NOTIZIE ITALIANE

NOTIZIE ITALIANE
Newsletter of the Embassy of Italy in Israel
No. 34 March
2005
Increased cooperation between Italian and Israeli police Strengthening
Parliamentary Cooperation
M
inister of the
witness encouraging
Interior Hon.
signs regarding the
Giuseppe Pisanu,
possibility for
accompanied by
reigniting the dynamic
Police Commissioner
for peace, and to
Prefect Giovanni De
discuss the role that
Gennaro, visited Israel
Italy can play in
on 8-10 February to
preparing the ground
sign an agreement on
f o r c o n s t r u c t iv e
bilateral cooperation
dialogue between
between the Italian
Israelis and
and Israeli police
Palestinians.
Commissioner Prefect Giovanni De Gennaro
forces. The agreement Police
Foreign Minister
(left) with Minister Giuseppe Pisanu in Jerusalem
defines the planning
Shalom recalled his
of operations, mutual assistance and
meeting at Auschwitz last January 27 with Prime
information exchange in the fight against
Minister Silvio Berlusconi and expressed
organized crime. Minister Pisanu also met
appreciation for the Italian commitment in the
Ministers Shalom, Ezra and Pines Paz.
fight against anti-semitism.
The Minister's visit, on the day of the Sharm El
The discussions with Internal Security Minister
Sheikh summit, afforded him the chance to
Gideon Ezra concentrated on (Cont p.4)
Chamber of Deputies, led
by its President Gustavo
Selva (photo), visited
Israel on February 14-15.
Aside from President
Selva, the delegation
included Hon. Valdo
Spini, Hon. Giovanni Bianchi, Hon. Gian
Paolo Landi di Chiavenna and Hon. Guido
Giuseppe Rossi.
(Cont p.2)
Franco Zeffirelli: a giant
who enchanted Israel
Franco Zeffirelli paid an extended
M aestro
visit to Israel in January. The celebrated
Undersecretary Delfino in Israel to foster Green
Diplomacy between Rome and Jerusalem
Italian director presented his staging of “I
Pagliacci” at the Tel Aviv Opera, presided over
a retrospective of his films at the Cinematheque
and held a series of master classes for opera
singers. “If I want to think of something
positive”, said Zeffirelli repeatedly, “I think of
Israel; this place is like a precious jewel and
to come here at this moment in history is, for
me, like a glance into the future.” (Cont p.6)
I
taly's Undersecretary of State at the
Agriculture Ministry Hon. Teresio
Delfino visited Israel on 20-22 February.
T h e U n d e r s e c r e t a r y, w h o w a s
accompanied by members of the Ministry
and Buonitalia (the agency dealing with
promotion of Italian food and wines), held
a meeting with Agriculture Minister Yisrael
Katz and visited leading scientific
institutions and agricultural enterprises.
He also met with leaders of the Israeli
branch of the Accademia Italiana della
Cucina.
Foreign Affairs
T heCommission
of the
Concert for Palatucci
Undersecretary Hon. Teresio Delfino received
by Minister Yisrael Katz
(Cont p.4)
Introducing the Italian Business Desk
and Italian businessmen,
T opIsraeliIsraeliinstitutions
dealing with trade
promotion and all the Italian business
entities in Israel crowded the presentation
of the IBD to the Israeli business
community, on last February 28. Cochairmen were Ambassador Sandro De
Bernardin and the President of the Israel
Export and International Cooperation
Institute and the Manufacturers`
Association of Israel, Mr. Shraga Brosh
(photo).
9 a joint concert by the Israeli
O nandFebruary
Italian Police Orchestras was given
at the Jerusalem Theatre in honor of Giovanni
Palatucci, righteous gentile and Italian police
officer in Fiume, who died on February 10,
1945 in Dachau, where he was deported after
having saved the lives of numerous Jewish
refugees during the Nazi occupation of the
(Cont p.6)
town.
1
NOTIZIE ITALIANE
March 2005
Holocaust Memorial Day solemnly marked all over Italy
taly celebrated Memorial Day on
I
January 27, the date of the liberation of
Auschwitz in 1945 by the Russian army, with
an extremely rich calendar of events that
included the participation of the highest
government officials.
President of the Republic Carlo Azeglio
Ciampi spoke at the Vittoriano in Rome, where
he strongly condemned the contribution of
Italian racial decrees to the Shoah, “which
betrayed the highest ideals of the risorgimento
and of the nation”. He then recalled those
Italians who did not accept the racial laws and
those who were detained for refusing to
cooperate with the Nazis. Prime Minister Silvio
Berlusconi took part in the solemn ceremonies
at Auschwitz, where he spoke of the liberation
of the camp as “a day that put an end to the
ignominious extermination and unprecedented
moral and physical suffering of Jewish men,
women and children from all over Europe. The
cries of many Italians, including those snatched
from the ghetto in Rome in October 1943, also
resound from these walls,” affirmed Berlusconi.
In a press conference Foreign Minister
Gianfranco Fini affirmed that “Italy has a
Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi at Auschwitz, January
27, 2005
Memorial Day in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv
The Embassy of Italy organized a remembrance of
Holocaust Day at Yad Vashem in Jerusalem on January
27 at which around 200 people participated, including
all employees and spouses of the Embassy, a large
contingent of Israelis of Italian origin as well as
representatives from the department of interreligious
and Jewish affairs of the MFA and from Yad Vashem.
Ambassador De Bernardin fostered the “flame of
remembrance” and laid a wreath in homage to the
victims of Nazi deportations. In brief remarks at the end
of the ceremony the Ambassador (photo) underlined the commitment undertaken by Italian
institutions to enrich knowledge of the horrors of the past and their determination to stamp out
any resurgence of anti-Semitism.
