July / August 2019 • Volume 14 • Issue 4 • Sivan / Tammuz / Av 5779 by Jewish Times Asia Limited

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July / August 2019 • Volume 14 • Issue 4 • Sivan / Tammuz / Av 5779

CHINESE STUDENTS DEEMED ISRAEL’S GREATEST POTENTIAL AMBASSADORS

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IN THIS ISSUE Regional News Japanese Military Chief 3-8

visits Israel Nechama Rivlin, wife of Israel’s president, dies at 73

Business News

er education exhibition in Israel.

Shiji Group acquires Tel-Aviv

Another stre ngt hening demonstration of closer academic ties between China and Israel, dozens of Chinese students recently marked the end of the largest-ever extracurricular academic trip to Israel.

Academic symbioticism between China and Israel has flourished in recent years, generating joint research programmes, student and faculty exchanges, and cooperative initiatives.

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The programme, intended for students from China, is run by non-profit organisation Im Tirtzu (IMTI). They work to nurture the values of Zionism, encouraging sentiment of Israel as a Jewish and democratic state. IMTI are regarded as one of the country’s largest, most influential grassroots Zionist organisations. It consists of tours and lectures in Chinese and English, the aims of which being to help the visiting students become “ambassadors for Israel” upon their return to China.

Im Tirtzu volunteers

Im Tirtzu

By Staff Writer and Agencies

Chinese students take a tour of Mount Kabir in Samaria in June as part of a programme run by Im Tirtzu

Now finishing its second year at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem, the programme has already brought dozens of Chinese students around the country to places like Hebron, Jerusalem, Sderot, Samaria, Gush Etzion, and the Negev Desert.

it firsthand,” said Trachtman. “The students especially want to visit Judea, Samaria, and the Gaza periphery, which are integral parts of the Land of Israel that, if not for our programme, they would not have had the opportunity to see.”

According to IMTI, ensuring that these students learn the truth about Israel, and can effectively advocate on behalf of the country whilst in China, is invaluable to it.

“These students are turning into some of Israel’s best ambassadors in one of the largest, most influential countries in the world,” added Trachtman. IMTI has 20 campus branches and around 6000 volunteer activists.

Dov Trachtman, who oversees the project for IMTI, said that more and more Chinese students are requesting to join the programme. “The students have a tremendous desire to learn more about Israel and see

Somewhat in tandem, a seminar on the topic of strengthening higher education ties between China and Israel was held in May in the Hebrew University in Jerusalem. This was the first time China has held a high-

India votes with Israel at UN against group with ties to terror For the first time ever, India voted with Israel at the United Nations against granting observer status to a Palestinian human-rights organisation named Shahed. As reported by JNS, the motion in June at the UN Economic and Social Council was rejected by a 28-14 tally. “This is a good sign. […]

India was the first country to support us amongst the Asia group,” said Maya Kadosh, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Israel Embassy in India. According to Kadosh Shahed is connected to the terrorist groups Hezbollah and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad. “This is a truly historic vote. By taking a principled stand at

the United Nations, India has finally broken a voting pattern reminiscent of the Cold War era,” Vijeta Uniyal, founder of Indians for Israel, told JNS. “In my opinion, the position taken today by Prime Minister [Narendra] Modi’s government finally reflects the long-held wishes and attitudes of the Indian people.”

In 2018, more than 1,000 Chinese students were enrolled in at least ten universities and colleges in Israel, and about 500 Israeli students studied in China. These numbers have increased the vitality of the relations between China and Israel, according to Dai Yuming, Minister-Counselor with the Chinese Embassy in Israel.

Art • Culture • Music Filipino community celebrate Labour Day and Flores de Mayo

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Jewish communities in Asia Candle-lighting and the month’s Parshas

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Jewish Times Asia July / August 2019

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Japanese Military Chief visits Israel

More tourism agreements between Israel and China

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At the Israel Defense Forces (IDF ) headquarters in Tel-Aviv, Yamazaki was hosted by his Israeli counterpart, Lt. Gen. Aviv Kochavi.

General Kōji Yamazaki meeting Lt. Gen. Aviv Kochavi at the IDF headquarters

The two discussed the regional security situation and the “potential to further partnership between their militaries,” the IDF said.

While in Israel, Yamazaki also met with the commanders of the Air Force and Navy, among other top IDF officers. This marked the first visit to

IDF

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Israel’s Ministry of Tourism signed an agreement in May with China’s online travel operator Ctrip to strengthen their tourism presence in the Chinese market.

The Chief of Staff of the Japanese Self-Defense Forces, General Kōji Yamazaki, visited Israel on 21 June during a multi-nation Middle East swing.

Israel by the Head of Japan’s military since the countries established diplomatic relations in the 1950s.

Istanbul’s new airport to house two Synagogues Turkey’s new international airport, which will eventually be the world’s largest after construction of all terminals completed, has two dedicated Jewish prayer rooms for both Ashkenazi and Sephardic communities, initiated by Turkish Airlines. The new airport officially opened in April 2019. The prayer rooms are situated in the airport’s regular and business class lounges. The city’s old Istanbul Atatürk Airport, located on the eastern side of the city, did not have a dedicated Jewish prayer room. The new airport is the

Tel-Aviv and Istanbul. “There are more Turkish Airlines flights from Tel-Aviv to Istanbul then from Istanbul to London,” said Rabbi Mendy Chitrik, the Chabad emissary and Ashkenazi rabbi of Turkey. “They supply between 600 and 5,000 Kosher meals daily, certified by the Rabbinate of Turkey, under my supervision.” Istanbul Airport prayer room

global hub for Turkish Airlines, the world’s largest passenger carrier. It conducts flights to 122 countries, including ten daily flights between

“It is heartwarming that even in Istanbul, every Jew can lay tefillin and pray. The Turkish government does not interfere. Synagogues have been functioning in Istanbul for over 1,000 years,” added Rabbi Chitrik.

More cooperation will be carried out between the two sides, mainly in terms of itineraries, data collection, and marketing to attract Chinese travellers. Some 55,000 Chinese visited Israel during the first four months of 2019, marking a 70% increase year on year, according to the data released by the Ministry of Tourism of Israel. This is a promising start; in 2018, 105,000 Chinese tourists visited Israel, which was over a 100% increase from 2015. Israel has launched a series of measures to promote tourism in China, including developing travel products with diversified themes, increasing direct flights between the two countries, and providing more convenient visa policies. Israel has also upgraded Chinese cuisine in local restaurants and hotels, setting up Chinese signs in its main sites and resorts, providing Chinese-language maps and trained Chinesespeaking guides.

Russia unveils first Holocaust monument in Moscow Russian President Vladimir Putin attended the unveiling of a memorial on 4 June at Moscow’s Jewish Museum and Tolerance Center.

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The monument, depicting hands pulling open a door’s shutters, commemorates Jewish resistance fighters. “Although about half of the victims of the Holocaust were citizens of our country, Moscow had no separate monument for the genocide,” Herman Zakharyayev, the president of the STMEGI association of Mountain Jews, told the Moskvich magazine.

From left: Victor Vekselberg, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Rabbi Berel Lazar attending the unveiling memorial ceremony

“Moscow did have busts for saviors of Jews during the

“But it had no prominent monument to match those of

Holocaust and a plaque for the Jewish Anti-Fascist Committee,” he acknowledged.

Berlin, Warsaw or Budapest.” Putin called the Holocaust one of the “greatest tragedies” and “most extraordinary chapters in history,” during the

unveiling ceremony. Putin, flanked by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, had attended the laying of the monument’s foundation stone last year. Viktor Vekselberg, chairman of the museum’s Board of Trustees, funded the monument’s construction, which cost about US$276,000. His father’s entire family was imprisoned in a ghetto near his hometown Drohobych, in what is now Ukraine. “Only my father managed to survive because he had fled earlier to join the militia,” added Vekselberg, who called the monument’s completion a “symbolic watershed” moment and milestone.

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Shinzo Abe to receive American Jewish Committee’s prestigious ‘Light Unto Nations Award‘ “Japan is a democratic powerhouse in Asia, an essential ally and partner of the US, a close friend of Israel, and an anchor of stability in a vital part of the world,” Stone added.

The statement was issued during the AJC Global Forum which took place from 2-4 June in Washington, D.C. It is AJC’s highest honour, typically bestowed upon world leaders who exhibit leadership, courage, and principle.

AJC, a leading global Jewish advocacy organisation, has uniquely engaged Japan over the past 30 years through its pioneering Asia Pacific Institute (API). Meetings with Prime Minister Abe have occurred regularly during the annual API delegations’ visits to Japan since he assumed office in 2012.

