Oleg Vyshniakov - Ukraine and Israel. Most of the posts on my page are about Israel. So it happened.

Israel is a unique country. This is the holy land of three religions, which attracts pilgrims and tourists from all over the world. Here ancient and modern are closely intertwined: ancient temples coexist peacefully with skyscrapers and research centers. Nobody will be indifferent to the multiculturalism, multifacetedness and hospitality of Israelis. If you have not been in Israel yet, just watch the movie "Israel for 60 seconds."

I hope that you will need exactly the same time to make a decision to visit Israel and see it with your own eyes.

Oleg Vyshniakov - Ukraine and Israel. Recently I’ve communicated with Margarita Ormotsadze, the representative of Forbes Ukraine publishing house, the subeditor of Finance department.

Recently I’ve communicated with Margarita Ormotsadze, the representative of Forbes Ukraine publishing house, the subeditor of Finance department. We also discussed activities of the Honorary Consulate, issues of state-to-state relations between Ukraine and Israel, prospects and joint projects. Special attention was paid to the security issues in Ukraine and sharing of experience in the sphere.

Read the full interview by the link: http://bit.ly/Forbes_OlegVyshniakov

Oleg Vyshniakov - Ukraine and Israel. Meeting with the President of Latvia Raimonds Vejonis.

One of the necessary conditions for the development of a strong state is its cooperation and trade relations with stronger partners. The Republic of Latvia can become such a partner for Ukraine.

Within several years relations between Ukraine and Latvia are strengthened. October, 27, 2015, the official visit of President of the Republic of Latvia Raimonds Vejonis Ukraine was held.
The Latvian President met with the President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko, the Prime Minister of Ukraine Arseniy Yatseniuk.

At the end of the visit of Mr. President, the Latvian diplomats and politicians met with Ukrainian parliamentarians. The initiator of the event was the Latvia-Ukraine inter-parliamentary group of friendship, in particular, Oleksandr Kodola, the head of the group and Olena Vyshniakova, the Honorary Consul of the Republic of Latvia. Being the Honorary Consul of the State of Israel I was invited to take part in this event too.

Knowing from its own history that it’s important to defend the right for independence and territorial integrity, Latvia strongly supports Ukraine. As well as Israel, Latvia helps in many ways: Latvian party takes a group of children of ATO soldiers for health improvement, Latvian psychologists help people affected by the conflict in the east of Ukraine. Many times the Republic of Latvia sent humanitarian aid for families affected by the war zone and internally displaced people from the Eastern region.

Both countries maintain close economic, cultural and humanitarian ties. Latvia shares with Ukraine valuable experience in the field of defense and security and helps in the training of chaplains and professional psychologists.

The meeting was a continuation of good-neighborliness policy. Ukrainian and Latvian politicians discussed a wide range of spheres for cooperation which will help further economic development of both countries, cultural and humanitarian cooperation.
October 27, 2015, Ukraine and Latvia signed the Cooperation Memorandum in the agricultural sector. Chernihiv region is defined as a pilot project for innovations in agriculture.

I believe that agriculture is a priority sector for the economic development of Ukraine. Today more than ever Ukrainian economy needs a reliable partner and long-term contracts. That’s why I’m very happy that Ukraine and Latvia have taken another step for mutual development. As well as Israel, Latvia is ready to support the development of the Ukrainian economy and is interested in strengthening economic cooperation.

I am sure that this cooperation will be long and fruitful.

On the first photo:
1) The President of the Republic of Latvia Raimonds Vejonis
2) The Honorary Consul of Israel in the Western region of Ukraine Oleg Vyshniakov
3) The head of the group of the Verkhovna Rada  on inter-parliamentary relations with the Republic of Latvia, Oleksandr Kodola,

Oleg Vyshniakov - Ukraine and Israel. Ukrainians support Israel.

Today, October 28, 2015, a pro-Israel rally was held near the building of the Embassy of the State of Israel in Kiev supported by non-governmental Jewish organizations, as well as political and public figures of Ukraine and Israel.

"Ukraine and Israel – forever together", "Ukraine supports Israel", "No to terror" –  today with such slogans  the representatives of the Jewish community and the citizens of Ukraine came out on the streets of Kiev. The deputy of Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Oleksandr Feldman, Israeli Ambassador to Ukraine Eliav Belotserkovsky, the representatives of Jewish communities and organizations were helding a speech in front of the activists.

I’ve always told that the Israelis understand and support the Ukrainians like no other. Both nations have experienced first-hand what does it mean to dispute in arms their own land. Today Israel is gripped by a wave of violence and terroristic acts and I can say that Ukrainian people understand and support the Israelis like no other.

More than 400 000 of Israeli citizens are of Ukrainian decent. Many Ukrainians have relatives and friends in Israel. Ukraine is always in Israeli heart. Ukrainians can’t take events in Israel indifferently. During the war in Donbass about 7000 people have moved from Ukraine to Israel. Fleeing war, they find themselves under the threat of terroristic attacks and have to tremble for their lives once again.

During the ATO the Israelis have sent thousands of tones of humanitarian aid to Ukraine. Dozens of Ukrainian soldiers underwent treatment in Israeli hospitals. Israeli psychologists train their Ukrainian colleagues to work with those suffered in the zone of military operation; trainings and seminars on rehabilitation have been held regularly. Now a program “Safe city” is being implementing and Israelis are helping in the launch of security system that will help to minimize terrorist attacks threat, violence on the streets and other incidents. This project is a pilot one that, I hope, will be extended in other cities of Ukraine.

About 7.5 thousand of people have already become victims of the war in the ATO zone. The total number of victims for 67 years of war in Israel is 52 thousand of people, 2.5 thousand among them died as the result of terroristic attacks. They were fathers, brothers, mothers, children… No one can stay indifferent to it!

