NOTIZIE ITALIANE Newsletter of the Embassy of Italy in Israel No. 34 March 2005

Increased cooperation between Italian and Israeli police Strengthening inister of the witness encouraging M Interior Hon. signs regarding the Parliamentary Cooperation Giuseppe Pisanu, possibility for he Foreign Affairs accompanied by reigniting the dynamic T Commission of the Police Commissioner for peace, and to Chamber of Deputies, led Prefect Giovanni De discuss the role that by its President Gustavo Gennaro, visited Israel Italy can play in Selva (photo), visited on 8-10 February to preparing the ground Israel on February 14-15. sign an agreement on for constructive Aside from President bilateral cooperation dialogue between Selva, the delegation between the Italian Israelis and included Hon. Valdo and Israeli police Palestinians. Spini, Hon. Giovanni Bianchi, Hon. Gian forces. The agreement Police Commissioner Prefect Giovanni De Gennaro Foreign Minister (left) with Minister Giuseppe Pisanu in Jerusalem Paolo Landi di Chiavenna and Hon. Guido defines the planning Shalom recalled his Giuseppe Rossi. of operations, mutual assistance and meeting at Auschwitz last January 27 with Prime (Cont p.2) information exchange in the fight against Minister Silvio Berlusconi and expressed organized crime. Minister Pisanu also met appreciation for the Italian commitment in the Ministers Shalom, Ezra and Pines Paz. fight against anti-semitism. Franco Zeffirelli: a giant The Minister's visit, on the day of the Sharm El The discussions with Internal Security Minister Sheikh summit, afforded him the chance to Gideon Ezra concentrated on (Cont p.4) who enchanted Israel aestro Franco Zeffirelli paid an extended M visit to Israel in January. The celebrated Italian director presented his staging of “I Undersecretary Delfino in Israel to foster Green Pagliacci” at the Tel Aviv Opera, presided over a retrospective of his films at the Cinematheque Diplomacy between Rome and Jerusalem and held a series of master classes for opera singers. “If I want to think of something taly's Undersecretary of State at the positive”, said Zeffirelli repeatedly, “I think of I Agriculture Ministry Hon. Teresio Israel; this place is like a precious jewel and Delfino visited Israel on 20-22 February. to come here at this moment in history is, for The Undersecretary, who was me, like a glance into the future.” (Cont p.6) accompanied by members of the Ministry and Buonitalia (the agency dealing with promotion of Italian food and wines), held Concert for Palatucci a meeting with Agriculture Minister Yisrael Katz and visited leading scientific institutions and agricultural enterprises. He also met with leaders of the Israeli branch of the Accademia Italiana della Undersecretary Hon. Teresio Delfino received (Cont p.4) Cucina. by Minister Yisrael Katz Introducing the Italian Business Desk op Israeli and Italian businessmen, T Israeli institutions dealing with trade promotion and all the Italian business entities in Israel crowded the presentation n February 9 a joint concert by the Israeli of the IBD to the Israeli business O and Italian Police Orchestras was given community, on last February 28. Co- at the Jerusalem Theatre in honor of Giovanni chairmen were Ambassador Sandro De Palatucci, righteous gentile and Italian police Bernardin and the President of the Israel officer in Fiume, who died on February 10, Export and International Cooperation 1945 in Dachau, where he was deported after Institute and the Manufacturers` having saved the lives of numerous Jewish Association of Israel, Mr. Shraga Brosh refugees during the Nazi occupation of the (photo). town. (Cont p.6)

1 NOTIZIE ITALIANE March 2005 Holocaust Memorial Day solemnly marked all over Italy taly celebrated Memorial Day on I January 27, the date of the liberation of Memorial Day in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv Auschwitz in 1945 by the Russian army, with The Embassy of Italy organized a remembrance of an extremely rich calendar of events that Holocaust Day at Yad Vashem in Jerusalem on January included the participation of the highest 27 at which around 200 people participated, including government officials. all employees and spouses of the Embassy, a large President of the Republic Carlo Azeglio contingent of Israelis of Italian origin as well as Ciampi spoke at the Vittoriano in Rome, where representatives from the department of interreligious he strongly condemned the contribution of and Jewish affairs of the MFA and from Yad Vashem. Italian racial decrees to the Shoah, “which Ambassador De Bernardin fostered the “flame of betrayed the highest ideals of the risorgimento remembrance” and laid a wreath in homage to the and of the nation”. He then recalled those victims of Nazi deportations. In brief remarks at the end of the ceremony the Ambassador (photo) underlined the commitment undertaken by Italian Italians who did not accept the racial laws and institutions to enrich knowledge of the horrors of the past and their determination to stamp out those who were detained for refusing to any resurgence of anti-Semitism. cooperate with the Nazis. Prime Minister Silvio In the evening the Embassy presented the film “Memoria” to a crowded Tel Aviv audience at Berlusconi took part in the solemn ceremonies the presence of the director Ruggero Gabbai. The film, which records the testimonies of Italian at Auschwitz, where he spoke of the liberation Holocaust survivors, was closely followed by the public, which then participated in a lively and of the camp as “a day that put an end to the emotional discussion, led