“Steadfast defense of democratic values, and an unwavering commitment to friendship with the United States and Israel, are hallmarks of your leadership and [are] models for other nations to emulate,” said AJC’s Asia Pacific Institute Chair, Jeffrey E. Stone. The AJC award will be presented to Abe later this year.

Kiyoto Tsuji, Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs, briefly addressed the AJC Global Forum. “I would like to express my deep appreciation on the bestowal of the ‘Light Unto the Nations Award’ from AJC to Japan’s Prime Minister Abe. I take the award as a sign of acknowledgement of the

Australia becomes a full member of IHRA The World Jewish Congress (WJC) has welcomed Australia’s ascension to becoming a full member of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA), which was approved at the organisation’s plenary meeting in Mondorf-les-Bains, Luxembourg, in June. In a letter to Australia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Marise Payne, WJC CEO and Executive Vice President Robert Singer wrote that “Australia sets a worthy example for the entire world, and acts in line with its long and inspiring tradition of religious tolerance and respect.” “IHRA identifies the most pressing post-Holocaust issues across the globe, casting a spotlight upon them for the benefit of experts and policy makers, and promotes practicable actions to address them. The devotion of the government of Australia to this important topic will strongly contribute to the mission of IHRA to counter Holocaust distortion and ad-

Marise Payne

dress contemporary antisemitism,” Singer wrote. “The Australian government and the WJC’s local affiliate, the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, (ECAJ) have jointly established a close cooperation that proactively addresses antisemitic tendencies and counters Holocaust distortion. Together, we are committed to preserving Holocaust legacy and fighting antisemitism anywhere and everywhere. The World Jewish Congress stands ready to further assist in any way possible to protect and secure our Jewish community,” Singer concluded. Since its establishment, the ECAJ has aimed to be an effective advocate for Australian Jewry with the priorities of relief and rescue of persecuted Jews, combating antisemitism, and campaigning on behalf of the Jewish homeland remaining at the top of its agenda.

Robert Singer

Australia has now become the 33rd member state of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance.

people,” said Abe in a message read by Kentaro Sonoura, Japan’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs. “Our exchanges with the Jewish community in the United States form an important tie supporting the Japan-U.S. alliance.”

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American Jewish Committee (AJC) announced in June that it will honour Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe with its ‘Light unto the Nations Award’.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzō Abe meeting with Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Israel last year

leadership that he has shown for many years in promoting the partnership between Japan and the Jewish community, including Israel.”

lations with the US and the American Jewish community in a strong message of support delivered to the 2017 AJC Global Forum.

Two years ago, Abe spoke about his country’s robust re-

“Japan attaches great importance to ties with the Jewish

In recent years, the JapanIsrael relationship has expanded greatly, with trade growing by more than 25% in the past two years. The Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs publicly credited AJC for the “patient diplomacy” that led to Japan’s reversal of its position and to cease complying with the Arab boycott against Israel during the 1990s. The AJC Global Forum is the advocacy organisation’s signature annual event, bringing together nearly 2,500 civic, political, and Jewish leaders from across the US and 50 countries around the world.

Jewish Times Asia July / August 2019

Regional News

First ever Israel-Hong Kong Women’s Forum held Five outstanding Israeli women, each an expert in her own field, came to Hong Kong to engage in discussions with their counterparts at a halfday forum titled: “IsraelHong Kong Women-toWomen Bridge” on 31 May.

portunities in the technology industry, and their role in Israel’s economy.

The forum coincided with the 71st Independence Day of the State of Israel, and according to Israel’s Consulate in Hong Kong, it was the largest, most important event to be held by them this year.

The Israeli entrepreneurs and business leaders who attended include: Esther Barak Landes, a veteran high-tech dealmaker of start ups and President of ProWomen; Yali Harari,

The event was co-organised by the Asia Society Hong Kong Centre, and featured panel discussions on three topics: innovation and technology, medical sciences, and finance and economy. It served as a unique platform to connect entrepreneurial women in Israel and Hong Kong, tasked with a duty to inspire, empower, and celebrate their achievements whilst building networks and enhancing international relations. Israel’s Consul General to Hong Kong, Ahuva Spieler, mentioned that she had been

They also spoke to teachers and students at universities on STEM development and gender issues.

From left: Alice Mong, Executive Director of the Asia Society Hong Kong Centre, Carrie Lam, Chief Executive of HKSAR, and Ahuva Spieier, Consul General of Israel to Hong Kong

dreaming of this forum since her arrival in the city two years ago as the first woman Consul General of Israel to Hong Kong. This was coincidentally the same year in which Chief Executive Carrie Lam was sworn in as the first female to hold such a title in Hong Kong. In her keynote address, the Chief Executive agreed with Consul General Spieler that Israeli and Hong Kong societies are “Blessed with strong, determined, brilliantly accomplished women leaders and innovators – and in every profession, sector and societal role.” She also said

Hong Kong businesswomen with some of the Israeli delegation, from left: Catherine Leung, Esther Barak Landes, Esther Wong, Yali Harari and Angie Lau

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Children’s festival organised in Vietnam

Fun activities for children

On 2 June, Israel’s Embassy in Vietnam, in coordination with the Hanoi Children’s Palace, organised a festival in response to National Action Month for Children. The festival-goers, including those from SOS children’s villages and the Centre for Educating and Supporting Disadvantaged Children, participated in a range of activities. Apart from the innovation space of STEM disciplinary education, the children engaged in traditional Viet-

namese and Israeli games, read Israeli literature, and learnt how to make Israeli cakes. Israel’s Ambassador to Vietnam, Nadav Eshcar, said the event aimed to create an equal playground for disadvantaged children, and helped them to better understand Israel’s culture. It is also expected to contribute to consolidating cultural ties between people of Vietnam and Israel in general, engendering a bond between their children in particular.

CEO of a number of technology startup companies, including AI company Innovesta and Co-Founder of Supersonas; Nadine Baudot-Trajtenberg, former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Israel; Michal Schwartz, Professor of Neuroimmunology at the Weizmann Institute of Science; Prof. Mouna Maroun, a Christian-Arab scientist focussed on the neurobiological basis of emotions at Haifa University.

that “Hong Kong looks to Israel because Hong Kong is committed to rise as an innovation and technology leader, and because Israel is an international leader in I&T development, a hightech role model for Hong Kong and for the world.” While in Hong Kong, the Israeli speakers met with local businesswomen and entrepreneurs to discuss women’s op-

Panel forum discussion, from left: Deborah Kan, Mouna Maroun, Michal Schwartz, Jean Woo and Jodi Schneider

Jewish Times Asia July / August 2019

Regional News

Remembering Munich 1972: Ceremony to be held during the 2020 Olympic Games

Memorial services for the Munich victims have been held during the Summer Olympics since the 2000 Sydney games. “The goal is to ensure this kind of terrorist act does not occur

Gilad Lustig

again. This is a reminder, something we must not forget,” said Gilad Lustig, Executive Director of the Olympic Committee of Israel. Invitations are to be sent to national Olympic committees attending the Tokyo Games. “We are pleading with the

New Zealand Immigration

New Zealand government website removes Israel off the map

New Zealand Immigration Fact Sheet

Immigration New Zealand, an official government website, published a fact sheet with a map of the Middle East that showed a “Palestine,” but not Israel. Following a barrage of complaints on social media, the web page was removed, though screen shots remain. The Israel Institute of New Zealand called for a retraction of the map. “The most immediately obvious of the errors was a map mis-labeling the whole of modern-day Israel as ‘Palestine,’” said the institute’s director, Ashley Church. “This is incredibly offensive and the equivalent of New Zealand Immigration displaying a map of the UK which removes Scotland and Wales and refers to the entirety of the British Isles as England.” The fact sheet, which offered information about Pales-

tinian immigrants to New Zealand, also identified East Jerusalem as “the designated capital of the State of Palestine.” There also was no mention of Palestinian terrorism, but information on the page said that Israel caused “massive repression of Palestinians” during the second intifada. The web page also mentioned Israel’s “economic sanctions and a blockade on Hamascontrolled Gaza” with no further explanation. “Our Immigration Minister needs to immediately apologise for the offending image and confirm that it does not reflect Government policy; Immigration New Zealand needs to issue a statement confirming that the website does not represent the views of the Ministry; and an investigation needs to be undertaken to find out who was responsible and to put in place measures to ensure that this does not happen again,” Church said.

The 1972 attack took place in the Israeli team’s apartments at the athletes’ village. The attack and a botched rescue attempt by German police left 11 coaches, athletes, and judges dead in the worst tragedy in Olympic history. Widows of two of the slain Israelis, Ankie Spitzer and Ilana Romano, have petitioned the IOC to remember the fallen Olympians as a part of the games’ opening ceremonies, but so far that plea has been rejected. However, just before the start of the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics, the IOC held a memorial service in the athletes’ village for those who had died during the Olympics, including the Israeli victims.