Today we came here to show the world that we associate ourselves with Israel and our hearts have no fear! The war united us and made strong.
Today both nations defend their homes with arms in hands and we have no right to defeat.

I want to believe that there will be such desired and long-expected peace on lands of Ukraine and Israel in the nearest future.
I wish you peaceful sky and faith in victory and better future for us and our children.

Oleg Vyshniakov - Ukraine and Israel. Ukrainians are against terror.

Today, October 28, 2015 a pro-Israeli rally will take place in Kiev. Israel has faced once again with terrible spree of terror. “Ukraine and Israel forever together”, “Ukraine supports Israel”, “No terrorism” under such slogans hundreds of Kyiv citizens, including youth and students, representatives of non-governmental, religious and charitable organizations will gather near the building of the Embassy of the State of Israel, 34 L.Ukrainky ave., at 2 p.m.

Ukraine and Israel are fraternal countries. More than 300 thousand of our brothers and sisters, who were born in this country, live in Israel now. The State of Israel is a role model for Ukraine in many aspects. It is the country Ukraine has strong family ties with. Ukrainians will never leave their brothers and sisters in the lurch. We are gathering in order to declare aloud: Ukraine and Israel – brothers forever. We will never leave our brothers and sisters in Israel in the lurch. Ukraine and Ukrainians are always ready to make a stand for Israel and to overcome terror together.

Civil society and reforms in Ukraine have shown that our nations generally held the same views. Both Ukraine and Israel want to live in free and civilized world and to develop their economies and cooperate in order to create better future for everybody. However, recent events have shown that Israeli and Ukrainian neighboring states have different views on today’s world.

The participants of the meeting are Eliav Belotserkovski, the Ambassador of the State of Israel, Ukrainian MPs, including Vadim Rabynovych and Oleksandr Feldman, Mark Levin, the Head of American Committee for the defense of the Jews of the former USSR, Oleg Vyshniakov, the Honorary consul of the State of Israel, Moshe Reuven Azman, the chief rabbi of Ukraine and others.

In order to join forces for fighting terror against the two countries Ukrainian Jewish Committee, All-Ukrainian Jewish Congress, Kyiv Jewish Community call everybody indifferent to come today, October 28, 2015 in Kyiv, 34 L.Ukrainky ave., to the Embassy of the State of Israel and to take part in the meeting.

Oleg Vyshniakov - Ukraine and Israel. Ukrainians support Israel: meeting against terrorism.

Within 2 last weeks a wave of terrorist attacks has swept through Israel. The number of terrorist attacks has reached 20 and continues to grow. Hundreds were wounded, many civilians died.

In difficult times when Ukraine needed support of the world community, being the fraternal country, Israel gave such support. Israel knows for sure what does it mean when your neighboring county is an aggressor. Israelis admitted Ukrainian soldiers for treatment, provided them with support and care and still send humanitarian aid for Ukrainian orphanages and hospitals.

And now, when a disaster came to the homes of our Israeli friends and relatives, Ukrainians are ready to support Israel in these difficult times.
Two events, due to which the Ukrainians want to denote their support to Israeli people:

“Ukraine and Israel forever together”, “Ukraine supports Israel”, “No terrorism” under such slogans a pro-Israeli rally will take place in Kiev on October 28, 2015. Protesters will gather near the building of the Embassy of the State of Israel, 34 L.Ukrainka ave., at 2 p.m.

On Sunday, November 1, 2015 at 1.30 p.m. a solidarity meeting of Ukrainians and Israelis will take place in Kyiv, at Maidan Nezalezhnosti square.

Both events are being organized with the support of Patriot training center, Ukraimiam jewish committee, Jewish defense of Kiev, George Logvinsky, the co-chair of Ukraine-Israel parliamentary friendship group, Jewish hundred of Maidan, involving Charitable organization “Liberty and unity”, Volyn rehabilitation center and other Ukrainian non-governmental organizations, political and public figures.

I consider such civic engagement to be of great importance. It is necessary to stay bloodshed in both Ukraine and Israel. The State must ensure security of its citizens! We can not live in lasting fear for our lives and lives of our relatives and friends.

Israel, as well as Ukraine, has to assert its freedom and peaceful existence. Both Ukraine and Israel want to live in liberal and civilized world and cooperate in order to create better future for its peoples. However, recent events have shown that Israeli and Ukrainian neighboring states do not see eye to eye with us on today’s world.

In this difficult time I call on all Ukrainians to show their support for Israeli people and join the rallies in order to join forces for overcoming terror!

Oleg Vyshniakov - Ukraine and Israel. The US and Israel begin nuclear cooperation.

Good afternoon!
Taking into consideration the events which are taking place in the world, the question of nuclear weapons or its absence is becoming more drastic. Despite such weapons’ fatality all countries with more or less developed economies want to be "a rib" of nuclear umbrella.

Ukraine had quite a significant nuclear armory. But in 1994 by signing Budapest Memorandum Ukraine exchanged rockets for security guarantees of the signatory countries such as Russia, the USA and the UK. As we can see today, the solution of Ukrainian politicians was not the most forward-looking. Who knows what would happen today if Ukraine didn’t give the second largest stockpiles of nuclear warheads in the Soviet Union.

Ukraine has very low chances to get a nuclear capability once again.

In this regard Israel is more forward-looking. Despite pressure from the leading nuclear-weapon states, Israel has never signed the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. Paying attention to the difficult geopolitical situation in the country, Israeli politicians have always thought of borders’ protection in the physical sense.

