Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi Warmly Received in Israel the G8 - Will Enable the Implementation of a Parallel Track to Political Negotiations Between (Cont

No. 24 JULY 2003

Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi Italy Assumes Presidency of the EU on July 1st Warmly Received in Israel The Italian Presidency will have five An exceptionally cordial reception awaited Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi main priorities as he arrived in Israel on June 9th at the invitation of Prime Minister Ariel Sharon Intergovernmental Conference On the basis of elcoming Mr. government towards decisions taken W Berlusconi Israel during three by the European before an honor years of the Intifada, Council of guard in Jerusalem, and for the balanced Thessaloniki, the Presidenza Italiana Mr. Sharon under- position taken by Italian del Consiglio dell'Unione Europea Presidency will convene the Intergovernmental lined the excellent Italy within the EU. Conference by October 2003, and will enable state of relations In the discussions it to complete its work in the shortest possible between the two particular stress was time. This will allow EU citizens to vote for a countries, and placed on Italy’s new European Parliament in June 2004 with referred explicitly to unyielding prior knowledge of the new constitutional the role Italy could determination to charter. Italy expects that the signing of the new play to help Israel combat terrorism, Treaty will take place in Rome sometime increase its level of and on its efforts to between May 1st 2004 and the European cooperation with the EU. Prime Minister help stabilize the situation in Afghanistan and parliamentary elections. Berlusconi indicated that he had come to Iraq. European Economy Israel after close consultation on the Middle Mr. Sharon congratulated Italy for its assumption The Italian Presidency will give maximum East with President Bush, both at the G8 of the presidency of the Task Force for priority - through increased public investments, also involving European financial institutions summit in Evian and through bilateral talks. International Cooperation on Holocaust - to the objectives of the Lisbon Strategy, aimed The Italian government intends to seize the Education, Remembrance and Research, and at making the European economy the world's “window of opportunity” of the last few weeks, for Prime Minister Berlusconi’s presentation most dynamic by 2010. The objectives are the Berlusconi told Sharon and President Katsav, of his rehabilitation plan for the Palestinian modernization of labor markets, the promotion working “side by side” with Washington on the economy, including incentives for private of entrepreneurship, and the creation and peace process. investments, presented at the G8 summit in diffusion of knowledge and innovation. This Prime Minister Berlusconi was received amid Evian, and accepted in principle by EU members. strategy will be completed by the development of an efficient transportation network, as well strong signs of friendship and appreciation for Mr. Sharon expressed his (cont. p. 2) the solidarity demonstrated by the Italian satisfaction with the state of mutual as by new financial tools developed in synergy with the European Investment Bank that will facilitate the implementation of large projects. European Enlargement President of Italian Senate Visits Israel The main goal is to complete the process of The President of the Italian Senate, Prof. Marcello Pera, visited Israel European unification, tipping the balance of the on May 27-29, as a guest of Knesset Speaker Reuven Rivlin EU slightly in favor of the southern regions. The Italian Presidency aims at finding a blueprint resident Marcello Pera’s high-profile two day a conference on relations that will enable to conclude by 2004 the P visit, which included a warmly received between Israel, Europe and negotiations for the accession of Romania and appearance in the chamber of the Knesset, involved the US, held at The Hebrew Bulgaria, which may join the Union in 2007. meetings with high ranking Israeli national and University of Jerusalem, The progress of Turkey towards accession will political figures, including President Moshe Katsav, Prof. Pera’s speech, “Israel, be monitored and Turkish efforts to move Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, Foreign Minister Silvan Europe and Islam”, aroused President of the Italian towards implementation of internal reforms will Shalom, and Labor Party President Shimon Peres. considerable interest for its Senate, Marcello Pera Prof. Pera also met with the newly constituted accent on the theme of be encouraged. The Italian Presidency also views Parliamentary Committee for Israeli Italian dialogue with Islamic societies as a means of unity as essential the strengthening of ties with the Friendship chaired by MK Moshe Kahlon and and understanding between cultures. President Pera’s Russian Federation and a more active composed of members from a wide range of political schedule also included a visit to Yad Vashem, where involvement with other CIS members. parties. he laid a wreath, and concluded with meetings at Italy will spare no effort so that any opportunity President Pera also met with representatives from Jerusalem’s Italian Synagogue with representatives to consolidate relations of the EU with Israel Israel’s major universities to examine possibilities of Israel’s Italian community. In all his can be seized, with a view to a wider and more for mutual collaboration with Italian institutions. At encounters Prof. Pera underlined the (cont. p. 3) structured reciprocal cooperation. (cont. p. 2)

