No. 23 MAY 2003

Growing Demand for Italian Language Courses in

ver the last two years and leads to the "Medio 2" level, which is the foreign language, is about to become operative O there has been a minimum standard required for university by allowing students to participate in exams for significant increase in the attendance. Longer courses of up to 232 hours diplomas from the Università per Stranieri numbers and frequency of are also available, depending on the season, while institutions in Siena and Perugia. These awards language courses offered by summer courses are of shorter duration. More will be recognized by the EU as conforming to both the Tel Aviv and Haifa intensive courses can also be arranged, depending official standards regarding knowledge of EC branches of the Italian Cultural Institute. on demand. New immigration regulations languages. Aside from courses held by the Italian Language courses in Tel Aviv authorize Italian Cultural Cultural Institute, language study is also offered and Haifa are provided on 9 Insitutes worldwide to award at the Dante Alighieri societies in Jerusalem and different levels and include a certification for language Haifa, and at the department of (cont. p. 2) basic beginner's course, an competency, indispensable Italian Studies at the Hebrew advanced course in grammar, for obtaining a student's entry as well as conversation and visa into the country. The cultural groups for higher Institute is also diversifying level students. One of the its program with several most popular courses is the initiatives such as the opening Italian-Israeli Scientific "Student's Course" of specialized language intended for Israeli residents courses for business and and Technological who wish to study in an technology professionals. Italian university. These are These and other ideas, such Cooperation small classes of up to 16 Dante Alighieri (1265-1321) is regarded as as decentralizing some students, allowing the teacher the father of the Italian language activities by bringing them as he Third Meeting of the Italian-Israeli to personalize the relationship close as possible, physically, T Joint Commission for the with the student while at the same time to those who benefit from them, are some of the implementation of the agreement on industrial, guaranteeing a good interaction between members ways the Institute is trying to offer more dynamic scientific and technological research and in the classroom. The Student's Course consists and personalized services in Israel. Another development cooperation between the two of around 190 hours of instruction for beginners important activity, certification of Italian as a Countries will be held in June. Other Italian/Israeli workshops and seminars scheduled for 2003 include Advanced Technologies of Materials; Cognitive Neuroscience; Cellular and Molecular Biology Spoleto Festival in Israel in the Life Sciences; Application of Algebraic Geometry to Computations; Digital Access to he Artistic Director of the Spoleto's 'Festival of the Cultural Heritage. T Two Worlds', Francis Menotti recently visited www.italian-embassy- Israel to meet with representatives of the country's israel.org/ScientificSection/scientific.htm cultural life, and to examine proposals by Israeli www2.matimop.org.il/1/index.html institutions of music, dance and opera for inclusion in Italian-Israeli Forum on Computer Science: the next edition of the Festival. Applications of Artificial Intelligence in The Embassy of Italy and the Italian Cultural Institute Industry organized a series of meetings for the visitors with Researchers and business leaders of both countries representatives from Israel Ballet, the Suzanne Dellal are invited to join the forum, which will take Contemporary Dance Center, the Cameri Theater, place in Tel Aviv, June 17-18, 2003. The Embassy Haifa's Municipal Theater, the Israel Philharmonic of Italy is organizing the event together with the Orchestra and the Israel Opera. At the reception in the University of Haifa (Caesarea Rothschild Institute Embassy, concrete proposals for artistic cooperation for Interdisciplinary Applications of Computer between Israeli institutions and the Spoleto Festival were Science), the Istituto Trentino di Cultura-Centre discussed. Many of the over 200 guests expressed a keen for Scientific and Technological Research (IRST) interest in deepening cultural ties with the Spoleto Festival, of Trento, Italy, the Italian Trade Commission of and an appreciation for the directors of the Festival for Tel Aviv, the Italian-Israeli Chamber of their presence in the region at such a delicate moment. Commerce, the Federation of Israeli Chambers This year's Festival runs from June 27th to July 13th of Commerce and the Israel Export and 2003. The celebrated Israeli dancer and choreographer International Cooperation Institute. Ido Tadmor has confirmed his participation at the Festival. Francis Menotti (above), Artistic Director, and Registration: Gonen Ganani Ltd., Gian Carlo Menotti, Founder of the Spoleto www.spoletofestival.it <> Festival 03-6489958; fax 03-6489949 <>