In the evening the Embassy presented the film “Memoria” to a crowded Tel Aviv audience at
the presence of the director Ruggero Gabbai. The film, which records the testimonies of Italian
Holocaust survivors, was closely followed by the public, which then participated in a lively and
emotional discussion, led by Dr. Simonetta Della Seta, Director of the Italian Cultural Institute,
who also interviewed Mrs. Hana Weiss, one of the film's protagonists now resident in Israel.
moral duty to remember the deep significance
of the Holocaust. We must continue our
commitment because, and I say this with pain,
there are still people in Italy, albeit a small
group, who, out of ignorance or bad faith, tend
to minimize or even deny the importance of
the racial laws and the role they played in the
persecution of the Jews.”
President of the Chamber of Deputies, Pier
Ferdinando Casini, declared that “all of us
have a responsibility which, with the passing
of time, becomes ever more urgent: to look for
new ways of relating what really happened so
that those who follow us will be securely
oriented.” At the special session of the UN on
January 24, President of the Senate Marcello
Pera contended that “the Holocaust did not
appear from nowhere; culture paved the way
by its acceptance of perverse ideas. Politics
provided the legitimacy, the Nazi regime did
the rest.”
Strengthening Parliamentary Cooperation
(cont. from p. 1)
During the course of the mission the Italian
parliamentarians held meetings with Vice
Premier Shimon Peres, Knesset Speaker
Reuven Rivlin, representatives from the
Knesset's Foreign Affairs and Defence
Committee led by Prof. Yuval Steinitz (who
hosted a working lunch for the group), and
members of the Israel-Italy Parliamentary
Friendship Association led by MK Moshe
Kahlon. In all its meetings the Italian delegation
heard expressions of appreciation for the
extraordinary depth of political understanding
between Italy and Israel, and for the valuable
contributions made by Italy, as outlined by Mr.
Peres in particular, in developing projects that
encourage engagement between Israelis and
Palestinians. The delegation, after visiting Yad
Vashem where President Selva laid a wreath in
memory of victims of Nazi persecution, attended
a parliamentary debate, where members were
warmly welcomed by Speaker Rivlin on behalf
of the Knesset. The delegation continued its
visit with a tour of the Jerusalem International
Book Fair, where they met numerous
participating Italian writers and editors, and then
visited the Italian synagogue and adjacent Nahon
Museum of Italian Jewish Art in Jerusalem.
President Selva also visited the headquarters of
the World Association of Libyan Jews which,
as illustrated by its museum as well as by its
active promotion of the Italian language,
maintains close cultural ties with Italy.<>
2
Many Italian schools observed a minute's
silence at 11:59am, the exact moment when
Russian troops liberated the prisoners at
Auschwitz. <>
Edited by:
The Embassy of Italy in Israel
(Economic and Commercial Section)
Trade Tower, 25 HaMered Street, Tel Aviv 68125
Te l : 0 3 - 5 1 6 . 1 7 4 4 F a x : 0 3 - 5 1 6 . 1 7 5 5
www.italian-embassy-israel.org [email protected]
Increased cooperation between Italian and Israeli police
Green diplomacy between Rome and Jerusalem
Introducing the Italian Business Desk
Strengthening Parliamentary Cooperation
Franco Zeffirelli: a giant who enchanted Israel
Concert in honor of Giovanni Palatucci
Holocaust Memorial Day solemnly marked all over Italy
Ambassador Umberto Vattani in Israel
Intense activity at the “Italian Business Desk” in T-A
Italian and Israeli navies strengthen ties
Della Seta is new Director of the Italian Cultural Institute
Joint Italian-Israeli efforts for the environment
Buongiorno Israele!
Jerusalem Book Fair speaks Italian
Dante comes to the Galilee
Milan meets Tel Aviv
Towards Jerusalem
Victor Magiar
A ray of light before the darkness
Fellini in the spotlight in Tel Aviv
Events in Israel
Spring events at the Nahon Museum
Events in Italy
Italian Trade Fair Calendar
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NOTIZIE ITALIANE
March 2005
MFA Secretary General
Ambassador Umberto Vattani in Israel
Umberto Vattani,
A mbassador
Secretary General of the
Foreign Ministry (photo, right),
visited Israel on February 21-23 for
consultations with his Israeli
counterpart, MFA Director General
Ron Prosor. The Secretary General
was also received by Foreign Minister
Sylvan Shalom and was invited to
attend a session of the Knesset, where
he was publicly welcomed by Speaker
Rivlin.
Foreign Minister Shalom, accepting
Minister Fini's greetings relayed to
him by Amb. Vattani, expressed Israel's
satisfaction with the level of relations enjoyed
between the two countries and for Italy's
concrete commitment in the struggle against
anti-Semitism.
In remarks to his interlocutors Amb. Vattani
expressed Italy's hope that Israel will clarify
and deepen its relations with the EU, also by
taking advantage of the recently signed Action
Italian and Israeli
navies strengthen ties
n February 13-15 the Chief of Staff
O
of the Italian Navy, Admiral Sergio
Biraghi, visited Israel for consultations with
Plan. He also outlined the investments made
by the Italian Foreign Ministry to strengthen
the Embassy with the addition of a Scientific
Attaché, expanding the activities of the Cultural
Institute and establishing the Italian Business
Desk.
The Secretary General then visited the Embassy
and the Italian Cultural Institute, where he met
the entire staff. <>
his Israeli counterpart Admiral David Ben
Bashat.
