No. 22 MARCH 2003

ITALY MARKS MEMORIAL DAY Italian Deputy Minister he Day of Remembrance, unanimously T approved by the Italian parliament and for the Economy visits voted into law some three years ago, is held annually on January 27th in commemoration of the date of the liberation of Auschwitz Discussions focused on fostering greater In a message to cooperation on Health issues and the fight Prof. Amos against Thalassemia Luzzatto, President of the Union of the Italian Jewish Communities, President Carlo Azeglio Ciampi stated: "We have an obligation to teach our children to remember the past, to keep alive the conscience of the Holocaust, so as not to deprive them of the moral heritage that Ciampi on the occasion of his visit to Yad Vashem represents historical continuity." on October 12th 1999: "The Holocaust is an integral Italian Deputy Minister Mario Baldassarri (right) with In Israel, Ambassador Giulio Terzi, accompanied part of our memory: that is a fact, and it must remain Shimon Peres by members of the Embassy and the Italian Defense so for coming generations; Italy does not and will Attaché, laid a wreath at the Yad Vashem Holocaust not forget." n fulfillment of the agreements signed last I October in Rome between Italian Health Memorial. Ambassador Terzi said that the Throughout Italy the Holocaust Memorial Day was Minister Girolamo Sirchia and his Israeli establishment of the Day of Remembrance is a marked with a series of ceremonies and a pledge counterpart Nissim Dahan, a delegation of medical commitment to oppose every form of anti-Semitism, to create a National Holocaust Museum to honor and health professionals from Italy, led by Deputy racialism and discrimination. Furthermore, Shoah victims and "to preserve in the nation's Minister for the Economy Prof. Mario Baldassarri, continued the Ambassador, Israel recognizes the memory the drama of racial (cont. p. 2) recently visited Israel. The aim of the trip was to importance and relevance of the words of President persecution and the Holocaust". encourage further development of the Thalassemia Project, and to deepen bilateral cooperation in the medical and health sectors. Meetings between Israeli and Italian medical officials were described as Gala Charity Evening of Italian Fashion: extremely positive, underlined by ongoing cooperation in the fields of scientific research, tele- Designer Egon von Furstenberg in Israel medicine and the management (cont. p. 2) of emergency situations.

mbassador Giulio Terzi and Italian Cultural Institute A sponsor unique haute-couture benefit gala, a salute to Israel and the Yad B'Yad Organization from the world Charity Evening at Italian of Italian high fashion Hospital in Nazareth Coinciding with International Women's Day, the Italian n February 1st a charity evening was held in Embassy will host a charity gala fashion show on March 8th O Nazareth, organized by the Holy Family 2003 by designer Prince Egon von Furstenberg, who will Hospital (Sacra Famiglia Fatebenefratelli), to raise present a retrospective of his favorite creations as well as funds for a new emergency wing. his Spring-Summer 2003 collection and wedding gowns. Among the over 500 participants at The event is dedicated to the Yad the event were the b'Yad (Hand in Hand) Bishop of Organization. For a number of Nazareth, Mons. years the Embassy has been Giacinto Boulos closely following the work of Yad Marcuzzo, The B'Yad (cont. p. 2) Mayor of Nazareth Ramez Jaraisy , Italian Fashion Gala 2003 the Italian Ambassador to Israel, Giulio Terzi, and Professor Moshe Rekhav. The Italian government is Saturday, March 8th 2003, at 8.30 pm promoting collaborative projects not only between Italian and Israeli hospitals, but also in order to augment Hotel David Intercontinental, Tel Aviv its network of Italian hospitals abroad. Egon Furstenberg www.fatebenefratelli.it/hfh <>

1 Gala Charity Evening of Italian Fashion: Designer Egon von Furstenberg in Israel Edited by: (cont. from p. 1) and its President, Shelly Hoshen, who has developed close ties with Italian institutions and The Italian Embassy in Tel Aviv personalities. At the urging of Ambassador Terzi, the Italy Marks Memorial Day p.1-2 celebrated designer agreed to donate an evening of Deputy Minister Mario Baldassarri in Israel p.1-2 haute couture in celebration of Yad B'Yad and its 500 Italian Fashion Gala 2003 p.1-2 children, who are supported and sustained by its "Warm Charity Evening at Nazareth Italian Hospital p.1 Homes" program. Mr Furstenberg agreed, despite the Italian Team Departs for Afghanistan p.3 security situation, to visit Israel at this time and present Italy Tops Market in 'Liquid Gold' p.3 his latest creations, with the participation of some of Wind to Launch 3G p.3 Israel's most successful young models, on behalf of Italy Invests in Nanotechnology p.4 a worthy cause. Italy-Israel Chamber of Commerce Elects Board p.4 The initiative has also garnered the support of sponsor Eco-Aware Agriculture p.4 organizations such as Alitalia, Excavations at Khirbet Fattir p.5-6 Italy's national airline, p.6 Mediterranean Car Agency Ltd., Frank Gehry in Venice importers of Alfa Romeo autos to New Italian-Israeli R&D Projects Approved p.6 Israel, and the David Collina Voted Best Referee p.6 Intercontinental Hotel, which will Watch Out Fast Food! p.7 host the evening. Lottery tickets will Italian Trade Fair Calendar p.7 be sold for items of value donated Events in Israel p.8 by the sponsoring organizations. All Events in Italy p.8 proceeds from the sale of lottery Embassy of Italy tickets will be donated to Yad B'Yad. Trade Tower, 25 HaMered Street, Tel Aviv 68125 Italian Embassy Press Office: Tel: 03-510.4004 Fax: 03-510.0235 03-510.4004 ext 216<> www.italian-embassy-israel.org E-mail:[email protected] (Economic & Commercial Section)