1 First Italian Language Show Opens in he first major exhibition Italian speech technology company was unified as a country in 1861 it became the T on the history of the Loquendo is one of the attractions featured official language of the new country. The Uffizi Italian language has opened at the Florence language exhibition. exhibits include the oldest document in Italian, a in the Uffizi in Florence. Loquendo technology was chosen by the curators to be the "voice" and will dating from the ninth century, and one of the Curators said the show may "ears" of the Automatic Voice Processing section of the show. Loquendo first love poems in the Italian language, the lead to the first permanent TTS synthetic speech engine tells visitors the story of the evolution of Ravenna parchment dating from the late 1100s. museum of the Italian speech technologies and surprises them with the lifelike quality of its The exhibition also shows off the first Italian language. many personas through a variety of fun exhibits. Loquendo TTS and dictionary by the Accademia della Crusca, from The exhibition, Dove il Si Loquendo ASR speaker-independent speech recognition also power the 1612, and some of the most important works of Suona: gli Italiani e la loro exhibition's virtual contact centre, which can be reached throughout the Italian literature that have helped shape the lingua charts the development country by dialling a toll-free number. www.loquendo.com <> language. of the Italian language from the earliest manuscripts talent of Florence’s writers - Dante, Petrarca and Dove il Si suona: gli Italiani e la loro lingua in 'Italian' in the ninth century, through to Italy's Boccaccio, the city's dialect spread around the Galleria degli Uffizi, Sale Ex Archivio golden literary age in the 1300s when, through the Italian peninsula as a literary language. When Italy 13 March - 28 September 2003 <> Growing Demand for Italian Language Courses in Israel Scholarships Offered (cont. from p. 1) Italian language studies are offered all over Israel. The full range University of of courses, from beginning to advanced-level studies, is available Jerusalem. Italian at the Tel Aviv and Haifa branches of the Italian Cultural Institute for Study in Israel language assistants are and at the World Organization of Libyan at Or Yehuda. Other also available at the he Raffaele Cantoni Foundation, Universities of Tel Aviv, Italian language courses are offered by the Dante Alighieri T active on behalf of Jewish youth for Haifa and Be'er Sheva, Institutes in Jerusalem and Haifa. Later this year a new branch over 30 years, will distribute grants to Italian of the Cultural Institute will open in Herzlia and perhaps also in while some secondary students wishing to study in Israel. The schools in the Tel Aviv Eilat. Approximately 1300 students are studying Italian in courses area and in the Galilee offered this year by the Italian Cultural Institute in Israel. grants will be conferred by the Foundation’s region also offer Governing Board and will be awarded in instruction in the Italian Italian Cultural Italian Cultural Jerusalem Jerusalem later this year. Since the number language. One of the Institute Tel Aviv Institute Haifa Dante Alighieri of grants is limited, applications will be aims of the Italian Institute Cultural Institute and the 205, Rehov Dizengoff 12, Rehov Meir - Haifa classified according to the candidates’ Embassy is to strengthen - 63115 Tel Aviv 35056 Rehov Hachavazelet, 9 economic standing, academic achievement, the network of language Tel +972 (0)3-5234550 Tel +972 (0)4-8536091 Jerusalem 94224 and status in Israel. Students eligible to studies by promoting Fax +972 (0)3-5222045 Fax +972 (0)4-8523934 Tel/Fax 02.6221110 apply must possess a high school diploma, better synergies between [email protected] [email protected] or be graduates of an Israeli institute of public and private Haifa language schools, not Or Yehuda higher learning who wish to continue their Italian Courses in Dante Alighieri studies in the country. Requests for only to increase the Yafo Organizzazione Institute quantity of language Mondiale degli Ebrei applications should be sent not later than courses offered, but also 9, Shimon Ben Shatach di Libia Hushi House, 67 September 30th 2003 to: to update teachers and - 68020 Tel Aviv-Yafo Rehov HaGolan, 6 Moriah Blvd. Fondazione per la Gioventu’ Ebraica institutions in the latest Tel. +972 (0)3-5187966 teaching methodologies. Or Yehuda P.O.B. 7621, Haifa “Raffaele Cantoni”, P.O.Box 4672, www.italcultur.com <> tel.03.5388106 31072 Jerusalem 91046, Israel. <>

Significant IncreasesIncreases RegisteredRegistered Worldwide Worldwide for for Italian Italian Language Language Studies Studies The annual meeting of directors of Italian Research at Rome's courses to 55,000 students Cultural Institutes worldwide was recently La Sapienza all over the world, while a held in Rome under the patronage of Foreign University and further 30,000 students Minister Franco Frattini, Culture Minister Siena's Università enrolled in 286 Italian Giuliano Urbani and of the Minister for per Stranieri schools abroad, with Italians Abroad, Mirko Tremaglia. registered an overall registrations at the Dante increase of 38%, Alighieri Institutes Among the themes discussed, particular between 1995 and accounting for another attention was placed on significant increases 2000, in the number 100,000 students. in demand for Italian language studies. of students taking The reasons why foreigners Registrations for courses in the 88 Italian Italian language study Italian are often Cultural Institutes around the world, as well as courses worldwide. Demand for Italian language courses is growing connected to business or for those offered by the Dante Alighieri Highest increases commercial interests, and Institutes, have registered encouraging positive were recorded in Eastern European countries, to migratory flows. An important aspect of the trends over the last few years, according to particularly in those seeking membership of new interest in Italian language studies is Ambassador Francesco Aloisi de Larderel, the European Community, and in the countries increasing worldwide awareness and Director General for Cultural Cooperation and of the Mediterranean. In the year 2000, Italian appreciation of Italian products and of Italy's Promotion. Cultural Institutes offered 4244 language business community. <>