SUMMERSUMMER LANGUAGELANGUAGE COURSESCOURSES ATAT THETHE ITALIANITALIAN CULTURALCULTURAL INSTITUTEINSTITUTE -- 03-518796603-5187966

1 Celebration of Italian National Day in Israel Minister of Foreign Affairs Silvan Shalom underlines excellent bilateral relations peaking during a "greatly appreciated" Rome’s decision to take over Addressing over 1000 guests Ambassador Terzi S reception on June the chair of the Task Force for International recalled the values of the Italian Constitution, and 2nd to mark Italy's Cooperation on Holocaust Education, the Government’s plan for a more active involvement Republic Day, Foreign Remembrance and Research, in 2004. "This in the political, economic and cultural affairs of their Minister Silvan Shalom decision was a confirmation of the special sensitivity state by Italians living in a foreign country, evidenced recalled his recent talks in Italy has shown towards Israel which also made it by the new law allowing Italian nationals to vote from Israel with visiting Italian one of the first European countries to approve abroad. Following the other speeches, Ambassador Senate President Marcello legislation establishing a Day of Memory [recalling Terzi conferred the decoration of Cavaliere al Merito Pera, and stressed the the victims of the Holocaust]”, the Foreign Minister della Repubblica Italiana on two long-time Israeli quality and intensity of the added. friends of Italy, MK Colette Avital and Dr Uri Savir.<> “excellent bilateral relations” enjoyed between Israel and Italy. Hosted by Ambassador Giulio Terzi in the spacious garden of his Ramat Gan residence, the reception was attended by Shimon Peres, Deputy Defense Minister Zev Boim, several members of the Knesset, and other well known figures. Minister Shalom also referred to the Government’s keen interest in Italy’s forthcoming Presidency of the EU, which could contribute significantly to the quest for peace in the Middle East and to the strengthening Ambassador Giulio Terzi with Foreign Minister Silvan (left to right) UN Envoy Terye Larsen, Ambassador of Norway of Israel’s ties with the Union. He added that Israel Shalom Mrs Mona Juul, Shimon Peres and Ambassador Giulio Terzi Italy Assumes Presidency of EU Italy Will Take over Presidency of Holocaust Taskforce (cont. from p. 1) Italy’s assumption next year of the Presidency of the "Task Force for International The EuroMediterranean Partnership ("Barcelona Cooperation on Holocaust Education, Remembrance and Research" was approved Process") will be relaunched, with the aim of unanimously at a meeting of the organization in Washington in May creating a Mediterranean Bank, intended to engage the countries of the two shores more intensively he Task Force was Italy’s assumption of the Presidency in joint development projects. T established in 1998 on the of the Task Force in 2004 represents initiative of Swedish Prime a clear recognition not only of the Europe in the World Minister Göran Persson to gain country’s ongoing engagement in the Europe must become a strong and authoritative political and social support behind struggle against anti-Semitism and voice in international affairs. It must unify its response to crisis situations, and work in the need for Holocaust education, intolerance, especially among youth, collaboration with the United States to assure remembrance, and research both but also for being one of the first EU security and peace in the world. Europe must nationally and internationally. Italy countries to adopt a Holocaust increase its defensive capabilities in partnership joined the Task Force in 1999 and the following Memorial Day as an official event. During the with NATO. In this context, support for the Middle year sent an official delegation to the term of its presidency Italy will promote the East peace process will take an added importance International Forum on the Holocaust in Task Force and assure its visibility through the as the "Quartet" verifies progress in the Stockholm, which was followed by an important creation of a suitably supported and funded implementation of the "Road Map". The Italian declaration of international cooperation. Action Committee. <> Government's announced Plan for the rehabilitation of the Palestinian economy - designed to improve living conditions in the Palestinian areas, and lately fully supported by Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi Warmly Received in Israel the G8 - will enable the implementation of a parallel track to political negotiations between (cont. from p. 1) the sides. The Italian Presidency aspires to a Europe that relations and for the close ties of will promote the values of democracy, freedom cooperation in many sectors between and respect of fundamental rights all over the the two countries. He added that bilateral world. commercial exchange is on the rise and Security for Citizens further initiatives and investments are The Italian Presidency will work to strengthen expected, especially in the hi-tech, the security of European citizens. The struggle communications, and environmental against international terrorism must be technologies sectors, as well as in accompanied by efficient measures to control infrastructure projects and defense. cross-border crime and clandestine immigration. Bilateral relations and collaborative projects At Jerusalem’s Italian Synagogue, Mr. should be strengthened with the immigrants' Berlusconi also met the Italian Jewish countries of origin and transit.<> community in Israel <> Prime Minister Berlusconi speaking at the Italian Synagogue in Jerusalem