India Embassy in Israel

representatives of Arab nations to strip away the politics from sports and join us,” Lustig said of nations that are politically opposed to Israel.

The Olympic Committee of Israel has announced plans to conduct a ceremony in Tokyo during the 2020 Olympics in honour of the 11 Israelis killed during the 1972 Munich Olympics. International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach is expected to attend the event on 2 August 2020, along with representatives from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, the central government, the Japanese Olympic Committee, and spouses of the 11 victims. At the ceremony, 11 candles will be lit and prayers will be offered.

Indian Defence Ministry visit Israel

The Indian delegation in Israel

A Defence Ministry delegation from India, led by senior officials from the Department of Defence Production and comprising members of the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM), visited Israel last month to explore avenues for joint business opportunities for global markets. The delegation was met by India’s Deputy Chief of Com-

mission in Israel Tshering W Sherpa who organised their itinerary. Whilst also in the country, the officials attended the opening session of the conference, entitled: India-Israel Cooperation: Opportunities for Global Markets, on 3 June. Sherpa also met with young, bright Indian entrepreneurs currently in Israel to participate in Startup Showcase event Mass Challenge Israel.

Jewish Times Asia July / August 2019

Regional News

Bezalel Arts Academy and University of Tokyo collaborate on Science x Design

Philippine police to undergo Israel counter-terrorism training

Israel’s Ambassador to Japan, Yaffa Ben-Ari, hosted a reception at her residence on 3 June in honour of a unique science and design collaboration by a joint team from the University of Tokyo and the Bezalel Arts and Design Academy, Jerusalem.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has asked the Israeli police to train its personnel on anti-terrorism.

Ambassador Ben-Ari said in her opening remarks that she is “Very pleased that not only has this collaboration merged science and design [sectors between] Japan and Israel, but also that the teams are led by

From left: Ambassador to Japan, Yaffa Ben-Ari and Professor Teruo Fujii

two women from Israel and Japan.” Welcoming remarks were given by Prof. Teruo Fujii (Executive Vice President of the University of Tokyo), Prof. Kisho (Director-General of the Institute of Industrial Science), and Prof. Nino (Vice Chair of the DLX Platform). Prof. Shunji Yamanaka introduced the legacy of the Design-Led Platform, then Mr. Yuri Klebanov, a researcher of the DLX Design Lab and commandeer of the project, passionately shared with the audience how and why the collaboration came about. Finally,

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the research about capillaries as health indicators was presented, as well as the novelty transformation of capillary images into music. This demonstration was aided by two guest volunteers. Prior to the reception, Dr. Romi Mikulinsky and three joint project members participated in the prototype demonstration of the Project Attune during the open campus event at the University of Tokyo Komaba Research Campus. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Bezalel Academy and The Institute of Industrial Science on 3 June.

“They see threats everydaythat is why they are good when it comes to anti-terrorism operations,” he said in a press briefing at Camp Crame in Quezon City, noting the Israeli police force has to deal with suicide attackers on an almost daily basis. “Our discussion with the Israeli counterparts focused on the challenges being faced by the PNP- our campaign against terrorism, specifically ISIS- and our continuing efforts to fight this menace,” Albayalde said. He said the PNP continues to closely coordinate and cooperate with their international counterparts in the light of previous terror attacks worldwide. “The PNP continues to be aggressive in intelligence and

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The joint team has developed a novel system which transforms microscopic images of human capillaries into musical tunes. The latest research by Associate Professor Yukiko Matsunaga of the Institute of Industrial Science (University of Tokyo) has revealed that shapes of capillaries can indicate one’s health condition, and the team led by Dr. Romi Mikulinsky of the Bezalel Arts and Design Academy has enabled the creation of individualised, unique music from images of capillaries.

PNP chief General Oscar Albayalde said he requested the training from the Israeli police during a week-long seminar he and other PNP officials attended in Israel from 27 May to 1 June.

PNP Chief Oscar Albayalde

information gathering to address threats and violence,” he said. Albayalde said there was no threat of terrorism being monitored in the country. He, however, said the PNP remains on alert against any terror attack throughout the country. “By this effort, we greatly recognize the contribution of the international community as far as terrorism is concerned,” said Albayalde.

Jewish Times Asia July / August 2019

Regional News

A three-day conference on India-Israel agricultural cooperation took place at the Centre of Excellence for Vegetables in Dindigul, Tamil Nadu, India, from 19 to 21 June.

Iloilo City Mayor Jose Espinosa has urged city villages to learn from the practices of kibbutzim, a selfsustaining agriculture-based community that is unique to Israel.

This milestone activity- in which representatives of more than 16 states, progressive farmers, Government federal and State offices, experts, and researchers took part- was initiated by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, a department of the Government of India. On the agenda was the way forward of the India-Israel cooperation in the field of agriculture, based on the 2018-2020 Indo-Israeli Agricultural Project

Israel’s Ambassador to India, Dr. Ron Malka

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Centre of Excellence for vegetables in Dindigul

Work Plan. This document was signed during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Israel in 2017. Israel’s Ambassador to India, Dr. Ron Malka, gave the opening remarks during the conference, as did Gil Haskel, Head of MASHAV, Israel, who arrived in India to participate in the discussions. On the occasion of the conference, Ambassador Malka remarked: “The success of our cooperation in making a real difference in farmers’ lives, as per Modi’s vision to double the farmers’ income, has already

been proven. The next step in our growing partnership is moving from Project to Policy, expanding from centres of Excellence to areas of Excellence, horticulture, agriculture, aquaculture, dairy and more, as well as exploring partnerships within the private sector.” The conference included an overview of the existing cooperation alongside prospects for the future. This was followed by presentations detailing key crops currently in focus. Finally, the day was concluded with discussion to define action items for the next steps.

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“They are independent villages where they have a system to become selfsustaining,” Espinosa said in an interview to local media. The Mayor cited, in particular, the hydroponics system being practiced in the community, where they grow plants without soil and using mineral-rich water instead. He said the kibbutzim have “perfected” the system. “Imagine if we can develop some sort of independence and ingenuity, innovations,” Espinosa said, adding that they no longer have to rely on support from the city government, Internal Revenue Allotment and permit fees. The Mayor noted that since the basic industry in city villages is selling home-cooked food or viands, engaging in hydroponics would make a great impact on the people’s livelihood.

Perla G. Lena

Philippine Mayor wants city villages to learn from kibbutzim

Israel embassy in india

India-Israel agricultural cooperation booming

Israel’s Ambassador to the Philippines Rafael Harpaz with Iloilo City Mayor Jose Espinosa III

Israel’s Ambassador to the Philippines, Rafel Harpaz, told the Mayor during his visit on 4 June that they also encountered problems when the kibbutzim were just starting. However, he said, through the years “they were able to develop it.” Ambassador Harpaz paid a courtesy call on Espinosa to deepen and widen relations with Iloilo. “Iloilo can learn a lot from Israel, including in technology and agriculture,” he said. Harpaz was informed that Iloilo City has its own startup circle, while Israel has been named as a startup nation.

Jewish Times Asia July / August 2019

Nechama Rivlin, wife of Israel’s president, dies at 73

heart, who fought to the end,” he said. “My heart is with my friend, President Reuven Rivlin for whom Nechama was a friend, a lover, a partner and a rock. And to the family, for their loss, may her memory be blessed.”

Mrs. Rivlin was a popular first lady whose interests were trained on the arts, the environment, and children with special needs. She was a trusted adviser to her husband.

Nechama Rivlin was born on 4 June, 1945 on Moshav Herut, a farming community in central Israel co-founded by her parents, Mendi and Drora Shulman, who immigrated from Ukraine.

The First Lady underwent a lung transplant in March at the Beilinson Hospital in Petah Tikva, having suffered from pulmonary fibrosis for many years. Nine days after the transplant, she underwent another surgical procedure to support the transplant. A statement from the family on 4 June said: “The Rivlin family wishes to thank the people of Israel and religious leaders who have continued to be concerned about Nechama’s welfare, who have sent letters and children’s drawings to the hospital and

jewishnews.timesofisrael.com

echama Rivlin, first lady wife to President Reuven Rivlin, died 4 June at the age of 73, a day before her 74th birthday. Her funeral took place a day later on 5 June in Jerusalem.

President Reuven with First Lady at a Rosh Hashanah reception in 2016

the President’s Residence and who have prayed for her recovery every day, every hour.”

family, “for their inspiring dignity and the wonderful thing they did.”

The family also expressed their gratitude to “The staff of the Beilinson Hospital in Petah Tikva for their devoted, sensitive and professional treatment during the past few months, night and day, with open hearts and shining faces.”