Admiral Biraghi (photo, on his arrival in
Israel with defence Attaché Col. Alessandro
Veltri) visited Israel's main naval units at the
Haifa Naval Base. The Admiral's visit
underlined not only the excellent state of
bilateral relations between the two countries,
but also signalled increased collaboration
with the Italian Navy, and the common need
to find valid partners to help containing the
growing costs of naval operations. <>
Intense activity at the “Italian Business Desk” in Tel Aviv Simonetta Della Seta is
February 21 at the Italian Business
O nDesk,
Italy's Undersecretary of State
at the Ministry of Agriculture, Hon. Teresio
Delfino, chaired the inaugural meeting in
Israel of 20 enterprises belonging to the
Association of Christian Entrepreneurs
“Compagnia delle Opere” (CdO). The
meeting was also attended by Amb. Umberto
Vattani, Secretary General of the MFA.
The CdO's mission was led by its Director
General Dr. Enrico Biscaglia and included
representatives of companies in the telecom,
security, textiles, agriculture and chemicals
sectors. Participating at the opening session, Undersecretary Teresio Delfino and MFA Secretary General Amb.
which was introduced by Amb. Sandro De Umberto Vattani chair the opening of the working sessions for the
Bernardin, were the Director of ICE in Tel business mission of Compagnia delle Opere
Aviv, Dr. Mauro Poli, and the President of the
is closer to the companies, especially small and
Israel-Italy Chamber of Commerce Dr. Ronni
medium enterprises, that constitute the structural
Benatoff (the heads of the two entities that
backbone of the economy.
constitute the Italian Business Desk, together
In his presentation Amb. Vattani underlined the
with the Commercial and the Scientific offices
need to judge the quality of services offered by
of the Embassy). Around forty Italian and Israeli
the goals achieved, and to encourage Italian
business leaders took part in the meeting and in
companies operating in this market to witness
individual encounters which were held during
the quality and excellence of Italian products.
the following two days.
Collaboration with Israel, continued the
In his introductory remarks Amb. De Bernardin
Ambassador, is particularly important because
outlined the efforts undertaken by the Italian
it allows Italian companies to get access to the
Government, and the Foreign Ministry in
latest technologies. CdO director Biscaglia
particular, to consolidate the operations of all
expressed his satisfaction with the services of
Italian business interests in Israel with the
the IBD and his association's interest in further
establishment of the new Business Desk.
collaboration. The CdO opened an office in
Undersecretary Delfino affirmed that the IBD
Jerusalem last year. <>
3
new Director of the
Italian Cultural Institute
1 Dr. Simonetta Della Seta,
O nwhoFebruary
served since last summer as Cultural
Attaché at our Embassy, became Director of
the Italian Cultural Institute in Tel Aviv. Dr.
Della Seta, a journalist and scholar, has
published numerous essays on the Middle East
and Jewish History and has written two books:
Israelis and Palestinians: The Price of Non
Peace (Florence, 1999), and The Guardian of
the Holy Sepulchre (Milan, 2000). Author and
director of several documentary movies on the
history and archaeology of the bible lands,
Simonetta Della Seta has served as Middle East
correspondent for different Italian media - Il
Giornale, Panorama, Il Foglio, Mediaset - and
as senior editor in Rome of the Italian News
Agency Apcom. <>
NOTIZIE ITALIANE
March 2005
Joint Italian-Israeli efforts for the environment Buongiorno Israele!
Italian Israeli workshop on
T hethesecond
environment, part of the Italian-
attracted considerable interest from Israeli
academic and industrial sectors and included
Israeli Agreement on Industrial, Scientific and
representatives from the Environment Ministry;
Technological cooperation, was held on
Ben Gurion University of Beersheva; University
February 7-9 in Tel Aviv and at the Dead Sea.
of Haifa; Hebrew University of Jerusalem; Israel
The event concluded
Institute of
with the signing of a
Technology-Technion
Memorandum of
of Haifa; Holon
Understanding between
Academic Institute of
the Ministries of both
Technology; Israeli
countries on cooperation
Agricultural Research
in the area of climate
Organization - Volcani
change and the
Center of Bet-Dagan;
completion of projects
Israel Oceanographic
under the “Clean
and Limnological
Development
Research Institute of
Mechanism” of the Dr. Miki Haran, Director General of Israel’s Environment Eilat; SOREQ Nuclear
Kyoto Protocols.
Research Center of
Ministry, with Dr. Corrado Clini
The Italian delegation
Yavne, Ofra Aqua
was led by Dr. Corrado Clini, Director General
Plants of Moshav Zipori; TreaTec21 of
for Environmental Research and Development
Ashkelon; Yarqon River Authority.
at the Ministry of the Environment, and included
The first two days of the conference, held at the
24 representatives and experts from institutions
Dead Sea, examined the progress of six
such as Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche,
environmental research projects, part of the
Università di Bologna, Università di Firenze,
Memorandum of Understanding signed in April
Università di Genova, Università di Padova,
2003 between the Italian Ministry of the
Università di Pisa, Consorzio Universitario di
Environment and the University of Tel Aviv. On
Economia Industriale e Manageriale (CUEIM),
day 3 a session was dedicated to questions of
Università “La Sapienza” di Roma, Università
industrial interest which included representatives
della Tuscia di Viterbo, Società Generale di
from Israeli companies such as Metal Tech,
Ingegneria S.p.A.