Italian Deputy Minister for the Economy visits Israel ITALY MARKS MEMORIAL DAY

(cont. from p. 1) In particular the Thalassemia Project, (cont. from p. 1) Elio Vito, House Whip for occupation; and Ines Figini, a trade union official which provides treatment at Pesaro's Premier Silvio Berlusconi's during Fascism, deported to Mathausen and San Salvatore Hospital for Israeli and Palestinian Forza Italia party, said the government will set Auschwitz. children suffering from the disease (a genetic blood aside 16 million euros for the creation of the As politicians of all persuasions recalled the disorder), was singled out for special appreciation as an Holocaust Museum in the northern city of Holocaust in major speeches, 1,700 schools example of compassionate humanitarianism at work. Ferrara. One million euros a year will be allotted across the country marked the event with a Prof. Baldassarri visited Rambam and Tel Hashomer hospitals, and held meetings with Ministers Nissim for its maintenance. Apart from collecting moment of silence. Dahan, Tzipi Livni and Silvan Shalom. After a briefing testimonies on the Holocaust and on the with representatives of the Italian and Israeli media, the deportation of Italian , the Museum will In a televised message, Premier Silvio Berlusconi Deputy Minister met Shimon Peres and Amram promote meetings on the theme of peace between said Holocaust Memorial Day "must be an Mitzna, who had accompanied a group of Palestinian nations, and honor personalities and projects that occasion to cultivate memory in order not to children with thalassemia to Rome. keep alive the memory of the Holocaust. Ferrara, forget, to combat instances of intolerance, racism In all of his discussions Prof. Baldassarri referred to site of one of Italy's largest Jewish communities and anti-Semitism which still appear in many measures adopted by the Italian government in support outside Rome and the setting for Giorgio Bassani's places on Earth." Earlier Premier Berlusconi of the Thalassemia Project, in particular the inclusion of 45 million in the state budget to finance a three year famous WWII novel "The Garden of the Finzi- paid his respects to the Jewish community in a program for hospitals connected to the project. This will Continis", is a fitting venue for the Museum. telephone call to Rome's chief rabbi, Riccardo be controlled by a Foundation under the auspices of the Di Segni. Ministry of Health, the Foreign Ministry and the Lazio In a separate ceremony, President Ciampi Regional Council. Haifa's Rambam Hospital will remain honored a leading Italian writer, a priest who "Holocaust Memorial Day must be something the focal point of operations, and training programs for saved Jewish refugees, a Resistance fighter, a more than just an occasion to remember the past", medical personnel will be instituted. Prof. Baldassarri trade unionist, a postwar archivist and two said Deputy Premier Gianfranco Fini. He stressed the importance of collaboration in training deportees. Among the seven to receive the Order condemned the anti-Semitic race laws imposed between Israeli and Italian institutions. Further discussions concerned the efficient management of Merit of the Italian Republic was writer Mario under Mussolini's Fascist regime and said they of emergency situations and the possibility of Rigoni Stern, whose citation said that after "were a shameful page in our nation's history strengthening existing forms of collaboration, as well returning from the Russian front he "kept alive [and] created horrors which must be condemned as the development of new ones, within the framework the memory of the suffering of our soldiers." The not only today but on every occasion possible." of the recently signed agreement for cooperation in other six honored were: Don Aldo Brunacci, Democratic Left leader Piero Fassino visited health and medical sciences. Prof. Baldassarri underlined priest at the Cathedral of San Rufino in Assisi Rome's Synagogue and its adjacent Museum in the Italian view that this kind of cooperation lies within who, "during the Second World War saved remembrance of the Holocaust victims. The the larger plan for supporting the reconstruction of the hundreds of Jewish refugees;" Agata Herskovitz, leader of the opposition's biggest party said it Palestinian economy, the "Marshall Plan", launched by the Italian government. known as Goti Bauer, deported to Auschwitz and was vital to remember the horrors of the Shoah Minister Baldassarri was warmly received by his freed in Theresenstadt; Piero Terracina, freed to ensure against a resurgence of "the evil seeds colleagues in Israel, who expressed their appreciation from Auschwitz on Jan. 27, 1945; Luisella of racism and anti-Semitism." Senate Speaker for the Italian government's continuing and proactive Mortara Ottolenghi, Chair of the Contemporary Marcello Pera told Rome Chief Rabbi Riccardo support for extending bilateral relations through ongoing Centre for Jewish Documentation; Professor Di Segni that from 2004 the Senate will mark and fresh initiatives during this difficult period of local Francesco Niecchi Ruscone, a Resistance fighter Holocaust Memorial Day with a commemorative and regional tension. <> held in a special prison during the Nazi ceremony.<>