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was among the first to pay tribute to Mrs Rivlin, on behalf of the people of Israel and his own family.

The Rivlin family expressed their gratitude to the Halabli

“Together with every Israeli citizen, my wife Sara and I are deeply saddened at the passing of the wife of the President Nechama Rivlin,” Netanyau said.

“We all prayed for her recovery during this recent period in which she fought heroically and with spirit. We send condolences from the bottom of our hearts to the President and all his family.” Likud Minister of the Knesset Gideon Sa’ar, a personal long-term friend of the Rivlins, also paid tribute to the first lady. “Nechama Rivlin was a lover of people, with a massive

She enrolled at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem in 1964, studying botany and genetics, and began working there as a researcher three years later upon graduation. She then worked as a scientific secretary at the University’s Institute of Life Sciences. In 1970 she met her husband at a party. They were married a year later, and had three children: Rikva, Anat and Ran. Nechama Rivlin survived by her husband, three children, and seven grandchildren.

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Jewish Times Asia July / August 2019

Business Regional News News

Shiji Group acquires Tel-Aviv based MyCheck

EL AL to launch flights to Tokyo

Beijing-headquartered Shiji Group, which provides software and services for the hospitality, retail, and entertainment industries, will acquire Tel-Aviv-based MyCheck.

El Al Israel Airlines Ltd recently announced that it will begin operating Tel-Aviv – Tokyo flights. The thrice-weekly flights will start from March 2020. These will be the first direct scheduled flights between Israel and Japan, although El Al’s seasonal and chartered services unit, Sun D’Or, will begin operating charter services for the Fly East Travel Company from September 2019.

Otherwise incorporated as Quick Check, the company announced the acquisition in June. No financial data of the deal was disclosed. MyCheck, which offers a mobile payment app with a focus on the hospitality industry, was co-founded in 2011 by CEOs Shlomit Kugler, Tal Nethanel, Erez Spatz, and Asaf Talmor Wertheimer (the stepson of Israeli businessman Eitan Wertheimer, who also invested in the company). In 2015, after raising over US$20 million, the company pivoted from a B2B product to a B2C product. In late 2017 the company ran into financial trouble as stakeholders barred further investments, leading the company to request — and receive — a stay of proceedings order in February 2018. A month later the company

MyCheck mobile payment food app

was acquired for NIS 4.6 million by O.G. Tech Partners, an early stage fund owned by Israeli real estate and shipping magnate Eyal Ofer. “The company has been on a growth trajectory in the past year,” Kugler said, “In a large part thanks to the connections of the Ofer Global group in the hospitality industry. [Thanks to them,] We have gained customers in the UK and in Asia.” This is the first Israeli acquisition for the Shiji Group. Founded in 1998, the company

employs around 4,000 people over more than 70 subsidiaries and brands, with over 60,000 customers in the hospitality industry, over 200,000 in the restaurant industry, and over 400,000 retailers. “The acquisition of a company like MyCheck, with its mission to offer integrated technology solutions for the hospitality sector, will deliver real value for Shiji as we drive the industry forward to be more technologically connected,” said Kevin King, Chief Operating Officer of Shiji.

At present, Israeli passengers flying to Japan must take connection flights. Flight time between Tel-Aviv and Tokyo’s Narita airport will be 11 hours and 15 minutes, with the return journey taking 12 hours 30 minutes. Demand among Israelis for Japan, as both a vacation and business destination, has grown

exponentially in recent years; 40,000 Israelis visited Japan in 2018, while 20,000 Japanese came to Israel. The numbers of Israelis visiting Japan is likely to increase significantly next year with Tokyo hosting the Olympic games. Over the past year, El Al has been adding long-haul flightsespecially to the USA- with its newly acquired fleet of Dreamliners. A new route to San Francisco has been inaugurated, and routes to Orlando, Las Vegas, and Chicago will begin in the coming months. El Al will acquire a EUR750,000 grant from Israel’s Ministry of Tourism when it inaugurates its Tel-Aviv – Tokyo flights, under the plan to reward airlines for starting direct routes between Israel and cities not previously served by any airline.

A EL AL airplane

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Jewish Times Asia July / August 2019

Business News

IIA announce partnership with Singapore Technologies Engineering

This programme “offers a unique framework for technological cooperation between MNCs and innovative Israeli

As part of the deal, the IIA will support ST Engineering by helping to identify tech development,s and scout Israeli companies that fall within its sphere. Funding will be provided for these Israeli startups by the IIA, and ST Engineering will support their testing, marketing, and other global endeavours. “The Innovation Authority

China-Israel Innovation Hub in Shanghai established In the continuing effort to bolster cooperation between both nations, China and Israel have now officially launched the China-Israel Innovation Hub. Located at the Taopu Smart City in Shanghai, the complex is intended as a symbol of the two nations’ aim of promoting and developing scientific innovation. The hub, which is situated near the Putuo District in Shanghai, will mainly be housing firms and institutions that will work on different research and development projects from both nations. Different universities, research institutions, and tech firms from Israel will also be invited to set up their respective bases of operations within the innovation hub. To further spur innovation and research projects, both countries have set up a US$145 million innovation fund, which will be part of the first phase of the hub itself. According to China’s Minister of Science and Technology Wang Zhigang, the main goal of the hub is “To promote different breakthroughs and achievements in the science and technology fields.” The innovation hub will also serve to attract financial capital from investors, as well as being a melting pot for top talents from both countries. Wang hopes that the hub will set an example for the rest of the world to promote global

Shiang Long, President of ST Engineering’s Land Systems sector.

companies,” an IIA spokesperson said.

cooperation to spur further innovation in various industries. Wang also stated that they are welcoming all scientists, engineers, and businessmen from all over the world to work and invest in China. Israel’s Ambassador to China, Zvi Heifetz, mentioned during the launch ceremony in May that “The hub will definitely be bringing a lot of new opportunities for Israel and its people,” further emphasising that both countries do complement each other in many aspects- not just in business. Also in attendance was Shanghai Mayor Ying Yong. The city’s mayor joined his Israeli counterparts in officially opening up the Hub with several enterprises and institutions from both countries. Among those companies was an Israeli firm focused on medicine and agriculture called Trendlines. The firm was one of many others that signed an agreement to set up bases within the new innovation park. The firm’s chairman of the board, Todd Dollinger, mentioned in a speech that “Shanghai does have quite a lot to offer his company in terms of medical equipment and teams.” Dollinger expects that more small to mediumsized companies may follow suit and establish their businesses in Shanghai, given the government’s support and the environment which the Hub provides.

Israel Innovation Authority

The Israel Innovation Authority (IIA), the Israeli government’s funding arm for research and development (R&D) and innovation, announced in June a partnership with Singapore Technologies Engineering (ST Engineering), a global tech and engineering group, to scout for Israeli tech.

From left: Dr. Lee Shiang Long with Aharon Aharon

is pleased to announce the first MNC Collaboration agreement with a Singapore-based engineering and technology group, ST Engineering,” said Aharon Aharon, CEO of the Israel Innovation Authority, “It will serve to strengthen R&D and commercialisation relationships between the two countries,” he explained, noting the agreement is in addition to the SIIRD Foundation (Singapore Israel

Industrial Research and Development) agreement between the Israel Innovation Authority and Enterprise Singapore. “R&D collaboration with the government of Israel marks an important milestone for ST Engineering, as it facilitates our work with the Israel Innovation Authority and leading Israeli companies who can become technology partners for our mobility solutions,” said Dr. Lee

“ST Engineering is an established player in the autonomous bus segment. It is currently conducting intermediate stages of the trials for autonomous shuttle and bus services in different parts of Singapore, chiefly in Sentosa and Jurong Island.” ST Engineering, founded in 1967 and headquartered in Singapore, specialises in the aerospace, electronics, land systems, and marine sectors. The company works to combine innovation and technology to create multidisciplinary solutions in defense and government in more than 100 countries. It is ranked among the largest companies in the Singapore Exchange. The partnership announcement and programme launch took place at the Israel Innovation Authority offices in Jerusalem.

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Jewish Times Asia July / August 2019

Business News

Miniso in expansion drive in Israel

Cooperation agreements signed between Sichuan province and Israel

Retailer giant Miniso is opening new stores in Israel at an investment of NIS 6 million, according to Globes.

During a Sichuan investor conference in May, a total of 18 cooperation agreements and Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed between China’s southwestern province of Sichuan and Israel.

Almost a year after its official launch in August 2018, Miniso Israel, managed by CEO Einat Portugali, is expanding. Headquartered in Japan, Miniso operates 1,800 low-cost variety stores across Asia, Europe, Australia, Africa, North America and South America. Miniso discount chain currently has seven branches across Israel, and will be making the move to set up at popular shopping malls later this year.