2 Gen. Rolando Mosca Moschini Nominated President of the EU Military Committee Edited by: The Italian Defence Chief of Staff, General Rolando Mosca Moschini, was The Italian Embassy in Tel Aviv designated on May 7th 2003 by the EU Military Committee to succeed General Gustav Hagglund (Finland) as its President. Prime Minister Berlusconi Visits Israel p.1-2 Senate President Marcello Pera in Israel p.1-3 Italian Presidency of EU p.1-2 eneral Mosca Moschini’s appointment was From 1991 to 1993 he Celebration of National Day in Israel p.2 G approved on May 19th 2003 by the EU was Deputy General Italian Presidency of Holocaust Task Force p.2 Council. He will begin his three year mandate at Secretary of the Gen. Moschini EU Military Nomination p.3 the conclusion of the current presidency (March Executive Committee for Italian Culture Week in Nazareth p.3 2004). The candidacy of General Mosca Moschini the Intelligence and Italy-Israel Environmental Cooperation p.3 was submitted by the Minister of Defence, Antonio Security Services. He Venice-Jerusalem p.4 Martino. Its acceptance represents a significant served abroad for two Italy Israel Relations in Focus p.5 recognition for Italy, whose armed forces are years, in the Venice Calls on Moses to Halt Floods p.5 involved in several international missions, as it Headquarters of the 3rd Jewish Italian Liturgical Music on CD p.5 starts its 6 month presidency of the European British Division (UK Jewish and Palestinian Students Visit Italy p.5 Vinitaly 2003 p.6 Union. Mobile Force) and, for Israel-Italy Forum on Artificial Intelligence p.6 The Military Committee of the European Union is three years, as Military Euro Nano Forum 2003 Conference p.6 responsible for all EU military activities, in addition Attaché at the Italian Gen. Rolando Mosca Shenkar College Awards Dinner p.7 to providing counsel and recommendations to the Embassy in London. In Moschini IST 2003:The Opportunities Ahead p.7 Political and Security Council. General Hagglund’s 1993 he was appointed Military Advisor to the Italian Connecting Businesses and Communities p.7 mandate will end in April 2004; until this date General Permanent Mission to the United Nations, took part Events in Israel p.8 Rolando Mosca Moschini will remain as the Italian in the 48th, 49th and 50th United Nations General Defence Chief of Staff. General Rolando Mosca Assemblies and was member of the Italian Delegation Embassy of Italy Moschini was born in Umbria in 1939. He attended in the Security Council. In 1996 he commanded the Trade Tower, 25 HaMered Street, Tel Aviv 68125 the "Nunziatella" Military School, the Military 3rd Army Corps. From January 1997 to March 2001 Tel: 03-510.4004 Fax: 03-510.0235 Academy, the Junior Officers School, the Staff College he served as Commanding General of the "Guardia www.italian-embassy-israel.org and the Defence Centre for High Studies. He has di Finanza" (Economic and Financial Police).General E-mail:[email protected] (Economic & Commercial Section) University Degrees in Strategic Sciences and Rolando Mosca Moschini was appointed Italian Sociology. Defence Chief of Staff on April the 1st, 2001. <> Developments in Italian- Italian Culture Week in Nazareth Israeli Cooperation on week of Italian theme Italiani in Terrasanta, Environment A Culture was held at on June 5th, was dedicated to Nazareth’s Garden Hotel on the culture of Christian mportant cooperation initiatives have June 4-6. Organized by the religious Italians and I been developed between Italy and Israel Haifa branch of the Cultural pilgrims in Israel, whose as a result of the “Italian-Israeli Forum on Institute in cooperation with work has contributed so Environmental Technologies”, held in Tel Aviv the ‘Sacra Famiglia’ much to the spread of the in October 2002 Hospital, the occasion was Italian language in this In April this year the Italian Ministry of the first for an Italian country. On June 6th over Environment and Territory and Tel Aviv exhibition of this size to visit 700 children from Nazareth University signed a Memorandum of the north of Israel. participated in three Understanding, which foresees possible The week was launched on performances of Pulcinella cooperation actions in various fields: June 4th with a highly Over 700 children attended performances of Pulcinella by the Cervia theatre sustainable development, renewable successful exhibition of during Nazareth's Italian Culture Week company, which has long- energies, energy conservation, air quality, paintings "Realtà standing ties with Israel. The water management, waste management, and immaginarie" by Noemi Tedeschi and Pia Levi. This ‘Culture Week’ concluded with a concert by the tenor sustainable agricultural and environmental was followed by Poetry for Peace, a reading of works Giuliano Ansalone accompanied by Maestro protection. by the Israeli poet Israel Bar-Kohav and the Arab Massimo Lambertini. <> More recently Prof. Zev Levin, Head of The poet Taha Mohammed Alì. The third event, on the www.fatebenefratelli.it/hfh Porter School of Environmental Studies at Tel Aviv University, visited Italy and had a meeting at the Ministry of Environment and Territory, in Rome, to start the implementation President of Italian Senate Visits Israel on five topics of the aforesaid Memorandum (cont. from p. 1) of Understanding, for which the Italian Ministry of Environment has already allocated 1.5 strong bonds of friendship and solidarity between Italy and Israel million euro. The