Newsletter 2008/9

Newsletter 2008/9
SPECIAL FEATURES:
2008 New York Gala
CBI Reopens French Chapter
President Peres Bestows Yakir Awards
Amb. Dan Kurtzer speaking
at the AIEC New York Gala, 2008 (page 3)
Executive Address
2008 Magshim Awards
The Canaanite Gate (1,850 B.C.E)
New Initiatives
IDF Tender for Environmental Studies
Gideon Patt honoring Zehava Dankner (page 7)
The Council’s French
Chapter Reopens
in Paris
We are happy to announce the
reopening of the French chapter
of the Council for a Beautiful Israel.
Mme. Vanessa Elia is the president.
Israel's ambassador to France, Mr.
Daniel Shek, will be hosting the
inauguration ceremony with a
festive dinner at his Paris residence
in March 2009.
The Council’s "Use One
Plastic Bag Less" Campaign
In 2008, the Council for a Beautiful Israel
initiated a national campaign in central
urban locations, aimed at minimizing
environmental damage caused by
overuse of plastic bags by industry and
consumers. In Israel alone, two billion
plastic bags are given free of charge to
the public each year. The life span of
a plastic bag averages a mere twenty
Ilanit Levi displaying reusable
minutes, while disintegration takes
and biodegradable bags at CBI's
hundreds of years.
main stand in Tel Aviv.
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Dear Friends,
2008 marks a year of expansion at the Council for a Beautiful Israel. The Council has added educational programs
as well as several physical projects, thus perpetuating the Council's mission.
In 2008, we enjoyed major media exposure, the likes of which we had not encountered in the past. CBI'S
established competitions continue to attract hundreds of thousands of people from all walks of life, and we
have come up with new initiatives, such as environmental campaigns to abolish harmful waste. We also won a
prestigious tender for environmental education programs to the Israel Defense Forces.
We deeply appreciate our warm welcome at the Gala Dinner in New York in September. We were encouraged by
all those attending despite the bleak atmosphere in the city. It was a true demonstration of solidarity.
The Council continues to gain international strength. Our French chapter, which has reopened after an eighteenyear interval, is already active and we wish it much success. We are undergoing leadership changes in our U.K.
branch, and these will be announced shortly. We trust our steadfast, devoted British Friends to continue their
important support of the Council.
In 2009, the Council's parlor meetings in New York, will be hosted by Israel's Consul General, Mr. Assaf Shariv,
with the participation of Israel's Ambassador to the United Nations, Professor Gabriella Shalev.
We wish to extend our appreciation to all our longstanding sponsors of the 2008 Album, which has again
received very enthusiastic feedback. We believe they are all proud to be mentioned in what is now considered
one of the most beautiful art books published in Israel. We promise to continue with ever-exciting themes in
our next productions.
The Council is synonymous with leadership in community and national environmental care. Its activity is felt all
over Israel, including areas under fire, like Sderot. Indeed, we can accomplish our work only with the backing
you provide, and we thank you all for your steadfast, sincere commitment to the Council and its goals.
Sincerely,
Avraham Katz-Oz
CBI Chairman
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Newsletter 2008/9
Gideon Patt
CBI President
2008 New York Gala
The Council for a Beautiful Israel was represented by all its
executives at The American-Israel Environmental Council's
(AIEC) gala dinner at the Plaza Hotel, New York, in September
2008. In spite of the financial crisis that had begun to affect
the atmosphere in the city, the AIEC managed to fill the
Plaza's ballroom with its longstanding, dedicated friends, as
well as with new ones. The dinner was co-chaired by S. Daniel
Abraham, Richard Hirsch and Mel Atlas. The heads of the Israeli
Council received an especially warm welcome.
Dr. Dan Kurtzer, former U.S.
ambassador to Israel and
now Visiting Professor in
Middle East Policy Studies at
Princeton University, delivered
an enlightening keynote
speech to an enchanted
audience. He recounted his personal experiences of the
political map of the Middle East and of Israel’s position on it.
Israel's newly appointed ambassador to the United Nations,
Professor Gabriella Shalev, and former U.S. ambassador to
Israel, Dr. Dan Kurtzer, were speakers. AIEC President Sheila
Kurtzer was mistress of ceremony.