by Dr. Simonetta Della Seta, Director of the Italian Cultural Institute, ignominious extermination and unprecedented who also interviewed Mrs. Hana Weiss, one of the film's protagonists now resident in Israel. moral and physical suffering of Jewish men, women and children from all over Europe. The cries of many Italians, including those snatched moral duty to remember the deep significance Many Italian schools observed a minute's from the ghetto in Rome in October 1943, also of the Holocaust. We must continue our silence at 11:59am, the exact moment when resound from these walls,” affirmed Berlusconi. commitment because, and I say this with pain, Russian troops liberated the prisoners at In a press conference Foreign Minister there are still people in Italy, albeit a small Auschwitz. <> Gianfranco Fini affirmed that “Italy has a group, who, out of ignorance or bad faith, tend to minimize or even deny the importance of the racial laws and the role they played in the persecution of the Jews.” President of the Chamber of Deputies, Pier Ferdinando Casini, declared that “all of us have a responsibility which, with the passing of time, becomes ever more urgent: to look for Edited by: new ways of relating what really happened so that those who follow us will be securely The Embassy of Italy in Israel oriented.” At the special session of the UN on (Economic and Commercial Section) January 24, President of the Senate Marcello Trade Tower, 25 HaMered Street, Tel Aviv 68125 Pera contended that “the Holocaust did not Tel: 03-516.1744 Fax: 03-516.1755 appear from nowhere; culture paved the way www.italian-embassy-israel.org [email protected] by its acceptance of perverse ideas. Politics Increased cooperation between Italian and Israeli police p.1 Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi at Auschwitz, January provided the legitimacy, the Nazi regime did p.1 the rest.” Green diplomacy between Rome and Jerusalem 27, 2005 Introducing the Italian Business Desk p.1 Strengthening Parliamentary Cooperation p.1 Franco Zeffirelli: a giant who enchanted Israel p.1 Concert in honor of Giovanni Palatucci p.1 Strengthening Parliamentary Cooperation Holocaust Memorial Day solemnly marked all over Italy p.2 (cont. from p. 1) Ambassador Umberto Vattani in Israel p.3 Intense activity at the “Italian Business Desk” in T-A p.3 During the course of the mission the Italian Palestinians. The delegation, after visiting Yad Italian and Israeli navies strengthen ties p.3 parliamentarians held meetings with Vice Vashem where President Selva laid a wreath in Della Seta is new Director of the Italian Cultural Institute p.3 Premier Shimon Peres, Knesset Speaker memory of victims of Nazi persecution, attended Joint Italian-Israeli efforts for the environment p.4 Reuven Rivlin, representatives from the a parliamentary debate, where members were Buongiorno Israele! p.4 Knesset's Foreign Affairs and Defence warmly welcomed by Speaker Rivlin on behalf Jerusalem Book Fair speaks Italian p.5 Committee led by Prof. Yuval Steinitz (who of the Knesset. The delegation continued its Dante comes to the Galilee p.5 hosted a working lunch for the group), and visit with a tour of the Jerusalem International Milan meets Tel Aviv p.5 members of the Israel-Italy Parliamentary Book Fair, where they met numerous Towards Jerusalem p.5 Friendship Association led by MK Moshe participating Italian writers and editors, and then Victor Magiar p.5 Kahlon. In all its meetings the Italian delegation visited the Italian synagogue and adjacent Nahon A ray of light before the darkness p.6 heard expressions of appreciation for the Museum of Italian Jewish Art in Jerusalem. Fellini in the spotlight in Tel Aviv p.6 extraordinary depth of political understanding President Selva also visited the headquarters of Events in Israel p.7 between Italy and Israel, and for the valuable the World Association of Libyan Jews which, Spring events at the Nahon Museum p.7 contributions made by Italy, as outlined by Mr. as illustrated by its museum as well as by its Events in Italy p.8 Peres in particular, in developing projects that active promotion of the Italian language, Italian Trade Fair Calendar p.8 encourage engagement between Israelis and maintains close cultural ties with Italy.<>

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MFA Secretary General Ambassador Umberto Vattani in Israel mbassador Umberto Vattani, A Secretary General of the Foreign Ministry (photo, right), visited Israel on February 21-23 for consultations with his Israeli counterpart, MFA Director General Italian and Israeli Ron Prosor. The Secretary General was also received by Foreign Minister navies strengthen ties Sylvan Shalom and was invited to n February 13-15 the Chief of Staff attend a session of the Knesset, where O of the Italian Navy, Admiral Sergio he was publicly welcomed by Speaker Biraghi, visited Israel for consultations with Rivlin. his Israeli counterpart Admiral David Ben Foreign Minister Shalom, accepting Bashat. Minister Fini's greetings relayed to Admiral Biraghi (photo, on his arrival in him by Amb. Vattani, expressed Israel's Plan. He also outlined the investments made Israel with defence Attaché Col. Alessandro satisfaction with the level of relations enjoyed by the Italian Foreign Ministry to strengthen Veltri) visited Israel's main naval units at the between the two countries and for Italy's the Embassy with the addition of a Scientific Haifa Naval Base. The Admiral's visit concrete commitment in the struggle against Attaché, expanding the activities of the Cultural underlined not only