Netafin, BioMem, TreaTec21, Lextran, Drykor,
The workshop, organized by the Tel Aviv
Millenium Electric, MBM.<>
University in collaboration with the Embassy,
Green Diplomacy between Rome and Jerusalem
standing: Mr. Eli Gonen (left), President & CEO of
Sheraton Israel and Chemi Gur, General Manager
of Sheraton Plaza Jerusalem. Seated, next to
Ambassador De Bernardin: Mr. Eli Cohen, General
Manager, Ministry of Tourism
n January 11 Ambassador Sandro De
O
Bernardin and General Manager of
the Ministry of Tourism Mr. Eli Cohen
opened the “Buongiorno Sheraton” Italian
month at a press conference held at the
Sheraton Plaza in Jerusalem. The initiative,
between 12 January and 18 February,
included the participation of all 7 Sheraton
hotels in Israel, and was organized with the
support of the Italian Cultural Institute and
the Commercial Office of the Embassy.
Visitors to Sheraton hotels in Tel Aviv,
Jerusalem, Eilat, Tiberias, and the Dead Sea
enjoyed a variety of Italian musical and
artistic events, from an exhibition of
photographs and design to discussions on
Italian culture, as well as fine Italian cuisine
prepared by chef Luigi Ferrara, who also
distributed complimentary samples of Italian
food products. <>
(cont. from p. 1)
Welcoming Hon. Delfino, Minister Katz recalled
his meeting with Minister Alemanno in
December 2003 which resulted in the initialing
of a Joint Declaration for Cooperation. Katz also
expressed his warm appreciation for the
friendship repeatedly and concretely
demonstrated towards Israel by the Italian
Government. The Undersecretary, for his part,
explained how bilateral collaboration in
agriculture conforms with the general
understanding between the two governments,
and illustrated the reasons behind the
Denomination of Protected Origin strategies, to
which the Italian government attaches great
importance. Hon. Delfino also outlined the plan,
supported by Minister Katz, to constitute an
organization of Mediterranean olive oil
producers. Hon. Delfino then summarized the
flourishing collaboration between scientific
institutions of the two countries and outlined
new opportunities for cooperation.
The Undersecretary's visit to the Volcani Center
included meetings with Chief Scientist Prof.
Dan Levanon and other leading figures, as well
as with representatives from Israel's major wine
producers. The wine industry in Israel has
increased the quality of its products in recent
years, also due to the presence of entrepreneurs
of Italian origin, such as the Castel company,
established by Eli Ben-Zaken and considered
one of the best in the country. Hon. Delfino also
visited the Carmel wineries.
The Undersecretary's visit concluded with a
meeting at the Italian Business Desk and a
working lunch with Prof. Ariel Toaff and
members of the Israeli branch of the Accademia
Italiana della Cucina. The lunch took place at
the “Il Pastaio” restaurant in Tel Aviv, whose
owner Mrs. Vittoria Ashkenazi Sarano
participated last December in Rome at the first
conference of Italian restaurants in the world,
under the patronage of Minister for the Italians
abroad Hon. Mirko Tremaglia.<>
Increased cooperation between Italian and Israeli police
(cont. from p. 1)
cooperation between the two police forces, in
particular on matters concerning drug trafficking,
terrorism, and other forms of organized crime
such as money laundering and human trafficking.
Minister Pisanu's talks with Interior Minister
Pines Paz centered on the management and
control of local administrations and questions
regarding citizenship and the treatment of
foreigners. The two ministers discussed their
country's respective decentralization of these
services and the empowerment of local
authorities with their administration. Minister
Pisanu illustrated the various initiatives of
cooperation with the Italian Jewish communities,
4
(which have expressed appreciation for the
establishment, at the Interior Ministry, of the
Interministerial Committee Against AntiSemitism), as well as the Government's
commitment in the celebrations of Holocaust
Memorial Day last January 27. <>
NOTIZIE ITALIANE
March 2005
Jerusalem Book Fair speaks Italian
Milan meets Tel Aviv
delegation of leading Italian writers and
A
publishers took part in the 22nd
Jerusalem International Book Fair in February,
from
A delegation
Milan's Municipal
with a full program of events that animated
the Italian pavilion, organized by the Italian
Cultural Institute.
The theme at this year's biennial Fair was
dialogue between cultures and the creation of
bridges between different identities. The Italian
contribution included the Hebrew translation of
Verso Gerusalemme by Cardinal Carlo Maria
Martini; a debate on the “Italian literary border
experience” with the writers Josef Zoderer (Alto
Adige) and Paolo Rumiz (Trieste); and a visit
by the intellectual of Algerian origin Khaled
Fouad Allam, whose book Lettera ad un
Kamikaze is being translated into Hebrew. In
the same vein the Italian Cultural Institute
celebrated the publication of the original text of
Pinocchio with a show for kids by the Teatro
Arcobaleno, which featured Jewish, Muslim and
Christian children from the Galilee.
The highlight of the Italian contribution to this
year's fair was the conference dedicated to “The
Literary Embrace between Italy and Israel.” At
the literary cafe, crammed with people including
Ambassador Sandro De Bernardin, the Consul
General in Jerusalem Nicola Manduzio and the
President of Venice's Consiglio Comunale Mara
Rumiz, the Director of the Italian Cultural
Institute, Simonetta Della Seta, brought together
some of the major exponents of the literary
exchange between the two countries, a real
“embrace” that results in dozens of books and
authors translated every year into the two
languages. Examining this unique phenomenon
in the publishing world were writers David
Grossman, Elena Lowenthal, Manuela Dviri,
Lisa Ginzburg and Alon Altaras, who were
interviewed, and translators Alessandra
Presentation of the Hebrew edition of "Lettera a un
Kamikaze" by Khaled Fouad Allam
Shomroni, Claudia Rosensweig, Jack Arbib,
and Meron Rapoport, who took part in a
discussion. Other Italian publishers were also
present: Luigi Sponzilli from Mondadori, Carlo
Brioschi of Rizzoli and Elisabetta Zevi from
Adelphi, while on the Israeli side a presentation
was given by Menachem Perry, expert on
Italian literature and longtime Israeli publisher
of Italian classics. Wide success was obtained
From left to right, Hon. Giovanni Bianchi, Hon. Valdo Spini,
Hon. Gian Paolo Landi di Chiavenna and Hon. Gustavo
Selva with Prof. Vittorio Dan Segre.