Gideon Patt, president of the Council for a Beautiful Israel,
spoke on behalf of the Council, expressing its gratitude for the
American Friends' continued support of current major projects,
including the upcoming Center in Jerusalem and the parks in
Kiryat Shmona and Be'er Sheva.
The Council's 40 years of achievements for the benefit of the
environment and of the people of Israel were commended
by Professor Gabriella Shalev, who came straight from the
opening ceremony of the UN General Assembly, where the
importance of joint global activity to protect the environment
was stressed.
From Left: Amb. Gabriella Shalev; Sheila and Amb. Dan Kurtzer (on right);
Zita Rosenthal (second from left); Gideon Patt speaking at the Gala; CBI
Executives with Amb. Dan Kutzer
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Yakir Awards
The Council for a Beautiful Israel's highest honor, the Yakir Award, is presented by the
President of Israel at the President's residence, to individuals for their outstanding vision,
leadership, and continuous support for the goals of the Council.
David Lewis, CBE
David Azrieli
The Council for a Beautiful Israel is proud to bestow the Yakir
Award upon David Lewis, one of its main pillars of support in
England. His steadfast backing has been instrumental in the
success of the Council's ventures.
The Council for a Beautiful Israel is honoring David Azrieli with
the Yakir Award as a tribute to his longstanding sponsorship of
its mission. He initiated and continues to sponsor the Council’s
annual Azrieli Prize for Urban Planning, designed to encourage
architects and urban planners to develop creative, innovative
urban projects appropriate for Israeli society, environment, and
culture.
The Lewis' family company is one of the most significant
private companies in Britain. In 1995 David Lewis received the
title of CBE, Commander of the British Empire, from Queen
Elizabeth II of England.
David Lewis’ involvement with Israel began in 1973,
immediately after the Yom Kippur War, when he and his family
established the Lewis National Rehabilitation Institute to help
wounded IDF soldiers.
In 1980, Gideon Patt, then Minister of Tourism, persuaded
David Lewis to invest in Israel. He responded by founding
Isrotel, a 5-star hotel chain, in Eilat, transforming the city into
an international tourist attraction.
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Newsletter 2008/9
David Azrieli, a noted architect and entrepreneur in Israel and
Canada, is the recipient of the Order of Canada, the country's
highest civilian honor. He is a Knight of the National Order of
Quebec, one of the most prestigious honors of that province.
David Azrieli's contribution to Israel is exemplified by his
establishment of the first covered suburban shopping mall in
the country, an idea that inspired many other entrepreneurs.
He is also famous for the Azrieli Center's skyscraper trio, which
has transformed the Tel Aviv skyline.
2008/9 Magshim Awards
The Council for a Beautiful Israel’s annual Magshim Awards, presented at the same time as the Yakir Awards at the
President's Residence, are bestowed on public and private institutes, non-profit organizations, and individuals for
outstanding contributions to the quality of urban life and environment in Israel, in the form of ecological projects, public
gardening, urban planning, and other aesthetic environmental improvements.
Sculptor Dani Karavan
The City of Netanya
The Council for a Beautiful Israel is proud to present the
Magshim Award to Israeli sculptor Dani Karavan for his lifelong
contribution to public and environmental beauty.
The 2008 Magshim award was awarded to the city of Netanya for
its outstanding contribution to urban landscape development.
Its cultivated shore line, promenades, and parks, as well as its
quality residential projects have made Netanya a jewel tourist
town, with artistic creations exhibited throughout.
Dani Karavan is renowned
worldwide for his art,
exemplifying Israeli scenery.
He has created numerous
environmental sculptures
both in Israel and abroad,
and his prizewinning
creations are exhibited
in the most important
galleries around the globe.
The Bedouin Village of Drijat
The village of Drijat received ‫א‬he Magshim Award for its
unprecedented initiative: the installation of a multipurpose
solar electricity system, providing power to the entire village.
Drijat, founded in 1860 and formally recognized in 2004, is
located northeast of Be'er Sheva. The village has 900 residents,
among them many professionals in the fields of medicine,
law, education, pharmacy and tourism – an example for a
prosperous Bedouin village.
The International Birding &
Research Center in Eilat
The Center received the 2008 Magshim Award for its innovative
ecological activity and educational environmental enterprises.