A Miniso retail outlet

According to the chain’s business plan, it plans to double its current numbers, with an envisaged network of 18 stores by the end of 2019. The company has plans to

open 50 stores in Israel in the next five years. All shops will be adhering to the company’s budget-friendly prices, featuring about half of their products in for less than NIS 20 (US$6) per item at retail price.

Mitsubishi Corporation to open an innovation centre in Tel-Aviv Japan’s Mitsubishi Corporation announced in May that it will open an Israel development centre in TelAviv, Israel’s Ministry of Economy and Industry reported, which will scout for investments in startups. “In the past two years, company representatives have

begun to examine whether they should expand their activity in Israel and focus more on technological cooperation, including investments in Israeli companies,” the ministry said. Over the past four years, the Ministry of Economy and Industry say more than 70 Japanese companies have opened

representative offices in Israel. Over that period, Japanese companies have invested more than US$5 billion in Israel. Last year, Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi (not related to Mitsubishi Corp.) set up a US$1billion venture capital fund, which has an Israel office.

Delegates from the Sichuan provincial government, research and education institutions, and various companies signed these documents with Israeli partners at the China (Sichuan)-Israel Science, Technology, and Trade Conference. The value of the agreements signed in the sectors of economy, trade, and investment surpassed US$350 million. Prior practical cooperation between the two sides has been conducted in sectors comprising science, technology, economy, trade, education, and culture, garnering fruitful achievements in recent years, said Peng Qinghua, secretary of the Sichuan Provincial Committee. Peng believed there is a great potential for both sides to further deepen innovation cooperation in the future.

Peng Qinghua

“Sichuan is Israel’s important cooperative partner,” said Amiram Appelbaum, chief scientist of Israeli Ministry of Economy and the Israel Innovation Authority (IIA). “Both sides have great potential to conduct innovation cooperation in sectors of modern agriculture, electronic information, medical health, and clean energy,” Appelbaum added. The conference was jointly hosted by the Sichuan provincial government, China’s embassy in Israel, Israeli Ministry of Economy and Industry, and the IAA. Around 300 delegates from China and Israel attended the conference.

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Jewish Times Asia July / August 2019

Business News

Firms in the fields of biotech, water tech, environmental tech, IT, and energy headed to the Chinese city of Jinan for the annual GoforIsrael conference in May. It was organised by the Cukierman & Co Investment House (a leading Israeli investment company), and the Catalyst CEL Fund (a private Israeli equity firm). Organisers claim that 108 Israeli companies participated in the event, including pharmaceutical company Raziel Therapeutics, cervical cancer-detecting sensor firm MobileODT, green pest control company Biofeed, and 3D printing company Xjet. GoforIsrael

Edouard Cukierman

(previously

Courtesy

Strong turnout for GoforIsrael conference in China

Israeli entrepreneurs meeting Chinese investors at the GoForIsrael Conference

known as GoforEurope) has been one of the most influential business conferences held between Israel and China annually. The Conference addresses current issues in fundraising, and establishes strategic alliances globally between Israeli companies,

Chinese business executives at the event

businesses, and financial institutions. Around 1,400 participants, over 1000 Chinese investors and around 100 of the most innovative Israeli technology companies, gathered for the occasion. “We have organised over 700 meetings between the companies and the investors, and the feedback has been amazing,” commented Edouard Cukierman, chairman of Cukierman & Co., commented during the event. Last year, the GoForIsrael conference was hosted in Fosun, China, preceded by a similar event for Chinese investors in Tel-Aviv.

Israel Diamond Pavilion at Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair The Israel Diamond Pavilion hosted 30 companies this year at the June Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair, which recently took place from 20 – 23 June at the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre. The pavilion, which is organised by the Israel Diamond Institute (IDI), was located in the diamond area in Hall 3BC. As in previous years, it included a spacious lounge- this time a renovated, modern design- with refreshments served throughout the day. Convenient “Get Diamonds” terminals enable buyers to search a computerised database in both English and Chinese of all goods offered by Israeli exhibitors at the show. Buyers are also able to access the Get Diamonds Show system on their smartphones. Asia is Israel’s second largest market for polished diamonds, representing about 30% of total polished diamond exports, with the greatest share going to Hong Kong. Israel is also an important supplier of pol-

ished diamonds to China, India, Thailand, Singapore, Taiwan, Japan and other Asian markets. IDI Chairman Boaz Moldawsky said, “Asia is a key market for our industry. We are seeing a definite rise in demand for diamond jewellery in these markets, especially in China. The long-term prospects for Asia as a market for polished diamonds from Israel are encouraging and we are committed to this market now and in the future.” IDI Managing Director Aviel Elia said, “The June show is very important for the Israeli diamantaires who are active in Asia, since it is the major event between March and September. We’re optimistic that this show will be a good one for our exhibitors and we look forward to lively traffic at our pavilion.” IDI organises large national diamond pavilions across four trade shows in Hong Kong during the months of March, June, September and November.

Jewish Times Asia July / August 2019

Art • Culture • Music

Philippine community in Israel celebrate The Sheraton Tel-Aviv holds Thai Food Festival Labour Day and Flores de Mayo

Over a dozen Philippine community organisations participated in the Flores de Mayo parade, carrying flower arches and wearing costumes representing their hometowns in the

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The 5-day Kosher Thai Food Festival 2019, was cosponsored by the Royal Thai Embassy in Tel-Aviv, and took place from 23–27 June. It featured not only authentic Thai cuisine, but also the art of Thai fruit carving, a reflection of Thai cultural practise.

Philippine Embassy officials headed by Ambassador Neal Imperial lead the community during the parade

Philippines.

try’s development.

The event, organised in partnership with the Philippine Overseas Labour Office and Overseas Workers’ Welfare Office in Israel, served as the Embassy’s salute to over 25,000 Philippine caregivers in Israel on the occasion of Philippine Labour Day.

“Our working men across the country and elsewhere around the world have contributed immensely to national growth, and brought honour and pride to the nation with their excellence and global competitiveness,” Labour Attaché Rodolfo Gabasan affirmed, reading from Labour Secretary Silvestre Q. Bello’s message to the workers.

Philippine Ambassador to Israel Neal Imperial thanked the community and the Embassy’s guests for joining the celebration, and took the opportunity to honour the contributions of the Philippine workers to the coun-

This year’s costume winners: Queen and King; Little Princess and Little Prince with their runners-up We w is

The Sheraton Hotel Tel-Aviv, which has a reputation for bringing international and ethnic food festivals to Israel’s kashrut-observing public, organised a Thai food festival at it signature restaurant, The Olive Leaf.

Philippine Embassy in Israel

In May, about 170 people, including representatives from the Tel-Aviv City government and members of the local and religious Philippine community in Israel, gathered at Hayarkon Park in Northern Tel-Aviv to commemorate the annual joint celebration of Labour Day and Flores de Mayo.

The festival was launched by Ms. Penprapa Vongkovit, Ambassador of Thailand to Israel, and the food menu was prepared by the chef of the

Thai fruit carving

Royal Thai Embassy in Israel in collaboration with Chef Shimon Maman, executive chef of the Sheraton Tel-Aviv.

The community concluded the celebrations with a potluck picnic to round off the end of the programme.

Following the Thai festival, the Sheraton Tel-Aviv will host an Indian food festival in July. Indian chef and winner of India’s MasterChef contest, Shipra Khanna, will be present for the food festival.

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Jewish Times Asia July / August 2019

Art • Culture • Music

An art exhibition and tribute, entitled Less Is More: Israeli Art Homage to Bauhaus, is currently being showcased at the Diaghilev Hotel in TelAviv until end of July. It marks the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Bauhaus school in Weimar, Germany, which combined fine art with craft arts, and influenced both Israeli architecture and design in the twentieth century. The exhibition is curated by Ilan Wigan with participating artists including: Zoya Cherkassky-Nnadi, Liat Elbling, Michal Levy, Ohad Meromi, Uriel

Dimensional art on display

Miron, Hilla Toony Navok and Nahum Tevet. This exhibition showcases two-and-three-dimensional works which offer a glimpse

Chinese construction workers entertained with traditional folk performance A special visit in May by nine outstanding Chinese artists entertained about 200 Chinese workers, who had been working on a power plant project in northern Israel. The folk artists, from the Chinese Quyi Artists Association, presented seven programmes for the workers, who are currently building the Kokhav Hayarden pumped storage power plant located nearby Lake Tiberias. PowerChina, China’s leading hydropower construction company, has been tasked with building the plant,

which started construction in July 2017. The show kicked off with the Kuaiban performance (a form of oral story-telling). The artists also performed Xiangsheng (known as ‘crosstalk comedy’), and played a Suona (a Chinese double-reed woodwind instrument), all while interacting with the excited audience. The one-hour performance was well received and warmly applauded by the attendees. The Chinese artists also performed for an Israeli audience at the China Cultural Center in Tel-Aviv.