topics are: spring and river “which has the right to exist, and to exist in peace.” He also renovation, photovoltaic cells and solar underlined Italy’s unequivocable condemnation of terrorism as energy, forecasting of urban air pollution, a “non-negotiable element.” In this regard Pres. Pera recalled environmental issues of artificial islands, the commitments towards peace in the region undertaken by the and research related to desertification. In Italian government, which will take on added impulse during addition, the Israeli Export Institute organized Italy’s forthcoming term as President of the European Union. in May a mission to Italy (Bari and Trieste) of President Pera also discussed Italy’s upcoming Presidency of several Israeli companies active in the field of the "Task Force for International Cooperation on Holocaust President of the Senate, Marcello Pera (left) Environment, where they had very fruitful Education, Remembrance and Research" in 2004. <> lights a flame at Yad Vashem meetings with Italian counterparts. <>

3 ne of the most exciting Venice - Jerusalem Dr Bella Brover of the Department O of Musicology of the Hebrew exhibitions dedicated to University in cooperation with Maestro the city of Venice in recent years, Renzo Cesana, a distinguished Italian of Prof. Reuven Bonfil, Dr Roni Ellenblum, musician. ‘Venezia Città Magica’ closed in Ms Ahuva Passow-Whitman, Dr. Yehuda The conference Venice-Magical City, which Jerusalem on June 18th Pardo and Prof. Therese Malachi. The was accompanied by a slide show and a conference was followed by a video projection documentary film presented by Dr David Patsi, The Venice project counted a large number of the film entitled, “A Return to Venice” by took place in Jerusalem’s Mercaz HaTarbuyot, of events, including theatre performances, the artist Gadi Castel-Castelbolognesi. on June 4th. films and documentaries depicting the sights From May 4 to June 8, the Cinematheque and sounds of Venice, a series of conferences of Jerusalem screened a series of films on dedicated to Venice’s rich and ancient Venice, Venice at the Movies, including cultural tradition through every aspect of films by Luciano Emmer, Francesco Pasinetti, Gadi Castel-Castelbolognesi, Enrico Maria Salerno and Dino Risi. The Cinematheque also hosted the photographic exhibition of Gadi Castel- Castelbolognesi “Venetian and North Italian Carnival”, that illustrated with beautiful pictures this most deep-rooted of Italian traditions. The Chan Theatre, with the participation of Thespi, The Jerusalem International Festival of Theatre, presented the mono- dramas "Abramo" and "il Minotauro" written and performed by the Italian dramatist Paolo Puppa. On May 14th an entire evening dedicated to Carlo Goldoni, with Paolo Puppa performing a chosen number of extracts from Goldoni’s works, was held at the Israel Goor Theatre Archives and Museum in Jerusalem. The evening was directed by Mr Eliezer Shmueli, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Israel Goor Theatre, in the presence of the Italian Consul General, Min. Gianni Ghisi; Mr Oded Feldman, Director of the Department of Culture of the Jerusalem Municipality; Dr Yehuda Pardo, President of “Casanova, between myth and reality”, at the Dante Alighieri Society of Jerusalem and the Mercaz HaTarbuyot on June 11th, given by Dr Lucio Izzo, Deputy Director of the Italian Asher Salah of the Bezalel Academy of Art, Cultural Institute in Tel Aviv. was an interesting lecture dedicated to this very the arts, a photographic exhibition, and an Venetian music was celebrated at the Merkaz famous and intriguing personality, Giacomo enchanting concert of music performed in HaTarbuyot of Jerusalem on May 21st with Casanova, whose story is deeply linked to the characteristic Venetian style. The Venice Musical Venice, a concert of works from the history of Venice. Project was organized under the patronage XVIII century, accompanied by explanations Finally, on June 18th at the Italian Consulate in of Ambassador Giulio Terzi with the and film footage. The event was organized by Jerusalem, in the presence of the Italian Consul cooperation of the Dante General, Min. Gianni Ghisi, Alighieri Society of the closing evening of the Jerusalem, the Italian Venice Project included a Cultural Institute in Tel concert of Venetian music and Aviv, the Italian Consulate a reception which the public General in Jerusalem, and attended in Venetian style hats with the help and support and masks. Those who were of the Israeli Embassy in not prepared had the chance Italy, the Municipality of to buy the hats and masks of Venezia, the Consorzio Françoise Coriat, on display “Venezia Nuova”, the for the occasion. Municipality of Jerusalem On the final evening the and the Van Leer Jerusalem traditional Italian game of Institute. Tombola was held, awarding On the opening night on April a number of prizes, including 30 a conference on the an airplane ticket for a trip to cultural traditions of Venice Venice. was held at the Van Leer Istituto Italiano di Cultura Institute with the participation 03-523-4544 <>

