharon Beach interchange after passing the here is no better way to escape lower blood pressure. Throughout four mineral-rich pools with varying Our facilities are constantly being Wingate Institute. Continue straight the frustrations and stress of the world from the ancient times, temperatures for your enjoyment. updated to keep up with the newest on the road until the marked turn Sooth Tyour busy life than having an hot springs like those of Baden- Natural light pours in to the inside innovations to further improve your to Gaash. amazing soak in natural hot springs. Baden in Germany to the town of pools from the expansive glass spa experience. We strive to maintain Travelers from the South Your We invite you to take a break from Spa in Belgium from which the windows, adding to the sense of the highest standards for our visitors After passing Rishpon on Road 2, your hectic schedule to join us for name is taken, have been important serenity as you move between the with excellent service and attention follow the signs to the right toward a day of pure serenity at Gaash Hot destinations for those who recognized dozens of powerful jet streams of to the finest details of the experience. Gaash.Turn left to go under the Body and Springs. the healing powers of the waters. water located throughout the sides A visit to the Gaash Hot Springs is overpass and follow the road to Since time immemorial, the Thankfully, now you do not have to and floor of the pools. perfect for those who seek the finer the traffic circle At the circle, turn Soul at rejuvenating effects of hot mineral travel far to take advantage of this Adding to the complete spa parts of life, as well as those looking right and follow the road past the spring water have been recognized incredible experience. At the Gaash experience, visitors can also enjoy for a revitalizing day away from the shopping center and then follow Gaash Hot for their ability to heal our bodies Hot Springs, you can easily enjoy our wet and dry saunas as well as hustle and bustle. the signs to Gaash. and souls. More than just a chance an excursion to a professional spa a seasonal swimming pool. We For those looking for a totally Hours of Operation to relax and spoil yourself, soaking and its reinvigorating waters without even have a seasonal pool for small immersive experience, we have Sunday: 10:00 – 18:00 Springs in hot water brimming with essential the hassle. Only a five-minute drive children and infants, allowing you to available 32 guest rooms that offer Monday-Wednesday: 8:00 - 22:00 Only five minutes minerals has been shown to have from Herzliya, the tranquility of the bring the whole family. a rustic and laid back escape from Thursday: 8:00-18:00 truly amazing effects in promoting soothing waters awaits you. from Herzliya - A Looking to really spoil yourself? Our reality. Our cottages are perfect for Friday: 8:00-16:00 improved health. For generations, magical experience Gaash Hot Springs offers visitors a wellness center has 14 rooms where a romantic get away or an easy to Saturday: 8:00-18:00 people who have taken advantage comprehensive spa experience at our visitors can treat themselves to a wide arrange family vacation. to relax and of the gifts of natural hot springs recently refurbished establishment. range of massages and treatments to SPECIAL rejuvenate have enjoyed improved skin, an Designed to meet the standards of heal your body and soul. Song and Dance Parties are held on easing of joint and muscle pains, and the top spas in Europe, we offer Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 19:00 28 Celebration Celebration