2 Afghanistan: First Italian Team Departs A military flight has left for Kabul with the first team from the Italian contingent to be deployed in Afghanistan in the fight against international terrorism

he first team of Italian military assemble the personnel that will be Alpini going to Khost T officials recently left for Kabul operating in the area and will be provided The Italian contingent of 1,000 alpini where they will be deployed in the with tents and the logistic structures assigned to Afghanistan will be based field in operations against international necessary for improved operating in Khost, located south of Kabul and close terrorism. The team consists of an conditions. Once the contingent is fully to the boundary with Pakistan. The area deployed a period of integration and is currently being used by American troops advance party of 35 military who will familiarisation with other forces of the who will soon be leaving to be replaced basically be involved in setting up the coalition will follow until full operational by the Italian military. The United States logistical structures required for the integration is achieved. The Defence will leave a helicopter unit to carry out subsequent deployment of the bulk of General Staff also said that around interdiction missions along the border the contingent. March 20th, “our units will transfer between Afghanistan and Pakistan. The under the operational control of the destination was announced by the Minister of Defence, Antonio Martino, The encampment accommodates the Command tasked with responsibility during his recent visit to Aquila. Meeting the units assigned to the contingent and its operational equipment. for the operations”. The mission will mission Enduring Freedom, Martino said that there were no specific The camp is used to receive, lodge and last six months.<> indications of threats and that many precautions have been taken. ITALY TOPS THE MARKET IN "LIQUID GOLD" Reputation as global leader in olive oil remains unchallenged report recently released by the Italian subtleties of olive A Association of Olive Oil Producers, oil," he said. Italy is one of the world's leading Unaprol, at the 87th International Olive Oil According to an producers of olives and olive oil. The Council (IOOC) conference, revealed that IOOC report, the output of olive oil is about 435,000 metric while the global market in olive oil had growth in olive oil tons annually, which represents 25% of expanded nearly 4% over the last decade, popularity is set to world production. An additional 75,000 Italian oil remained the most popular, continue and by 2010, tons of table olives are produced annually. accounting for 77% of the US market and over 10 million hectares will be given over to Italy's 2.5 million acres of olives (about 64% in Japan. Furthermore, Italian olive production, compared to a current 9 13% of the world's 19.8 million olive consumers are the most discriminating million. Nations such as Australia, South acres) are mostly located in the central in Europe, showing an increasing Africa, Mexico, Argentina and Chile and south of the country. Per capita preference for organic olive oils all plan to extend their cultivation of consumption of olive oil in Italy it is and those with a designated olive crops, although the around 48 cups per person compared to protected origin (DOP). Mediterranean remains the main about 2.5 cups per person in the US. production zone. This trend has been Unaprol President Nicola Ruggiero reflected in a growing public said that the Italian olive oil market awareness of the health benefits of olive was diverse to an extent "which was oil and the quality of the various categories, unimaginable a few years ago". He described with extra virgin enjoying a particular boom. Wind to launch 3G this increasingly sophisticated taste as positive. "It reflects a certain kind of cultural With the growing public interest in olive oil, in mid-2003 development taking place within Italy and the food industry has made increasing use of demonstrates a growth in understanding of the its positive image to sell a variety of products, ind, Italy's third largest mobile operator, has W launched 3G trials in four major Italian cities prompting the European and plans to expand its 3G services to other cities Commission to adopt further in the course of 2003, according to the company's measures aimed at protecting EU Chief Executive Tommaso Pompei, who recently shoppers earlier this year. The new visited Israel as part of the Italian delegation to rules, which went into effect at the Telecom 2002. start of November, lay down clearer Wind currently has around 7.7m marketing standards for olive oil, customers and hopes to launch particularly in terms of presentation full commercial next generation services in mid-2003. Italian and labeling. According to energy firm Enel owns 73.4 per Ruggiero, this move to consolidate cent of the company with France Telecom holding the market in olive oil and promote the remaining 26.6 per cent stake. Italy has five 3G quality will prove vital for Italy's licensees - Telecom Italia Mobile, Omnitel Vodafone, "liquid gold" market. Wind, Ipse and Hutchison 3G. Telecom Italia and www.uniprol.it <> Hutchison 3G are competing to be the first in Italy to launch 3G services. www.wind.it <>

3 MAINTAINING A COMPETITIVE EDGE: ISRAEL-ITALY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY ELECTS BOARD OF DIRECTORS ITALY EXPANDS ITS COMMITMENT TO President: Mr. Ronni Benatoff Syntek Capital Israel (2001) Ltd. Vice President: Mr. Lello Dell'Ariccia Dell'Ariccia Consulting NANOTECHNOLOGY Vice President: Mr. Maurizio Paserman Bank Hapolalim (Switzerland) Ltd. here is a general consensus that more responsive and Treasurer: Mr. Yona Lachish Le-Israel nanotechnology will dramatically affect effective. NANOTEC Auditing Committee: Adv. Sabina Mayer Shinar, Shachor, Weissberger Attorneys T technological development, and hence the IT is an autonomous, lean Adv. Beniamino Lazar J.Kollek & Co. Law Offices & Notary industrial evolution of the future. Nanotechnology structure within AIRI Mr. Sandro di Porto Account Manager is in fact considered an enabling whose primary objective Directors: Dr. Ephraim Toaff Ltd. technology and therefore, as is to become the national Mr. Yuval Bar-Ner MS&P, Marketing Strategy and Promotion in similar advances of the past, focal point for Mr. Franco Donati FLEXTEL S.p.A. Computing and Networking for Internet Ms. Ruth Gorenstein Lerosh Investment Ltd. could cause a transformation nanotechnologies, Mr. Massimo Portaleone Ltd. in the evolution of technological bridging the aims and Mr. Livio Steindler Migdal Insurance Co. Ltd. progress that could see future the purposes of the Mr. Assa Yarkoni Camtec Int. Ltd. products with greatly enhanced industrial world with Mr. Shlomo Jona A.S.L Consulting or totally new features, open those of research. Public Mr. Gavriel Orvieto United Mizrahi Bank Ltd. up industrial sectors, and and private research Mr. Elia Lavie Accountant provide possible new avenues of growth and institutions, large and Mr. Shlomo Pas Italisra employment. small enterprises, as well Ms. Irit Litvak Representative of the Israel Export Institute as institutions not directly Ms. Nira Shamir Representative of the Manufacturers Association of Israel Ms. Nili Kariv Representative of the Federation of Israeli Chambers AIRI (Italian Association for Industrial Research), involved in research of Commerce capitalizing on the skills and knowledge acquired activity but interested in Alon Zilkha, Secretary General Tel: 972-3-6202034 by its coordination of the Minatech Project (co- their application and www.italcham.org.il e-mail. [email protected] financed by the EU on Micro- and Nano- technologies diffusion, can be active and applications involving eight European countries) supporters of the Center. and answering to its institutional mission, has NANOTECH IT, recently established with the related to the sector, as well as promote initiatives, promoted and is leading the creation of NANOTEC support and commitment of some of the most training programs, and transnational cooperation. IT (Italian Centre for Nanotechnologies), intended important Italian nanotechnology research centers, www.nanotec.it/eng/eng_version.htm to make the country's commitment to the sector will gather, select and disseminate all information [email protected] <> Eco-Aware Agriculture: Know-how and Technology for Italian-Israeli Cooperation An update from Italy on the progress of two projects from last October's Environmental Technologies Forum by Pierpaolo Martini, Agronomist