Dante comes to the Galilee
January 2005 the Società Dante
I nAlighieri,
which is responsible for
spreading the Italian language around the
world, established its new branch in
Nazareth, to join those already operative in
Haifa and Jerusalem. It is intended to serve
the large number of Israelis (many of them
Arab Israelis) that have completed studies at Italian academic
institutions and wishes to maintain or activate cultural ties with
Italy.
At present the chapter has around 100 members and in the future
will mount a promotional campaign to encourage new inscriptions
from all over the north of the country.
Members recently elected Dr. Ernesto Farah, who was the first
to introduce Italian language studies into Nazareth over 30 years
ago, as President of the organizing committee, whose first task
will be to oversee the introduction of language courses in Nazareth
during the first quarter of 2005. <>
Council, led by Sen. Livio
Caputo, visited Israel on
February 19-25 for meetings with economic
and political leaders. The mission focused
on Tel Aviv, Milan's twin city. In the spotlight,
joint initiatives to celebrate Tel Aviv's jubilee
in 2009 and the exchange of best practices.
Other participants in the mission, organized
by CIPMO (Italian center for Peace in
Middle East) and its director Dr. Janiki
Cingoli were Municipal Counsellors Alberto
Garocchio, Marco Ricci, Sandro
Antoniazzi and Andrea Fanzago. Meetings
in Israel included Deputy Defence Minister
Zev Boim, Likud MK Gideon Saar, Labor
MK Colette Avital and Mr. Gideon Meir
of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. A dinner
was hosted by Ambassador Sandro De
Bernardin, with the participation of leading
"Milanesi" living in Israel and the President
of the Association of Italian Jews, Arch.
David Cassuto. The delegation also met
with the Italian Consul General in Jerusalem,
Min. Nicola Manduzio, the Director of the
Peres Center for the Peace, Mr. Ron Pundak
and with Father Pierbattista Pizzaballa
(Custos of the Holy Land). <>
at the Fair by the Italian writer Erri De Luca.
Italy also participated in the central event of the
Fair, “Voices from both sides of the bridge”, a
meeting between Israeli and Arab writers that
took place on February 15 on the Hussein bridge
between Israel and Jordan. The Italian pavilion
exhibited books from 20 Italian and a dozen
Israeli publishing houses. <>
Towards Jerusalem
An extraordinary meeting with
Cardinal Carlo Maria Martini was
held on March 3 at the Hebrew
University of Jerusalem on the
occasion of the publication of his
book Towards Jerusalem.
The book, in which the Cardinal
describes his strong bond with the
Holy City and his personal journey in
reaching it, physically as well as
spiritually, was discussed in the
presence of Mons. Pietro Sambi,
Apostolic Nuncio and Delegate,
Sandro De Bernardin, Ambassador of
Italy in Israel, and Rev. Fr. Pierbattista
Pizzaballa, Custos of the Holy Land.
Opening greetings were given by Prof.
Steve Kaplan, Dean-Faculty of
Humanities, Dr. Simonetta Della Seta,
Director of the Italian Cultural
5
Institute, Prof Guy G. Stroumsa,
Director of the Center for the Study
of Christianity. The panelists were
Prof. Yair Zakovitch, Prof. Roberto
Bonfil and Rabbi David Rosen.
Victor Magiar
On Feb. 21 the Italian Cultural
Institute organized the presentation of
the book by Victor Magiar entitled “E
venne la notte” (And the Night Comes)
at the World Organization of Libyan
Jews Center - Or Yehuda. The event
was appreciated by a large public
which gathered to meet the author, a
Libyan Jew living in Italy who has
recreated in his book the golden age
of coexistence between Jews and
Muslims in Libya under the Italians.
<>
NOTIZIE ITALIANE
March 2005
Franco Zeffirelli: a giant who enchanted Israel
(cont. from p. 1)
The visit was
M a rc o Z a m b e l l i ,
described
costume designer
unanimously by
Raimonda Gaetani, and
critics and public
singers Alberto Cupido,
alike as a
Piero Giuliacci, Nuccia
resounding
Focile, Riccardo Botta
success.
and Sergio Bologna.
The Maestro,
On the sidelines of I
invited by the Italian
Pagliacci Maestro
Cultural Institute
Zeffirelli also held two
and Tel Aviv Opera,
master classes, lasting
arrived on January
over 3 hours, for singers
10 to prepare for the Franco Zeffirelli conducting a master class for singers from from the Opera, during
the
Israel
Opera
production of
which he described the
Leoncavallo's opera
cooperation between Italians and Israelis as “a
I Pagliacci, which received its premiere to
magnificent and real experiment in dialogue.”
prolonged and enthusiastic applause on January
Enthusiastic public and critical applause also
19 at the Tel Aviv Opera. Subsequent
accompanied the two gala retrospectives of
presentations quickly sold out and two extra
Zeffirelli's films (La Traviata, Storia di una
performances were added to cater for increased
Capinera, La bisbetica domata, Giulietta e
demand, which extended the production until
Romeo, Un te` con Mussolini, Callas Forever),
February 3.
which were presented at the cinemathèques of
A number of Italian artists assisted Zeffirelli
Tel Aviv and Jerusalem to overflowing public
with the Israeli edition of I Pagliacci, including
demand. <>
the director Marco Gandini, the conductor
A ray of light before the darkness
n January 27, Holocaust Memorial Day
O
in Europe, the Italian Cultural Institute
in Haifa inaugurated the exhibition “A ray of
light before the darkness (1934-1938)” which
illustrates the collaboration, through
documents and photographs of the period,
between Tuscan farmers and Jewish refugees
from Germany and other eastern European
countries on their way to Palestine.