the excellent state of anti-Semitism. Institute and establishing the Italian Business bilateral relations between the two countries, In remarks to his interlocutors Amb. Vattani Desk. but also signalled increased collaboration expressed Italy's hope that Israel will clarify The Secretary General then visited the Embassy with the Italian Navy, and the common need and deepen its relations with the EU, also by and the Italian Cultural Institute, where he met to find valid partners to help containing the taking advantage of the recently signed Action the entire staff. <> growing costs of naval operations. <> Intense activity at the “Italian Business Desk” in Tel Aviv Simonetta Della Seta is n February 21 at the Italian Business O Desk, Italy's Undersecretary of State new Director of the at the Ministry of Agriculture, Hon. Teresio Delfino, chaired the inaugural meeting in Italian Cultural Institute Israel of 20 enterprises belonging to the Association of Christian Entrepreneurs “Compagnia delle Opere” (CdO). The meeting was also attended by Amb. Umberto Vattani, Secretary General of the MFA. The CdO's mission was led by its Director General Dr. Enrico Biscaglia and included representatives of companies in the telecom, security, textiles, agriculture and chemicals sectors. Participating at the opening session, Undersecretary Teresio Delfino and MFA Secretary General Amb. which was introduced by Amb. Sandro De Umberto Vattani chair the opening of the working sessions for the Bernardin, were the Director of ICE in Tel business mission of Compagnia delle Opere Aviv, Dr. Mauro Poli, and the President of the is closer to the companies, especially small and n February 1 Dr. Simonetta Della Seta, Israel-Italy Chamber of Commerce Dr. Ronni medium enterprises, that constitute the structural O who served since last summer as Cultural Benatoff (the heads of the two entities that backbone of the economy. Attaché at our Embassy, became Director of constitute the Italian Business Desk, together In his presentation Amb. Vattani underlined the the Italian Cultural Institute in Tel Aviv. Dr. with the Commercial and the Scientific offices need to judge the quality of services offered by Della Seta, a journalist and scholar, has of the Embassy). Around forty Italian and Israeli the goals achieved, and to encourage Italian published numerous essays on the Middle East business leaders took part in the meeting and in companies operating in this market to witness and Jewish History and has written two books: individual encounters which were held during the quality and excellence of Italian products. Israelis and Palestinians: The Price of Non the following two days. Collaboration with Israel, continued the Peace (Florence, 1999), and The Guardian of In his introductory remarks Amb. De Bernardin Ambassador, is particularly important because the Holy Sepulchre (Milan, 2000). Author and outlined the efforts undertaken by the Italian it allows Italian companies to get access to the director of several documentary movies on the Government, and the Foreign Ministry in latest technologies. CdO director Biscaglia history and archaeology of the bible lands, particular, to consolidate the operations of all expressed his satisfaction with the services of Simonetta Della Seta has served as Middle East Italian business interests in Israel with the the IBD and his association's interest in further correspondent for different Italian media - Il establishment of the new Business Desk. collaboration. The CdO opened an office in Giornale, Panorama, Il Foglio, Mediaset - and Undersecretary Delfino affirmed that the IBD Jerusalem last year. <> as senior editor in Rome of the Italian News Agency Apcom. <>

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Joint Italian-Israeli efforts for the environment Buongiorno Israele! he second Italian Israeli workshop on attracted considerable interest from Israeli T the environment, part of the Italian- academic and industrial sectors and included Israeli Agreement on Industrial, Scientific and representatives from the Environment Ministry; Technological cooperation, was held on Ben Gurion University of Beersheva; University February 7-9 in Tel Aviv and at the Dead Sea. of Haifa; Hebrew University of Jerusalem; Israel The event concluded Institute of with the signing of a Technology-Technion Memorandum of of Haifa; Holon Understanding between Academic Institute of the Ministries of both Technology; Israeli countries on cooperation Agricultural Research in the area of climate Organization - Volcani standing: Mr. Eli Gonen (left), President & CEO of change and the Center of Bet-Dagan; Sheraton Israel and Chemi Gur, General Manager of Sheraton Plaza Jerusalem. Seated, next to completion of projects Israel Oceanographic Ambassador De Bernardin: Mr. Eli Cohen, General under the “Clean and Limnological Manager, Ministry of Tourism Development Research Institute of n January 11 Ambassador Sandro De Mechanism” of the Dr. Miki Haran, Director General of Israel’s Environment Eilat; SOREQ Nuclear Kyoto Protocols. Ministry, with Dr. Corrado Clini Research Center of O Bernardin and General Manager of The Italian delegation Yavne, Ofra Aqua the Ministry of Tourism Mr. Eli Cohen was led by Dr. Corrado Clini, Director General Plants of Moshav Zipori; TreaTec21 of opened the “Buongiorno Sheraton” Italian for Environmental Research and Development Ashkelon; Yarqon River Authority. month at a press conference held at the at the Ministry of the Environment, and included The first two days of the conference, held at the Sheraton Plaza in