4 Italy-Israel Relations in Focus at Or Yehuda n May 15th a congress on Italian-Israeli relations was held at the O headquarters of the World Organization of Libyan Jews in Or Yehuda, organized in collaboration with the Italian Embassy and the Italian Cultural Institute The proceedings were opened by the President of the Organization Rami Cahalon and the Mayor of Or Yehuda Yitzhak Buhabza and was followed by an overview of the state of Italian Israeli bilateral relations by Ambassador Giulio Terzi. Subsequent presentations were made by the Italian journalist Marina Valensise of “Il Foglio” (in Israel for a series of conferences on the struggle against anti-semitism in Italy), which concentrated on the Libyan- Jewish-Italian diaspora; Professor Roberto Bonfil of the Hebrew University, who spoke on Italian and Jewish culture - past and present; Professor Lia Addadi, who outlined 26 EU-sanctioned research projects currently in progress between the Weizman Institute and Italian organizations; Amos Lasker, President of the Med-Nautilus Group, the Italo-Israeli joint venture which has constructed an undersea fibre optic cable connecting Mediterranean countries including Italy, Israel, Greece and Turkey; and the President of the Association of Italian Jews, Arch. David Cassuto, who spoke about synagogues of the Mediterranean region. The event, which aroused considerable interest, was intended to provide a detailed overview of the current state of bilateral relations between the two countries. An exhibition of photographs of Rome (right) by the Hungarian artist Tiberius Zvi Keller was also on display. <> Venice Calls on Moses To Halt Floods Jewish Italian taly has officially approved the construction of The project is named for Moses, whose powers parted I a multi-billion Euro underwater project designed the Red Sea and whose name officials hope will provide to hold back the sea and help to rescue Venice from luck in preventing Venice's canals from continually Liturgical sinking. breaking their banks. The "Moses" project will consist of hinged barriers Floods have become an increasingly common occurrence Music on CD erected on the seabed off the coast of Venice which will in Venice, where in recent years the 5-month rainy season be raised to block incoming high tides. The tidal barriers, has seen the city flood an average once every 3 days, new recording, Rugiada di though most last for only a few hours. But once every A Canti, containing a wide-ranging few years -- most recently in 2000 and 2002 -- the city's selection of liturgical songs and rituals canals dramatically overflow onto its streets and stay from the Florence and Leghorn Jewish there for several days, communities, was presented last May threatening to damage 21st at Tel Aviv’s Diaspora Museum. some of the priceless Presenting the CD Ambassador Giulio works of art and Terzi underlined not only its intrinsic architecture for which Venice is known. Water musical value but also its importance levels have risen by as a living testimony of the practices 80cm since the 18th of two important Jewish communities century when Canaletto that have contributed so significantly Tourists read a newspaper while seated on a flooded terrace painted the lagoon city. to Italian history. made up of 79 steel sheets, 20 metres wide and weighing The city's tourist centre, The evening, organized by the 300 tonnes, will cost 3.5bn to construct. They will lie St Mark's Square, floods Diaspora Museum's Feher Jewish on the sea floor to permit tides to flow normally most more than 100 times a When the Adriatic Sea rises very high, floodgates would inflate Music Center on the occasion of the of the time and allow the healthy exchange of water and year. Less than a century and lift up from the ocean floor. Museum's 25th anniversary, included sea life between the lagoon and the Adriatic Sea, a key ago, the city flooded 60 They'd keep seawater out of the environmental consideration. But the same barriers will times in a decade. The lagoon and stop flooding in a concert of the vocal items recorded be pumped with air and pivot to the surface when the project is due for Venice on the CD, performed by a chorus of sea rises more than 1.1 meters, a level that in the past completion by 2010. <> cantorial specialists. <> has flooded the city. High School Students from Raanana, Bethlehem and Verona Find They Have Much in Common joint delegation of 50 senior high school to building a base of friendship, cooperation and good “I attach great importance to promoting dialogue and A students from Raanana and Bethlehem neighborliness between youth of the three cities. The mutual understanding between peoples of the region recently visited Verona, Italy, at the invitation of the students, from the Aviv Senior High School in in general and between youth in particular - especially Mayor of Verona, Mr. Paulo Zanotto, whose city Raanana and the Terra Sancta School in Bethlehem during these difficult times. The rich program of signed a sister-city treaty with both Raanana and stayed in the homes of Verona students. meetings and social interaction allows all the students Bethlehem in 1998. The Mayor of Raanana, Mr. Zeev Bielski first raised to meet, share common experiences and discuss issues The host school in Verona - Liceo Scientifico “G. the possibility of this three-way interaction between of common interest, including the situation in the Fracastoro” - prepared a full program of meetings, students, when he hosted Verona Mayor, Mr. Paulo Middle East.”<> cultural and sporting events and touring with a view Zanotto, in Raanana last summer. Explains Bielski:

5 Vinitaly 2003: The quest for quality goes on

