NOTIZIE ITALIANE Newsletter of the Embassy of in No. 50 May 2008

New Berlusconi Government takes office he swearing-in ceremony of the new Mr. Berlusconi stressed that Italy “has the T Italian government led by Silvio potential for rapid growth which must be Berlusconi took place on May 8 before the reawakened. Growth is not only an economic President of the Republic. parameter but also a measure of a country’s The new government, located in Palazzo civil progress. Only through growth will Italy Chigi, is the third to be led by Mr. Berlusconi revive its talents, enabling the country to and the Republic’s 60th. master its destiny without leaving anyone In his speech, the President of the Council behind. Growth means exporting our talents of Ministers laid particular emphasis on the and abilities, improving the position of our need to stimulate change in the country. This enterprises in the markets, opening and should result essentially from the adoption modernising the ways in which we face of important institutional reforms, ensuring problems such as health, welfare, protection stability and commitment of government of the environment. Only be reassessing the action and, above all, lay the foundations for work, by making the country more secure renewed economic growth. and qualified, will we be able to guarantee In a passage from his acceptance speech , President of the Council of Ministers our future.” <> returns to Foreign Ministry oreign Minister Franco Frattini was of several parliamentary commissions before F born on March 14, 1957 in where being appointed Minister for Public in 1979 he received a degree in . In 1986 Administration and Coordination of Information he was appointed Councillor of State. and Security Services. From November 2002 Among his numerous posts Franco Frattini until November 2004 Franco Frattini served as has served as Secretary General of the Foreign Minister in the second Berlusconi Presidency of the Council of Ministers and in government, before being appointed Vice 1995 was nominated Minister for Public President of the Administration and Regional Affairs in the reponsible for Justice, Freedom and Security, government headed by . a post he held until the recent elections. <> From 1996 until 2001 Frattini was a member Foreign Minister Franco Frattini Israel official guest at Turin International Book Fair o honor the 60th and the Minister of Culture combined with the right of the Palestinian people T anniversary of its . to give birth to their own state”. independence Israel was “I am here to identify Around 10,000 copies of Israeli titles were sold invited as the official with the ideals embodied at the fair, with works by Aharan Appelfeld guest country at the in this event, which each topping the list, followed by those of A.B. Turin International year honors and cultivates Yehoshua, Amos Oz, Etgar Keret, Orly Castel- Book Fair. The Fair, cultural values that should Bloom and Meir Shalev. The most sought after Europe's largest and not be disturbed or book was “When the Fish and the (cont. p.6) open to both specialist distracted by political visitors and the general considerations,” said public, is the main event President visiting the Israeli President Napolitano in his in Italy dedicated to pavilion at the Turin International Book Fair speech at the opening books, reading and ceremony. “Israel was culture. Each year the Fair hosts the culture invited to participate as guest of honor because of a different country, its authors and of its rich historical and cultural patrimony and publishers, exhibitions, shows, artists, its contribution to universal human values. No viewpoints and in-depth analysis. dialogue is possible if there is a refusal to The Israeli pavilion was inundated by recognize Israel, and there can be no rejection visitors, the most prominent of which were the of the reasons for [Israel's] birth or of its right President of the Republic Giorgio Napolitano, to exist in peace and security." This was a right, President Giorgio Napolitano with A.B. Yehoshua and the President of the Senate added the President, “that can and must be President of the Region Mercedes Bresso