Jerusalem. The initiative, 24 representatives and experts from institutions Dead Sea, examined the progress of six between 12 January and 18 February, such as Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, environmental research projects, part of the included the participation of all 7 Sheraton Università di Bologna, Università di Firenze, Memorandum of Understanding signed in April hotels in Israel, and was organized with the Università di Genova, Università di Padova, 2003 between the Italian Ministry of the support of the Italian Cultural Institute and Università di Pisa, Consorzio Universitario di Environment and the University of Tel Aviv. On the Commercial Office of the Embassy. Economia Industriale e Manageriale (CUEIM), day 3 a session was dedicated to questions of Visitors to Sheraton hotels in Tel Aviv, Università “La Sapienza” di Roma, Università industrial interest which included representatives Jerusalem, Eilat, Tiberias, and the Dead Sea della Tuscia di Viterbo, Società Generale di from Israeli companies such as Metal Tech, enjoyed a variety of Italian musical and Ingegneria S.p.A. Netafin, BioMem, TreaTec21, Lextran, Drykor, artistic events, from an exhibition of The workshop, organized by the Tel Aviv Millenium Electric, MBM.<> photographs and design to discussions on University in collaboration with the Embassy, Italian culture, as well as fine Italian cuisine prepared by chef Luigi Ferrara, who also distributed complimentary samples of Italian Green Diplomacy between Rome and Jerusalem food products. <> (cont. from p. 1) Welcoming Hon. Delfino, Minister Katz recalled supported by Minister Katz, to constitute an one of the best in the country. Hon. Delfino also his meeting with Minister Alemanno in organization of Mediterranean olive oil visited the Carmel wineries. December 2003 which resulted in the initialing producers. Hon. Delfino then summarized the The Undersecretary's visit concluded with a of a Joint Declaration for Cooperation. Katz also flourishing collaboration between scientific meeting at the Italian Business Desk and a expressed his warm appreciation for the institutions of the two countries and outlined working lunch with Prof. Ariel Toaff and friendship repeatedly and concretely new opportunities for cooperation. members of the Israeli branch of the Accademia demonstrated towards Israel by the Italian The Undersecretary's visit to the Volcani Center Italiana della Cucina. The lunch took place at Government. The Undersecretary, for his part, included meetings with Chief Scientist Prof. the “Il Pastaio” restaurant in Tel Aviv, whose explained how bilateral collaboration in Dan Levanon and other leading figures, as well owner Mrs. Vittoria Ashkenazi Sarano agriculture conforms with the general as with representatives from Israel's major wine participated last December in Rome at the first understanding between the two governments, producers. The wine industry in Israel has conference of Italian restaurants in the world, and illustrated the reasons behind the increased the quality of its products in recent under the patronage of Minister for the Italians Denomination of Protected Origin strategies, to years, also due to the presence of entrepreneurs abroad Hon. Mirko Tremaglia.<> which the Italian government attaches great of Italian origin, such as the Castel company, importance. Hon. Delfino also outlined the plan, established by Eli Ben-Zaken and considered Increased cooperation between Italian and Israeli police (cont. from p. 1) cooperation between the two police forces, in regarding citizenship and the treatment of (which have expressed appreciation for the particular on matters concerning drug trafficking, foreigners. The two ministers discussed their establishment, at the Interior Ministry, of the terrorism, and other forms of organized crime country's respective decentralization of these Interministerial Committee Against Anti- such as money laundering and human trafficking. services and the empowerment of local Semitism), as well as the Government's Minister Pisanu's talks with Interior Minister authorities with their administration. Minister commitment in the celebrations of Holocaust Pines Paz centered on the management and Pisanu illustrated the various initiatives of Memorial Day last January 27. <> control of local administrations and questions cooperation with the Italian Jewish communities,

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Jerusalem Book Fair speaks Italian Milan meets Tel Aviv delegation of leading Italian writers and A publishers took part in the 22nd delegation from Jerusalem International Book Fair in February, A Milan's Municipal with a full program of events that animated Council, led by Sen. Livio the Italian pavilion, organized by the Italian Caputo, visited Israel on Cultural Institute. February 19-25 for meetings with economic The theme at this year's biennial Fair was and political leaders. The mission focused dialogue between cultures and the creation of on Tel Aviv, Milan's twin city. In the spotlight, bridges between different identities. The Italian joint initiatives to celebrate Tel Aviv's jubilee contribution included the Hebrew translation of in 2009 and the exchange of best practices. Verso Gerusalemme by Cardinal Carlo Maria Other participants in the mission, organized Martini; a debate on the “Italian literary border by CIPMO (Italian center for Peace in experience” with the writers Josef Zoderer (Alto Middle East) and its director Dr. Janiki Adige) and Paolo Rumiz (Trieste); and a visit Cingoli were Municipal Counsellors Alberto