Yesterday Haim Levinson, the Israeli journalist, wrote that the USA agreed in public to cooperate with Israel in atoms for peace. Declaration on the beginning of such program is a crucial change in American policy. Until now the USA withhold cooperation in atomic projects with counties that refused to sign the NPT. Such a refusal makes it impossible to maintain official control over atomic facilities of the countries.

Until now cooperation between Israel and America in the field of atomic power was an unofficial one. According to analytics, such a change took place after signing an agreement between leading powers and Iran.

In the framework of so-called strategic dialogue between Israel and the USA Yuval Steinitz, the  Minister of National Infrastructure, Energy and Water Resources within his working visit to the USA, met with  the representatives of corresponding American department, and after this a message about the beginning of the official cooperation appeared.

Unfortunately, an attempt of the world community to make demilitarization a new trend has failed. Current situation shows how unstable and fragile the system of security agreements and non-aggression pacts is; the system that was diligently formed by the world community after the World War II. Regrettably we have to protect freedom with arm in hand. Israelis know it better that anybody and won’t miss a chance to increase national defense capability.

Oleg Vyshniakov - Ukraine and Israel. Ukraine-Israel inter-parliamentary group in Green Parliament.

Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen.

Did you know that the Israeli Knesset is the most eco-friendly Parliament of the world? Green Knesset is a unique know-how of the State of Israel. The program consists of 13 water and energy-conservative initiatives, including the installation of an array field on the roof of the building.

The program has not only an economic, but also educational value. Thanks to already implemented stages of the Green Knesset program it was managed to reduce significantly the costs of the parliament building supplying, as well as to draw attention to the issue of green energy and energy-saving technologies. A special panel will be installed in the building of the Knesset, showing the benefits of green technologies, including data on the amount of saved funds and an amount of carbon dioxide emissions, that wasn’t discharged into the atmosphere.

Ronen Plot, The Director General of the Israeli Parliament and a friend of mine is planning a visit to Ukraine for sharing experience with Ukrainian officials and businessmen on alternative energy programs and the development of ecological projects. Cheapening of energy sources is extremely important topic for Ukraine today.

Within the framework of Ukraine-Israel inter-parliamentary group a number of projects on adopting Israeli technologies in medicine, agriculture, education, etc. is under discussion. Due to active work of the parliamentary group, relations between Ukraine and Israel have moved on to a new footing.
The group has established a platform for continuous dialogue between politicians and businessmen, finding ways for cooperation and the development of new initiatives.

Israel is a country of high technology and cooperation in a number of industries can significantly help the development of the Ukrainian economy.

I am sure that all the projects between Israel and Ukraine will be long-term and mutually beneficial.

Photo:
Georgiy Logvinskiy, Borislav Rozenblat, Borislav Bereza – the heads of Ukraine-Israel inter-parliamentary group.
Oleg Vyshniakov – the Honorary Consul of the State of Israel in Western region of Ukraine.
Tali Ploskov – the head of Ukraine-Israel inter-parliamentary group from Israeli party.
Gennadiy Nadolenko – the Ambassador of Ukraine in the State of Israel.
Hanna Onyschenko – the Minister of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine.
Vladyslava Rutytska – the deputy Minister of agriculture of Ukraine.

Oleg Vyshniakov - Ukraine and Israel. “In children’s hands”.

Good afternoon, everybody!

Recently I’ve received an appeal for aid from non-governmental organization “In children’s hands”. The organization deals with children suffering from Down syndrome, autism and developmental delay. Children proceed with the rehabilitation, both traditional and alternative, kids are being taught to speak and grow up to be productive members of society.

Being the father of six children, I can’t stay idly by everything associated with children. We live in really tough times when even such great projects as “In children’s hands” have no proper support and funding.

With the help of Oazis Restaurant and all-Ukraine Charitable tour “Healthy Childhood” we carried out a charity performance in aid of children.

I express my deepest respect to the team of “In children’s hands”. You do really important and great work. I wish you energy and patience for your hard work.

I want all kids of the world to be healthy, happy and much-loved.

Oleg Vyshniakov - Ukraine and Israel. The modern world: idiocy or political correctness.

Today horror films almost doomed to oblivion. Instead of horrors you can just watch the news with no less success. There are attacks, murders, wars, accidents and disasters. Everyday all of this falls like an avalanche on human consciousness. It does not matter how absurd essentially a particular event is; the important thing is to maintain the correctness and tolerance. In no case anyone can be criticized. Do not offend anyone's feelings. We are civilized people. We reach the point of absurdity at this desire to "correct civility".

A few days ago I posted about the events in Israel. Everyday people are just slaughtered at the streets. The country is flooded with bloody terror. Moreover all world's mass media only talks- what is it? Maybe those Palestinians who attacked civilians with knives are not terrorists? It is necessary to keep civility for what do we miscall them.

According to Cursorinfo’s materials today's meeting of the UNESCO Committee is going to consider seriously the demand of the Palestinian representatives to recognize the major Jewish holy sites to be "muslim", including the Wailing Wall, the Temple Mount, the Cave of the Patriarchs in Hebron, Rachel's tomb in Jerusalem. In other words that means to prohibit access to the Jewish to Wailing Wall. Why just not to proclaim Islam to be the sole and official religion of Israel? The result is important but not the process. The main thing is not to offend anyone.