1 NOTIZIE ITALIANE May 2008 Members of the new Italian government Giorgia De Parolis joins the Embassy

Members of the new Italian government at the swearing-in ceremony at Palazzo Quirinale he political office of the Embassy in Tel Silvio Berlusconi, President of the Council of Ministers T Aviv welcomes a new member of the diplomatic staff, Giorgia De Parolis. Born in Ministers with portfolio Ministers without portfolio Rome in 1978, Giorgia entered the diplomatic service in 2003 and after a period at the Office Foreign Affairs: Franco Frattini Reform: for Italians Abroad and Migratory Policy, she Interior: Simplification: subsequently served in the Directorate for Justice: Implementation: Mediterranean countries and the Middle East, Finance: EC Policy: including relations with Israel. Benvenuta! <> Economic Development: Equal Opportunities: Education: Regional Affairs: Health: Youth Policy: Defence: Relations with Parliament: Agriculture: Innovation: Environment: Edited by: Transport: The Embassy of Italy in Israel Culture: Sandro Bondi (Economic and Commercial Office) Trade Tower, 25 HaMered Street, Tel Aviv 68125 Tel: 03-516.1744 Fax: 03-516.1755 Strengthening ties with www.ambtelaviv.esteri.it [email protected] New Berlusconi Government takes office p.1 n May 18-19 the Israel-Italy between the Lombardy Region and O Chamber of Commerce Israel. Franco Frattini returns to Foreign Ministry p.1 hosted the visit to Israel of a The Israel-Italy Chamber of Israel official guest at Turin Book Fair p.1 multisectorial delegation from Italy. Commerce, in collaboration with the Members of the new Italian Government p.2 The visit was organized in collaboration with Federation of the Israeli Chambers of Commerce Strengthening ties with Lombardy p.2 Promos, the special agency of the and the Israel Export and International Italia Ebraica exhibition catalogue p.2 Chamber of Commerce for international Cooperation Institute, coordinated the meetings Giorgia De Parolis joins the Embassy p.2 activities. between Italian representatives and their Israeli Conference on Leonardo da Vinci p.3 The Italian delegation was composed of counterparts. The visit once again demonstrated representatives from five companies in the that there are countless areas of opportunity for Decorative ceramics seminar p.3 following sectors: ICT, Cosmetics and Training, collaboration between Israel and Italy. Italian stand in Rishon LeZion p.4 and was intended to strengthen economic ties www.italia-israel.com <> European languages on Tel Aviv streets p.4 Israel Opera performs in Rome p.4 Italian-Israeli science and technology forum p.5 Tourism agreement signed p.5 Alfa Romeo 8c on view in Israel p.5 Italia Ebraica exhibition catalogue Israel celebrates Puccini anniversary p.6 Libyan Jews during the Shoah p.6 The Hebrew catalogue of the exhibition Italia Ebraica: 2000 Conductor with ‘soul’ returns to Tel Aviv p.6 years of encounter between Italian culture and , Preparing students for Italian universities p.7 held at the Eretz Israel Museum (Dec. 2007 - Feb. 2008), Events in Israel p.7 is available for purchase at the Museum, at the Italian Summer event at the Nahon Museum p.7 Institute of Culture and at the Sipur Pashut bookstore Events in Italy p.8 p.8 (www.sipurpashut.net), price NIS 180. <> Italian Trade Fair calendar