by the intellectual of Algerian origin Khaled Garocchio, Marco Ricci, Sandro Presentation of the Hebrew edition of "Lettera a un Antoniazzi and Andrea Fanzago. Meetings Fouad Allam, whose book Lettera ad un Kamikaze" by Khaled Fouad Allam Kamikaze is being translated into Hebrew. In in Israel included Deputy Defence Minister the same vein the Italian Cultural Institute Shomroni, Claudia Rosensweig, Jack Arbib, Zev Boim, Likud MK Gideon Saar, Labor celebrated the publication of the original text of and Meron Rapoport, who took part in a MK Colette Avital and Mr. Gideon Meir Pinocchio with a show for kids by the Teatro discussion. Other Italian publishers were also of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. A dinner Arcobaleno, which featured Jewish, Muslim and present: Luigi Sponzilli from Mondadori, Carlo was hosted by Ambassador Sandro De Christian children from the Galilee. Brioschi of Rizzoli and Elisabetta Zevi from Bernardin, with the participation of leading The highlight of the Italian contribution to this Adelphi, while on the Israeli side a presentation "Milanesi" living in Israel and the President year's fair was the conference dedicated to “The was given by Menachem Perry, expert on of the Association of Italian Jews, Arch. Literary Embrace between Italy and Israel.” At Italian literature and longtime Israeli publisher David Cassuto. The delegation also met the literary cafe, crammed with people including of Italian classics. Wide success was obtained with the Italian Consul General in Jerusalem, Ambassador Sandro De Bernardin, the Consul Min. Nicola Manduzio, the Director of the General in Jerusalem Nicola Manduzio and the Peres Center for the Peace, Mr. Ron Pundak President of Venice's Consiglio Comunale Mara and with Father Pierbattista Pizzaballa Rumiz, the Director of the Italian Cultural (Custos of the Holy Land). <> Institute, Simonetta Della Seta, brought together some of the major exponents of the literary at the Fair by the Italian writer Erri De Luca. exchange between the two countries, a real Italy also participated in the central event of the “embrace” that results in dozens of books and Fair, “Voices from both sides of the bridge”, a authors translated every year into the two meeting between Israeli and Arab writers that languages. Examining this unique phenomenon took place on February 15 on the Hussein bridge in the publishing world were writers David between Israel and Jordan. The Italian pavilion Grossman, Elena Lowenthal, Manuela Dviri, From left to right, Hon. Giovanni Bianchi, Hon. Valdo Spini, exhibited books from 20 Italian and a dozen Lisa Ginzburg and Alon Altaras, who were Hon. Gian Paolo Landi di Chiavenna and Hon. Gustavo Israeli publishing houses. <> interviewed, and translators Alessandra Selva with Prof. Vittorio Dan Segre.

Towards Jerusalem Institute, Prof Guy G. Stroumsa, Director of the Center for the Study Dante comes to the Galilee An extraordinary meeting with of Christianity. The panelists were Cardinal Carlo Maria Martini was Prof. Yair Zakovitch, Prof. Roberto n January 2005 the Società Dante held on March 3 at the Hebrew Bonfil and Rabbi David Rosen. I Alighieri, which is responsible for University of Jerusalem on the spreading the Italian language around the occasion of the publication of his world, established its new branch in book Towards Jerusalem. Victor Magiar Nazareth, to join those already operative in The book, in which the Cardinal On Feb. 21 the Italian Cultural Haifa and Jerusalem. It is intended to serve describes his strong bond with the Institute organized the presentation of the large number of Israelis (many of them Holy City and his personal journey in the book by Victor Magiar entitled “E Arab Israelis) that have completed studies at Italian academic reaching it, physically as well as venne la notte” (And the Night Comes) institutions and wishes to maintain or activate cultural ties with spiritually, was discussed in the at the World Organization of Libyan Italy. presence of Mons. Pietro Sambi, Jews Center - Or Yehuda. The event At present the chapter has around 100 members and in the future Apostolic Nuncio and Delegate, was appreciated by a large public will mount a promotional campaign to encourage new inscriptions Sandro De Bernardin, Ambassador of which gathered to meet the author, a from all over the north of the country. Italy in Israel, and Rev. Fr. Pierbattista Libyan Jew living in Italy who has Members recently elected Dr. Ernesto Farah, who was the first Pizzaballa, Custos of the Holy Land. recreated in his book the golden age to introduce Italian language studies into Nazareth over 30 years Opening greetings were given by Prof. of coexistence between Jews and ago, as President of the organizing committee, whose first task Steve Kaplan, Dean-Faculty of Muslims in Libya under the Italians. will be to oversee the introduction of language courses in Nazareth Humanities, Dr. Simonetta Della Seta, <> during the first quarter of 2005. <> Director of the Italian Cultural