2 FRIULI VENEZIA GIULIA REGION

Edited by: STRENGTHENS TIES WITH ISRAEL The Italian Embassy in Tel Aviv Growing Demand for Italian Language Courses p.1-2 delegation from the Friuli Spoleto Festival in Israel p.1 A Venezia Giulia region of Italy, Scientific and Technological Cooperation p.1 headed by its Assessore for Italian Language Show Opens in Florence p.2 Increased Demand for Italian Language Studies Worldwide p.2 Commerce and Industry Sergio Scholarships for Study in Israel p.2 Dressi, visited Israel on April 7-8, in Friuli Venezia Giulia Strengthens Ties with Israel p.3 order to strengthen and intensify Activities of Friuli Venezia Giulia in Israel p.3 mutual economic, cultural and Awards to Successful Italian & Israeli Enterprises p.3-4 Italian Peace-Keeping Operations p.4 scientific relations. Refrigerated Display Cabinets Industry p.5 This comes as further impetus to the Biotech Lab Opens in Naples p.5 already established programs which Call for Papers: Biomass Conference p.5 have been developed in the recent past Telepresence Surgery p.5 (see "Activities" page 2) Historical Texts Online p.6 Italy-Israel Customs Agreement Ratified p.6 On this occasion an agreement was (right to left) Ambassador Giulio Terzi, Assessore for Commerce and Industry New 3G Regulations in Italy p.6 reached to establish an office for a Sergio Dressi, Hon. Shimon Peres and Mr. Ronni Benatoff Showing Solidarity in Difficult Times p.6 permanent representative from the E-Gov 2003 Conference and Exhibition p.7 region within the structure of the Italy-Israel development and reconstruction of the Italian Trade Fair Calendar p.7 Chamber of Commerce. For the last few years Palestinian economy, and for the unceasing Events in Israel p.8 this function has been administered by Mr. Lello efforts by Italy in the war on terrorism. Mr. Peres Events in Italy p.8 Dell’Ariccia. Mr. Dressi and the delegation also also underlined the importance of “liberating Embassy of Italy attended the ceremony, organized by the the Iraqi people from a most violent dictator,” Trade Tower, 25 HaMered Street, Tel Aviv 68125 Chamber and its President Mr. Ronni Benatoff, and stressed the role that Italy could play in Tel: 03-510.4004 Fax: 03-510.0235 awarding recognition to Israeli entrepreneurs stabilizing the situation in the Middle East. In www.italian-embassy-israel.org most active in the promotion of commercial ties other meetings Mr Dressi also met with Israeli E-mail:[email protected] (Economic & Commercial Section) with Italy during 2002 (see "Awards" page 2). business leaders at the Ambassador’s residence, In a powerful speech at the award ceremony, as well as with representatives of the Italian former Prime Minister and Noble laureate Jewish community. In Jerusalem he held Shimon Peres expressed his strong support for meetings at the U. Nahon Italian Jewish Museum the initiatives undertaken by Prime Minister to promote economic and cultural relations with AWARDS TO SUCCESSFUL Silvio Berlusconi to contribute to the local representatives.<> ITALIAN & ISRAELI ENTERPRISES ACTIVITIES OF FRIULI VENEZIA GIULIA IN ISRAEL ight organizations with extensive business here are deep roots that unite the Italian E interests in Italy and Israel were awarded T region of Friuli Venezia Giulia with recognition for their activities in a ceremony held at Israel. These go back to the pre-state days Tel Aviv’s Dan Hotel last April 7th. The following is with the construction of the Assicurazioni a short introduction to each of the winning Generali building in the heart of Jerusalem. organizations. During WWII the city of Trieste was known Special Investment in the Israeli Market in 2002 as the Gateway to Zion by Jewish refugees The award for a on their way to Israel. major investment in Israel in 2002 was given to The Region In recent years the region of Friuli Venezia of Friuli Venezia Giulia. Giulia has renewed its interest in Israel, as Largest Israeli Exporter in Italy in 2002. demonstrated by its enthusiastic participation The award for the largest in mutual initiatives and promotions. These Israeli Exporter to Italy in include the appointment in 1999 of an official photographs on the FVG carnival, and 2002 was given to Carmel Olefins Ltd., the largest representative, responsible for promoting participation of the Compagnia Rossetti in Israeli producer of raw materials for the plastics and tourism and trade, together with the Italian Haifa Theatre’s Marionette Festival. A series petrochemicals industries. The company exported over Israeli Chamber of Commerce; the activation of successful initiatives and seminars was $33M to the Italian market in 2002 in 2000 of a direct air route during the summer undertaken last year in Trieste, to be repeated Largest Medium Size Israeli Exporter to Italy months between Tel Aviv and Trieste; this year, highlighting not only tourist sites of The award to the largest Medium uninterrupted participation by the Region since Jewish interest in the F-V-G region but also Size Israeli Exporter to Italy in 1999 in Tel Aviv’s International Tourism Fair; others throughout Italy. The first festival of 2002 was given to Z.A.G. Industries Ltd for sales screening of news items and TV documentaries Italian kosher food was held in tandem with of $5.5M in 2002 in Italy. ZAG Industries is a worldwide leader in development, manufacturing and and promotions in popular series such as the seminar to present products that will soon marketing of high-quality consumer and professional Passport; publications of articles in well known be launched in Israeli markets. plastic and combined plastics and metal products. Israeli newspapers and journals; exhibition of www.turismo.fvg.it <> (cont. p. 4)