Located north of
Eilat on recycled
land, it serves as a
“refueling” station
for migrant birds,
enabling
them
to complete their
seasonal journeys.
In addition, it annually provides special education to some
60,000 children with behavioral and concentration problems.
Many of these children improve and can eventually join the
army.
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New Initiatives
CBI Initiates "Environmental Treaty"
Prior to Israel’s municipal elections, in November 2008, the
Council for a Beautiful Israel and the Union of Local Authorities
in Israel collaborated, for the first time ever, in formulating a
“Contract with the Environment”, committing prospective local
authority leaders to safeguard and improve the environment
and the quality of life of their constituents.
The treaty is designed to actualize the right of every person to
live in a healthy, beautiful environment. It places the quality
of life at the center of public urban activity, emphasizing the
need to foster open spaces.
above: The Minister of the Interior Meir
Shitrit, mayors, and Knesset members at the
launching ceremony in September 2008.
The Council and the Union of Local
Authorities in Israel will jointly
monitor the implementation of
the commitments made by the
candidates elected.
The signing of the treaty in Haifa.
CBI Creates a Huge Chessboard in Jerusalem
A joint CBI-Jerusalem Municipality initiative was inaugurated in
Jerusalem’s Safra Square, where the Municipality of Jerusalem stands,
in July 2008: a giant, black-and-white marble, public chessboard with
the appropriate pieces.
The chessboard, operated daily by the Safra Square Administration,
has already become an attraction for residents and visitors.
Uri Lupolianski, former mayor of Jerusalem,
assisting a child in an open game.
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Newsletter 2008/9
Zehava Dankner
Retires after 40 Years
at CBI
The Council for a Beautiful Israel held a
festive lunch in September in tribute to
Zehava Dankner upon her retirement. For
40 years, Zehava was the Council's foremost
volunteer, as a member of the Council’s
executive board and as chairperson of the
Women's Events Committee. She will now
devote herself to the needy in the town of
Sderot, where she volunteers twice a week.
Mrs. Aura Herzog, founder of the Council
and Honorary President, praised Zehava's
steadfast dedication and contribution.
Zehava's "stamp" was felt in everything
she took on, starting with the Council's first
campaigns to promote anti-litter awareness
among youth and the public at large.
Subsequently, she energetically supported
green projects, the highlight being the
wildflower planting campaign on the fiftieth
anniversary of the State of Israel. By initiating
successful theater evenings, Zehava raised
From left: Gideon Patt, Aura Herzog, Zehava Dankner, Avraham Katz-Oz.
New Horticultural Unit
The Horticultural Unit in the Oz Special Education School in
Holon, was funded by The Women's Division of the Council for
a Beautiful Israel.
the necessary funds for creating horticultural
therapy units and gardens for various sectors,
including young handicapped children and
wounded, traumatized IDF soldiers.
Zehava thanked the Council, her old and new
colleagues and, in particular, Mrs. Herzog,
who granted her the wonderful opportunity
to lead a challenging and gratifying life.
Annual Theater Evening
The Events Committee's annual theater evening was a great
success. Despite the war in the south, the Haaretz Museum
theater was packed to capacity.
The proceeds of the evening, featuring the Beit Lessin musical
production, “Broadway, Corner of Frishman”, will go toward
creating a new horticultural therapy project during 2009.
Our special thanks to Ilana Haas, Rubina Horowitz, and Lea
Shani, who masterminded the event.
Chairman Avraham Katz Oz presenting
Zehava Dankner with a trophy
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EDUCATION
CBI Wins IDF Tender for
Environmental Studies
The Council for a Beautiful Israel won the important Israel
Defense Forces (IDF) tender for environmental studies. CBI's
pedagogical department has adapted the study program
to suit IDF issues, in particular the use of non-degradable
products, pollution, and waste management. Courses will be
held at the Center for Environmental Studies in Tel Aviv and at
IDF bases.
CBI's Clean Energy Program
Presented at European Conference
Our pedagogical director, Ms. Haya Yogev, presented the
Council’s “clean energy” study program at a three-day GreekIsraeli Athens Conference on "Sustainable Energies and
Business Opportunities.” It aroused much interest among the
120 Greek and Israeli participants – developers, producers,
investors, and promoters of clean energy systems – and has
already led to negotiations for joint projects.