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Franco Zeffirelli: a giant who enchanted Israel Fellini in the spotlight (cont. from p. 1) The visit was Marco Zambelli, described costume designer in Tel Aviv unanimously by Raimonda Gaetani, and series of critics and public singers Alberto Cupido, A lectures alike as a Piero Giuliacci, Nuccia celebrating the work resounding Focile, Riccardo Botta of Federico Fellini success. and Sergio Bologna. opened at Beit The Maestro, On the sidelines of I Ariela in Tel Aviv on invited by the Italian Pagliacci Maestro February 1. The six Cultural Institute Zeffirelli also held two weekly meetings, and Tel Aviv Opera, master classes, lasting organized in arrived on January over 3 hours, for singers cooperation with the 10 to prepare for the Franco Zeffirelli conducting a master class for singers from from the Opera, during the Israel Opera Italian Cultural Institute and the Universities production of which he described the and Cinematheques of Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, Leoncavallo's opera cooperation between Italians and Israelis as “a examined the great director's entire opus and I Pagliacci, which received its premiere to magnificent and real experiment in dialogue.” analyzed the multiple facets of his personality prolonged and enthusiastic applause on January Enthusiastic public and critical applause also as well as his long association with composer 19 at the Tel Aviv Opera. Subsequent accompanied the two gala retrospectives of Nino Rota. presentations quickly sold out and two extra Zeffirelli's films (La Traviata, Storia di una The opening session was introduced by Dr. performances were added to cater for increased Capinera, La bisbetica domata, Giulietta e Lucio Izzo of the Italian Cultural Institute and demand, which extended the production until Romeo, Un te` con Mussolini, Callas Forever), was followed by an introduction to Fellini by February 3. which were presented at the cinemathèques of Nissim Dayan. Speakers in later lectures A number of Italian artists assisted Zeffirelli Tel Aviv and Jerusalem to overflowing public included the critic Irit Shamgar, historians with the Israeli edition of I Pagliacci, including demand. <> Henri Unger and Shlomo Zand, the poet the director Marco Gandini, the conductor Israel Bar Kochav, composer Yossi Mar Haim, actress Michal Goldberg, philosopher A ray of light before the darkness Hagai Knaan and director Itzik Rubin. <> n January 27, Holocaust Memorial Day Italians was crucial, even though only those with O in Europe, the Italian Cultural Institute permits were allowed to continue to Palestine in Haifa inaugurated the exhibition “A ray of and realize their dream of a home in Eretz Israel. light before the darkness (1934-1938)” which The exhibition was researched and compiled by illustrates the collaboration, through Paola Giovanna Morelli d'Aubert and Vittorio documents and photographs of the period, Haim Luzzatti, both of whom attended the between Tuscan farmers and Jewish refugees opening. from Germany and other eastern European Others present included Edoardo Crisafulli, countries on their way to Palestine. Director of the Haifa branch of the Italian The show was highly appreciated and included Cultural Institute, who inaugurated the some touching moments when several Holocaust exhibition, several officials from the Haifa city survivors, now resident in Israel, met for the first council as well as the Mayor of La Spezia, time in 65 years after recognizing each other in Vittorio Haim Luzzatti (left) and Paola Giovanna Morelli Giorgio Pagano, on a visit to Israel.<> d'Aubert, curators of the "Ray of Light" exhibition, with a the photos. The support and solidarity of the Holocaust survivor Concert in honor of Giovanni Palatucci (cont. from p. 1) The concert took place in the combination of classical pieces from as a man of profound Christian faith presence of the Israeli Minister of Internal Nabucco and Aida by Giuseppe Verdi “who not only saved the Jews in a Security Gidon Ezra, the Italian Minister of as well as popular songs that included conscious act of heroism but remained the Interior Giuseppe Pisanu, the Inspector a tribute to Duke Ellington and John a figure of deep humanity faithful to General of the Israeli Police, Commissioner Lennon’s Imagine. The performance man's highest calling”. Professor Moshe Karadi, the Italian Police of the soloist, Mrs. Cheryl Porter, Shevach Weiss, himself a holocaust Commissioner Giovanni De Gennaro, was particularly appreciated. survivor, an ex Speaker of the Knesset Ambassador Sandro De Bernardin and The following day, exactly 60 years and today head of Yad Vashem's numerous other Italian and Israeli personalities, to the day after his death, Palatucci honorary committee, remembered including the President of the Italian Jewish was commemorated in an emotional how Italy welcomed and helped Communities Prof. Amos Luzzatto. ceremony at Yad Vashem. After Police chief De refugees from the death camps after the war. The event was jointly organized by the Israeli Gennaro and holocaust survivor Elisabeth Prof. Luzzatto recalled that Palatucci refused and Italian police, the Italian Embassy and the KevitÐFerber fostered the eternal flame in refuge in Switzerland after it was granted to Italian Cultural Institute in collaboration with memory of 6 million Jewish victims of Nazism, him “to stay faithful to his responsibility as an the Union of the Italian Jewish Communities Interior Minister Pisanu laid a wreath of flowers Italian.” Lawyer Alessandro Ruben, President and the Anti-Defamation League. A packed hall by Palatucci's name on the wall of the righteous of ADL in Italy, thanked the Government of warmly applauded the two conductors, Maestri and Commissioner De Gennaro was presented Italy for its continuing fight against anti- Maurizio Billi e Menashe Lev-Ran, who with a medal on his behalf. Semitism and racism. <> alternated on the podium to conduct a Minister Pisanu described Giovanni Palatucci