3 WIDE-RANGING ITALIAN COMMITMENT IN PEACE-KEEPING OPERATIONS Currently Italy participates in the following ● 1 Signal Regiment; peace-keeping operations: Additionally, Italy provides: ● 1 Helicopter Regiment; ● reserve amphibious forces equal to 600 men; ● 1 Special Forces Unit; Western Sahara: MINURSO (UN Mission ● naval units in the Adriatic; ● 1 Amphibious Unit. for the Referendum in Western Sahara, 224 ● 14 aircraft for combat, transport and supplies; men): 5 official observers; ● 21 air bases/airports and 9 ports for internal In addition, a naval component of two units was made Israel: UNTSO (UN Truce Supervision operations; available for support and transport. Further transport Organization, 154 men): 8 official observers; ● 3 distinct infrastructure complexes, located and tactical support was considered daily depending Lebanon: UNIFIL (UN Interim Force in in Northern, Eastern, Central and Southern Italy on the current necessity. The aforementioned Forces Lebanon, 4470 men): 1 helicopter squadron and composed of 11 barracks, 5 air bases and were joined by the Coastal Naval Group and other for 45 men and 4 helicopters; 13 ports, to station troops in transit. Naval Units engaged, under national protection, in Kuwait: UNIKOM (UN Iraq-Kuwait Observation operations to control the Albanian coast and illegal Mission, 1093 men): 5 official observers and the UN The following groups are also involved in the immigration. Their daily presence, in ports and on the Force Commander; mission: sea, is 17 units. Regarding the Airborne Forces, in India-Pakistan: UNMOGIP (UN Observer Group in ● a national aerial defence system; addition to the vehicles deployed daily for transporting India and Pakistan, 44 men): 7 official observers; ● thousands of men from the State Police, National personnel and materials and those "on call" for eventual Guatemala: MINUGUA (UN Mission Guard, telecommunications and air emergencies, there are 2 AMX airplanes and 2 HH3F in Guatemala): 7 police officers traffic control. helicopters deployed daily for reconnaissance and (Carabinieri)/human rights observers. research/ first aid. Operation “Alba”(Albania) Balcans Area Operations: Thanks to intense and effective Additional Commitments Italy participates in following NATO diplomatic action and the decisions Thousands of police, customs officers and operations under UN protection: adopted by the EU Council on March communication operators are deployed for the security 24, 1997, followed by UN Security and control of allied forces and air/naval bases. The Operation “Joint Guardian” (Kfor) Council Resolution n. 1101 on Italian air defense system and air traffic control are Currently 37 Countries participate with March 28, 1997, Italy obtained, for also heavily involved. The existing UN bases in Italy over 26 thousand Troops operating in the first time, leadership of a (Brindisi and Pisa) are of fundamental importance for Kosovo, Former Republic of Macedonia Multinational Force, under UN any UN activity in former Yugoslavia. The overall and Greece. Italy contributes over 4,000 protection, for assistance operations financial burden of the Italian contribution to the men, distributed in the HQ KFOR, the in Albania (Operation "Alba"). The operations in the area amounts about 220 million Multinational Brigade South-West and Italian land forces were composed dollars for 12 months. other minor Units. as follows: ● 1 Division Headquarter and Multinational Missions as a Whole Operation “Joint Forge” (Sfor) Support Unit; The overall Italian contribution to the above-mentioned 35 Countries give their contribution for a total of ● 1 Brigade Headquarter and Support Unit; multinational missions ranges between 13-14,000 12,646 men located in Bosnia Herzegovina and ● 2 Mechanized Infantry Regiments; men. In addition to the above figure, Italy provides Croatia. Italy contributes over 1,500 men, distributed ● 1 Parachute Regiment; about 4,000 men for operations in Afghanistan. <> in the HQ SFOR, the Multinational Brigade South- ● 1 Light Armoured Unit; East and other minor Units. ● 1 Logistic Regiment;

(cont. from p. 3) AWARDS TO SUCCESSFUL ITALIAN & ISRAELI ENTERPRISES Long Standing Achievements in the Italian Market supplying 20% of the European consumption. The more than 30 years ago, specializes in the construction The award for long standing purchase of Moplefan gave Dor Chemicals production and covering of high rises. It undertook its first project achievements by an Israeli facilities in San Gimignano, Battipaglia, Terni and in Israel in Jerusalem in 1987, and has been Exporter in Italy was given to Lamezia. permanently operating in Israel since 1996. It was Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. Teva ranks involved in 6 projects in Tel Aviv, Haifa, Ashkelon among the top 35 pharmaceutical companies and is Largest Israeli Importer from Italy and Raanana, collaborating with Israeli developers. the largest generic pharmaceutical company in the The award to the largest Israeli importer world. Teva Pharmaceutical Industries started its sales from Italy in 2002 was given to The Special Achievement by an Italian Exporter to and marketing activities in Italy in 1996 in Milano, Mediterranean Car Agency Ltd. for Israel selling anti-cancer products to hospitals. Teva Italia imports of over $38M in 2002. The The Award for special has since expanded its activities in Italy, handling Mediterranean Car Agency is one of the achievement by an Italian the registration, marketing, sales and finance activities veteran car agencies in Israel. It started operating in Exporter in 2002 was given to of Teva's pharmaceutical products in Italy. Teva Italy Israel in 1950 as sole importer of FIAT. In 1989 it Luxottica Optics Ltd. Luxottica consists of two entities: Prosintex-ICI S.r.l., and Teva added the Lancia Brand to the Offering and in 1991- Group SPA, based in the Veneto region in Italy, is PFC S.r.l., both located in the north of Italy. it began to import the sporty Alfa Romeo. the world leader in manufacturing and distribution of frames and sunglasses and one of the largest public Major Investment by an Israeli Company in the Largest medium size Italian Exporter to Israel companies in Italy. In 1998 the Group established Italian Market in 2002 The Award to the largest Luxottica Israel - a 75% Subsidiary of Luxottica The award for a major investment medium size Italian exporter Group SPA, with an investment of $2M. Turnover in Italy in 2002 was given to Dor in 2002 was given to has grown steadily since and has reached close to Chemicals Ltd for the purchase of Seralwall s.r.l. with imports of over $4M. Seralwall $10M in 2002.<> the Moplefan Group, one of the is a private company with operations in Italy, Western largest producers of polypropylene in Europe and Eastern Europe and Israel. The Company, founded