The show was highly appreciated and included
some touching moments when several Holocaust
survivors, now resident in Israel, met for the first
time in 65 years after recognizing each other in
the photos. The support and solidarity of the
Vittorio Haim Luzzatti (left) and Paola Giovanna Morelli
d'Aubert, curators of the "Ray of Light" exhibition, with a
Holocaust survivor
Fellini in the spotlight
in Tel Aviv
series of
A
lectures
celebrating the work
of Federico Fellini
opened at Beit
Ariela in Tel Aviv on
February 1. The six
weekly meetings,
organized in
cooperation with the
Italian Cultural Institute and the Universities
and Cinematheques of Tel Aviv and Jerusalem,
examined the great director's entire opus and
analyzed the multiple facets of his personality
as well as his long association with composer
Nino Rota.
The opening session was introduced by Dr.
Lucio Izzo of the Italian Cultural Institute and
was followed by an introduction to Fellini by
Nissim Dayan. Speakers in later lectures
included the critic Irit Shamgar, historians
Henri Unger and Shlomo Zand, the poet
Israel Bar Kochav, composer Yossi Mar
Haim, actress Michal Goldberg, philosopher
Hagai Knaan and director Itzik Rubin. <>
Italians was crucial, even though only those with
permits were allowed to continue to Palestine
and realize their dream of a home in Eretz Israel.
The exhibition was researched and compiled by
Paola Giovanna Morelli d'Aubert and Vittorio
Haim Luzzatti, both of whom attended the
opening.
Others present included Edoardo Crisafulli,
Director of the Haifa branch of the Italian
Cultural Institute, who inaugurated the
exhibition, several officials from the Haifa city
council as well as the Mayor of La Spezia,
Giorgio Pagano, on a visit to Israel.<>
Concert in honor of Giovanni Palatucci
(cont. from p. 1) The concert took place in the
presence of the Israeli Minister of Internal
Security Gidon Ezra, the Italian Minister of
the Interior Giuseppe Pisanu, the Inspector
General of the Israeli Police, Commissioner
Moshe Karadi, the Italian Police
Commissioner Giovanni De Gennaro,
Ambassador Sandro De Bernardin and
numerous other Italian and Israeli personalities,
including the President of the Italian Jewish
Communities Prof. Amos Luzzatto.
The event was jointly organized by the Israeli
and Italian police, the Italian Embassy and the
Italian Cultural Institute in collaboration with
the Union of the Italian Jewish Communities
and the Anti-Defamation League. A packed hall
warmly applauded the two conductors, Maestri
Maurizio Billi e Menashe Lev-Ran, who
alternated on the podium to conduct a
combination of classical pieces from
Nabucco and Aida by Giuseppe Verdi
as well as popular songs that included
a tribute to Duke Ellington and John
Lennon’s Imagine. The performance
of the soloist, Mrs. Cheryl Porter,
was particularly appreciated.
The following day, exactly 60 years
to the day after his death, Palatucci
was commemorated in an emotional
ceremony at Yad Vashem. After Police chief De
Gennaro and holocaust survivor Elisabeth
Kevit–Ferber fostered the eternal flame in
memory of 6 million Jewish victims of Nazism,
Interior Minister Pisanu laid a wreath of flowers
by Palatucci's name on the wall of the righteous
and Commissioner De Gennaro was presented
with a medal on his behalf.
Minister Pisanu described Giovanni Palatucci
6
as a man of profound Christian faith
“who not only saved the Jews in a
conscious act of heroism but remained
a figure of deep humanity faithful to
man's highest calling”. Professor
Shevach Weiss, himself a holocaust
survivor, an ex Speaker of the Knesset
and today head of Yad Vashem's
honorary committee, remembered
how Italy welcomed and helped
refugees from the death camps after the war.
Prof. Luzzatto recalled that Palatucci refused
refuge in Switzerland after it was granted to
him “to stay faithful to his responsibility as an
Italian.” Lawyer Alessandro Ruben, President
of ADL in Italy, thanked the Government of
Italy for its continuing fight against antiSemitism and racism. <>
NOTIZIE ITALIANE
The place of the Jews
March 29 & 30, Haifa & Tel Aviv
The Italian Cultural Institute will present the
book by Prof.Amos Luzzatto, President of the
Union of Italian Jewish Communities: “Il posto
degli Ebrei” (The Place of the Jews). In his latest
book Luzzatto dwells on the significance and
the task of Jewish presence in the new, enlarged
Europe, “a Europe whose people should be open
and available to be united with new immigrants”,
writes Luzzatto, who reaches conclusions which
involve not only Jews but all citizens of Europe.
Italian Cultural Institute, Tel. 03-516 1361
The Italian Musical Diaspora in the
XVII Century
March 31, Tel Aviv
Concert featuring music by Geminiani, Scarlatti,
Platti, Leclair, Locatelli illustrating the
contribution of these composers to the diffusion
of Italian style in Europe in the XVII century.
Musicians: Genevieve Blanchard, baroque flute;
Jochewed Schwart, harpsichord; Orit Messer,
baroque cello.