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Newsletter 2008/9
Mayor David Buskila (left) and CBI
representatives
CBI Collaborates With Sderot
The Council is collaborating with Sderot by
incorporating the Council's environmental study
programs into its school curricula. Mayor David Buskila
promoted this initiative by personally participating in
a week-long Clean City project. He is committed to
turning Sderot's "Color Red" (alarm code of incoming
rockets) to green, by encouraging a green, calm
atmosphere. In addition to running CBI's programs
in class, students are bused to the CBI's Be'er Sheva
educational center for hands-on practice.
NATIONAL COMPETITION
UMI Competition In Environmental Research
2008 marks the 14th year of this important competition in
environmental research supported by United Motors Industry
of Israel.
500 papers were submitted, an impressive increase from last
year. It was especially difficult to choose the winners this
year, as many works were impressive. This year's works dealt
with important
current
issues
such as global
warming, cellular
phone antennas,
waste and water
management.
BRANCHES
Jerusalem
Kfar Sava
Young children stole the show by sitting down
and creating paintings featuring recycling and
re-use next to CBI's stand at the City Mall.
Holon
Beautifying a Community Center
The Jerusalem branch initiated a fair at
Pisgat Zeev School of Technology. The
theme was From Hand to Hand – an
exchange of clothes, toys, stationery and
items for re-use. A welcome initiative,
illustrating one way of reducing the
volume of waste.
Shoham
The Council’s branch manager in Holon,
himself a professional painter, organized
local scouts and volunteers to paint
pictures on the main walls of the Lazarus
Community Center. The result – bright,
jolly images of animals, dancers and the
like – a feast for the eyes.
CBI's Shoham branch was a major participant in the Knesset's plastic ecological
garden, created with painted plastic
bottles.
CBI's Tu Bishvat Seder
The Council for a Beautiful Israel, the Jewish National Fund,
and the Tel Aviv Municipality held a joint Tu Bishvat Seder at
the Council noting the festival’s origins and commending
the city’s open areas and their importance for residents.
left: Tel Aviv Mayor Ron Huldai heading the Seder
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National Competitions
2008 was the 28th year the Council for a Beautiful Israel held its six annual national competitions, which are an especially
important fund-raising tool. Despite the hard times, the number of competitors increased significantly, a heartwarming
testimony to the public’s growing response to the Council's environmental endeavors.
A new competition in 2009, “Beautiful Rural Education in a Beautiful Israel”, will be chaired by Mrs. Rachel RabinYaacov, sister of the late prime minister Yitzhak Rabin. The competition will be held in collaboration with the Ministry of
Education’s Administration for Rural Education & Youth Aliyah and its Residential Education & Guidance Department.
Tourism Minister Ruhama Avraham,
presenting the highest award to Miki Poleg,
General Manager of Isrotel-Tel Aviv.
Minister of Industry, Eli Yishai, presenting CBI's
Beauty Flag to Tefen Industrial Park's founder Steff
Wertheimer and General Manager Arie Dahan.
Beautiful Hotel
The Well-Tended City
Beautiful Industry
This year, the “Beautiful Hotel in a
Beautiful Israel” competition was
held as part of the conference of
the Israel Hotel Association. Tourism
Minister Ruhama Avraham, Israel Hotel
Association President Eli Gonen, and
former tourism ministers drank a toast
to the New Year together with the
Council's leadership.
In 2008, the “Beautiful City in a Beautiful
Israel” competition, under the
auspices of the Ministry of the Interior,
celebrated its fifteenth year with
almost 150 participating locales. The
competition’s date was no coincidence:
two months before the municipal
elections, simultaneously with two new
Council initiatives, the “Clean Elections”
campaign and the “Contract with
the Environment” treaty, committing
candidates to environmental activism.
“Beautiful Industry in a Beautiful Israel”
was our first competition, inaugurated
in 1980. Hundreds of plants and
industries parks have continued to
participate since then. Mr. Eli Yishai,
Minister of Industry, Trade and Labor,
which sponsors this competition,
delivered an encouraging address.
Mr. Stef Wertheimer’s invigorating
speech emphasized the importance
of investing in the environment.