Lunar New Year's Day is the first to return to its beginning. day of the year, according to the Plants wither and flourish over four traditional lunar calendar. With the seasons; twelve moons make up one adoption of the solar calendar, New year's cycle. Year's Day came to refer to the first When Ah Heng saw this poem, he day of the solar year. In order to realized that Wan Nian had already distinguish the two, Lunar New invented the calendar. Fearing that Year's Day is sometimes referred to as he would fall out of favor if the king Spring Festival. The Lunar New Year learned of this accomplishment, Ah is China's most important traditional Heng sent an assassin to kill the holiday. However, this holiday is not young inventor. However, his plot just one day; rather it encompasses was not successful. The king richly an extended period of time, often rewarded Wan Nian, who exclaimed, lasting until the fifteenth day of the "Now the old year has ended and the first lunar month. new year begins; will the king give With the adoption of the solar this auspicious day a name?" Zu calendar, New Year's Day came to Yi replied, "Let it be called Spring refer to the first day of the solar year. Lunar Festival." Legend has it that long ago there was In northern China, the first meal a king named Zu Yi who found it of the New Year is boiled jiaozi difficult to predict seasonal weather New (stuffed dumplings). In the south, changes and the movement of wind it is niangao (New Year's cake). In and clouds. He ordered his minister Chinese, niangao is a homonym of the Ah Heng to build an altar and make Year phrase "higher every year," signifying sacrifices to the deities seeking their the wish for steadily increasing assistance. But the deities did not was delighted with this development, prosperity. and ordered Ah Heng to use the new reply. As it happened, a young man New Year's cake is made with inventions to create a calendar. But named Wan Nian had just invented the glutinous rice and short grain when Ah Heng climbed to the top of sundial and a four-level water clock, rice, plus sweet osmanthus sugar, the Temple of and Moon, he which enabled him to accurately lard, nuts, and candied fruit added saw the following poem written by predict weather conditions according according to taste. New Year's cake Wan Nian inscribed on the wall: to the changing seasons. Wan Nian can be steamed, boiled, deep-fried, sought out the king and presented The sun rises and sets three-hundred or stir-fried. Its sweet taste and chewy him with his inventions. The king and sixty times, circling the horizon texture make it a favorite holiday treat. After the first New Year's Day meal is eaten, offerings are made to the ancestors in the family ancestral hall. After consulting the almanac to determine the luckiest route, the family sets out on a procession, bearing lanterns and offerings to the auspicious deities, burning incense, and setting off firecrackers. When they reach the temple, they burn more incense, pay their respect to the deities, and entreat them for good fortune in the coming year.

30 31 Culture Culture

Purim Events Mapping the Holy Land III: Milestones in Modern March 6-7, 2015 Mapping of the Holy Land of Israel from the Tel Aviv Purim Street Party Collection of Risa and Richard Domb – Friday, March 6, 12:00-evening. February 17 – June 27, 2015 This annual street party is Tel Aviv’s biggest Purim event. The celebration This important, comprehensive new will take place at Kikar Hamedina collection of topographic maps of in the north of the city, and will the Land of Israel from the 19th and feature, as it has done in previous 20th centuries enriches the holdings years, performances from some top of the Museum's Section for Maps of musicians, including headline DJ the Holy Land. The maps reflect the John Digweed (ranked 17 best DJ historical and geopolitical processes in the world by Resident Advisor in that took place in the region in the 2013). The event has a great party modern era, which continue to affect atmosphere and is free to enter. The us to this day. The exhibit is located at event will not take place in rain. the Kay Merrill Hillman Gallery, the Israel Museum, Jerusalem. Tel Aviv Purim Zombie Walk George (Near the Dizengoff Center). Square, in between the Old City and Totally unique and unforgettable, the from the city center. This colorful – Saturday, March 7, from 21:00. 2015 event will feature a special carnival includes Israeli television stars This annual event brings people into surprise at the end of the walk. and beloved characters from fantasies the streets dressed up as zombies. and movies. The event includes a In past years thousands of zombies – Friday, Purim at Safra Square costume competition with prizes, a participated on this macabre walk in March 6 from 13:00. This is the stage with an array of performances the middle of the night. In 2015, the central Purim festival of the Jerusalem including puppet theater, clowns, a gathering will take place at the corner Municipality. It is a huge party that Walk About Love circus, creative workshops and more. of Ben-Zion Boulevard and King takes place in the municipality’s Safra March 5-May 23, 2015

“Walk About Love” is an annual walking festival in Israel where Saddam Hussein, A Mystery Play, by Yonatan Levy locals and tourists from around the on 2/27/15 in TEL AVIV 28 Hebron Road, Jerusalem world join together in an incredibly special and unique trek across the In a lyric and ceremonial prose, Saddam Hussein invites the audience to an oily mystery tour. The theatrical land of Israel. The route follows the journey into the Iraqi Heart of Darkness explores an invented mythology consisting of the hidden dynamics between Israel National Trail which traverses East and West. Enclosed in his bunker with three of his doubles, quadrantly reflected, the Iraqi tyrant experiences the entire breadth of the land from inner visions, culminating in a final initiation rite which strikes the esoteric meaning of Oil. The actors, all the country’s southern point at the mustached, in red Sufi skirts and khaki shirts, instantly Gulf of Aqaba in Eilat to Mount change roles from Iraqis to Americans and back. In Hermon near the Lebanese border an ambiguous melange of metaphysical poetry and in the north. pretentious nonsense, accompanied by Gurdjieff- The trail is 1,000km and takes inspired sacred dances, the performance creates a vivid approximately 80 days to complete. and masculine depiction of Man’s troubled relations Israel’s diverse terrain means to his time, place, history and mainly – his Self. that each day brings with it new at Hazira- Performance Art Arena , established in 1988 and exciting spectacular scenery. as HaBama Theatre, together with HaKaron Theatre Beginning with the breathtaking red and the School of Visual Theatre. The Association rock mountains and vast sandy desert split in 2000, and since then Ha’Zira has served as an over time the landscape transforms into clear blue seas and lush green forests. For additional information visit www. alternative stage for theatre, the only one of its kind in masawalkaboutlove.com the local artistic landscape. Photography: Eyal Landsman 32 33 Culture Culture