Felicja Blumenthal Music Center,
Tel. 03-6201185
[email protected] <>
March 2005
Events in Israel
Deserts and Storms
April 9 – May 15,
Givatayim Theatre
(40, Remez str.,Givatayim)
Exhibition of paintings
by Marta Salto-Weis Azevedo
(Franchetti Pardo),
in collaboration with the
Cervantes Institute Tel. 03-5279992
Deserts and storms are not only
physical entities, but also the
expression of states of mind
related to meditation and
creativity. Since my earliest youth
I have been fascinated by storms,
and have stood long hours in the
night to follow the creative
energy of elements such as wind,
rain, thunders and lightings. I could feel my
sensations flowing together with the roaring
storms.
The deserts were a later discovery, which
significantly enough, coincided with a period of
basic choices in my life. I have traveled to a few
of them: from the Sinai to the Yemeni Hadramouth,
and from the magic Siwa to the Western Desert,
bordering Libya. All of them
are different in the emptiness
of their vast spaces, but equally
rich in vital energy.
Here in Israel I could sense the
closeness between deserts and
storms. Luckily enough, my
house faces the sea of Tel Aviv,
and I spent many days and
nights watching the rough
waves and Jaffo appearing and
disappearing through the
clouds. I have also discovered
the Dead Sea valley, so close
to the living sea. Both are faces
of the same coin,
complementary one to the
other.
This is why I can work on two
subjects at the same time- storms and deserts that might, at first, appear so different. I have
tried to work out these complementarities as a
sort of synthesis of my deepest feelings: powerful
energy and internal equilibrium, anxiety and
optimism, primordial fears and peaceful sense of
infinity.
Marta Salto-Weis Azevedo <>
Spring events at the Museum of Italian Jewish Art
Wood restoration on
Decorated and Painted
Panels
March 13-15
The Italian Cultural Institute and the Italian
Museum invite you to participate in a monographic
restoration seminar for specialists, with the Italian
experts Prof. Andrea Papi and Dr. Federico
Tempesta. The seminar will cover a total of 20
hours.
For subscriptions please call the Institute in Tel
Aviv, 03.5161361.
Paper Fancy
Mar. 14–Apr. 14
A Purim exhibitiona colorful fantasy of
fashion accessories
made of paper by the
artist Ida Rak.
Shoes, hats,
handbags, and other
items in bold,
fantastic colors create
a joyous carnival atmosphere. Some of the designs
are inspired by pictures from old Italian manuscripts
of the Book of Esther that were influenced by
Italian theater. The source of inspiration can be
seen alongside Ida’s work in the museum’s
exhibition halls.
Everyone Loves Jerusalem
Mar. 17
The Museum of Italian Jewish Art is pleased to
take part in the “Everyone Loves Jerusalem”
campaign, in conjunction with Tel-Ad, to be held
on Thursday, Mar. 17, 2005. On that day, admission
to the museum will be free. "Free guided tours in
Hebrew and English".
On Literary Purim Activity
Mar. 22
Lecture by Prof. Chava Turniansky
A Paper Purim
Mar. 27, at 11am
Purim events for the whole family-a joyous
celebration for children and parents, including an
experiential tour of the “Paper Fancy” exhibition
led by a commedia dell’arte (Italian folk theater)
actor; paper crafts workshops making fancy hats,
masks, and costumes out of paper and other
recyclable materials and a colorful costume parade
through the Ben-Yehuda pedestrian mall.
Honoring Enzo Sereni
Apr. 5–7
A conference marking the 100th birthday of Enzo
Sereni is being held in conjunction with the
Embassy of Italy, the Italian Cultural Institute, the
Israel Ministry of Foreign
Affairs, the Hebrew University
and Ben Zvi Institute. Enzo
S e r e n i i s a n ex t r e m e l y
fascinating and central figure in
the life of Italian Jewry, in the
Jewish community in Israel's
pre-independence years, and in
Jewish history in general. The conference will deal
with the main aspects of Sereni's life, including
the social and cultural background of his family
in the context of 20th century's Italian Jewry;
Fascism and Antifascism; Zionist activities in Italy
prior to Enzo's aliyah; his immigration and
settlement in the kibbutz; his major participation
in the socio-political life of the Yishuv; his mission
activities among Jewish communities around the
world (Irak, the United States, Germany, Egypt);
his final mission to occupied Europe, and his tragic
death as a parachutist behind Nazi lines.
A Baroque Passover
Apr. 17–May 10
Ornate dishes for the Seder
table, an antique hole-punch for
matzo, photographs of matzomaking in the Rome ghetto
more than a century ago,
micrography (tiny writing) on
an egg, and many other
spectacular, intriguing itemssome of them entertaining-will
be on display in the Passover exhibition. <>
27, Hillel st., Jerusalem Tel: 02-6241610 Fax: 02-6253480 www.jija.org [email protected]
7
NOTIZIE ITALIANE
Milano Flash Art Fair
March 25-28, Milan
Flash Art is organizing a weekend fair dedicated
to contemporary art at the Una Hotel Tocq, one of
the most sophisticated hotels situated in the centre
of Milan. Around 50 of the most active Italian and
foreign galleries are being invited to participate.
Gallerists will transform the hotel rooms into
original exhibitions, which will serve as meeting
points for to exchange ideas and acquire works of
art.
www.unahotels.it
Giselle at La Scala
1-3 April, Milan
After a three-year 49 million refurbishment, La
Scala is back in its original home. This production
of Giselle features the La Scala Ballet, conducted
by David Coleman and choreographed by J. Coralli
and J. Perrot.
www.teatroallascala.org
Five Masters
Until April 9, Monza
Painting and sculptures of
Floriano Bodoni, Leonardo
Cremonini, Gianfranco
Ferroni, Augusto Perez and
Giuseppe Zigaina on the
occasion of the 40th
anniversary of the
Montrasio Gallery in
Monza.