This relatively new competition, in its
third year, shows impressive growth,
with the number of participants
increasing by 20% in 2008. This year
special emphasis was placed on
contribution to the community. The
"Isrotel" and "Fatal" hotel chains were
commended in this category.
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Minister of the Interior Meir Shitrit presenting
CBI's 5-star Award to the Mayor of Ra'anana,
Nahum Hofree.
Newsletter 2008/9
The success of this competition can
be seen at the entrances to cities, local
councils, and regional councils, in parks
and “green lungs”, in the prevention
of environmental hazards, and in
the continuous improvement of the
citizens' quality of life.
Prof. Dan Tzivoni presenting the Beauty
Flag to Dr. Dror Wasserman, General Manager
of "Bait Balev" (House in the Heart)
Beautiful Hospital
Minister of Health, Yaakov Ben-Yizri,
congratulated the competition on
its “Bar Mitzvah”. Its effectivness is
exemplified in improved outdoor and
indoor conditions, and by hospital
staff being personally involved in
the process. Competition chairman
Prof. Dan Tzivoni praised the Council’s
welcome influence on the health
system, promising to do his utmost to
get more hospitals involved next year.
Mrs. Ziva Lahat (left) presented the Beauty
Flag to Amidar-Zafed Residence General
Manager Mr. Yaacov Brosh.
Beautiful Senior
Citizens Residence
A festive ceremony marked the fifth
“Beautiful Senior Citizens Residence
in a Beautiful Israel” competition over
50 residences. Director General of the
Welfare and Social Services Ministry,
Mr. Nahum Itzkovitz, and senior
officials praised the Council for its
achievements in this category.
IDF Chief of Staff presenting the first-place
award to Air Force representative
Beautiful Army Camps
We salute the Israel Defense Forces,
which, despite military operations
during 2008, continued to play an
active role in vying for prizes in the
“Beautiful Army Camps in a Beautiful
Israel” competition.
Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Gabi Ashkenazi
complimented the Council on its
competition. He promised to increase
investment in environmental education
within the armed forces.
From left: Beautiful Haifa Scenery; Hogla-Kimberly
Plant; Beautiful Eilat Hotels(top); Maalot-Tarshiha
new Lake Park (bottom); Ramat Gan's new skyline
Newsletter 2008/9
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Chairman Avraham Katz Oz and
President Gideon Patt near
The Canaanite Gate stone
Archeological Project
The Canaanite Gate (1860 B.C.E.)
The reconstructed Canaanite gate in Ashkelon's National Park was
inaugurated on June 18, 2008, after three years of joint conservation work
by the Council for a Beautiful Israel and the Israel Nature and Parks Authority.
Being the world’s oldest arched gate, it was a cause for celebration for
everyone interested in archaeology and the history of the Land of Israel.
The project was implemented thanks to the support of one of the Council’s
steadfast donors, Mr. Leonard Wolfson of the U.K.
The site was excavated by Professor Larry Stager of Harvard University, who
also addressed the ceremony.
The participants packing the square around the gate were served Levantine
delicacies in a Bedouin tent, in the spirit of the Canaanite period, and the
background harp music added to the historic atmosphere.
2008 Album Does it Again
The international album project’s
twenty-eighth year will be
remembered for its 2008 issue,
“100 Years of Israeli Landscape
Painting”. The album pays homage
to Israel's foremost painters of
the past century. It has received
enthusiastic reactions in Israel
and abroad, including in
professional reviews.
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Newsletter 2008/9
ISRAEL
CBI Headquarters
Hayarkon Park
80 Rokach Blvd., POB 53235
Tel Aviv 61532
Tel: 972-3-642 -3111
Fax: 972-3-643-8554
Email: [email protected]
www.israel-yafa.org.il
USA
American-Israel
Environmental Council/CBI
c/o Linda Lese
411 East 53rd Street, Suite 14H
New York, NY 10022
Tel: 1-212-935-1840
Fax: 1-212-421-421-1530
Fed. Id # 23-7379946
FRANCE
Association"Beautiful Israel
(France)"
c/o Mme Vanessa Elia
54 Rue Bassano
75008 Paris
Tel: +33 6 72 81 86 59
[email protected]