Performers from CQAA in Israel

New Israel tourism director appointed to oversee ties with India and the Philippines The Israel Ministry of Tourism has appointed Sammy Yahia as Director of Tourism for India and Philippines, effective 3 June. Prior to his appointment to India, he was the Director of Marketing & Communications for Israel Ministry of Tourism from 2012 to May 2019. On his appointment, Yahia commented on the growth market of India being one of

Indian tourists to the Holy Land

the most significant tourist sectors under development in the country. Visitor arrivals from India have grown from 35,000 tourists in 2014 to almost 71,000 tourists in 2018. Israel hopes to surpass its achievements of last year, which works out as a 21% increase in Indian tourist arrivals. This has expedited India’s ascent to becoming the 12th top source market for Israel.

of the history of Modernism and highlights both the conceptual and formal revolution that the Bauhaus school created and continues to influence to this day. In 2003, UNESCO declared Tel-Aviv’s White City neighbourhood a world heritage site due to it featuring the world’s largest collection of International or Bauhaus style buildings from the 1930s. There were largely designed by German Jews who had emigrated to escape the Nazi uprising. Also included in this headcount of notable buildings is the The Diaghilev Hotel itself, which was built in 1934 by architects Joseph & Ze’ev Berlin. It was reportedly used as the first printing house for the Israeli newspaper Haaretz. In 1994, the building was restored and a new wing was added before it was re-introduced as a hotel in the heart of Tel-Aviv.

Israel proposes India as focus country at Jerusalem Film Festival in 2020

PIB

Art exhibition honours anniversary to Bauhaus

Indian delegation with the Israeli delegation at the Cannes Film Festival

Israel has proposed India to be the focus country at Jerusalem Film Festival next year during a meeting between the delegations of the two countries at the Cannes International Film Festival in May. Indian film Newton, starring Rajkummar Rao, has recently created a buzz in Israel, the Israeli delegation said. Premiered in 2017, the film is a black comedy drama about a government clerk that tries to run a free and fair election in a conflict area in central India.

The Indian delegation at Cannes was led by Information and Broadcasting Secretary Amit Khare, while Eti Cohen (Director of the Film Department and Council at the Ministry of Culture and Sports) led the delegation for Israel. Israel also proposed the idea of making concept-based films in India, with a focus on regional and small budget film, according to a release by the Information and Broadcasting Ministry.

Jewish Times Asia July / August 2019

Art • Culture • Music

The Art of the Brick Lego Exhibition comes to Israel

Jennifer Lopez to perform in Israel

The Art of the Brick, an international Lego Exhibition, is currently being showcased until 1 September at the Holon Toto Arena, Jerusalem.

One of America’s top triple threat singer-actress-dancers Jennifer Lopez will perform in Tel-Aviv on 1 August. The pop singer, who is known around the globe as J-Lo, has sold over a million tickets on her last tour, and performs in genres spanning the breadth of R&B, pop, Latin, and hip-hop.

Around 100 sculptures, works of art comprised of over 1.5 million Lego bricks in total, are being showcased alongside oversized portraits- also created using the bricks. The exhibition, rated by CNN as one of the world’s “Must See Exhibitions”, is the first art exhibition to focus exclusively on the use of Lego bricks as an art medium.

Lego brick Roman sculptures

New York-based artist Nathan Sawaya has taken it to new heights. This award-winning artist has multiple unique exhibitions created solely from standard Lego bricks, often with several new structures crafted specifically for each exhibition. Sawaya’s ability to transform this common toy into something meaningful, his devotion to spatial perfection, and the way he conceptualises action, enables him to recontextualise what almost every child has played with into a contemporary art form.

Lego brick man

“These works are very personal to me, since they reflect my growth as an artist, as I

International Red Sea Jazz Festival The International Red Sea Jazz Festival will return to Eilat, Israel, for the summer edition from 25 to 27 August. The festival will host three days of music from both local and international jazz musicians. Featured artists include internationally acclaimed bassist and musician Avishai Cohen; sensual singer and grammy award winner Buika; New York City drummer Ari Hoenig; top Trumpeters Marquis Hill Blacktet and Enrico Rava; and the Danny Rosenfeld Octet make up an outstanding line-up of acts accompanying dozens more top musicians and groups.

Avishai Cohen – ‘Arvoles’

The festival will also hold the traditional all-night Red Sea Jazz Festival Jam Session, which plays until sunrise. The festival is a one of a kind cultur-

Buika

Danny Rosenfeld Octet

al event, bringing together people and sounds every summer for over 30 years to date. Established in 1987, the Festival has become a respected and valued cultural institution, considered one of the longest-running and highly-regarded jazz festivals in the world.

strove to discover my creative identity,” said Sawaya. “The museum exhibition is accessible because it engages the child in all of us while simultaneously illuminating sophisticated and complex concepts. Everyone can relate to the medium since it is a toy that many children have at home. But my goal with this exhibition when it first debuted in 2007 was to elevate this simple plaything to a place it has never been before.”

Lopez will perform in TelAviv at Hayarkon Park as part of her It’s My Party world tour. As of 2018, Lopez has sold more than 80 million records worldwide, including 40 million albums. She has been creating and making hit records for over 20 years.

Jennifer Lopez

Her 1999 hit “If You Had My Love” became Lopez’s first no. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Other top songs she has produced include “Waiting for Tonight”, “Let’s Get Loud”, and anthemic “On the Floor”.

Last year, Time magazine listed Lopez among the 100 most influential people in the world, and she recently won the Fashion Icon Award at the Council of Fashion Designers of America, Inc.

Jewish Times Asia July / August 2019

Art • Culture • Music

The new programme will feature an impressive 50+ guest artists and 16 premieres and some new commissions. The new season promises to be an excellent multi-fold lineup of musical presentations to appeal to a wider audience of classical music lovers.

Jaap van Zweden

Zweden, together with pianists Rudolf Buchbinder, Rachel Cheung, Lang Lang, Víkingur Ólafsson, and Nobuyuki Tsujii, the Philharmonic will present four programmes over the next 12 months. To kick off the 46th season

hkphil

Some of the highlights include an ode to Beethoven on the 250th anniversary of his birth. In commemoration, the Philharmonic will complete cycles of Beethoven’s symphonies and concertos under the baton of Maestro Director Jaap van

opener, 2015 Chopin Piano Competition Prize Winner Seong-Jin Cho joins Jaap van Zweden in Rachmaninov’s heart-wrenching “Piano Concerto no. 2”. Together with the jubilant optimism of Wagner’s “Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg: Prelude to Act I” and the profound tragedy of Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet, this evening promises a truly emotionallycharged musical experience on 6–7 September.

Symphony Under The Stars

A concert showcasing the remarkable talent of piano duet siblings The Labèque Sisters has them performing Philip Glass’ tailor-made work “Concerto for Two Pianos”. In the same programme, the HK Philharmonic shall present a new commission by Hong Kong composer Chan Kai-young in November. Jaap van Zweden will once again conduct the orchestra’s biggest annual outdoor symphonic event, Swire Symphony Under The Stars, at the Central Harbour Front, under the backdrop of the spectacular night view of the city in the same month.

The Labeque Sisters

Cheung Wai lok

The Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra has announced its new season programmes for 2019/20 which will start this September.

Brigitte Lacombe

Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra announces a star-studded new season

Lea Salonga

Considered one of the greatest violinists of our time, Leonidas Kavakos will perform Shostakovich’s epic “Violin Concerto no. 1”. This is to be performed with another Russian symphony, Tchaikovsky’s popular and emotionally-charged Symphony no. 6, “Pathétique”, marking Jaap van Zweden’s first interpretation of

this classic work. Much-loved Broadway diva Lea Salonga will return to Hong Kong in summer 2020. Apart from “The Human Heart” from the Broadway Musical Once On This Island, Lea will also sing songs from popular musicals (including Miss Saigon and Beautiful) and Disney movies (Frozen and Mulan).

Jewish Times Asia July / August 2019

Special Days

Three week mourning period observed

Three Week Period of annual mourning as we recall historical sad events for the Jewish nation which begins with the Fast of 17 Tammuz (Hebrew month). This mourning period normally takes place during the summer and this year begins on 21 July. This Fast of Tammuz marks the day when the walls of Jerusalem were breached by the Romans in 69 CE and other disasters occured. We refrain from eating and drinking from dawn to nightfall. It reaches its climax and concludes with the Fast of Tisha B’av (9 Av – Hebrew month), the date when both Holy Temples were set aflame. This is the saddest day of the Jewish calendar, and it is also the date of other tragedies spanning our nation’s history. During the Three Week Period no weddings or other rejoicing activities are permitted. Nine days prior to Tisha B’Av, further restrictions are included. These also cover personal grooming such as no haircuts and eating meat.