Not to be missed! Only one event The Swingle Singers Featuring Vocalocity on 2/27/15 in TEL AVIV March 28, 2015 The Swingle Singers are a world-renowned jazz-infused a cappella group performing covers of well-known songs in a wide range of styles, ranging from pop songs (Björk, Annie Lennox, and The Beatles) through classical music (Bach, Mozart) to contemporary music (Luciano Berioand others). The seven gifted singers are famed for showcasing the virtuosity of the human voice. Their international popularity over the decades originated with the arresting synthesis of classical music performed in a jazz setting. Vocalocity is a dynamic new Israeli modern a cappella group. Numbering 40 singers, it is a thoroughly new voice on the Israeli musical scene, including both young and more experienced singers. Vocalocity recently recorded backing tracks for The Swingles’ upcoming CD, “Deep End”. The mutual performance will be held at the Tel Aviv Performing Arts Center. Sounds of the Old City Robert Cray “Air” Concert March 9-12, 2015 in Tel Aviv in Tel Aviv The streets of the Old City of Jerusalem will come to life with April 11, 2015 Summer 2015 the Sounds of the Old City Festival which will take place on March 9-12, from 19:00 until midnight. The alleyways, Blues legend Robert The French electronic duo streets and squares in the four quarters of the Old City, will Cray is heading to Air broke through in 1998 be brought to life with sounds emanating from the culture Tel Aviv for his first with their classic album of the quarter, with quarters, ensembles, and bands dotted ever concert in Israel Moon Safari, and in the throughout the area, playing everything from Armenian folk in April 2015. A years since have built music to early Christian tunes, traditional Arabic music, and five times Grammy up a rich discography of shows and music inspired by Jewish Culture. Visitors can award winner, romantic, atmospheric, and follow a circular route through the Old City starting and Robert Cray has had immaculately produced ending at the Jaffa Gate. Entrance is free. successes both as pop albums. leader of his band, Air is expected to return the Robert Cray to Israel for a concert in Band, and as a solo Tel Aviv this summer. Dress Codes: Revealing the Jewish Wardrobe During their twenty year March 11, 2014 – March 7, 2015 musician who has collaborated with career, Air has produced From India to Tunis, abd acts including Eric Clapton, B. B. King, Jimmie Vaughan, and a number of highly recognizable hits, including ‘All from New York to Baghdad: Stevie Ray Vaughan. Robert Cray will play at Tel Aviv’s Palace I Need’ and ‘Cherry Blossom Girl’ which are still dresses, suits, wedding outfits, of Culture on April 11, 2015. Tickets are on sale now. regularly played on hit music stations around the undergarments, and children’s world. clothing. A spectacular range of 19th to 20th century Jewish Blonde Redhead in Tel Aviv March 7, 2015 garments from around the world, offering a multi- American alt-rock band Blonde Redhead are returning to Tel Aviv for their third cultural view of dress, its concert in Israel. Formed in the 1990’s in New York, Blond Redhead have a strong significance, and its influences niche, having released nine albums, the most recent of which, Barragán, precedes on the styles of today. The their concert in Tel Aviv. Blonde Redhead will perform at Tel Aviv’s Barby Club on exhibition is located at the March 7, 2015. Tickets are on sale now. Bella and Harry Wexner Gallery, Israel Museum, Jerusalem. 34 35 We are pleased to present the 3rd edition of the Diplomatic Club Restaurant Guide as a service to the diplomatic corps.

Restaurant Guide 2015 3 Restaurant Guide 2015 3

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