erona hosted in April the 37th edition of Italian cellars, so far more like factories for mass Italian winemakers have demonstrated to the V VinItaly, the international wine and spirits production of wine, are transforming into world that whilst they do have the ability to exhibition, featuring the best winemaking from prestigious locations. produce great wines from these "international across the globe. Wines produced in Italy (as much as French, varieties" (Sassicaia, Solaia etc.), they do not Spanish or Austrian wines) reflect the land, the intend to sacrifice the ancient traditions of Italian Over 135,000 climate, the history, the tradition and the skills viticulture just for the sake of joining the flood professionals and of "international" wines. No other country, except wine lovers Italy, has such a variety of soil and microclimates, visited the stands Italian Wine Exports to Israel or so many types of local grapes. of 4,000 The enormous number of different wines companies from 27 countries, representing and Worldwide produced in Italy (in about 50,000 wineries) offers tradition and innovation. great opportunities to Israeli dealers. Italian white Prior to the inauguration of the exhibition, Vinitaly Italy is the largest wine exporter to Israel, wines are not known enough in this country even hosted also the 11th International Wine followed by France and Chile. Total Italian though, in my opinion, they represent an excellent Competition, the most selective of its kind choice for our hot summer days. Personally I worldwide, since it awards only 88 medals, four wine production covers 830.00 hectares of love the very dry, white wines from Lazio like for each of the 22 categories of wines. The vineyards, with 1 million Italian wine Frascati, Marino and Colli Albani, but the purpose of the organizers, VeronaFiere, is to producers. In 2001 Italy produced 52m. selection of Italian whites can satisfy any palate. highlight the best in wine production and If you like aromatic wines try from the wide range stimulate the efforts of wineries in improving the hectoliters of wines, and exported 15,6m. of Italian Muscats: from the sparkling Asti to the quality of their products. hectoliters, worth 2,580m. Goldenmuskateller of Alto Adige and the golden It is impossible to describe briefly the "revolution" Source: Italian Trade Commission Passito di Pantelleria. in Italian winemaking, but analysis of some of It is the "Italian style" - that exciting range of the data circulated during the fair showed clearly traditional and contemporary wines - that places that the wine industry is in the midst of a process of the people who make them. On the other hand the Italian wine industry in first position aimed at reducing its quantitative output whilst producers in emerging countries, like Chile and worldwide. The 38th edition of VinItaly takes concentrating more and more on its qualitative Australia, follow the global trend of standardized place on April 1-5, 2004. growth and positioning. Wine, once considered tastes and "international varieties" such as www.vinitaly.com "food", is now becoming a "luxury item" and the Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Chardonnay. by Yair Koren Ð Israel Broadcasting Authority <> Israel-Italy Forum on Artificial Intelligence he Italian-Israeli Forum on Computer representative selection of leading personalities of this new initiative by the Italian Foreign Ministry T Science: Research and Applications of from both the scientific and commercial sectors, in the context of ongoing activities planned through Artificial Intelligence in Industry took place in and was the object of considerable media attention. the Agreement on Industrial, Scientific and Tel Aviv and Haifa on June 17-19th The Italian delegation to the conference comprised Technological R&D Cooperation. The Forum representatives from Italy’s leading universities was held as part of the "Israel Gateway 1 and research centers with an interest in Artificial Conference", which was inaugurated by Deputy Intelligence, including the Consiglio Nazionale Minister of Industry and Trade Michael Ratzon. delle Ricerche (CNR), the Universities of Milan The Embassy’s stand, intended to present its work and Pisa, commercial enterprises and industrial as well as that of the Cultural Institute, the Trade Organized by the Embassy, research centers such as FIAT’s CRF, and covered Commission (ICE), and the Italy-Israel Chamber in co-operation with the such diverse sectors as data mining, of Commerce, was visited by a large number of Istituto Trentino di Cultura telecommunications, medicine, production people interested in examining commercial and and Haifa University’s processes, e-commerce, finance and company investment opportunities between the two Caesarea Rothschild Institute of Computer logistics. More than 120 leading personalities in countries. Presentations of companies and Science, with the support of the Tel Aviv office of the field of Artificial Intelligence participated in institutions, and over 50 one-to-one company and the Italian Trade Commission, the Italy-Israel the event. In his introductory remarks Ambassador individual meetings were organized by the Chamber of Commerce, the Israel Export Institute Terzi, referring specifically to the excellent results Chamber of Commerce and the Trade Commission. and the Federation of Israeli Chambers of achieved during last October’s Forum on On June 19 an agreement between Haifa University Commerce, the event was well attended by a Environmental Technologies, clarified the value and Trento’s Istituto di Cultura was signed.<> Euro Nano Forum 2003 Conference Nano forum aimed at examining the the context of the European Research Area A present situation in the development of (ERA), the forthcoming enlargement of the EU nanosciences and nanotechnologies in Europe and the international dimension and integrating will take place from 9 to 12 December in Trieste, character of the Sixth Framework Programme Italy. (FP6). More specifically, participants will be application and use of nanotechnology-based asked to consider and eventually identify products and services. The event is being The forum will gather all concerned actors, at potential 'bottlenecks' to the expansion and supported by the European Commission. <> different levels, to discuss and exchange reinforcement of nanosciences in general, and www.euronanoforum2003.org/index_en.php experience regarding nanotechnology, within to the subsequent formulation, development,