4 Italian Refrigerated Display Cabinets Industry Call for Papers: 2nd World n the food product distribution sector the of materials, they are able to optimize duration, most developed technologies are probably energy saving and space rationalization, which Conference and Technology I represented by display cabinets, of which are very important factors for retail management. “made in Italy” products are well known in world Another outstanding feature of this sector of Italian markets, where they hold a leading position. industry is the provision of assistance able to grant Exhibition on Biomass for Proof of that is the high full support to the customer both by pre- and post- percentage of exports, mounting. Italian companies not only sell and Energy, Industry and amounting to 60% of install display cabinets, but carry out training of national overall local technicians as well. The most significant production. Among and prestigious companies in this sector are Climate Protection different destination areas, represented in Italy by ASSOFOODTEC Ð the 10-14 May 2004, Palazzo dei Congressi, Rome Europe represents, by its Italian Association of Machinery and Plant 83,5%, the main export Manufacturers for Food Production, Processing market of Italian products. and Preservation Ð which operates within ANIMA he 2nd World Conference As for trade exchange Ð the Federation of Italian Associations of Mechanical T and Technology between Italy and Israel, an increase of 71,4% in and Engineering Industries. Member-companies Exhibition on Biomass for refrigerated display cabinets for frozen food was which operate within the Refrigeration section of Energy, Industry and Climate recorded in 2001 in comparison to the previous ASSOFOODTEC cover the full range of products: Protection will be held in Rome year. Companies operating in this branch of industrial refrigerating systems Ð compressors Ð on 10-14 May 2004, Palazzo production are not many, yet they are qualified refrigerated display cabinets Ð industrial and and dynamic, and by means of constant technological commercial cold rooms Ð condensing units Ð dei Congressi. development, concern for stylishness of shape refrigerated multi-door delivery vans Ð ice cream The conference aspires to be a milestone in the field and design, handcrafted care for detail, and quality vending machines. www.assofoodtec.it <> of renewable energy sources as the development of energy from biomass is an important step in planning for a sustainable energy supply in the 21st century. The event will present cutting-edge developments in BIOTECH LAB OPENS IN NAPLES the field of the biomass utilization, global large facility for structures have been created in strategies, technologies, A biotechnology and the south. As a consequence, many projects and efficient molecular genetics in the south scientists from the south migrated of Italy is no longer a dream. The to other parts of the country, while practice rules for energy center, called Biogem, is the work of a consortium traffic in the opposite direction was very rare. and environment. It will of public and private institutions and researchers. The localization of the first center in Ariano Irpino, also serve as an Expected to be operative by the end of this year, a town located in the internal part of Campania, information exchange and it will function as a meeting point in the field of also indicates the necessity to redistribute the for discussions among genetics. scientific resources not only between North and scientists, policy makers, The BioGeM consortium was established to South, but also between the cities on the coast practitioners of the use contribute to the development of Biotechnology and the internal areas. It is hoped that the localization of biomass for energy, and Molecular Genetics in southern Italy, chiefly of a modern research center in these areas might through the creation of research centers capable stimulate the subsequent localization nearby of industry and climate of executing cutting-edge research in the field of other structures, such as universities and other protection. The final date Molecular Genetics. Southern Italy has an outstanding research facilities. Promoters of the project also for the submission of abstracts is 10 October 2003. tradition of excellent research, but over the past hope that it will offer job opportunities and convince ETA - Renewable Energies: www.etaflorence.it few years more new research facilities have emerged Italian researchers abroad to return to Italy. Palazzo dei Congressi: www.romaeur.it <> in the northern part of the country, while no new www.biogem.it <> Surgeons in Italy and Israel Perform Telepresence Surgery omputer Motion, Inc., a leading developer to recover much East, and Africa, stated, "The ability C of surgical robotic systems, announced quicker than of SOCRATES to deliver telepresence that Dr. Moshe Rubin at Rabin Medical Center using a and allow surgeons from remote Hospital in Tel Aviv Israel used the SOCRATES traditional locations to telementor and Robotic Telecollaboration System during a "open" surgical telecollaborate is a key differentiator procedure performed by Prof. Cristiano Huscher approach. of Computer Motion's system of at S. Giovanni Hospital in Rome, Italy. Dr. Moshe products. The SOCRATES Robotic The SOCRATES System enabled telepresence Rubin stated, Telecollaboration System is an allowed Dr. Moshe Rubin to share control of "Although I was integrated system of telecommunication the AESOP Robotic Endoscope Positioner, to physically equipment, networked surgical devices, visually annotate the surgical image during the thousands of and robotics that provides an efficient procedure, and to monitor the status of additional miles distant from the patient, I felt truly as if and economical pathway to enable remote medial devices. I were present in the operating room. I was able mentoring and surgical collaboration. SOCRATES The procedure on a 41 year-old patient from to participate in the progress of the case, and I allows a surgeon located at a remote site to assist Palermo, Italy was a complete success. The am very grateful to Prof. Huscher for this chance another surgeon who may be located in an minimally invasive robotically assisted approach, to collaborate using this new technology." John operating room down the hall, across the country practiced by the surgeons, will reduce the pain Soto, Computer Motion's Vice President and or on the other side of the world. and trauma to the patient, and will allow him General Manager, Operations for Europe, Middle www.computermotion.com <>