In Europe more than half a million refugees arrived from the Middle East. Only Germany allocated 6 billion euro for solving this issue. The lion's share of refugees is not the people of Syria who are fleeing from bombing. There are strong and young Iranians, Lebanese and Afghans for whom living in refugee camps in Turkey and Libya does not suit. Even Greece, as well as Serbia, is not their cup of tea. They are confident that they have right for all Europe benefits. This right is not to be appealed but demanded. They take by force vehicles and like locusts sweep away everything in their path, leaving piles of garbage and scraps. Germany began an extensive program of providing housing for refugees at the same time their own retirees who are ethnic Germans and taxpayers are tightened. However immigrants are not going to "take shelter" somewhere in a province, they came there not for that. They swarm into the large cities where there are entertainments and women. With the appearance of "the poor refugees" the number of gang rapes in Germany has increased significantly. Due to their peppery temper, the Muslims perceive all unveiled women to be sexual object. And here is the main paradox: German women who live, work or study near refugee resettlement places are not recommended to wear skirts, shorts and blouses with scoop neckline… It is right, it is you fault. You have not to wear clothes as you desire in your own country. In German schools crucifixions were taken off the walls. In public caterings pork sausages are not served anymore. Bavarian media call upon citizens to be tolerant when refugees defecate in sand-pits, throw garbage thought the windows, keep a quarter in the night, do not comply with rules and police and act in such a way as they are at home!!!

Criminal situation in cities where refugees are settled (they are the majority of big cities of Germany) became so complicated that police refuses to investigate minor crimes such as thefts in the streets and markets, family fights etc.

Moreover I want to stress once again that nobody tries to explain and punish the refugees. These are the Germans that are being adapted to the problem and appealed to understanding and sympathy.

 As they say sorrow is worse than hate. I am absolutely sure that there is a logical limit for any "patience" and "tolerance".

Video clip - Israel. Arab young man was asked to show documents: https://youtu.be/O3oTgidxXlE

Oleg Vyshniakov - Ukraine and Israel. Glasses for blind working by"sound".

I've written many times about different educational programs and interesting startups, technical updates. Today's world is very rich in a variety of inventions and innovations. The things which seemed fantastic and impossible 10 years ago now are common ones. Androids and robots are becoming an integral part of our lives. Many technical developments are unique. For example glasses of Israeli startup OrCam created for blind and visually impaired people.

The device "shows" by sound. These glasses actually just talk with the user. All that is required just to show the glasses the object you want to visualize. For example you are looking at traffic lights and glasses are telling you what the light is. You are looking at the menu and glasses are reading a list of dishes. Communication glasses and a user passes through the audio interface. The sound is transmitted through the bones of a skull making it completely inaudible to others and improving sound quality.

Except for a small camera there is a computer device that can be carried in a pocket.

Of course no device can replace your own healthy eyes. But if you have problems with your eyes, such gadget can greatly facilitate people's life.

Recently an interesting experiment was conducted by volunteers of the foundation working with blind children in one of the Ukrainian parks. Passers were offered to blindfold, pick up the white cane and walk along the park. Many agreed but after 5 meters pulls off the bandage with the words that it is "scary", "awkward", "dangerous." Blindness is really scary. Especially if to consider the fact that it is very difficult to "adapt" the reality to the needs of the blind people.

Much thanks to Israeli OrCam for this invention. Today glasses are ready for production. There is only one not very nice moment it is the price. The gadget has turned out quite expensive - 2500 USD. But the company is working on a reduction of the cost  for the invention, and I hope they will be able to make this product affordable for the middle class.

Oleg Vyshniakov - Ukraine and Israel. Prejudice against Ukrainians at Israeli customs.

A few days ago a meeting between the Head of the Department of Consular Service of the MFA of Ukraine, Andriy Sibiga and the Head of Consular Service of the Foreign Ministry of Israel Igalo Tsarfati took place in Jerusalem.

The topic of the negotiations was the consular and legal issues related to visa-free regime between Ukraine and Israel.

Ukrainian Consular Service is very concerned about the number of unwarranted refusals of entry to Israel for Ukrainian citizens, as well as the biased attitude to the Ukrainians from the Israeli border officials. The Adviser for Consular Affairs of the Ukrainian Embassy in Tel Aviv Anatoliy Pisarevskiy admitted: "This situation harms the normal and conventional execution of the agreement on visa requirements cancellation. A person must have some confidence that if he buys a ticket and books a hotel when comes to Israel, he will spend time in a planned way. In 90% of cases visa still guarantees that a person will enter Israel after an interview with the consul but nevertheless the last word rests with border guards. The current situation makes the visa-free regime a lottery. It is not visa-free regime. "

This issue is very painful and urgent. In July I had the opportunity to meet with the Minister of Tourism of Israel Yariv Levin. The issue of an attitude towards Ukrainian tourists at border crossing of Israel has become the main topic of our meeting. I personally have heard dozens of stories from people who were treated extremely incorrect and refused entry without any existing reasons and explanations. Tourists who just landed had to wait for several hours in stuffy rooms even without the possibility of drinking a glass of water. There were precedents when after such waiting tourists felt bad and hadn’t received medical aid.

Such treatment is unacceptable. According to the embassy data during 2014 about 2,800 citizens of Ukraine were refused entrance into Israel. This is a significant damage to the development of tourism between the two countries since these people will be a source of negative advertisement. It is unlikely that they will come to Israel once again as tourists and will beguile their friends out of such trip.
This problem is to be solved as soon as possible. During the meeting between representatives of the Foreign Ministry of Ukraine and Israel, the Israeli party promised to check all existing violations and eliminate difficulties of the border and immigration controls procedure. I want to believe that the promise will be fulfilled in the nearest future.

Photo: Honorary Consul of Israel in the Western region of Ukraine Oleg Vyshniakov and Minister of Tourism of Israel Yariv Levin.

http://izrus.co.il/dvuhstoronka/article/2015-10-11/29033.html

Oleg Vyshniakov - Ukraine and Israel. “Human being and the environment”.

I would like to share an interesting innovation of the Israeli educational system: new school subject “Human being and the environment”.