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Events in Israel The place of the Jews Deserts and Storms bordering Libya. All of them March 29 & 30, Haifa & Tel Aviv April 9 – May 15, are different in the emptiness The Italian Cultural Institute will present the Givatayim Theatre of their vast spaces, but equally book by Prof.Amos Luzzatto, President of the (40, Remez str.,Givatayim) rich in vital energy. Union of Italian Jewish Communities: “Il posto Exhibition of paintings Here in Israel I could sense the degli Ebrei” (The Place of the Jews). In his latest by Marta Salto-Weis Azevedo closeness between deserts and book Luzzatto dwells on the significance and (Franchetti Pardo), storms. Luckily enough, my the task of Jewish presence in the new, enlarged in collaboration with the house faces the sea of Tel Aviv, Europe, “a Europe whose people should be open Cervantes Institute - and I spent many days and and available to be united with new immigrants”, Tel. 03-5279992 nights watching the rough writes Luzzatto, who reaches conclusions which Deserts and storms are not only waves and Jaffo appearing and involve not only Jews but all citizens of Europe. physical entities, but also the disappearing through the Italian Cultural Institute, Tel. 03-516 1361 expression of states of mind clouds. I have also discovered related to meditation and the Dead Sea valley, so close The Italian Musical Diaspora in the creativity. Since my earliest youth to the living sea. Both are faces XVII Century I have been fascinated by storms, of the same coin, March 31, Tel Aviv and have stood long hours in the complementary one to the Concert featuring music by Geminiani, Scarlatti, night to follow the creative other. Platti, Leclair, Locatelli illustrating the energy of elements such as wind, This is why I can work on two contribution of these composers to the diffusion rain, thunders and lightings. I could feel my subjects at the same time- storms and deserts - of Italian style in Europe in the XVII century. sensations flowing together with the roaring that might, at first, appear so different. I have Musicians: Genevieve Blanchard, baroque flute; storms. tried to work out these complementarities as a Jochewed Schwart, harpsichord; Orit Messer, The deserts were a later discovery, which sort of synthesis of my deepest feelings: powerful baroque cello. significantly enough, coincided with a period of energy and internal equilibrium, anxiety and Felicja Blumenthal Music Center, basic choices in my life. I have traveled to a few optimism, primordial fears and peaceful sense of Tel. 03-6201185 of them: from the Sinai to the Yemeni Hadramouth, infinity. [email protected] <> and from the magic Siwa to the Western Desert, Marta Salto-Weis Azevedo <> Spring events at the Museum of Italian Jewish Art Israel Ministry of Foreign Wood restoration on Everyone Loves Jerusalem Affairs, the Hebrew University Decorated and Painted Mar. 17 and Ben Zvi Institute. Enzo The Museum of Italian Jewish Art is pleased to Sereni is an extremely Panels take part in the “Everyone Loves Jerusalem” fascinating and central figure in March 13-15 campaign, in conjunction with Tel-Ad, to be held the life of Italian Jewry, in the The Italian Cultural Institute and the Italian on Thursday, Mar. 17, 2005. On that day, admission Jewish community in Israel's Museum invite you to participate in a monographic to the museum will be free. "Free guided tours in pre-independence years, and in restoration seminar for specialists, with the Italian Hebrew and English". Jewish history in general. The conference will deal experts Prof. Andrea Papi and Dr. Federico with the main aspects of Sereni's life, including Tempesta. The seminar will cover a total of 20 On Literary Purim Activity the social and cultural background of his family hours. Mar. 22 in the context of 20th century's Italian Jewry; For subscriptions please call the Institute in Tel Fascism and Antifascism; Zionist activities in Italy Aviv, 03.5161361. Lecture by Prof. Chava Turniansky prior to Enzo's aliyah; his immigration and settlement in the kibbutz; his major participation in the socio-political life of the Yishuv; his mission Paper Fancy A Paper Purim activities among Jewish communities around the Mar. 14–Apr. 14 Mar. 27, at 11am world (Irak, the United States, Germany, Egypt); A Purim exhibition- Purim events for the whole family-a joyous his final mission to occupied Europe, and his tragic a colorful fantasy of celebration for children and parents, including an death as a parachutist behind Nazi lines. fashion accessories experiential tour of the “Paper Fancy” exhibition made of paper by the led by a commedia dell’arte (Italian folk theater) artist Ida Rak. A Baroque Passover actor; paper crafts workshops making fancy hats, Apr. 17–May 10 Shoes, hats, masks, and costumes out of paper and other handbags, and other recyclable materials and a colorful costume parade Ornate dishes for the Seder items in bold, through the Ben-Yehuda pedestrian mall. table, an antique hole-punch for fantastic colors create matzo, photographs of matzo- a joyous carnival atmosphere. Some of the designs making in the Rome ghetto are inspired by pictures from old Italian manuscripts more than a century ago, of the Book of Esther that were influenced by Honoring Enzo Sereni micrography (tiny writing) on Italian theater. The source of inspiration can be Apr. 5–7 an egg, and many other seen alongside Ida’s work in the museum’s A conference marking the 100th birthday of Enzo spectacular, intriguing items- exhibition halls. Sereni is being held in conjunction with the some of them entertaining-will Embassy of Italy, the Italian Cultural Institute, the be on display in the Passover exhibition. <>