5 Historical TextsAchille Online: Castiglioni, An introduction 1918-2002 to ELIOHS he ELIOHS electronic library has been It aims not only at of historical knowledge T developed by the University of Florence to providing reliable texts and research. Eliohs texts supply in electronic form the full text of classics for reading and teaching are accessible through the of historiography, works of methodology, theory purposes, but also at general alphabetical and philosophy of history, key works of the supplying some catalogue. Reading, historiographical debates, classics of historical particularly useful instruments for research into downloading and printing of texts in the library is erudition, travel literature, historical narratives the history of modern European culture. free. During the experimental phase of the library of the rise and development of particular sciences, Further examples of material at ELIOHS are no kind of restriction or subscription is involved. arts or techniques, literary works of biographical and autobiographical writings Use of materials in the library for commercial historiographical relevance, handbooks of history concerning individual historians, and articles from purposes is not however permitted. for schools and universities, belonging to modern encyclopedias and dictionaries in different www.eliohs.unifi.it <> intellectual history (XVI-XXth centuries). European languages concerning the key concepts Italy-Israel Customs Showing Solidarity in Difficult Times Cooperation Agreement Italian Haute Couture Comes to Israel Approved by Parliament T he "Italian n March 11th the Italian Senate gave Fashion Gala O final approval to legislation authorizing 2003", organized by the ratification of the agreement for mutual Embassy together with administrative assistance between Italy and the Italian Cultural Israel for the prevention and control of Institute, was held in Tel customs violations. The Treaty will enter into Aviv's prestigious David force when ratified by the President of the Intercontinental Hotel, a Italian Republic, Carlo Azeglio Ciampi. co-sponsor of the event, Signed in Rome on April 27th 1999, the to showcase the best of agreement is ready to be enacted on the Israeli contemporary Italian side, while the Italian Chamber of Deputies design. approved the measure last December 19th. Under the agreement the two countries Intended to coincide with undertake to provide, spontaneously or by International Women's special request, reciprocal cooperation and assistance by respective customs authorities to Day, the event presented assure full adherence to existing legislation, an opportunity to and to implement effective measures to appreciate the most anticipate, investigate and suppress future successful examples of violations of the law. The agreement also Italian taste in industrial design, from the a large crowd including political figures, foresees the involvement of each country's formally elegant haute couture collection of business leaders, and personalities from Israel's customs authorities in opening and processing Egon von Furstenberg, to the sporty designs cultural life as well as from the local Italian investigations called by the other country to of Alfa Romeo automobiles imported by the community. It is worthwhile recalling that scrutinize specific customs violations. Approval Mediterranean Car Agency Ltd. Real taste Israel's garment imports from Italy (fabrics, of the measures by the Italian parliament will was celebrated by the generous distribution footwear and leather), at a value of $153m. enable the further development of commercial of the best Italian wines of the Scottish annually (2002), accounts for roughly 10% of ties between the two countries and represents Trading & Marketing Co., which helped all the Italian exports to Israel. <> a new and significant advance in the already guests appreciate excellent bilateral relations between Italy and the gastronomic Israel. <> delights provided by Neve Tzedek restaurant Terra New Regulations on 3G and Toscana. Co- sponsor of the MMS-Enabled Phones event was also Alitalia. The evening, a charity ith the advent of MMS and the ability to benefit gala in W send video via UMTS-enabled mobile favor of the Yad phones, the Italian Data Protection Commission b'Yad (Hand-in- has issued rules governing the use of such devices. Hand) Users may take pictures of people only for organization, personal use, and provided that they are kept in which helps a safe place. People must be informed if their children in pictures are published on internet. distress, attracted www.garanteprivacy.it <>

6 Getting Governments Online: E-Gov 2003 Conference and Exhibition The Italian Presidency of the European Union and the European Commission, as part of the e-Europe activities, will jointly organize a High-Level Conference on eGovernment he specific aim of the conference leading examples of currently used value to the role of local authorities. The event is T is to make a major contribution interactive eGovernment applications in by invitation only and addresses primarily Ministers towards demonstrating where Europe Europe at all levels of government and senior representatives of the Public currently stands in this fast-evolving and (central, regional, local). The most Administration Authorities. competitive field, and to identify the outstanding applications will receive the interactive public eServices currently eEurope Awards, to be presented by the High-level Conference on eGovernment 2003 available. The conference will explore European Commissioner for Information Villa Erba, Lake Como, Italy how citizens and businesses can today get concrete Society, Erkki Liikanen, and the Italian Minister 7 - 8 July 2003 benefits from delivery of public eServices on-line. for Innovation and Technologies, Lucio Stanca. Email: [email protected] It will focus on eGovernment as a key factor in The conference will also highlight eGovernment www.europa.eu.int/information_society/eeurope the development of the Information Society and as a tool of European integration as well as an /egovconf/index_en.htm <> for economic growth in Europe, and will feature instrument that strengthens and provides added Italian Trade Fair Calendar May-June 2003