n the occasion of the The technology suggested is the associated market, with increase of work and society O Italian-Israeli Forum Sequential Batch Reactor (S.B.R.), stability of the area itself, as long as it respects on Environmental Technologies, tested in Italy by C.R.P.A. (Research environment, city planning and tourism (olive trade promoted by the Italian Center of Animal Production, Reggio fair etc.). Embassy, the Porter School of Emilia, Italy), with a final ultra Environmental Studies at Tel filtration, in collaboration with Prof The second project Aviv University, and the Italian Avner Adin (Hebrew University involves the composting Trade Commission in Tel Aviv - Jerusalem) and Rosenthal Engineer process for biological (14-15 October 2002), advanced Study (Gilon Israel). We may agriculture, optimizing the technologies were presented A view of the S.B.R. plant (Modena) preview the application of this use of industrial paper and in the field of agro - zootechnics. solution to other farms and agro-factories (waste beverage cartons (with separation of polyethylene These solutions elaborated from the highest quality water, olives, industrial fruits etc.) with improvement and aluminum). This is being studied at Aimag a milk chain production birthplace in Northern Italy of knowledge and industrial application of the water and waste-management composting plant in (the Po Valley), and include: technologies proposed. Modena (Italy), in partnership with Tetra Pak, under ● Manure processing in relevant pig housing. the scientific supervision of Dr. Michael Raviv of "The cooperation project provides for integration ● Recovery of agro-industrial packaged waste, beverage Israel's Ministry of Agriculture, and with Scuola del cartons and adhesive paper through composting and development of minority communities in the Parco di Monza (Italy). The environmental aim of economic and civil bodies of Israel, through this industrial research project is to improve the At the moment we are studying the development of partnerships with Arab Israelis and, in future, agronomic quality of soils that are poor in organic the two reports presented at the Workshop in international with Palestinians." matters, very common in Israel. The commercial cooperation projects, in the field of eco-aware agriculture. follow-up envisaged consists of improvement of These projects take into account the priorities of the Interesting perspectives can be identified in Western compost quality both to sell the final product in Israel Israeli Ministry of the Environment: Galilee (Mi'ilya area with large hydro - geological and to realize similar plants in Israel: in the latter case ● to protect soil and groundwater from high vulnerability) where a pig farming exists and a new we may imagine to incentive the municipal and agro concentration of nutrients, salts, fats etc. installation for pig production is being studied, with - factory separate refuse collection to produce compost. ● to give the soil organic matter putting up the supervision of Northern District of Ministry of the These projects are in line with the priorities of European desertification and soil overcropping; Environment (Nazareth). Community Funding Regulations, in particular to ● to reduce the extraction of water from the water In Mi'ilya, a Christian village of ancient tradition promote cross-border, international or regional table (with archeological site) near the villages of Ma'alot cooperation, favoring the peace process and the local (Hebrew) and Tarshiha (Muslim), pig farming could rooting of state and government institutions and The first project regards represent a positive model of integration of minority establishments. the centralised depuration Christians into Israeli society. These and other projects are eligible for funding of pig slurry in Israel to The increase and improvement of pig farming and through the Italian Israeli Agreement on Industrial, obtain an irrigation water slaughter housing could become a reason for Scientific and Technological R & D cooperation. meeting the quality standard required by local law. development of agricultural industries and for the www.crpa.it <>