This subject became a continuation of geography. New discipline is based not only on physical processes but also on interrelation between human being and the environment, as well as influence of human agency on the environment.

I think this subject is of the highest importance for modern children. Spending much of the time “in gadgets” they do not burden themselves with many issues. It is very important for kids to know since their childhood that the planet is your home and you need to love and care for it.

Today teeming human activity destroys and exhausts our planet. Position of each generation is “it will last my time” but such a position has already paid off. Quantity of natural disasters is growing year by year: hurricanes, earthquake, floods… Our planet tries to show us at all cost that it is time to stop to behave irreverently to the nature and the environment.

There is a joke: “One planet is complaining to another: I’ve got people. It is a disaster. I am itching. They drilling, sawing and boring something all the time. Another planet is answering: Just wait couple of millennia. I had got people too. They passed”.

In order not to “pass” it is necessary to instill in children environmental friendliness and respect for the nature. May be our children will be able to correct parents’ mistakes. At least I would like to believe it.

Oleg Vyshniakov - Ukraine and Israel. Andrey Makarevich.

It is Friday and I’m not disposed to write about politic, war etc. Today I would like to talk about positive emotions and man of worth – Andrey Makarevich. I bow not only to his talent but also to his will power. He is a real man. He has his own opinion, logical thinking and notion of honour.

His stance toward situation in Ukraine inspires respect and gratitude. It is one more evident to the fact that far from every Russian is being brainwashed by Russian propaganda.

There are a lot of normal and sane people but not everyone has courage to demonstrate against a majority. In order to do so one should be a really great man. Such as Andrey Vadimovich.

Oleg Vyshniakov - Ukraine and Israel. Today I would like to discuss tragic events in Israel.

I have no idea how to name the situation when the civilians are being butchered like a livestock. In mass media there is a range of epithets for this situation: the third intifada, Palestinian campaign and even Night of the Long Knives. However, Israeli media presents the events in such a way that it is not really clear who is an attacking person and who is a defending one.

Let’s recollect what is going on within last two weeks: Hamas members murdered Jewish family with 4 kids; in two days Palestinian teenager put a knife into two Israelis just for fun and wounded a woman and two-year-old (!!!) kid; another Palestinian teenager cut with a knife back and chest of fifteen-year-old Israeli teenager; a group of Palestinians inflicted knife wounds to two senior people and a fourteen-year-old lad; on a bus stop an Arab hit by a car a nineteen-year-old military woman and, apparently just in order to alleviate her suffering, came out of the car to kill her with a knife and after that with this very knife attacked two men and an immature girl. These are not the whole list of the crimes. Self-destruction, bashing, knife wounds – Palestinians are inflamed with blood-lust and psychosis.

Yesterday Abu Mazen, the President of the Palestinian National Authority, addressed the Palestinians on-camera with the following words: “We gave a peaceful hand to Israel but Israeli government rejected it. This, in particular, caused instability. I’m calling upon my people to pay attention to invaders’ wiles. I’m giving my blessing and touching my hat to our Shakhids, all those wounded and imprisoned.”

Unlikely this speech can be named a message of peace and an attempt to stay bloodshed. Of course Abu Mazen is a political puppet as well as all those Arab teenagers, hypnotized with hate, who fly to arms. Let’s think over who will benefit from fresh strain of the Arab-Israeli conflict that can evolve into the third intifada? Who will benefit from lining the Arab world up behind such a “positive” goal as destroying Israel? And which way such coalition may be turned to…

European politicians continue politically correct discussions both about Israel and Ukraine…

I would like to end with the quotation of Brad Stevens in The Wall Street Journal: “Today the Palestinian campaign is being held in high gear in Israel, the Jews are being knifed one by one. It is a psychosis. It is evil. To use softer terms means being an accomplice.”

I record my deep regrets to families of those killed during terroristic acts and I wish speedy recovery to all wounded.

I also suggest you to watch video of real events and come to your own conclusions. The video is not for the faint-hearted.

Oleg Vyshniakov - Ukraine and Israel. I believe that everyone should pull his fair weight to help soldiers and resettles.

Despite the fact that today the state supports the army much better than at the beginning of the ATO, it is not a secret that many problems are still on the volunteers’ shoulders.

The Ukrainians are quite a unique nation. I do not know any other examples in history when within a year the skeleton army has become a professional and combat-ready just by volunteers’ support. The unity of the Ukrainians, their willingness to help and to fight for their land can not help but admire. That is real anonymous feat of hundreds of volunteers. They perform miracles of ingenuity every day in order to find necessary products, medicines, to supply them to the front line. It is the highest patriotism.

I believe that everyone should pull his fair weight to help soldiers and resettles. When guys from the Center for special purposes (counter sabotage and terrorist acts) appealed to me, It was great pleasure for me to help them to buy all necessary equipment: thermal imaging cameras, bulletproof vests and armor plates, night vision equipment and telescopic sights, all that they asked. Unfortunately lack of equipment is not the only problem even for such special military unit.  To solve the accommodation problems of military personnel, the building for hostel was given for them. But there is a problem: the building is without maintenance. I hope that soon I will help to solve this issue and 17 families will have decent living conditions.

Being the Honorary Consul of Israel and the person who visits Israel often, I know firsthand what do such attacks mean. Today in Ukraine there is a war not only in the East. Every day dozens of subversives try to organize a provocation in the rear. I hope that thanks to the professionalism of the soldiers and new equipment we can keep peace and lives of the civilians.

I’m very proud to receive a certificate. I wish the soldiers good luck and peace for all of us as soon as possible.

Oleg Vyshniakov - Ukraine and Israel. Elections.

Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen

The "agitation attack" is held during last few weeks in Ukraine and it is only widening day by day. There are many promoters with newspapers, leaflets and other promotional “souvenirs”. Agitation tents and boards with candidates’ appeals overshadowed commercials advertising in amount. In TV commercials each candidate explains to the electorate in a very eloquent and accessible manner why he is the one to be chosen....

 I understand that such an election activity causes a rejection and anger. While meeting people I often hear such position as "How long will this continue?", "What will be changed?", "My vote does not solve anything," "It would be better to spend money on something useful rather than leaflets and visuals" and so on.

I agree with the fact that there are too many election campaigns and that budgets should be spent for more useful initiative of our capital rather than payment of billboards. But at the same time I do not agree with the position "my vote will not change anything." It will change.

Two years ago Ukraine has shown the world that we are free and proud people who do not allow to be treated as a dumb herd. Maydan became the embodiment of the will and independence of the Ukrainian nation. Let's not forget that.

Your choice is the future of your city and the future of Ukraine.

Therefore I’ll find time in my busy schedule to fulfill my civic duty. And I ask all of you to do the same.

In the Criminal Code there is such term as “tort of negligence”. Treating your own future, future of you native city and country with indifference is tort of negligence. Of course we won’t solve all the problems by simple ticking the box in bulletin, but history is being made by humans. That is why it is you to decide who will head your cities: sane economic executive, who wants to put things right, or passive corrupt official who will come to power only because you have no time to come to elections. If we want to live better, we need to shape our future by ourselves and not to wait inactively till someone will come and solve all the problems. Changes are in your hands.

I ask you one more time to come to elections and make your choice! Don’t be indifferent to your own future!

Oleg Vyshniakov - Ukraine and Israel. Israel will view contemporary Ukrainian cinema.

I have already written several times about how much the Israelis support the Ukrainians. Now Israel is interested not only in Ukrainian news, but also in Ukrainian culture.

Today in Israel a film festival "Week of the Ukrainian cinema" has started for the first time. Until October 13 citizens of Tel Aviv, Ramat Gan, Ashkelon and Haifa can view documentaries and full-length films by Ukrainian directors. Film Festival will be opened by the legendary "Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors" by Sergei Parajanov which became famous not only in Ukraine but all over the world.

Issue of the festival is very burning and relevant. Israelis will view works of young filmmakers about Maidan, a film dedicated to Savchenko Nadiia, films about the Crimean Tatars, the war in the East. In August Leonid Kanter brought to Israel a picture «The Ukrainians» which caused a great public outcry showing the Israelis the events in Ukraine by an eyewitness. The pro-Russian radicals were so afraid of this movie that even tried to disrupt the premiere.

I hope that the festival will take place without incident and will help to show the Israelis the real story of Ukrainian struggle for freedom. More than 400 000 families in Israel are of Ukrainian descent. I am sure that it is an important and necessary chance for Israelis to see the events of the past two years and an opportunity to join the Ukrainian contemporary culture.

Organizers of the Festival: non-governmental organization "Israeli Friends of Ukraine" with the support of the Embassy of Ukraine in the State of Israel, the charity fund "Ukrainian Jewish Encounter" (Canada) and the Municipality of Ashkelon.

Oleg Vyshniakov - Ukraine and Israel. Honouring ceremony of Righteous among the nations

Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen!

Today the annual honouring ceremony of Righteous among the nations took place in Kyiv City Administration. Among those who came there in order to pay homage to these great people were Vitalii Klichko, the Mayor, Geoffrey R. Pyatt, the Ambassador of the USA in Ukraine, Maryus Yanukonis, the Ambassador of Lithuania, Alexsandr Suslenskyi, the Deputy Ambasador of Germany, the Head of ‘Suhnut’ in Ukraine, the Head of Jewish Council of Ukraine, as well as representatives of different Jewish comities and organizations.

The title ‘Righteous among the nations’ was introduced in 1963 by Yad Vashem. The unique project of awarding those who at the hazard of their own lives saved the Jews.

Hundreds of thousands of Jews were shot at Babi Yar, burned in ovens of concentration camps, died of starvation and overwork in ghetto. Their only fault was that they were Jews. To help Jews was as much a crime as being a Jew. Not only the person who was helping Jews but also his/her family, relatives and friends were shot. Nevertheless today we have gathered to pay homage to those who under the pain of death, on pain of extermination of their families and friends were not afraid to stay humans. They hid Jews in their homes, shared their last crumbs of food and pretend Jewish children to be their own. I want to thank these people and to lower my head towards them for that feat.

2450 Ukrainians bear the Righteous among the nations title. Ukraine is the 4th by the number of awarded. But unfortunately today history lessons are not standing high. Having survived after Babi Yar and the Holocaust, famine and genocide, Ukraine has still not rid itself of anti-Semitism and aggression on a national basis.

Anti-Semitic demonstrations, desecration of monuments, biased attitude towards people of Jewish nationality are the current realities. In the last year only the Minors monument was desecrated more than 6 times.

To look at this situation through your fingers and justify it by the fact that "this happens everywhere" is a crime. Authorities practically do not react to the numerous attempts to provoke conflicts on anti-Semitism basis. At the same time, we all realize how dangerous and bloody the provoked conflicts may be if they are based on interethnic animosity. To spark the aggression today is beneficial to those who aim at further split of Ukrainian people; to those who benefit from the internal bloody incidents; to those who really want to "apportion blame" on what is happening in the life of the country. I will repeat myself, to allow this is a crime.

I call on the Ukrainian authorities to deal ruthlessly with any acts of anti-Semitism and do not turn a blind eye to the attempts to strike together the Ukrainian and Jewish nations. Now it is not an appropriate time for demagoguery and tolerance. The Israeli and Ukrainian peoples with arms in hand defend their right of existence. To support each other in this struggle and help to win are currently our main tasks.