2 NOTIZIE ITALIANE May 2008 Understanding connections: conference on Leonardo da Vinci n an increasingly Scientific Attaché Prof. Stefano and fascinating “unaccomplished-ness” and I compartmentalized and Boccaletti and the Italian Institute openness of all his work. specialized world, in which the of Culture, directed by Dr. Italian participants were Prof. Carlo Vecce, need for connection and Simonetta Della Seta, as a homage University “L’Orientale” of , Prof. Tito universalism is dramatically felt to the State of Israel for the 60th Arecchi, University of Florence, Prof. and needed, the Embassy of Anniversary of its independence. Francesca Fiorani, University of Virginia, Prof. Italy and the Italian Cultural Between May 12-14 a scholarly Jacopo Mascetti, Bar Ilan University, Prof. Institute of Tel Aviv saw in team, of the highest distinction and Alessandro Nova, Künsthistorisches Institute Leonardo da Vinci - the of heterogeneous composition, of Florence, Prof. Domenico Laurenza, recognized and most convened at Bar Ilan University of Florence, Dr. Fabio Frosini, beloved embodiment of University to present and University of Urbino, and Prof. Giulio Busi, comprehensive, multiple discuss on-going research Free University of Berlin. Among the understanding - the perfect on the thought, method international lecturers, Prof. Lea Dovev, Bar subject for an international and work of this pillar of Ilan University and Bezalel Art Academy of multidisciplinary Italian and universal Jerusalem, and Prof. Hubert Damish, Ecole conference in order to culture, breaking the des hautes Etudes en sciences sociales, Paris. discover, through borders between scientific Italian pianist Maurizio Baglini and cellist investigation of the many and artistic disciplines in Silvia Chiesa concluded the event with a concert fields of Leonardo’s expertise, Self-portrait of Leonardo da Vinci a truly multidisciplinary at the Music Department’s Auditorium in the points of connection and unity among different convention. For three intensive and rewarding presence of the Ambassador De Bernardin. The disciplines in a broader, all-encompassing form days, which were inaugurated by Ambassador program featured works related to Leonardo’s of knowledge. Sandro De Bernardin, experts in art-history, renaissance world by Busoni, Corghi and Britten, The international conference “Leonardo da intellectual history, science, philosophy and The Italian duo appeared again on the Vinci: Knowledge and Transgression in Early literature explored, from differentiated and following day, May 15, at the Felicia Blumental Modernity” was initiated by Bar Ilan University unconventional perspectives, Leonardo’s Music Center, where they were warmly and planned with the Embassy of Italy’s manuscripts, anatomic studies, and the pervasive applauded by a very enthusiastic audience. <> Decorative ceramics seminar Dialogue around the lathe” was the title the Region of , the Municipality of a highly successful seminar on of Sciacca and the National Union of ceramic“ decorative techniques organized and Artisans and SME's (CNA). promoted by the Italian Cultural Institute of Present were Dr. Bruno Magliocco Tel Aviv on April 21-28 at the Art Gallery in of the Sicily Region, CNA Vice Umm El Fahem, the most important Arab city President Daniele Vaccarino and in the Lower Galilee region. Artistic Director Maurizio Troiani. The Art Gallery in Umm El Fahem was Italian artists invited by the IIC included established in 1996 by local artists to bring Giacomo Alessi and Mario Montaudo A selection of items produced by participants at the decorative ceramics modern art to the region and to encourage the (Caltagirone) Gaspare Cascio (Sciacca) seminar development of original Palestinian and Arab and the Sicilian artist Angella Gallaro, art. Over the years the Gallery has become a who were welcomed by the Institute's Dr. The project, enthusiastically supported by meeting point between different peoples and Teresa Lorenzi. a mixed Arab/Jewish group of approximately cultures, which made it an ideal venue for the Present at the gala ceremony on April 24 50 Israeli artisans, chosen carefully on the basis week long were Ambassador of talent, experience and willingness to seminar that Sandro De contribute to dialogue, was applauded by the attracted Arab, Bernardin, Israeli Ministry of Culture and strongly Christian and Simonetta Della supported by Amitei Italia, the association of Jewish ceramicists Seta, Gallery Israeli ex alumni affiliated with the Embassy. who were Director Said Abu Among those participating were well known instructed by four Shakera, Bruno artists such as Manal Marcus, Magdalena Hefez, leading Italian Magliocco of the Muhammad Kalash, Rami Saadi e Lea ceramic artists. Sicily Region, Krugman, as well as a large contingent of local The initiative, Daniele Vaccarino enthusiasts and students during open day. strongly and Maurizio As a result of the initiative a similar seminar supported by the Ambassador Sandro De Bernardin with Said Abu Shakera (standing, Troiani of the will be held in Italy under the auspices of the Embassy of Italy, 4th right), Director of the Umm El Fahm Art Gallery, Simonetta CNA, leading CNA, as well as a second edition of the event was organized and Della Seta (1st left) and members of the Italian delegation representatives from next year in Israel. An exhibition of works by prepared over the course of a year by the local authorities as well as the four Italian artists artists participating in the seminar will be held Director of the Italian Institute of Culture invited to lead the seminar, Giacomo Alessi, in the autumn accompanied by a catalogue in Simonetta Della Seta, under the patronage of Mario Montaudo, Gaspare Cascio and Hebrew, Arabic and Italian. <> the Department of Education and Culture of Angela Gallaro.