he Ente Autonomo Fiera del Levante These attract over 2,500 exhibitors and 700,000 visitors. ExpoLevante, the Where Europe T exhibition grounds occupy a total area International Leisure Time Fair has 1,000 exhibitors and is the largest fair for of around 300 000 sq m. and each year around the leisure industry in Italy. The Fiera del Levante aims mainly at the market Meets the East twenty exhibitions and fairs of both general of Southern Italy, but it also extends its influence to the Balkans and the Bari’s ‘Fiera del Levante’ and specialist interest are held. In the Southern Mediterranean area, to the Near East and North Africa. The countries on the International Trade and regions of Italy, in particular, they have East coast of the Adriatic and those of the central and eastern areas of the Exhibition Center contributed greatly towards the growth of the Mediterranean form a market of over 200 million people demanding products local economic fabric. The main sectors include and services to satisfy not only their primary needs but also to sustain and information technology, publishing, leisure accelerate the on-going process of economic development. These are the countries activities, photography, gold working and that largely concern the Fiera del Levante when selecting the themes and contents jewelry, fashion, local organizations, of the fairs and exhibitions for future agendas. Bari, at the easternmost point of mechanics, services for business, transport, Italy, is the capital of the region of Puglia, a peninsula that extends out into the agriculture and the building trade. southeastern Mediterranean area, forming a sort of European landing stage. The Altogether there are over 5,000 exhibitors, both Fiera del Levante also directs its attention to cooperation with the countries of Italian and foreign, who annually take part in the Far East, mainly China, which has taken part in the September International the fairs on the calendar while visitors number around 2 million. The main Trade Fair for several years. events are the International Trade Fair in September, AgriLevante and EdiLevante. www.fieradellevante.it/uk/index.html <>

06.05 - 10.05 09.05 - 11.05 22.05 - 25.05 06.06 - 09.06 07.06 - 15.06 25.06 - 28.06 Padova Verona Milan Trieste Milan PLAST - Plastics and WeEB.IT Software EUROCARNE - Meat and CHIBIMART - Costume International Handicrafts VITRUM - International Rubber Exhibition development & Meat Processing Machinery Jewelry, Semi-Precious and Exhibition Glass Industry Exhibition www.assocomaplast.com programming, design & Exhibition Precious Stones, Silver, www.fiera.trieste.it www.vitrum-milano.it graphics, new www.veronafiere.it Handicraft 06.05 - 08.05 mediawww.webb.it/w03 www.chibidue.fmi.it 19.06 - 22.06 27.06 - 29.06 Bologna 24.05 - 08.06 Florence Florence LINEAPELLE - Italian 17.05 - 25.05 Palermo 01.06 - 03.06 PITTI IMMAGINE PITTI IMMAGINE Fashion Preselection Padova Fair of the Mediterranean Sea Milan BIMBO - Children's UOMO - Men's Fashion www.lineapelle-fair.it www.fieramediterraneo.it MODAPRIMA - Fashion Fair Fair INTERNATIONAL FAIR International Knitwear and www.pittimmagine.com www.pittimmagine.com 06.05 - 09.05 www.padovafiere.it 22.05 - 25.05 Clothing Exhibition Bologna Verona [email protected] 18.06 - 20.06 27.06 - 30.06 SIMAC - Exhibition of 20.05 - 24.05 INTERSHOP - Genova Milan Machines for the Footwear, Milan Commercial Refrigeration, 04.06 - 07.06 TMED - Telemedicine, SPOSAITALIA - Bridal Leather goods and Tanning INTEL - Electrotechnics Shopfitting, Display and Parma Information Technology & and Formal Wear Fashions Industries and Electronics Exhibition Merchandising MOTEK ITALY - Trade Telecommunication for www.sposaitaliacollezioni.it www.assomac.it www.intelfiere.com www.fieremostre.it Fair for Assembly and Healthcare Handling Technology www.timed.it 08.05 - 11.05 21.05 - 25.05 06.06 - 09.06 www.schall-messen.de Cesena Bologna Milan 07.06 - 12.06 21.06 - 06.07 MACFRUT - Fruit and AUTOPROMOTEC - CHIBIDUE - Gift Articles, Vicenza Naples Vegetables Technologies Automotive Servicing Fancy Goods, Perfumery VICENZAORO 2 - Gold, FIERA DELLA CASA - www.macfrut.com Equipment, Tyre Service and Items, Costume Jewelry and Jewellery, Silverware & Household Furnishing and Retreading Fashion Accessories Watches Consumer Goods www.autopromotec.it www.chibidue.fmi.it www.vicenzaoro2.it www.mostradoltremare.it FIERA MILANO IN HEBREW - News, Exhibition calendar, and much more at www.fieramilano.co.il