27, Hillel st., Jerusalem Tel: 02-6241610 Fax: 02-6253480 www.jija.org [email protected]

7 NOTIZIE ITALIANE March 2005

Events in Italy Milano Flash Art Fair Pinocchio - The Musical Contemporary art in Chianti March 25-28, Milan 15 April - 1 May, Milan April – June, Tuscany Flash Art is organizing a weekend fair dedicated Pinocchio, Collodi's beloved Contemporary Art in Chianti is a biennial to contemporary art at the Una Hotel Tocq, one of character that has been exhibition in the Chianti region. This year there the most sophisticated hotels situated in the centre entertaining children all over the are over 60 sculptures and installations spread of Milan. Around 50 of the most active Italian and world for over 100 years, comes throughout the Provinces of Florence and Siena. foreign galleries are being invited to participate. to the stage in a spectacular This year's edition concentrates on some of the Gallerists will transform the hotel rooms into musical starring Manuel Frattini at Milan's Teatro key spaces within individual communities, with original exhibitions, which will serve as meeting Diners Della Luna. pieces in squares and main streets of seven points for to exchange ideas and acquire works of www.forumnet.it municipalities. The artists participating include art. Massimo Bartolini, Paola De Pietri, Alicia Framis, www.unahotels.it Gaetano Pesce, the sound of time Antony Gormley, Renée Green, Eva Marisaldi, Until April 18, Milan Tony Oursler, Nicola Pellegrini, Cesare Pietroiusti Giselle at La Scala Milan hosts the Italian architect and designer and Franco Vaccai. 1-3 April, Milan Gaetano Pesce, whose unique works revisit favorite [email protected] <> After a three-year 49 million refurbishment, La themes such as dual functioning objects and Scala is back in its original home. This production architecture, the use and development of new of Giselle features the La Scala Ballet, conducted materials and what Pesce describes as the by David Coleman and choreographed by J. Coralli “feminine” aspect of architecture. and J. Perrot. www.gaetanopesce.com International Furniture Exhibition www.teatroallascala.org April 13-18, Milan May of Monuments The Milan trade fair will host Five Masters 23 April - 29 May, Naples the Salone Internazionale del Until April 9, Monza Maggio dei Monumenti (May Mobile, the International Painting and sculptures of of Monuments) is an annual Furniture and Furnishing Floriano Bodoni, Leonardo festival sponsored by the Accessories Exhibition and Cremonini, Gianfranco Council of Naples, with special particular attention will be Ferroni, Augusto Perez and events taking place every given to the bath and home Giuseppe Zigaina on the weekend during the month of textiles sectors. This year marks occasion of the 40th May. Museums and special monuments are open the return of Euroluce, the anniversary of the for free, and activities include exhibits and fairs, biennial international lighting exhibition, and Montrasio Gallery in chamber music recitals, rock and pop concerts, cinema screenings, operettas, performances of as always, there is great excitement surrounding Monza. the annual SaloneSatellite. Tel. +39-039-321770 classic Neapolitan songs, soccer matches, horse races, dance spectacles, parties and theatre events. www.cosmit.it www.portanapoli.com Italian Trade Fair Calendar, March - May 2005 12 Ð 20 March, Naples 19 Ð 22 March, Milan 7 Ð 11 Apr, Verona 13 Ð 16 Apr, Florence 26 Ð 28 Apr, Bologna 5 Ð 8 May, Bologna NAUTICSUD MIPEL VINITALY PITTI LIVING LINEAPELLE ZOOMARK Boat show Leather goods & bags Wine & spirits Furnishing & interior Italian leatherwear Products & accessories www.nauticsud.info www.mipel.com www.veronafiere.it decoration www.lineapelle-fair.it for pets www.pittimmagine.com www.zoomark.it 16 Ð 19 March, Verona 22 Ð 24 March, 7 Ð 11 Apr, Verona 26 Ð 29 Apr, Bologna FAST Cernobbio SOL 13 Ð 18 Apr, Milan SIMAC 5 Ð 8 May, Cesena Yarns, accessories for IDEACOMO Olive oil expo SALONE Leather goods industry MACFRUT hosiery Fabrics for women's wear www.veronafiere.it DELL'ARREDO www.assomac.it Fruit & vegetable www.thefastportal.com www.ideacomo.com Furnishing & accessories production 9 Ð 12 Apr, Brescia www.cosmit.it 28 Apr Ð 9 May, Cagliari www.agricesena.it 16 Ð 20 March, Bologna 31 Mar Ð 2 Apr, Parma EXA SARDINIA TRADE SAIEDUE MECSPE Firearms & weaponry 15 Ð 18 Apr, Montichiari FAIR 5 Ð 8 May, Milan Interior architecture & Specialised mechanics www.exa.it DISHOW www.fieradellasardegna.it MIART finishing www.senaf.it Technology for the Modern and www.saiedue.com 9 Ð 13 Apr, Arezzo disabled 30 Apr Ð 5 May, Foggia contemporary art 1 Ð 4 Apr, Bologna ORO AREZZO www.staffservice.it FARMING & www.fmi.it 16 Ð 20 March, Milan COSMOPROF Gold, silver and jewellery LIVESTOCK MIFUR Perfumery & cosmetics www.oroarezzo.com 18 Ð 19 Apr, Cernobbio www.fieradifoggia.it 5 Ð 9 May, Turin Fur and leather expo www.cosmoprof.it COMOCREA BOOK FAIR www.mifur.com 9 Ð 17 April, Bari Textile design show 4 Ð 8 May, Verona www.fieralibro.it 6 Ð 10 Apr, Turin EXPOLEVANTE www.villaerba.it SAMOTER 19 Ð 22 March, Milan AUTOMOTOR Leisure time and hobbies Earth-moving and 12-14 May, Piacenza MICAM - Motor components & www.fieradellevante.it 22 Apr Ð 1 May, Florence building industry SIBA SHOEVENT spare parts HANDICRAFTS www.veronafiere.it Buttons & accessories Footwear exhibition promotorinternational.it EXPO www.siba.piacenzaexpo.it www.micamonline.com 13 Ð 16 Apr, Bologna www.firenzefiera.it CHILDREN'S BOOK FAIR bookfair.bolognafiere.it

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