3 NOTIZIE ITALIANE May 2008 Italian stand at 'European Piazza' in Rishon LeZion n May 12 the Municipality of Rishon Bernardin and Simonetta Della Seta, Director Lorenzi of O LeZion organized a European Day to of the Italian Institute of Culture. the Italian celebrate relations between Europe and Israel The students participated actively in the Cultural on the occasion of Israel’s 60th anniversary. program outlined by the Rishon LeZion Institute to The day, under the sponsorship of Slovenia, Municipality and the EC, including a parade, assist the the current President of the concerts and the mounting students in Ambassador Sandro De Bernardin with EC, opened in the presence of stands representing setting up FM at the Italian Stand of Ambassadors and European countries. the stand with relevant material. The stand, aside representatives of the Preparation for the event from supplying printed material on different European diplomatic corps, started months previously, regions of Italy as well as on the country’s artistic Foreign Minister Tzipi when a list from the Rishon achievements, was constructed in the form of a Livni, Education Minister LeZion Munipality arrived plastic gondola in the front, with inscriptions in Yuli Tamir, the Mayor of pairing classes from each Italian and Hebrew written in Italy’s national Rishon LeZion Meir Nitzan, At the Italian stand with Ambassador Sandro school with a European colors in the rear. educational and youth De Bernardin, Simonetta Della Seta and the country as the object of The highlight of the fun occured at the end councillors from Rishon girls of the Makif Bet school. study. Italy was assigned to when participants flocked to the Italian stand, LeZion as well as students from numerous public a class of 13 year old girls from the Makif Bet attracted by the aroma of freshly baked pizzas and private schools in the city. Italy was religious school. Preparatory meetings took place distributed by the students of the Makif Bet represented by Ambassador Sandro De between members of the school and Dr. Teresa school. <> European languages in the streets of Tel Aviv mong the numerous fixtures scheduled oriented towards the adoption of American A by European institutions in celebration cultural values, has shown an increased of Israel’s 60th anniversary was an open-bus preference for European models. The tendency event, organized by the Italian Cultural is clear: as Israeli schools over the past few years Institute, the Goethe-Institut, the l’Institut intensify their requests for exchange programs Français and the Instituto Cervantes, featuring with European educational institutions in places a bus decorated with welcoming signs in four such as Florence, Paris, Prague and Athens, The European open bus attracted much curiosity during languages which criss-crossed the city of Tel larger numbers of Israeli students are opting for its Independence Day tour of Tel Aviv Aviv for the entire course of Friday May 9. study in European rather than US universities. The initiative, offered as a homage to Israel Today an annual average of 600 Israeli students travel through Europe. by Italy, Germany, France and Spain, was choose to study in Italy alone, an increase over The open bus, decorated with colorful intended to celebrate the European roots of previous years, as more and more families welcoming signs and playing music in four Israel’s cultural heritage and to accomodate the organize trips to Europe to rediscover their roots. languages, stopped at various points in the city, expansion of interest demonstrated by Israelis The latest fashion for newly demobilized Israeli arousing the curiosity of many residents who for a deeper knowledge of European languages soldiers is no longer for prolonged trips to India were able to briefly sample the flavor and sounds and culture. A new tendency in Israel, for years or South America but a rail trip for extended of European language and culture. <> The Israeli Opera performs in Rome n celebration of Israel’s 60th anniversary Frattini and Sandro Bondi, Chief I on May 8 the Opera of Rome hosted the of the Prime Minister's Office Israel Opera’s production of “Voyage to the Gianni Letta, Lazio Region end of the Millenium”, with music by Joseph President Piero Marrazzo, the Israeli Opera and author A.B. Yehoshua to Bardanashvili based on a libretto by A.B. leader , Israel’s Ambassador to Rome. Yehoshua. The Rome Gideon Meir, The libretto, adapted by the author from the production was the as well as members of novel of the same name, takes place at the end first time this opera Italy’s Jewish of the first millennium and recounts the story has been seen outside communities, Renzo of Ben-Attar, a rich Jewish merchant from of Israel. Gattegna, President Tangier, and his young nephew Abulafia. The Attending the sold of the Union of Italian music was composed by Joseph Bardanashvili, out event were the Jewish Communities a musician from Georgia who immigrated to President of the (UCEI), Riccardo Israel in 1995, whose music features a unique Republic Giorgio Pacifici, President of synthesis of classical and avant-garde western Napolitano, who was Rome's Jewish influences with the traditions of the music of welcomed by Rome’s community and Chief central Asia and of the Jewish synagogues. new Mayor Giovanni Rabbi of Rome Directing the Rishon LeZion Symphony Alemanno, President Riccardo Di Segni. Orchestra was Asher Fisch, who this year also of the Chamber , former Simonetta Della Seta, Director of the Italian conducted Parsifal at the San Carlo Theater in President , Ministers Franco Institute of Culture of Tel Aviv, accompanied Naples. <>