4 Archeology: Ancient Christian Mausoleum at Khirbet Fattir (Bet AchilleGemal) Castiglioni, Excavated 1918-2002 by Professor Strus ince the 19th century the ancient village The Exploration Fund explorers in the The architectural focal point for these constructions S of Bet Gemal, located about three XIX century were the first to recognize the site was the place or the room that was later transformed kilometers to the south of the modern city of itself as an important Byzantine settlement, which into the large round pit used to collect the must of Beth Shemesh, has been identified with the - according to the testimony of the Salesian Fathers the grape juice for fermentation. One could state Byzantine location Kaphargamala in which - had the remains of an ancient church. An earlier that it was made within a grotto, over two meters the tomb of St. Stephen, the first Christian ground survey made by specialists from the deep, whose original roof was carved out in the Martyr, was originally found. Within its Geophysics Faculty of the University of Trieste, VIIth century. territory, that belongs today to the Don Italy, had indicated the presence of a curious It has been ascertained that the round basin in the Bosco's Salesians from Italy, are underground foundation of a round monument. central room of the monument, the channel approximately four churches or Byzantine Thanks to the financial support of the Ministry for connecting it with the southern grottos, as well as monasteries whose remnants are still Foreign Affairs of the Italian Republic and with the basin in the floor of the grotto, were made at the logistical help of the Salesian community at the same time period and served for similar the Bet Gemal Monastery, an archaeological purposes. We have to exclude as impossible excavation was undertaken in 1999 and since then attempts to refer to these purposes as being five shorter excavation seasons were made in 2000- connected to an industrial installation, such as a 2001. As the result of this work, a round structure wine- or oil-press. with a diameter of 13.12 meters was uncovered. Despite any other evidence we contend that this The exterior wall, 3.48 metres thick, surrounds a hydraulic installation was made for religious perfectly central room, also round in appearance, purposes. The act of collecting water in an and these remains strongly suggest that it was underground structure and transferring it from originally a monumental structure. On its southern there, points to the presence of a holy object here, side, instead of a wall, the semi-circular room was separated from the central area by a stylobate hewn into the rock. The central element of this strong construction was that of a round pit, almost three Khirbet Jiljil 2003: The first cleaning of a mosaic floor that was discovered on the south side of the excavation trench meters in diameter, extending to the west of the semi-circular room. recognizable. Two of them were discovered However, from the first evidence that is emerging in the last century: a church from the Vth or from the discovery of this structure, it is clear that VIth centuries was found in 1917-1922 in Bet the architectural remnants of this monument were Gemal itself, and a rural church from the Vth later adapted in the last phase of its use to create century that was discovered in 1993 at the an installation belonging to a winery. This winery site of Khirbet Fattir located about 1.2 km was installed in the VIIth century, was damaged away from Bet Gemal. However, neither one and again rebuilt; finally it was utterly destroyed of the two churches has provided evidence at the end of the VIIth or in the first half of the Khirbet Jiljil 1999-2001: The monumental structure: remnants regarding the veneration of St. Stephen or VIIIth century. The ceramics, coins, as well as of the grotto that were transformed into a vat. about the situation of his tomb in the some other structural elements, especially the such as relics of a saint or saints, somewhere within Byzantine period. circular stone slabs reused during the installation this grotto. According to the very expansive beliefs Prof. A. Strus, who has conducted the of the winery, indicate that the monument was built of the Byzantine period, water or oil when touching archaeological excavation at Khirbet Fattir for another purpose altogether. One could state a holy object, or when collected from its vicinity, on behalf of the Salesian Pontifical University that it was erected in the Vth century over an older, thus became holy and thereby came to obtain at Rome, Italy, undertook a research program but simpler monument, of which only a threshold, special therapeutical faculties. We cannot state at Khirbet Jiljil in 1999, which is a site located two meters long and dating to the IVth century, with certainty, which object was actually venerated about 800 metres away from the Bet Gemal has been found. within the grotto, but the lateral niche, Monastery. (cont. p. 6)

described previously. The idea behind the new work downpour of rain, a superb greenhouse with an arched NEW EXCAVATIONS AT is to check on the potential of this ancient site for ceiling was erected across the entire area of KHIRBET JILJIL - 2003 future excavations. Very little is actually known about excavation: four squares marked on the grid as H1- the site, except for some surface surveys. Was this 4. The volunteers gathered on the previous day - from place a village or monastery? Is this the place of Germany, Norway, Poland, England and Australia - New excavations are being conducted at Khirbet Jiljil Kaphargamala associated with Rabbi Gamliel and and the first thing that was done was to remove the as a continuation of the earlier work. This new phase the final resting place of Saint Stephne? Wandering vegetation. Large piles of stone came to light with of excavations is focused on a large rectangular around the site one can trace the outlines of a number sunken areas in between marking what we think structure (approximately 40 metres square) which of ancient buildings, some quite large, by simply might be filled-in robber's trenches. Subsequent days from surface indications is fairly well preserved and following the tops of walls. Surface pottery - coarse were spent lowering the area and removing eroded it would appear to have had a chapel, judging by the wares as well as fine wares - appear to date, as far surface fills and backfills of the quarrymen. During description of a visitor to the site in the early part of as one can see, to the fourth to seventh centuries. the course of the excavation, an intriguing stepped the XXth century. The new work is a joint project Since a major battle is known to have taken place in platform and various rooms, some paved, were co-directed by Professor A. Strus of the Salesian the region between Moslems and Christians in the uncovered. A coarse decorated mosaic floor was also University in Rome, and Dr Shimon Gibson of the mid-seventh century, it is quite possible that the uncovered. A new map of the building was prepared Jerusalem Archaeological Field Unit in Jerusalem, settlement was abandoned round about that time. at the time of the excavations. Carved lintels were and is being undertaken with the assistance of a The new phase of excavations have been commenced also drawn and detailed records were made of the professional back-up team: Silvia Krapiwko (Field within the largest building at the site. Thinking that stratigraphy of the building. The earliest pottery from Supervisor), Dr Anna de Vincenz (Administration we might hit the east end of the supposed chapel, a the excavations dates from the Early Roman period, and Pottery Analysis), Fadi Amirah (Surveyor) and series of five by five metre squares were excavated followed by Byzantine and Abbasid phases. There Rafi Lewis (Site Manager). The site is situated on a across the central part of the building. In advance of are high hopes regarding the outcome of this on- gentle slope extending not far below Beit Jimal, and these operations and because of our fears of a going excavation. <> some thirty metres to the south of the round structure