Five national calamities that occurred on the 9th of Av:

Tisha B’Av is a major fast day and a more stringent than the Fast of 17 Tammuz. It begins at sundown and ends at nightfall. Shortly before the fast begins, we eat a “separation meal.” The final meal consists of a hard-boiled egg and a piece of bread dipped in ashes. The synagogue is dimly lit and the mood is sombre. There are restrictions on putting on tefillin, eating, drinking, marital relations, business related dealings, bathing, swimming and wearing leather. As this is a day of mourning, until midday, we sit on the floor or on low stools. Even the study of Torah, other than “Lamentations”, the “Book of Job” and certain other permitted texts is forbidden as Torah study is seen as a joyous pursuit. The “Book

of Eicha” (Lamentations), Jeremiah’s poetic lament over the destruction of Jerusalem and the First Temple, is read in the synagogue as part of the evening service. Special Kinot (elegies) are also recited, both at night and during the day. We also minimise business and leisure activities. Through the process of teshuva – self-introspection and a commitment to improve we have the power to transform tragedy into joy. In fact, the Talmud says that after the future redemption of Israel and the rebuilding of the Temple, these days will be re-dedicated as days of rejoicing and festivity. Limited restrictions continue until midday on the 10th of Av because the First Temple was still burning.

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• During the time of Moses, the Jewish people in the desert accepted the slanderous report of the 12 Spies, and the decree was issued forbidding them from entering the Land of Israel. (1312 BCE). • The First Temple was destroyed by the Babylonians and Nebuchadnezzar. (586 BCE). • The Second Temple was destroyed by the Romans. (70 CE).

• The Bar Kochba revolt was crushed by Roman Emperor Hadrian. (135 CE). • The Temple Mount was plowed under, and Jerusalem was rebuilt as a pagan city. Other grave misfortunes throughout Jewish history coincided with the 9th of Av including: the expulsion of Jews from Spain in 1492; the outbreak of WWI in 1914; and the mass deportation of Jews from the Warsaw Ghetto in 1942.

Tu B’Av - Jewish Day of Love

Tu B’Av is celebrated on the Fifteenth day of the month of Av. It has been called the Jewish day of love and that is why it has become a very popular date for Jewish weddings. It may be also be significant because the mitzvah of fasting on your wedding day is dropped. Tu B’Av falls one week after the sombre Tisha B’Av, yet it is considered one of the most joyful days of in the Jewish calendar. First mentioned by Rabbi Shimon ben Gamliel in the Taanit, on this day restrictions on men and women associating were lifted, so young people could consider love and finding their intended. The women would all dress in simple white dresses so as to not appear distinctive from the others. They would not wear jewellery or make up so the men would get to know them for their intelligence and kindness rather than for their external attributes. Through the years, the day has become a symbol not only for romance, but for hope, since a number of positive events that have affected the Jewish people have taken place on this date.

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Jewish Times Asia July / August 2019

July / August Parashas 6 July 2019 / 3 Tammuz 5779: KORACH There are two rebellions. First, Korach, a Levite who was passed over for the leadership of his tribe, challenges Moshe over the position of High Priest. Korach convinces 250 men that each and every one of them has the right to the office of High Priest. All 250 followers of Korach accept Moshe’s challenge to bring an offering of incense to see who G-d chooses to fill the one position. This meant that every man figured he would be the one out of 250 to not only be chosen, but to survive the ordeal. Moshe announces that if the earth splits and swallows up the rebels it is a sign that he (Moshe) is acting on G-d’s authority. Korach, together with Datan and Abiram are swallowed up by the earth. The next day the entire Israelite community rises in a second rebellion and complains to Moshe. G-d brings a plague which kills 14,700 people and only stops when Aharon offers an incense offering

13 July 2019 / 10 Tammuz 5779: CHUKAT We read the famous incident when Moses strikes the rock, and water pours forth to the People of Israel in the desert, when the people complained, Moses hit the rock with his stick but G-d asked him to talk to the rock. Moses did not follow his instructions exactly and he would not go into the promised Land of Israel. Miriam and Aaron die. Laws of the Red Heifer and the laws purification are listed. G-d tells the Jewish people about a law they need to follow. The commandant is that if the Jewish people find a cow that’s completely red in colour, they should burn the cow and use the ashes for a purification process.

20 July 2019 / 17 Tammuz 5779: BALAK A king named Balak wanted to curse the Jewish people. He sought out a prophet named Balaam to carry out this wish and sent his officers to summon him. Balaam asked G-d if he could go, but G-d immediately told him not to go and curse the Jewish people because they were a people who were “blessed.” But when Balaam relayed this answer to the king’s officers, Balaam left that part out. An angel tells Bilaam to only use the the words G-d gives him and consequently blesses the Children of Israel. The Moabites entice the Israelites into idol worship.

27 July 2019 / 24 Tammuz 5779: PINCHAS As a reward for his act of zealousness, Pinchas is appointed as a Kohain. Although a grandson to Aaron,

HOLIDAYS/ FASTS/ ROSH CHODESH/ SPECIAL DAYS Rosh Chodesh: 3 July 2019 (30 Sivan 5779) – 4 July 2019 (1 Tammuz 5779) Fast of 17 B’ Tammuz: 21 July 2019 (18 Tammuz 5779) Rosh Chodesh: 2 August 2019 (1 Av 5779)

he was not included in the original selection of Kohanim. No other person would ever be so honoured. Moshe is told to do battle against the Midianites in retaliation for the incident at Baal Peor. Moshe counts the Children of Israel in preparation for entering the Promised land. Moshe divides Israel through a lottery that miraculously matched each tribe to its proper portion. The Leviyim are counted. Moshe is told to prepare for his death, and Joshua is chosen as his successor.

3 August 2019 / 2 Av 5779: MATOT / MASEI Matot begins with the laws of oaths. The Israelites wage battle against Midian and the spoils are divided and tithed. The tribes of Reuben and Gad request and receive territory outside the mainland of Israel. The parsha discusses the laws of verbal vows. The Israelites are commanded to exact revenge from the Midianites for their part in seducing Jewish men to sin. A 12,000-strong army of Israelites, led by Phinehas, waged battle against Midian. In Parasha Masei, Moses reviews the forty years of Israelite journeys through the desert. The Torah discusses the boundaries of Israel, its division amongst the tribes, the cities which the Levites would receive, and the cities of refuge.

10 August 2019 / 9 Av 5779: DEVARIM – SHABBAT CHAZON The beginning of the last of the Five Books of Moses. Also called Mishneh Torah (repetition of the Torah) as it includes many commandments already mentioned in the Torah, but also many other commandments that are mentioned for the first time. Moses begins his final monologue, five weeks before his passing. He recounts the story of the Israelite’s travel through the desert, placing emphasis on, and rebuking them for, the story of the spies.

17 August 2019 / 16 Av 5779: VA’ETCHANAN Moses prays that he should be allowed to enter the Promised Land, but G-d upholds the decree that he will not do so. Moses exhorts the Children of Israel to uphold the Torah and tells them of G-d’s promise that there will always be a remnant of Israel. The Ten Commandments as were written in the Book of Exodus with few differences. The first paragraph of the Shema.

24 August 2019 / 23 Av 5779: EKEV Moses continues his address to the Children of Israel by telling them to trust in G-d and that they should diligently listen to G-d. The laws of Birkat HaMazon. The seven foods for which the Land was blessed, and for which we say a special blessing after eating them (wheat, barley, grape, fig, pomegranate, olive and dates). Warning against thinking that Israel could achieve a victory with their own might.

31 August 2019 / 30 Av 5779: RE’EH

Fast of Tisha B’Av: 11 August 2019 (10 Av 5779) Tu B’Av: 16 August 2019 (15 Av 5779) Rosh Chodesh: 31 August 2019 (30 Av 5779) – 1 September 2019 (1 Elul 5779)

A choice is placed in front of the people. They can choose to keep the Torah which will bring blessings, or they can choose to forsake the Torah and bring about curses. The sanctity of the Land of Israel. The commandment to destroy all idolatrous images. Private altars would only be permitted until a more permanent Sanctuary (in Jerusalem) would be built. The laws of the Tithe, prohibition of eating blood and the different animals, birds and fish that can and cannot be eaten and the laws of the Shemittah year.