4 NOTIZIE ITALIANE May 2008 First Italian-Israeli Science and Technology Forum he 60th anniversary Tourism agreement T of the establishment of the State of Israel is also signed the 60th anniversary of Italian-Israeli diplomatic relations. The Embassy of Italy, among other celebrations, organized a special conference highlighting scientific and technology collaboration between the two countries. The first Italian-Israeli Scientific and Lombardy Region Health Minister Luciano Bresciani Technology Forum was held in Tel Aviv on April (seated, 2nd right) at the Italian-Israeli Science and 28-30 and included the participation of a group Technology Forum of over 40 Italian experts, the largest contingent Piazza Garibaldi in Rovigo ever to visit Israel within the framework of the University Rectors (Prof. Patrizio Bianchi). Memorandum of Understanding on Agreement on Scientific, Industrial and The first day of the Forum concluded with A commercial tourism was signed on Technological cooperation. Among those a reception at the residence of First Councillor May 15 between Interporto, a multi-mode attending were representatives of Italy’s major Davide La Cecilia at which Israeli Health junction located in the Veneto Region of industrial and scientific enterprises including Minister Yakov Ben Izri was also present. Italy integrating road, train and maritime the Ministry of Education, ENEA, CNR, and The following days included around 80 connections, and Aviation Link, an Israeli rectors and experts from over 15 universities presentations by members of both delegations, tour operator. The MOU was signed in the and research centers. among which were those given by presence of the Mayor of Rovigo Fausto The occasion provided an Lombardy Region Health Director Merchiori. opportunity to review the state of Luciano Bresciani, Prof. Massimo The intiative scientific cooperation between Italy Inguscio, an international expert on was promoted and Israel, particularly in medicine, the condensation of atoms, Prof. jointly by the nanotechnology, environmental Massimiliano Fabbricino of the 'Rovigo Tourist science, technology transfer and University of Naples on water City' Consortium, engineering, and to discuss ways of treatment techniques and Prof. by Agenfor Italia further developing these ties. Two Giuseppe Rega of La Sapienza and EuroIsrael to MOU’s were signed during the three University of Rome on prospects develop tourism in day conference: the first on the joint and systems in structural Rovigo and the area establishment of a nanophotonic engineering. from Mantua to laboratory between LENS of Israeli presentations of note Venice along the Florence and the Weizmann Institute included those by Dr. Amitai Ziv, River Po and the Via X Luglio in Rovigo in Rehovot, and the second between Director of Israel’s National Center White Canal. The Consortium has allocated the College of Nurses in Bergamo for the Simulation of Medical resources for the encouragement of tourism and Tel Aviv’s Tel Hashomer Emergencies, Prof. Nir Davidson to and from the Veneto Region and the Middle hospital for the organization of of the Weizmann Institute of East, with Israel as the first market in this courses in emergency medical training. Science, and Professors Sam Saguy, Yona Chen plan. Israeli tourism to Italy numbers around Significant in this regard were the meetings and Jaap van Rijn of the Hebrew University 40,000 visitors annually, with Aviation Link’s between the two representatives of the Israeli on new agricultural technologies and Dr. Rifaat 108 flights accounting for around 40% of this Ministry of Industry (Dr. Mina Goldiak and Sadadi on new techniques and research in volume. Dr. Ilana Lowi) and their Italian counterpart epathology. Italy’s honorary consul for northern Israel, (Prof. Francesco Beltrame), with The participation of over 200 delegates at Dr. Carlo Gross, accompanied the Israelis representatives of ENEA (Prof. Piero di Porto) the conference testifies to the extraodinary on their tour. CNR (Dr. Giancarlo Righini), and the success of the event in Israeli scientific and www.rovigoturismo.it <> representative of the Conference of Italian industrial circles. <> Alfa Romeo 8c on view in Israel festive presentation Romeo to Israel, A of Italian design presented the and quality embodied in exclusive and Alfa Romeo’s new 8c beautiful Alfa 8c only to were Miki Competizione was hosted its clientele and the media, Haimovitch from Channel 10, Danni by Ambassador Sandro who examined the car Kushmaro of Channel 2, celebrated chefs, De Bernardin in the with great interest, some actors, athletes, and business people. The garden of the Italian from the driver’s seat outstanding car, an emblem of beauty, speed and Residence. enjoying the unmistakably safety, costs several hundred thousand euros, MCA (Mediterranean distinctive sounds of the and will not be imported into Israel. It arrived Ambassador Sandro De Bernardin examines the Car Agency Ltd.), the Alfa 8c with Doron Vadai (CEO, MCA) and Oren Alfa’s powerful Maserati especially for the Auto Motor event that takes importer of Fiat and Alfa Hasson engine. Among the guests place every Passover in Tel Aviv. <>