I wish peace and all the best to all of you and I am sure that in difficult struggle for freedom and nations Ukraine and Israel will be on the same side of the fence.

Oleg Vyshniakov - Ukraine and Israel. Terrorist acts in Israel.

During last few days Israel is shaken by terrorist acts. There was the murder of spouses Khenken, disorders in Jaffa yesterday, there was an attack in Jerusalem this morning in the Old town and two people were wounded.

It is terrible to live and to know that at any moment some madman "suicide bomber" or "female bomber" would unpin at the supermarket where your wife went or would jump with a knife on your children going to school. The incident with Adele Bennett is shocking. Here is a quote from Facebook page of Avigdor Lieberman: "Traders and shopkeepers at  HaGuy street in the Old Town of Jerusalem, not only refused to help Adele Bennett who was wounded, bleeding, with a knife sticking out of the wound, but spat at her, beat and shouted obscenities; they are not people, they are terrorist’ supporters who dehumanized themselves. Those who mocked the wounded women can not be called humans. Therefore I call on the citizens of Israel to boycott the shops on the street Ha Guy in the Old Town, do not go shopping there.

I expect that the Minister of tourism will order travel agencies and guides not invite tourists for shopping to the street. You can not deal with terrorists and their supporters. "

Yesterday the murdering site of Khenken spouses was visited by Benjamin Netanyahu, Moshe (Bugi) Ya’alon, the Minister of Defence, and general lieutenant Gadi Eizenkot, the Chief of General Staff of the IDF. “I’ve ordered to prosecute an inquiry, to arrest, interrogate and convict those guilty and to close their shops in accordance with law. We can not forgive this” Benjamin Netanyahu said in his interview.

Today atmosphere in Israel is really tense and some politicians even predict the third intifada and call upon uncompromising rhetoric and full physical destroying of those implicated in terrorism.
I’m against radical steps and bloodshed but I’m warrant that any State should take all possible measures in order to provide security and safety of its citizens. If it is necessary to retaliate with cruelty, Israel can do it and it will.

Oleg Vyshniakov - Ukraine and Israel. Welcome weapon?

Friends, today I would like to touch upon the topic of weapon free sale legalization. In Israel and a range of other countries possession of a firearm is allowed, whereas in Ukraine it is forbidden. The question of enshrinement in the law the right of citizens to possess weapon is as relevant as ever.
On my opinion there could be no unambiguous answer to this question.

Let’s take a view of the situation in Eastern Europe countries, the Baltics and Israel where weapon is legalized. Amount of gun crime there is minimized, because possessing weapon doesn’t mean shooting the first person you meet. Moreover legal weapons acquisition needs registration and thus it is easy to monitor.

Of course weapon legalization is quite a risk, especially in this corrupt country where all medical certificates and commissions will be just a formality. On the other hand there is war in Ukraine. One in two soldiers is coming back with “loots” and we all see the consequences of careless handling of it in daily news.

Currently on the web-site of Ukrainian president the petition on assertion of citizens’ right to defense has already collected more than 25 thousand signatures. Petro Poroshenko considered it and ordered Volodymyr Groysman, the chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine (Ukrainian Parliament), to create working group for discussing of the issue. We will see what it will result in, but one thing is clear: situation in the country is, say the least, unstable. To give people possibility to protect themselves on my opinion is correct. Discussions on the issue that such legalization will help to equip criminals are unserious one, because they always will be the clients of black market, where you can buy everything if you have money.

In Israel, the country where guns are legal, and there are ongoing conflicts, there is a wonderful saying: " Try to fire a pistol on the street, they will answer you with an automatic rifle ." The authorities are not able to provide everyone with a policeman. We should learn to protect ourselves. They say that "God created human beings, and Colonel Colt equated their rights".

There is a lot of weapon in Ukraine and it always will be so. The only question is who will control its sales: State or black-market dealers.

Oleg Vyshniakov - Ukraine and Israel. Public procurement becomes transparent.

Recently the President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko signed a procurement law. The reform is crucial and needful for our country!

The core of the initiative is to make information about public tenders more transparent and accessible. From now on, each of us can view on-line tender pricing, the list of participating companies’ owners and tender evaluation report. Full documentation package will be submitted only by potential winners and nobody can demand from participants the information which is already public.

Such reform would eliminate corruption in public procurement schemes in Ukraine. Cost savings will be hundreds thousands of dollars per year! Most developed countries have already implemented such mechanism in their tender system.

Besides, the Act will allow Ukraine to join the so-called Agreement on Government Procurement (GPA) within the WTO. GPA’s requirements of public procurement transparency are very high. Thereafter signing of the document will improve efficiency of the national tender system.
Israel joined the GPA in 1996. And that is what the state got.

First of all there is reduction of corruption by several times.

Secondly there is quality improving of final public services.

Thirdly there is a market access to public procurement in other countries (according to experts total amount is about 1.7 trillion $).

I hope that in the near future Ukraine can maintain its reputation and be on a par with such giants of effective public procurement system as Japan, Switzerland, the United States or Israel. Enactment of the relevant law is only the first step towards the aim.

Oleg Vyshniakov - Ukraine and Israel. During September the Honorary Consulate of the State of Israel in Lviv was not only working, but also celebrated traditional Jewish holidays.

Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen!
During September the Honorary Consulate of the State of Israel in Lviv was not only working, but also celebrated traditional Jewish holidays.
At the youth club "Hillel" Havdalah at Rosh Hashanah passed with traditional food, dancing and Israeli cinema.
A range of activities was dedicated to children, there were lectures about Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur and Sukkoth, educational cartoons for kids and a visit to the exhibition of Nahum Gutman.
Rosh Hashanah was celebrated together with guests and the family club "Hesed-Arieh"

Oleg Vyshniakov - Ukraine and Israel. Medical insurance for Israelis and Ukrainians.