Tel. +39-039-321770
March 2005
Events in Italy
Pinocchio - The Musical
15 April - 1 May, Milan
Pinocchio, Collodi's beloved
character that has been
entertaining children all over the
world for over 100 years, comes
to the stage in a spectacular
musical starring Manuel Frattini at Milan's Teatro
Diners Della Luna.
www.forumnet.it
Gaetano Pesce, the sound of time
Until April 18, Milan
Milan hosts the Italian architect and designer
Gaetano Pesce, whose unique works revisit favorite
themes such as dual functioning objects and
architecture, the use and development of new
materials and what Pesce describes as the
“feminine” aspect of architecture.
www.gaetanopesce.com
May of Monuments
23 April - 29 May, Naples
Maggio dei Monumenti (May
of Monuments) is an annual
festival sponsored by the
Council of Naples, with special
events taking place every
weekend during the month of
May. Museums and special monuments are open
for free, and activities include exhibits and fairs,
chamber music recitals, rock and pop concerts,
cinema screenings, operettas, performances of
classic Neapolitan songs, soccer matches, horse
races, dance spectacles, parties and theatre events.
www.portanapoli.com
Contemporary art in Chianti
April – June, Tuscany
Contemporary Art in Chianti is a biennial
exhibition in the Chianti region. This year there
are over 60 sculptures and installations spread
throughout the Provinces of Florence and Siena.
This year's edition concentrates on some of the
key spaces within individual communities, with
pieces in squares and main streets of seven
municipalities. The artists participating include
Massimo Bartolini, Paola De Pietri, Alicia Framis,
Antony Gormley, Renée Green, Eva Marisaldi,
Tony Oursler, Nicola Pellegrini, Cesare Pietroiusti
and Franco Vaccai.
[email protected] <>
International Furniture Exhibition
April 13-18, Milan
The Milan trade fair will host
the Salone Internazionale del
Mobile, the International
Furniture and Furnishing
Accessories Exhibition and
particular attention will be
given to the bath and home
textiles sectors. This year marks
the return of Euroluce, the
biennial international lighting exhibition, and
as always, there is great excitement surrounding
the annual SaloneSatellite.
www.cosmit.it
Italian Trade Fair Calendar, March - May 2005
12 – 20 March, Naples
NAUTICSUD
Boat show
www.nauticsud.info
19 – 22 March, Milan
MIPEL
Leather goods & bags
www.mipel.com
7 – 11 Apr, Verona
VINITALY
Wine & spirits
www.veronafiere.it
16 – 19 March, Verona
FAST
Yarns, accessories for
hosiery
www.thefastportal.com
22 – 24 March,
Cernobbio
IDEACOMO
Fabrics for women's wear
www.ideacomo.com
7 – 11 Apr, Verona
SOL
Olive oil expo
www.veronafiere.it
16 – 20 March, Bologna
SAIEDUE
Interior architecture &
finishing
www.saiedue.com
31 Mar – 2 Apr, Parma
MECSPE
Specialised mechanics
www.senaf.it
16 – 20 March, Milan
MIFUR
Fur and leather expo
www.mifur.com
19 – 22 March, Milan
MICAM SHOEVENT
Footwear exhibition
www.micamonline.com
1 – 4 Apr, Bologna
COSMOPROF
Perfumery & cosmetics
www.cosmoprof.it
6 – 10 Apr, Turin
AUTOMOTOR
Motor components &
spare parts
promotorinternational.it
13 – 16 Apr, Florence
PITTI LIVING
Furnishing & interior
decoration
www.pittimmagine.com
13 – 18 Apr, Milan
SALONE
DELL'ARREDO
Furnishing & accessories
www.cosmit.it
26 – 28 Apr, Bologna
LINEAPELLE
Italian leatherwear
www.lineapelle-fair.it
26 – 29 Apr, Bologna
SIMAC
Leather goods industry
www.assomac.it
5 – 8 May, Bologna
ZOOMARK
Products & accessories
for pets
www.zoomark.it
5 – 8 May, Cesena
MACFRUT
Fruit & vegetable
production
9 – 12 Apr, Brescia
28 Apr – 9 May, Cagliari www.agricesena.it
EXA
SARDINIA TRADE
Firearms & weaponry
15 – 18 Apr, Montichiari FAIR
5 – 8 May, Milan
www.exa.it
DISHOW
www.fieradellasardegna.it MIART
Technology for the
Modern and
9 – 13 Apr, Arezzo
disabled
30 Apr – 5 May, Foggia contemporary art
ORO AREZZO
www.staffservice.it
FARMING &
www.fmi.it
Gold, silver and jewellery
LIVESTOCK
www.oroarezzo.com
18 – 19 Apr, Cernobbio www.fieradifoggia.it
5 – 9 May, Turin
COMOCREA
BOOK FAIR
9 – 17 April, Bari
Textile design show
4 – 8 May, Verona
www.fieralibro.it
EXPOLEVANTE
www.villaerba.it
SAMOTER
Leisure time and hobbies
Earth-moving and
12-14 May, Piacenza
www.fieradellevante.it
22 Apr – 1 May, Florence building industry
SIBA
HANDICRAFTS
www.veronafiere.it
Buttons & accessories
EXPO
www.siba.piacenzaexpo.it
13 – 16 Apr, Bologna
www.firenzefiera.it
CHILDREN'S
BOOK FAIR
bookfair.bolognafiere.it
8