5 May 2008 ItalianItalian NOTIZIE ITALIANE CulturalCultural InstituteInstitute Tel.Tel. 03-516136103-5161361 Israel celebrates Puccini’s 150th anniversary Libyan Jews during or its endeavor and dedication to the Branchini was making F promotion and diffusion of Puccini’s her company debut the Shoah work among the widest audiences, including singing Liu. the very youngest, the Israeli Opera has this Madama Butterfly n audience of around 400 people year been awarded the International Puccini followed for 10 A attended the presentation of Eric Prize, granted by the Puccini Festival performances Salerno’s book “Uccideteli tutti. Libia Foundation and the Italian Ministry of between April 9-22. 1943: gli ebrei nel campo di Foreign Affairs, to institutions, performers Next season will concentramento fascista di Giado. Una and personalities which have distinguished feature a revival of storia italiana”, which took place at the themselves in promoting the music of the great the classic Diaspora Museum on April 27 . The event Italian composer. Franco was organized by the World Organization Turandot, Madama Butterfly, La Bohème Zeffirelli of Libyan Jews of Or Yehuda in and Tosca were staged at the Israeli Opera to production of collaboration with the Italian Cultural celebrate the 150th anniversary of the La Bohème, Institute. composer’s birth. first presented by the company a decade ago, Turandot, directed by Marco Gandini, went as well as a revival of the cinematic Hugo de on stage for 12 performances at the Opera Ana production created for the Israeli Opera House in Tel Aviv on March 7-22. In the role about eight years ago, with live shooting from of Calaf was Italian tenor Pierro Giuliacci, the actual Roman locales interspersed within well known to Israeli Opera audiences for his the sets. Michaela Carosi, Pierro Giuliacci performances in Il Trovatore and Un Ballo in and Alberto Mastromarino/Silvano Carolli Maschera, whereas soprano Susanna will perform the three leading roles. <>

Conductor with “soul” returns to Tel Aviv Author Eric Salerno (left) with Simonetta Della Seta at the Diaspora Museum n celebration of Israel's 60th I anniversary Riccardo Muti conducted the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra in a The book, an important historical Beethoven program on May 22. The following document for Jews of Libyan origin living article by Hanoch Ron was published in Yediot in Israel, was presented by Liliana Acharonot on May 18. Picciotto, one of Italy’s most noted historians of the Holocaust, Irit Abramski Riccardo Muti is not just another gifted of Yad Vashem and Prof. Rachel Simon of conductor” but one of the five most talented the Hebrew University, and recounts the directors of an orchestra alive today. relatively unknown and tragic history of When Muti conducts the orchestra sings that persecuted community during the and his musicians touch the depths of human Shoah. feeling. The amazing Mr. Muti, born in 1941, “For many years the world believed that impregnates his music with the sounds and of conductor steeped in the grand tradition of the Shoah affected only European Jews,” sunshine of his native Neapolitan origins. music, from the Baroque to our age. When he explained Prof. Abramski, “but recent Riccardo Muti studied composition with conducts, the extraordinary creativeness research has revealed that many different Nino Rota, famous as Fellini’s musical emanating from his hands becomes almost North African and Mediterranean Jewish collaborator, who quickly recognized the young palpable. communities, such as the ones in Greece Muti’s talent and encouraged him to enter the Not many people are aware that over the and Libya, suffered the same brutal fate as Guido Cantelli conducting competition in 1967, years Muti has been a strong supporter of the their European brothers.” where he was unanimously awarded first prize Weizmann Institute, while two years ago he “The relatively unknown story of by the jury. Since then the rise in his career has organized a special concert for peace at La Libya’s Jews during the Holocaust is an been meteoric, with engagements at the helm Scala, where he performed with pianists Itamar emotional chapter in the history of that of the world’s leading musical institutions such Golan from Israel and Palestinian Salim Abud community”, said Yaacov Haggiag Liuf, as the Philharmonia Orchestra of London, the Ashkar. In 2000 was awarded the prestigious President of the World Organization of Philadelphia Orchestra and the Orchestra of La Wolf Prize. Riccardo Muti also supports Libyan Jews, referring to the book and to Scala, Milan. Just this month Riccardo Muti research in melotherapy, a science that uses personal testimonies recounted during the was appointed principal conductor of the music to treat disabilities in children. Muti is evening by survivors and relatives of Libyan world’s best orchestra, the Chicago Symphony. a conductor with soul. You don’t find many of Jews who were deported to the Giado and He deserves it. Muti belongs to that rare species his kind today. <> Auschwitz concentration camps during the ” war. The evening was moderated by Simonetta Della Seta, Director of the Israel official guest at Turin International Book Fair Italian Cultural Institute, and Jack Arbib, (cont. from p. 1) a member of the Or Yehuda community, Shark First Met", based on a tale written by kidnapped IDF soldier Gilad Shalit. and included the presence of Avi Dichter, The book fair is a huge event that annually attracts more than 300,000 visitors. More than 1,400 Israel’s Minister of Internal Security, who publishers were represented this year, and the overall program included more than 2,000 speakers is also of Libyan origin. <> at nearly 1,000 conferences, debates and other events. <>