7 EVENTS IN ISRAEL

Naples … Love and Happiness Highlights include: 12 May - Italian monodrama, Abramo University), Prof. Lia Addadi (Weizman Institute), May 9, 2003, Givatayim Theater e il Minotauro presented by the Chan Theatre Prof. David Cassuto (Dept. of Architecture, College May 10, 2003, U.Nahon Museum, Jerusalem 14 May - Evening dedicated to Carlo Goldoni. of Judea and Samaria), Amos Lasker (Mediterranean 18 June - Tombola (Italian style bingo), with prizes Nautilus Ltd) and Dr. Marina Valensise (Journalist, Concert including a trip to . Tickets and Info: 02-658 5508 Il Foglio) Italian Cultural Institute featuring Tel. 03-523.4544 Neapolitan The Florence-Leghorn Jewish Musical Tradition music from Odradek: Beethoven Reads Kafka the 1700’s May 21, 2003, Diaspora Museum, Tel Aviv and 1900’s, June 12, 2003 Presentation of the new CD “Singing Dew”. The Florence- Israel Festival, Jerusalem performed by Leghorn Musical Tradition which features 21 songs from singer Angela the Congregation of Florence and Leghorn, offering a The Israel Festival will form a Sepe and 4 sample of the rich liturgy of both communities. The songs backdrop for the world premiere musicians are performed by the Florence Synagogue Choir. of Odradek (Beethoven Reads (guitar, piano, mandolin and percussion) Italian Cultural Institute Tel . 03-523.4544 Kafka), by the well known Italian Cultural Institute Israeli composer Gideon Tel . 03-523.4544 Italy/Israel Symposium Lewensohn, who has just been May 15, 2003, Or Yehuda awarded the Prime Minister’s Venice Project World Organization of Libyan Jews Prize for his work. Odradek is April 30-June 18, 2003, Jerusalem a semi-theatrical musical work This will be a special day filled with conferences dedicated Moni Ovadia which comprises excerpts from Dedicated to the city of Venice, the program of events to the study of the Italian presence in Israel. The Kafka’s writings. The celebrated Italian actor, Moni includes conferences about the city of Venice, diverse conferences will examine various themes including: Ovadia, will participate at this event. films depicting the sights and sounds of Venice, a Literature, Art and Architecture, Science and Economics. Israel Festival, Jerusalem photographic exhibition and a concert. Speakers will include Prof. Reuven Bonfil (Hebrew Tel. 02-6240896 or 02-6250905 EVENTS IN ITALY

World Festival on the Beach World Press Photo Hannibal. The knights of each borough challenge 5-18 May 2003 14 May - 2 June 2003 each other in turn, gaining the scudo or shield of the Palermo, Sicily Museo di Roma in Trastevere, Rome opponent at each victory. The ultimate victor is the contestant who has accumulated the most shields at This festival in Sicily, World Press Photo, the the end of the games. renamed World world's most prestigious Ente Nazionale Italiano per il Turismo Festival On The Beach, photography competition, visits the Museo di Roma. Tel. +39 06 44 63379 combines windsurfing, Each year leading professional news photographers [email protected] jazz, beach-volley, kite enter the competition, with works by the winners and surfing and sailing in runners-up going into a large touring exhibition that Summer in Florence: Outdoor Cinemas the unique setting of visits over 40 countries and about 70 galleries across Mondello Beach near Palermo. Organized by the the world. This year's results will be published at the 25 June - 7 September 2003 Albaria Club, the festival has a long tradition of beginning of May. The images also feature in the Florence, Tuscany windsurf competitions which has brought it worldwide World Press Photo Yearbook, a publication which From the end of June till renown in the water sports world, and still manages marks the leading international photographers as well the beginning of to produce surprises such as the New Jazz Festival. as providing a fascinating and often poignant record September huge outdoor Palermo Tourist Office of world events over the past 12 months. cinema screens are set up Tel. +39 091 605 81 11 or 091 586 122 www.worldpressphoto.nl throughout the city, www.albaria.com/wwf/default1.htm showing films all through Palio di Faenza the night. Infiorata - Noto in Blossom 22 June 2003 These are the participating 24-30 May 2003 Faenza, Ravenna venues: Siracusa, Sicily Il Raggio Verde - See the Infiorata exhibition, Anfiteatro Palazzo dei when amazing floral displays line Congressi, Viale Strozzi the streets and squares of the tel +39 055 49 73 222 unique baroque town of Noto. Arena di Marte - Palasport, Viale Paoli tel +39 055 Wandering around the streets and 67 88 41 squares of Noto during the Arena Parco delle Cascine - Ippodromo del Visarno, Infiorata is an unforgettable Piazzale delle Cascine tel +39 055 24 07 20 sight. Petals of different kinds of Arena Chiardiluna - Via Monteoliveto 1 tel +39 flowers are used to create a 055 23 37 042 variety of figures, often with Esterno Notte - Auditorium FLOG, Via M. Mercati religious, mythological or social Knights in shining armour challenge Hannibal, ancient 24b tel +39 055 48 12 85 themes. The week-long event is enemy of the city, in this fascinating and intensely accompanied by free concerts competitive annual spectacle. Before the race itself, The facilities are excellent, for example the Raggio and theatre and is an excellent opportunity to see which starts at 7 p.m., there is a historical procession Verde has a bar-restaurant in the garden, and Arena some of the most wonderful examples of Baroque in Renaissance costumes from the Piazza del Popolo di Marte a huge swimming pool that is open until 9 architecture, for which Noto is renowned. to the city stadium, where the contest between the o'clock at night during the summer, so you can freshen Noto Tourist Information five boroughs of the city takes place. The contest up in the pool and then head straight for the cinema. Tel. +39 0931 573 779 itself boils down to trying to hit a small disk held Atelier Group Tel. +39 055 293 169 www.infioratadinoto.it/eng.htm aloft by a puppet enemy apparently representing www.ateliergroup.it

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