5 GEHRY'S 'BILLOWING SAILS' FOR VENICE AIRPORT TERMINAL enice airport's new water terminal, features a small piazza at the will be used in order to provide a V designed by world famous architect end of the lagoon with a five- harmonious whole: glass, metal Frank O. Gehry, will be a modern glass, metal star hotel. The hotel is divided and wood inside, plaster for the and wood structure reminiscent of billowing into arms "symbolically exterior, and stone and tile flooring. sails and waves. opening out to the water and Asked whether the sail motif of city", which are intended to the Venice Gateway intentionally Frank Gehry, famous in Europe for his creation recall the city's historical links echoed the sinuous design of of the Bilbao Guggenheim, has won a multitude of with the sea and travel. The Bilbao's Guggenheim, Gehry awards over his forty-year career, including the two wings will be connected denied any conscious resemblance. Pritzker Architecture Prize in 1989, considered one by a series of bridges crossing Recalling that architects tend to of the world's top architectural accolades. the water, wrapped in glass and supporting a sinuous leave a distinctive "signature" on their creations, he Speaking at the public presentation of the design wood and metal framework reminiscent of sails. suggested this was perhaps the case with the for the Venice Gateway, which will link the airport Water flowing beneath the raised structure of the Gateway. "I can't escape myself," he joked. with the urban historical center, Gehry admitted he hotel will lead to an internal dock with a ticket office "Whatever I do my mark remains. But in this case was particularly excited at the prospect of working and waiting area. I think the only analogy would possibly be with the in the lagoon city. "Until now, I always thought that arriving in airports was a fairly banal experience - I'd never considered the emotional aspect before. But arriving in Venice for the first time proved to be an incredibly moving experience," he said. The Venice Gateway, connected to the air terminal Bart's College Performing Arts Center which I "Although the Gateway won't be an actual copy of and parking lot by a covered moving walkway, will designed in New York. This also plays with the idea the historical city, I think it will recall Venice. "I also include restaurants, entertainment, a gym, stores, of sails". envision it as an exuberant building," he added. and a 9,000 square meter conference center and If the design gets the go-ahead, it is expected to The design, which has already received preliminary exhibition space. Although the shape will obviously take between two to three years to complete, and approval from the Venice Preservation Committee, be different from the air terminal, similar materials will cost around 80 million euro.<>

COLLINA VOTED BEST REFEREE 8 NEW ISRAELI-ITALIAN R&D IN WORLD FOR 5TH YEAR taly's PROJECTS APPROVED AT 1.4 I Pierluigi Collina was the world's best referee MILLION INVESTMENT for the fifth straight year in 2002, he Italo-Israeli Scientific The rules for submission of proposals, which are according to the T Commission, jointly chaired by published in the main newspapers, are also German-based Ambassador Antonio Badini of Italy's available from the website of Italy's Foreign International Ministry. During the first half of 2003 a new Federation for Foreign Ministry and Chief Scientist Football History and Eliezer Opper, convened in Rome last selection of projects will be considered for up to 1.5 million further financing. The Commission Statistics. Collina, December. A total of 1.4 million was underlined the importance of promoting who refereed the approved for projects presented by workshops, seminars and other events in 2003 2002 World Cup final in Yokohama between companies and research organizations aimed at reinforcing cooperation between Italian Brazil and Germany, was far and away the most selected for financing under the recently popular choice for the international jury of the and Israeli companies and research institutions. IFFHS, which is made up of soccer journalists signed bilateral cooperation agreement. www.esteri.it/eng/opportun/compet/index.htm<> and experts.<> Archeology: Ancient Christian Mausoleum at Khirbet Fattir (Bet Gemal) Excavated by Professor Strus (cont. from p. 5) over which the water was archaeological explanation is that the majestic provinces, but that area rare in the Holy Land. collected in the first phase and by round monument served originally as a funerary Therefore the existence of this monument raises which the round basin was hewn in the second one, monument of a saint (or saints) that were venerated new questions concerning both the position of the seems to be a unique reason for the collecting of at this place. Its form fits very well with similar village of Kaphargamala and regarding the situation the water in this underground structure. round Roman structures, known as mausolaea, that of the Tomb of .<> Hence, we may conclude that the most satisfying were known from Rome itself as well as from its

6 Watch Out Fast Food! Italy is the headquarters of Slow Food, an international organization dedicated to maintaining and preserving local culinary traditions worldwide low Food was founded in 1986 in Bra slower and more harmonious rhythm of life. the organization of Taste Workshops (veritable S (Cuneo), in the Italian region of Piedmont, Slow Food's aim is to defend biodiversity, lectures with tastings held by experts on specific by Carlo Petrini, its current president. It is an provide food and taste education, promote a categories of foods and beverages); the Master educational model of sustainable agriculture, and disseminate of Food program of 20 courses on as many food organization a food culture based on the concept of pleasure and beverage categories, devised for enthusiasts dedicated to for all. A nonprofit organization, Slow Food of all ages and active all over Italy; the school stewardship of boasts about 80,000 members worldwide, half taste education program for pupils and the land and of them in Italy and the rest in 80 countries. teachers, operational in many Italian regions; ecologically Slow Food promotes major international events and the University of Gastronomic Sciences sound food such as the Salone del Gusto and Cheese, and in Bra (Cuneo) and Colorno (Parma), the first production; to also performs vigorous lobby activities (witness international structure of its kind to use a the revival of the kitchen and the table as centers the manifestos on biotechnologies, transgenic combined scientific-cultural approach to train of pleasure, culture, and community; to the vines, and raw milk cheese). experts in the fields of agribusiness, eno- invigoration and proliferation of regional, A central concern for Slow Food is taste gastronomy, and sustainable agriculture and seasonal culinary traditions; and to living a education, which is promoted on four levels: zootechnics. www.slowfood.it <> Italian Trade Fair Calendar March-April 2003