Candle Lighting Times for July / August Cities

5-July

Bangkok Beijing Guangzhou Hong Kong Kathmandu Kobe Manila Mumbai Perth Shanghai Singapore Seoul Taipei Tokyo

6:32 6:32 6:31 6:30 6:28 6:25 6:22 6:18 6:13 7:28 7:26 7:22 7:16 7:10 7:02 6:53 6:43 6:32 6:59 6:58 6:57 6:54 6:51 6:46 6:41 6:35 6:29 6:54 6:53 6:52 6:49 6:46 6:42 6:37 6:31 6:25 6:45 6:44 6:42 6:39 6:35 6:30 6:23 6:17 6:09 6:58 6:56 6:53 6:48 6:43 6:36 6:29 6:20 6:11 6:11 6:12 6:11 6:09 6:07 6:04 6:01 5:56 5:52 7:02 7:02 7:01 6:59 6:56 6:52 6:48 6:43 6:37 5:07 5:10 5:14 5:19 5:23 5:28 5:32 5:36 5:41 6:44 6:43 6:40 6:36 6:31 6:25 6:19 6:11 6:03 6:57 6:58 6:58 6:58 6:58 6:57 6:56 6:54 6:52 7:39 7:37 7:33 7:28 7:22 7:15 7:06 6:57 6:47 6:30 6:29 6:27 6:24 6:21 6:16 6:10 6:04 5:57 6:42 6:41 6:37 6:33 6:27 6:20 6:12 6:03 5:54

12-July

19-July

26-July

2-August

9-August

16-August

23-August

30-August

Candlelighting times are taken from Chabad.org.

JEWISH COMMUNITIES IN ASIA CAMBODIA

Chabad Jewish Center House # 32, Street 228, Phnom Penh, Cambodia Tel: (855) 85 807 205 www.jewishcambodia.com

CHINA

HONG KONG

PHILIPPINES

Chabad of Hong Kong: 1/F Hoover Court, 7-9 Macdonell Road, Mid-Levels, Hong Kong Tel: (852) 2523 9770 www.chabadhk.org

SINGAPORE

Jewish Community Centre: One Robinson Place, 70 Robinson Road, Mid-Levels, Hong Kong Tel: (852) 2801 5440 www.jcc.org.hk

Beijing Chabad House and Community centre: Fang Yuan Xi Lu, next to the south gate of Si De Park, Beijing, PR China Tel: (8610) 8470 8238 ext. 210, (86) 13910740109 www.chabadbeijing.com

Ohel Leah Synagogue: 70 Robinson Road, Mid-Levels, Hong Kong Tel: (852) 2589 2621 www.ohelleah.org

Chabad of Ya Bao Lu: Jian Guo Men Diplomatic Bldg, Building 3, 2/F, 223 Chaoyangmennei Street, Beijing, PR China TeL: (86) 1352 2016 427 Email: rabbaimendy08@gmail.com

The Israeli Chamber Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong: c/o The Jewish Community Centre, One Robinson Place, 70 Robinson Road, Mid-Levels, Hong Kong Tel: (852) 2312 1111 email: icochk@biznetvigator.com

United Jewish Congregation (Reform): Jewish Community Centre, One Robinson Place, 70 Robinson Road, Mid-Levels, Hong Kong Tel: (852) 2523 2985 www.ujc.org.hk

Kehillat Beijing (Reform): Capital Club Athletic Center, 3/F., Ballroom, Capital Mansion, 6 Xinyuan Nanlu Chaoyang District, Beijing, PR China Tel: (86) 10 6467 2225 www.sinogogue.org

Kowloon Kehilat Zion (Orthodox): Unit 105, 1/F, Wing on Plaza, 62 Mody Road, Tsim Sha Tsui East, Kowloon Tel: (852) 2368 0061 www.kehilat-zion.org

Guangzhou Guangzhou Chabad: 31 He Ping Lu, Overseas Village, Guangzhou, China Tel: (86) 137 1050 5049 www.chabadgz.org

Chabad of Kowloon: Oriental Centre 1/F Unit D, 67-71 Chatham Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon Tel: (852) 2366 5770 Email: kowloon@chabadhk.org

Shanghai Shanghai Chabad (Shanghai Jewish Center): Shang-Mira Garden Villa #1, 1720 Hong Qiao Road, Shanghai, 200336, PR China Tel: (86) 21 6278 0225 www.chinajewish.org

Magen David Synagogue: 340 Sir J.J. Rd, Byculla, Mumbai Tel: (91) 22 23006675

Chabad of Pudong: Vila # 69, 2255 Luoshan Road, Shanghai, 200135, PR China Tel: (86) 21 5878 2008 www.chinajewish.org Sephardi Shanghai Center: Building B. Apt. 3 (Room 103), 1000 Gubei Road, Shanghai, PR China 201103 Tel: (86) 21 6208 8327 Mobile: (86) 15900808733 Email: sscshanghai10@gmail.com, ssc_shanghai@walla.com Kehilat Shanghai (Reform): XinTianDi – Lakeville 2 Regency Club, 168 ShunChang Lu, Shanghai, China Tel: (86) 13817825201 www.kehilatshanghai.org Email: info@kehilatshanghai.org, Facebook: facebook.com/KehilatShanghai Shenzhen Shenzhen Chabad: No.4, Block A, Guishan Xiaozhu Yanshan Road, Industrial Area, Shekou Nanshan District, Shenzhen, PR China Tel: (86) 755 8207 0712 www.chabadshenzhen.org

INDIA (MUMBAI)

Kenesseth Eliyahoo Synagogue, 43 Dr V.B. Gandhi Marg, Fort, Mumbai Tel: (91) 22 22831502 / 22839617 Kurla Bene Israel: 275 C.S.T. Rd, Jewish Colony, Kurla (W) Mumbai, India Tel: (91) 22 511-2132

JAPAN

Kobe Ohel Shelomoh Synagogue and Community Center: 4-12-12, Kitano-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650, Japan Tel: (81) 78 221 7236 www.jcckobe.org Tokyo Tokyo Chabad: 1-5-23 Takanawa, Minato-ku, Tokyo Japan 108-0073 Tel: (813) 5789 2846 www.chabad.jp JCC Japan: Tokyo Jewish Community Centre, 8-8 Hiroo 3-Chome, Shibuya-Ku, Tokyo 150 0012, Japan Tel: (813) 3400 2559 www.jccjapan.or.jp

NEPAL

Chabad House: GHA-2-516-4 Thamel, Kathmandu, Nepal Tel: (977) 980 324 1294 chabadnepal@hotmail.com

Beth Yaacov Synagogue: 110 H.V. de la Costa cnr, Tordesillas West, Salcedo Village, Makati City, Metro Manila 1227, The Philippines Tel: (632) 815 0265 www.jewishphilippines.org Chesed-El Synagogue: 2 Oxley Rise, Singapore 238693 Tel: (65) 6732 8862, (65) 9740 8109 Jacob Ballas Community Centre & Maghain Aboth Synagogue: 24-26 Waterloo Street, Singapore 187950 Tel: (65) 6337 2189 www.singaporejews.org United Hebrew Congregation (Reform): email: info@uhcsingapore.org

SOUTH KOREA Chabad: 744-18 Hannam-Dong, Yongsan-Gu, Seoul 140-893, South Korea Tel: (82) 107 730 3770 www.jewishkorea.com

TAIWAN

Taipei Jewish Center: No. 12, Lane 46, Anju St, Daan District, Taipei City 106, Taiwan Tel: (886) 9 2392 3770 email: Rabbi@jewish.tw Taipei Jewish Community: 16 Min Tsu East Road, Second Floor, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC Tel: (886) 2 2591 3565 email:einhorn912@xuite.net Taipei Jewish Community Synagogue Services: 11F, 54 Minsheng East Road, Section 4, Taipei, Taiwan email: thetjc@yahoo.com

THAILAND

Bangkok Jewish Association of Thailand: 121 Soi Sai Nam Thip 2, Sukhumvit Soi 22, Bangkok, Thailand Tel: (662) 663 0244 www.jewishthailand.com Chabad of Thailand: 96 Rambutttri St. Banglamphu, 102000 Bangkok, Thailand Tel: (662) 629 2770 www.chabadthailand.com Bet Sefer Chabad: 221 Sukhumvit Soi 20, Bangkok, 10110 Thailand Tel: (662) 258 3434 Chabad of Phuket 52/32 Ratch U-thit Song Roy Pee Rd. (opposite Patong Post Office), Second row of town houses, Patong, Katu District, Phuket 83150 Chiang Mai 189/15 Chang-Clan Road, Chiang Mai, Thailand, On street of Night Bazaar, 100 Meters before The Empress hotel Tel: (66) 81 870 2249

VIETNAM

Chabad: 5A (villa) Nguyen Dinh Chieu St., Dakao ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam Tel: (84) 90 9166770 www.JewishVietnam.com