Today I want to talk to you about such an important issue as health. It's a known fact that to insure ones life and health is extremely expensive in Ukraine, and prices of medicines and medical services in good clinics increase in proportion to the foreign currencies. Common insurance costs several times more than a monthly salary of a Ukrainian. And if we take into account the fact that according to statistics, we spend half of our income on food and another one for house holding and utilities, it appears that there is no money left for health problems.

So: insurance in Ukraine is inconvenient, inaccessible and expensive issue. Ukrainians has no custom to think about their health in advance. Unfortunately the Ukrainian government pays minimum attention to this problem.

Meanwhile in Israel there is the Health Insurance Act which became effective 20 years ago (since 1995). The government does everything possible for its citizens to be healthy and receive necessary medical aid in time. The Israelis don’t think over the issue whether to insure their lives or not. This procedure is obligatory for each citizen, should it be an average worker, a pensioner or a general manager in an international company.

In Israel all are on an equal footing and the state cares its people equally. All those working deduct a percentage of their salaries, pensioners pay a percentage of their retirement benefits and so on. The amount varies from 10 to 12 percent. Each "health package" includes the possibility of a general hospitalization, medical rehabilitation, medicines provision and necessary medical equipment, etc.

In addition to the various state insurance programs, you can also buy individual health insurance. Competition, as well as request of people for life insurance, is large. The insurance managers will do everything for you to become a customer of their company.

Israeli society has unique culture of insurance and as the result the level of medicine in the country is considered to be one of the highest in the world. Israelis are also known to be the long-livers of the planet. According to statistics the average citizen of Israel lives about 82 years! In Ukraine this figure is 70 years and every year it continues to decrease.

So maybe it's time for Ukrainian government to think over how to provide its citizens with proper care and support during their illness? From taking care of newborns in hospitals till making the qualitative diagnosis of the senior people in special centers. I am sure that health and welfare of citizens should always be the priority interests for those in power.

Oleg Vyshniakov - Ukraine and Israel. Today I want to talk about parenting.

Good afternoon!

Today I want to talk about parenting. They say that having children means a lot of worries, difficulties, screaming, noise, clatter and chatter, permanent disorder and chaos ... For me kids are happiness and  overwhelming joy which they bring to my life. Being the father of six children, I can state this authoritatively)

When my first child was born I really understood what it means to live for someone, love someone, be ready to give all the best for someone ... But besides tenderness and care, you should also give good breeding for your child. Here is just where the fun begins.

Someone raises their child in an atmosphere of permissiveness, someone tries to enforce their system of values to a child and someone protects fanatically their son or daughter from all life's problems.

In Israel, for instance, the most important rule is that a child can do everything that does not harm the health and does not bother others. So do not be surprised if, for example, you see a baby in one of the cafes in Haifa sitting in a child seat and chewing a piece of meat on his own. Or if you see a child in stained pants and dirty T-shirt and with snot on his cheeks in Tel Aviv. It is normal situation. In Israel children are more independent and free. Parents only protect them with their sensitive attention. But that will be that.

You must admit that sometimes over-careful Ukrainian mothers have something to learn from Israeli ones.

It is clear that all should be reasonable: freedom, rules of conduct, control ...  Children should be raised in complex. Then there is a good chance that once you look at your gown-up child and realize that he became a Person.

What do you think?

Oleg Vyshniakov - Ukraine and Israel. October 1 – there are two holidays.

My friends, today is the International Day of Older Persons and the Jewish holiday of Sukkot. On Sukkot, it is customary to lift up the Lulav. Lulav is a symbol of the unity of the Jewish people, believers and not, good and evil, religious and not become a single entity, one nation. Union nation – is primarily a mutual aid, respect and care about each other.

They say that the civilization of a society is defined by how in it concern to children and to older people. Since childhood I was taught that old age persons should be respected, and the youngest not to offend.

Since today is also the Day of Older Persons, I want to talk about the old age people in Ukraine. It is not just about small pensions, expensive medicines, and about the perception of the topic of caring for older people as such.

Today there are many stories where older people are isolated, deprived, useless and without a livelihood. Sometimes even our own children don't want to mess with cranky older men. When stumbling blocks become property issues, we all know the sad history of how native people can just kick the old age persons out of the house. Sometimes the older people go "in people" by themselves, unable to withstand the abuse of their own children.

Meanwhile, there is own culture of meeting the oldest in each of the countries. In Europe, USA, the same Israel, when the time comes, the elderly go away from children in special hospices by themselves. There they live among their circle of friends, in its "monoculture", a lot of specialists looks after them and loves them. And most importantly, even every older person can live in such a beautiful place.

The approach to the perception of the old age people in Ukraine is somewhat different. Grandparents decided to live out the last years in their own families, often making the lives of their relatives very miserable. Due to the lack of budget and service organizations for the care of the older persons, the terrible condition of existing public nursing homes, the fact of leaving such an institution is perceived as a death sentence. Of course, there is a great facility, with modern equipment and due care, but to send an old age member of the family to this place is very expensive. Not to mention the fact that Ukrainian pensioner can’t paid for it be himself. I think this is a very painful subject for Ukraine and there is a lot of work in this direction. I hope the Honorary Consulate will be able to solve this kind of problem.

I want to encourage you to combine these two holidays and to remember about your nation and to think about your relatives. Let us remember those who are old and infirm, lonely or in need – and take care of them.

Peace and health to you and your families.