Fiera di Verona (Veronafiere), one of Italy's leading exhibition and has gone on to take a strategic role in such varied fields centers, celebrated its centenary in 1998. Today Veronafiere as the construction industry, logistics, furnishing, health and Fiera di Verona is a highly dynamic and flexible organization, operating for wellbeing, sport, tourism and the leisure industry. the globalization of world trade in the challenging context of Ente Autonomo per le Fiere di Verona international competition. Since its establishment, Veronafiere Viale del lavoro, 8 - C.P.525 - 37135 Verona has been a leading player in the agricultural and food sectors, Tel. +39 045 8298111 - Fax +39 045 8298288 www.veronafiere.it <> 6 - 9 March 2003 14 - 17 March 2003 10 - 14 April 2003 10 - 14 April 2003 10 - 14 April 2003 25 April - 4 May 2003 Fieragricola/Agrifood - Eudi Show - Underwater Enolitech - International SOL - 9th International Vinitaly - 37th International Tesori dal tempo - Biennial 105th International Sport Exhibition Exhibition of Technologies Exhibition of olive oil, Wine & Spirits Exhibition antiques exhibition Agricultural and Animal www.enolitech.com for Viticolture, Oenology virgin and extra-virgin olive www.vinitaly.com www.veronafiere.it/tesorid Farming Exhibition and for Olive Growing and oils altempo www.fieragricola.com Olive Oil Production www.veronafiere.it/sol www.enolitech.com

01 - 09 March, Naples 05 - 07 March Florence 17 - 19 March Cernobbio 22 - 30 March Bari 09 - 12 April Padua 10 - 13 April Piacenza NAUTICSUD - PRATO-EXPO - Fashion IDEACOMO - Fabrics for EXPOLEVANTE - TERMOIDRAULICA SIBA - Buttons, Raw International Boat Show Fabrics Trade Fair Women's Wear International Fair on CLIMA - Heating, Air- Materials, Machinery and www.mostradoltremare.it www.pratoexpo.com www.ideacomo.com Leisure, Sports, Tourism Conditioning and Cooling; Related Items www.fieradellevante.it Sanitary Fittings; www.piacenzafiere.it 01 - 09 March, Venice 07 - 10 March Bologna 19 - 23 March Bologna www.senaf.it VENICE BOAT SHOW COSMOPROF - SAIEDUE - Building 24 - 28 March Florence 10 - 13 April Reggio www.consormare.it International Exhibition of Components and Internal EVA 2003 - Electronic 09 - 14 April Milan Emilia Perfumery and Cosmetics Finishings Exhibition imaging and the visual arts SALONE INTERNATIONAL PIG 03 - 06 March, Cernobbio www.cosmoprof.com www.smart.it/saiedue www.vasari.co.uk/eva/flor INTERNAZIONALE BREEDING EXPO IDEABIELLA - Fabrics ence DEL MOBILE - www.fierereggioemilia.it for Men's Wear Exhibition 07 - 16 March Turin 20 - 23 March Milan International Furniture Associazione Ideabiella Tel: EXPOCASA - MIPEL - International 02 - 05 April Bologna Exhibition 11 - 14 April Bologna +39-015-84831 International Household, Leather Goods Market INTERNATIONAL www.cosmit.it ZOOMARK - Products Fax: +39-015-8491972 Furniture and House Decor www.mipel.com CHILDREN'S BOOK and Accessories for Pets Exhibition FAIR 09 - 12 April Parma www.zoomark.it 04 - 08 March Milan www.lingottofiere.it 20 - 23 March Rimini www.bolognafiere.it EUROSTAMPI - IPACK-IMA - Packing and ENADA - Coin-up European Dies & Molds, 11 - 14 April Rimini Packaging, Mechanical 15 - 17 March Florence amusement, skill and 02. - 04 April Cernobbio Presses & Injections DISMA MUSIC-SHOW - Handling, Food-Processing PITTI IMMAGINE redemption games FILO - Yarns, Fibres, Machines Musical Instruments, Music Industrial Machinery CASA - Household Linen www.fierarimini.it Textile Design and www.senaf.it Publications, Recording IPACK IMA Collections Textile, Finishing for Woven and Industry Tel: +39-02-4814365 Accessories for furnishing 20 - 23 March Milan Knitted Fabrics 09 - 12 April Parma www.fierarimini.it Fax: +39-02-48008199 and decoration MICAM - Shoevent - www.filo.com SUBFORNITURA - www.pittimmagine.com Footwear Exhibition International Exhibition on 24 April - 04 May 05 - 08 March Milan www.micamonline.com 09 - 14 April Milan Subcontracting Industries Florence TAU EXPO - International 15 - 17 March Florence EUROLUCE - www.fiere.parma.it INTERNATIONAL Exhibition of Environment FLORENCE GIFT 21 - 24 March Milan International Lighting MARKET SHOW OF Technologies and Services MART - Gifts, Tableware, PHOTO SHOW - Photo Exhibition 10 - 12 April Vicenza HANDICRAFTS - www.fieremostre.it Furnishing Accessories, Exhibition www.cosmit.it COM 2003 www.firenze-expo.it Lighting, Silverware and [email protected] Communications Gold Items Technology Expo www.gift.florencemart.it www.vicenzafiera.it FIERA MILANO IN HEBREW - News, Exhibition calendar, and much more at www.fieramilano.co.il