6 Shenkar College Awards Dinner n May 22, Ambassador Giulio Terzi and designers for future developments in Israeli Ambassador Terzi spoke of the special O hosted the Awards Dinner, the final and international industry, economy, commerce connection between Shenkar College and Italy prestigious event of the annual and cultural trends. both in the fields of design and engineering, International Board of Governors and through the close and warm association between Italy and Israel. He mantioned the meeting of the ‘Shenkar College of prestigious design prizes won by students and Engineering and Design’. graduates of Shenkar College in Italian competitions held for students and graduates The Shenkar College of Engineering and from all over the world, and expressed his hope Design is a unique institution for higher that his office would be able to assist Shenkar education situated in the heart of Ramat Gan. College to find partners from Italian Shenkar College has a special relationship educational institutions for joint ventures on with industry since it was established in 1970 research projects, and in the fields of design as a direct response to the needs of growing and engineering. <> industries in Israel with a clear commitment www.shenkar.ac.il to train young women and men to work and (right to left) Moshe Golus, Chairman of the Board of Shenkar School, Prof. Amotz Weinberg, President of Shenkar, help build Israeli industry. The curriculum is Ambassador Giulio Terzi, Mr. Dani Karavan constantly updated in order to train engineers IST 2003: The Opportunities Ahead - People, Business, Connecting Research, Policies Communities and his year's edition of the EU's highly influential IT Researchers and Innovators to compete for T Information Society Technologies event will take European prizes worth 700,000 euros to be awarded Businesses place in Milan on October 2-4, in partnership with at the Milan IST 2003 Conference SMAU nternational Forums on I Information and Communication Technologies November 06-07, 2003, Palazzo The European Information Society Technologies Prize Colonna, Rome IST 2003 will address European policies, strategies and is recognized as a distinguished European Prize for The Global research activities in all areas of the Information Society. innovative products and services in the IT and Telecom Forum / The main theme is: The Opportunities Ahead - People, sector. A total of 700,000 euros will be awarded to a Business, Research, Policies number of the best innovations in the field. This Prize Shaping the The conference will gather high-level decision-makers is organised by EUROCASE the European Council of Future is an from the public sector, private industry and the world of Applied Sciences and Engineering - with the support of annual, research in the same place, tackling the same challenge: the Information Society Technologies (IST) Program of independent to improve the prosperity, security and quality of life for the European Commission. international all Europeans through the development of a user-centric www.ist-prize.org event dedicated to Business and European Information Society. Policy issues affecting the successful Major European strategic initiatives will be presented evolution of the Information Society. and debated: from IST research policies and the European Investment Forum It is a not-for-profit initiative of Items establishment of a European Research Area in the sector September 30 - October 1, Milan International and Foundation to the roll-out of broadband and mobile services and The European Investment Sophia Antipolis. “The Global telecom deregulation. Other conference workshops will Forum (EIF) is designed for Forum / Shaping the Future” is focus on identifying tomorrow's major technological companies in the ICT sector sponsored by organizations around trends and organizing the European research required seeking private venture the world interested in sharing and to turn vision into reality. capital. The 10th edition takes influencing global IT agendas, and As in 2002, the IST conference workshops will be place in Milan just before IST 2003. EIF delegates can aims to generate synergy between complemented with networking sessions, where participate in some aspects of IST 2003 at no cost. suppliers and clients of companies and researchers meet to discuss joint research Partly funded by the Information Society Technologies communications applications. The projects; the IST 2003 Exhibition, displaying the best Programme, the EIF is a leading technology investment Forum enables business and European research projects in the sector, whether they event for early-stage to 2nd-round financed IST stem from EU, national, regional or corporate research companies from across Europe. Held from September government leaders from all sectors programs. One of the Exhibition 'Zones', moreover, will 30 - October 1, it will attract some 250-350 delegates of the ICT communities to meet and feature the 20 Winners of the European IST Prize. representing Europe's leading technology, investment work with suppliers and service IST 2003 is organized within the framework of the Italian and corporate players. At IST 2003 the EIF organisers providers. EU Presidency by the Commission's Directorate-General will be running a series of sessions, including the www.items-int.com/Global_Forum/ for the Information Society, the Italian Ministry of Conclusions of the EIF Sector Summits, a workshop on global_forum.htm Technology and Innovation and the Lombardy region. raising investment and a coaching workshop. www.galleriacolonna.it <> http://europa.eu.int/information_society/istevent/2003 Nathalie Saintmard Tel: + 32 2 644 65 80 /index_en.htm www.e-unlimited.com/eif <>