6 NOTIZIE ITALIANE May 2008

Italian Cultural Institute Tel. 03-5161361 Events in Israel Preparing students for Accordone at the Israel Festival Mount Etna; a panoramic view of the bay of June 7, Jerusalem Haifa from Stella Maris and the story of the Italian universities retrieval of the Italian submarine Shiré; and a wo intensive courses, known in Hebrew tour of Haifa’s Maritime Museum. T as Mechiná, initiated by the Italian Institute of Culture to prepare students for Why gold and diamonds? entry into science faculties at Italian June 19, Ramat Gan universities, have opened in Haifa and Tel Conference on future Aviv. trends and ethical questions in jewelry design organized by Accordone, an Italian musical ensemble directed the Italian Cultural by two major exponents of Renaissance and Institute in Baroque music, Marco Beasely (voice) and collaboration with the Guido Morini (organ, harpsichord), in Via Shenkar College of Toledo, a program of traditional Sicilian folk Engineering and music. Also participating are Pino De Vittorio Design in celebration of Israel’s 60th anniversary (voice and guitar), Stefano Rocco (lute, baroque and 60 years of Italian Israeli relations. guitar), Fabio Accurso (lute), Franco Pavan The event will focus on Italy’s contribution to (theorbo) and Mauro Durante (tamburine). design, particularly in jewelry and diamonds, Friends of the Italian Institute of Culture are entitled and serve as an occasion for Israeli professional Courtyard at the to a 20% discount. jewelry designers to meet their Italian Preliminary pilot courses opened in 2005 Tel: 02-6237000 counterparts. with 14 students, a number that increased to The conference will examine questions of mutual 25 participants the following year and 43 in Paintings by Mario Doretti and Ilana interest and highlight opportunities for 2007. The course, divided into artistic and Ofer Doretti cooperation on subjects such as ethics, June 12, Tel Aviv scientific sections, has also seen a progressive intellectual property rights, original designs and increase in the number of enrolled students. Mario Doretti, born in Rome, is an architect, replicas, the use of synthetic materials in jewelry As in the past, this year’s program consists painter and art historian. Ilana Ofer Doretti, born and the relationship of 240 hours of study: 50 hours for each one in Jerusalem, is a ceramic artist and painter who between jewelry and of four scientific subjects (mathematics, studied at the Bezalel Academy of Art and at fashion. Italians physics, chemistry and biology) and 40 hours the Accademia di Ceramica in Faenza. Since participating in the of Italian language studies. The course in Tel 2000 the couple have signed their works ILMAR, event include Prof. Aviv also includes general culture, art and referring to their four handed compositions. Alba Cappellieri, architecture. The university level courses, design historian and given by native speakers with doctorates in Guided Tour critic of the Politecnico di June 13, departure at 08.00 their fields of research, are intended for Milano, Alba Polenghi Lisca, students who have already completed a With marine archeologist Ehud Galili, Israel jewelry artist, Mario Maioli, architect and minimum of 360 hours of Italian language Antiquities Authority. A visit to the neolithic designer for Gruppo FIAT, Carlo Montebello, studies. This year’s programs started on May village of Atlit, believed to have been detroyed goldsmith, and Dr. Ciro Cacchione, founder and 11 in Tel Aviv and on May 18 in Haifa and by a Tsunami resulting from an eruption at president of San Lorenzo, Milan.<> run for a total of 10 weeks. <>

Summer at the Museum of Italian Jewish Art June - July 2008 Antique synagogue ark curtain Concert: O “Solo” Mio Hillel St. The activity lasts about two hours, The oldest synagogue July 4, at 11am tickets NIS 25. ark curtain (parokhet) in An intimate concert in intimate surroundings: the world, from the year three virtuosi evoke the purest sounds of their Italian Art and Pasta Festival 1572, is on display at the instruments in the enchanting frescoed room of August 12-14 Museum. The parokhet the Museum’s baroque Conegliano Veneto Traditional Italian was donated to the synagogue. The concert features works by Berio, Art and Pasta Museum by the Tedeschi family about ten years Messiaen, Penderecki, Bach and Ligeti. Festival, held in ago, in conditions of almost total disintegration. Info: [email protected] the picturesque After extensive restoration work, research museum piazza revealed embroidered Hebrew inscriptions on Italian Experience on Hillel Street on 27 Hillel Sreet, the parokhet, including its date of dedication, Thursdays, from July 17 from 6pm to Shavuoth 5332, which translates to the year 1572! Activities for parents and children including 11pm! Come and No other parokhet has ever been found with an guided visit, preparation of REAL Italian pizza enjoy a festival of art, music, theatre and cuisine older verifiable date of manufacture. and play in the Museum and on the redeveloped for the whole family! Entrance free. <>