7 EVENTS IN ISRAEL Rome in Jerusalem Exhibition of Photographs by Tiberius Zwi Keller March 2 - 28, 2003 - Hebrew University of Jerusalem Beit Belgia, Safra Campus, Givat Ram

Jerusalem and Rome, two centers of religious and spiritual observance, two cities where heaven and earth meet, where what is above has joined with what is below, two cities under the shadow of God. Zvi Keller's photographs of Eternal Rome, exhibited in the Holy City, bring the spiritual affinities between these two centers of western civilization into relief. Details at 03-725.1917 or 02-566.0192 Matteo Masiello: Angelica Sepe - Exhibition of Italian Post- "Naples...Love and Modernist Paintings Happiness" March 13, 2003 at 19.30 March 27, 2003 at 20.00 - Museum Givatayim Theatre U. Nahon, Jerusalem March 28, 2003 at 22.00 - Givatayim The post-modernist Italian artist Matteo Theatre, Givatayim Masiello, winner of several national and international competitions, will be This recital, comprising 4 exhibiting his works for the first time musicians (guitar, piano, mandolin in Israel. His many masterpieces hang and percussion) and singer in numerous Italian and international Angelica Sepe, will offer the chance to hear, first hand, the evolution museums as well as in many private of Neapolitan music, from classical to modern times. There is a particular collections. emphasis on the period between the 1700's and 1900's. EVENTS IN ITALY Impressionism: Portraits and Figures Formula One: San Marino Grand Prix 66th Maggio Musicale Fiorentino March 8th - July 6th 2003, Vittoriano-Rome 20 April 2003, Bologna May 11 - July 1st 2003, Florence

The exhibit is composed of the The fourth race of the Founded by Vittorio Gui in 1933, the Maggio Musicale masterpieces of the most loved Formula One season takes is the most important music festival in Italy as well as artists, Monet, Degas, Renoir, place at Imola in the being of enormous international prestige. Created as a Pissarro, Van Gogh and Morisot. Republic of San Marino. triennial event, it became a yearly festival from 1937 All have been reunited under Since its inauguration in onwards and has been one of the indispensable appointments one roof and under one singular 1950, it has attracted the for all music lovers for over sixty years. This year's theme. The paintings together very best talents in the performances include Beethoven's Fidelio (Mehta), world of motor racing. As Mozart's La Clemenza di Tito (Bolton) and Verdi's create a type of mural depicting a spectacle it is unsurpassed. The sheer speed of the cars Otello (Mehta). French society in the years of is hard to comprehend, and the noise from the track is Teatro Comunale Tel. +39-055.21.11.58 / 21.35.35 the impressionistic movement. almost deafening. It represents the pinnacle of man's www.maggiofiorentino.com Italian Tourist Office Tel. +39 06 488 991 motoring achievement and the epitome of his love affair with speed. www.formula1.sm International Iris Show The Vespa Collection [email protected] 1-20 May 2003, Florence Piaggio "Agnelli" Museum Until March 16 2003, Pontedera (PI) Explosion of the Cart In May every year 20 April 2003, Florence gardeners from all An Exhibition over the world flock featuring 160 Every year on the same to Florence's Piazzale original films, day perfectly sane Michelangelo, as the paintings, Florentine citizens renowned Giardino posters, catalogues, calendars and TV commercials gather in the Piazza del dell'Iris opens its dating back to the Vespa's launch in 1946. Organizers Duomo to watch a gates to the public at Piaggio, the company which produces the scooter, dove-shaped rocket, and hosts the say they wanted to highlight how advertising campaigns called the 'Colombina', International Iris over the years have enabled the Vespa to maintain its fly out of the famous competition of the popularity with successive generations through subtle Duomo and ignite a year. Individual changes in image. Inaugurated on the 29th March 2000, huge wooden cart- blooms are judged the Piaggio Museum occupies 3,000 sq. m. of what used structure in the square on the basis of their to be the company tool shop in one of the oldest buildings outside. The rocket color, shape, aroma in Pontedera, to preserve the historic memory of the travels out of the and resistance to most important metal-mechanical company in the centre- Duomo along a wire, various diseases, and south of Italy. The Museum's halls display Vespa and sets fire to the huge a special prize goes Gilera collections alongside the most significant of array of fireworks to the specimen Piaggio's numerous products, including examples of attached to the Carro which most closely resembles the Iris in the coat of arms the most famous motorcycles from the two-ring Gilera and returns to the church of the city itself. Expect beautiful flowers, meticulously brand, including 1950s models that kindled the dreams the way it came. If this complex ritual goes smoothly, refined through generations and generations by the of an entire generation of sports enthusiasts. good luck is ensured for the city, not only with harvests careful hands of their keepers. www.museopiaggio.com/english but in the everyday life and business of its citizens. Florence Tourist Office Tel. +39 055 29 08 32 <> Florence Tourist Office Tel. +39 055 29 08 32

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