7 EVENTS IN ISRAEL

OCTOBER Cultural Events in Israel during the Storia della scienza Italian Presidency of the EU 12 - 31 October Prof. Rivka Feldhay (Tel Aviv University) DancEuropa - Dance Festival, Tel Aviv July Ð December 2003 Storia della musica 20 October Prof. Dorit Tanay (Tel Aviv University) Concert by ‘Università della Canzone Napoletana’ Journey through the Neapolitan musical tradition L’apporto del pensiero ebraico presso l’Accademia Givatayim Theatre Platonica Fiorentina Medicea with an historical introduction in Italian 11-18 October Haifa International Film Festival by Dr. Adriana Meloni (Open University of Tel Aviv) Presidenza Italiana Review of Neapolitan Cinema and Prof. Lelli (University of Foggia/Lecce) del Consiglio dell'Unione Europea Concert by ‘Università della Canzone Napoletana’ Prof. Avraham Melamed (University of Haifa) (to be confirmed) JULY Judah Abravanel e la visione filosofica della donna 24 Oct - 6 Nov nei “Dialoghi d’Amore” 2 July International Harp Competition Concert by Katia Ricciarelli Emanuela Degli Esposti will be a member of the Prof. Avraham Melamed, Dr. Adriana Meloni The concert, before an invited audience, inaugurates jury the assumption of Italy’s Presidency of the European Una nuova biografia del poeta ebreo italiano Union 25 October Manoello Romano (Immanuel Romano) International Harp Competition Dr Guy Shaked (Tel Aviv University) Residence of the Ambassador, Ramat Gan Opening concert by Letizia Belmondo, winner in 2002 4 July Roma Pittoresca Architecture: Il futuro del Ghetto di Roma - Exhibition of Watercolors illustrating Vedutismo 20-25 October 3rd ‘Week of Italian Prospettive architettoniche (view-painting) by the Italian artist Vanni (Mauro Conference by Arch. Leoguido Sonnino Rosi) Language Worldwide’ Italian Cultural Institute, Jaffa Music Dove il Sì Suona - Exhibition on the history of the Concert of Italian music performed by students 9 July The Italian Coffee Tradition Italian language (to be confirmed) of the Rubin Academy Introductory presentation of the exhibition by Enrico Maltoni Conference and Presentation of Italian Literature Conference with Prof. Sanvitale of the Istituto di Arcaffe’ Ramat Gan Works by Franco Cardini, Franco Scaglia, Gad Studi Tostiano Lerner 13 July Concert and master-class in singing with Israeli From Plant to Cup - 100 years of Coffee Machines Music and Italian students The exhibition celebrates the centenary of the Italian Concert by Ensemble dei Solisti Dauni coffee machine, and revisits the coffee tasting tradition Music from the cinema of Ennio Morricone and Exhibitions with which Italy is so strongly identified Nicola Piovani (to be confirmed) Photos of Tuscany Eretz Israel Museum, Tel Aviv Yoram Apter Exhibition of works by Carlo Castelbolognesi 10 -19 July Jerusalem International Film Festival Exhibition on Italian Volcanoes Screening of 6 new Italian films Performance / Exhibition: Sacro e Profano by Nir Halman Cinematheque, Jerusalem Marco Lodola Theater AUGUST Cinema Luigi Pirandello's Così è se vi pare (in Hebrew) Roberto Rossellini Retrospective 14 - 19 August “Teatro dei Burattini” Rossellini Foundation, Luigi Ferrara Eretz Israel Museum, Tel Aviv Three evenings in memory of Alberto Sordi DECEMBER 21 August Authentic Italian Food Festival Nahon Italian Jewish Museum, Jerusalem 2-12 December NOVEMBER Exhibition by the Accademia della Cucina Italiana SEPTEMBER and conference with Prof. Giuseppe Dall’Osso, on 9-14 November Italian Week at the gastronomy of Italy’s regions 20 September (to be confirmed) Tel Aviv University Study Day in memory of Herbert Pagani Specialized Courses for Hotel Chefs World Center of Libyan Jews, Or Yehuda Conferences Mediterranean Architecture, Walled Cities: Identity, Meeting and Confrontation 20 September Exhibition by Claudio Parmiggiani Il contributo italiano al soccorso degli Ebrei durante Selected by the curator of the Museum, the exhibition Exhibition and seminar by Prof. Giuseppe Strappa, la Seconda Guerra Mondiale and Prof. Alessandro Franchetti will present a representative assortment of works by Daniel Carpi (Tel Aviv University) one of the most celebrated exponents of contemporary Simposio sulla letteratura italiana in traduzione art Storia degli ebrei in Italia Museum of Modern Art, Tel Aviv ebraica Shlomo Simonsohn (Tel Aviv University) Prof. Gideon Toury, coordinator, with presentation by Dr. Edoardo Crisafulli 29 Sept. - 4 Oct. Exhibition and Poetry Reading Storia del Rinascimento Italiano Art and poetry readings by three Italian artists Rita Prof. Benjamin Arbel (Tel Aviv University) Degli Esposti, John Gian, Aldo Vianello Concert with Maestro Claudio Abbado Italian Cultural Institute Tel Aviv Concert celebrating the conclusion of the Italian Storia dell’arte italiana Presidency of the European Union. Prof. Nurith Kenaan Kedar (Tel Aviv University)