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

7 NOTIZIE ITALIANE May 2008

Events in Italy Renoir Tradition and Innovation Bruggen, chamber music concerts dedicated to and multimedia will facilitate comprehension Until June 29, Rome Messiaen and Ravel, and an evening of male of optical and astronomical principles. Exhibition of dance including Savion Glover and others. The www.imss.fi.it approximately festival closes with a concert by the London 130 works by Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Daniel Pinocchio Park the great Harding. Open all year, Collodi Impressionist www.festivaldispoleto.it Collodi Park, artist Pierre- entirely Auguste Renoir, Puccini Celebrations dedicated to of paintings Until December, Lucca the little inspired by a trip he took to Italy in 1881/82, An international event of resonance to celebrate wooden an experience that redefined the artists’ style. 150 years since the birth of one of the best puppet, www.roma-o-matic.com known composers in the world. A calendar rich includes a in events, concerts, conferences, and shows that workshop as well as shows, exhibits and Ravenna Festival runs until the end of the year. entertainment. Picnic areas are available June 13 - July 19, Ravenna www.puccini2008.it throughout the park, which centers around the The 19th edition of Italian Pinocchio imagery and not the Disney the Festival is Francis Bacon version of the character. A fun and pleasant way centered on women Ends June 29, Milan to spend a few hours in the peaceful Tuscan figures in myth and Palazzo Reale countryside. art. The feminine theme of the Festival will give accommodates www.pinocchio.it new life to a series of exceptional women, either sixty works of famous or less renowned: from Rosvita, a one of the most Chianti Sculpture Park "playwriting" nun of year 1000, to Anita well known of Open all Year, Pievasciata Garibaldi, and Juliette Greco. The program also contemporary Parco Sculture del Chianti includes jazz, cinema, painting and musicals. English artists, in is the first Italian park www.ravennafestival.it a full overview of situated in a natural wood his artistic career. totally devoted to Florence Opera Festival The masterpieces international contemporary June 13 – August 3, Florence of Bacon, rich of sculpture. From April to The Opera Festival’s rich calendar includes both tension, October always open from classic and modern operas performed at four witnesses of an inner drama of the sense of life, 10 a.m. to sunset except prestigious and famous locations in . are intense and exciting, allusive and symbolic Mondays. This year the melodrama also embraces and powerfully express the individual feelings www.chiantisculpturepark.it musicals, with the original production of ‘Cats’. and discomforts of modern man. www.festivalopera.it www.francisbacon.it Teatro alla Scala, Milan June 2008 Festival of the Two Worlds Galileo’s Telescope 3, 5, 7, 9, 12, 17, 20, 23, 25, 27 June 27 – July 13, Spoleto Ends December, Florence Verdi, La Traviata, The festival opens with the Exhibition on Galileo’s Conductor: Carlo Montanaro rarely performed opera telescope and the "Padmavati" by Albert observations he made with 16, 19, 21, 21, 24, 26, 28, 30 Roussel. Included in the it. The displays will consist Prokof'ev, The Gambler, program are several French of rare and precious Conductor: Daniel Barenboim plays, a ‘Threepenny Opera’ instruments (among them July 2008 directed by Robert Wilson, the only two existing 7, 9, 11, 12, 14, 15, 17, 19, 21, 22, 23 world music ensembles, a telescopes by Galileo), Puccini, La Bohème, performance by the Orchestra manuscripts and ancient Conductor: Gustavo Dudamel of the 18th Century conducted by Frans books. Interactive exhibits www.teatroallascala.org <>

Italian Trade Fair Calendar June – July, 2008 IL SENSO DEL LUSSO International trade fair PITTI IMMAGINE UOMO Bridal and ceremonial clothes 5 - 8 June, Parma www.mostradoltremare.it 18 - 21 June, Florence www.sposaitalia.com Luxury goods Menswear www.fiereparma.it MILANOCHECKUP www.pittimmagine.com PITTI IMMAGINE BIMBO 11 -14 June, Milan 27 - 29 June, Florence FIERA D'ESTATE Medical Science Expo MILANO MODA UOMO Children's wear 7 - 15 June, Trieste www.fieramilanotech.it 22 - 27, June, Milan www.pittimmagine.com Handicrafts and Tourism Menswear www.fiera.trieste.it EXPO RIVA SHUH www.cameramoda.it PITTI IMMAGINE FILATI 14 - 17 June, Riva del Garda 2 - 4 July, Florence CAMPIONARIA D'OLTREMARE Footwear and components SPOSAITALIA COLLEZIONI Yarns, fibres and knitted fabrics 13 - 22 June, Naples www.exporivaschuh.it 27 - 30 June, Milan www.pittimmagine.com

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