Another Ukrainian by origin, who played a significant role in the establishment of the State of Israel is Yitzhak Ben-Zvi (Shymshelevych) (1886-1963), the second president of Israel, Knesset deputy of the 1st and 2nd convocations, leader of the "Avoda" movement and researcher in the field of history.

Born in Poltava, he studied at a Jewish school – heder, later at Russian gymnasium, was attending the Kiev University of St. Vladimir for a while.

Ben-Zvi was among the founders and leaders of the socialist direction of Zionism, the labor movement, and the Jewish self-defense in Russia and Eretz Yisrael. He has made a great contribution to the study of Jewish communities in Asia and North Africa and the history of the Jews during the period of Turkish rule in Eretz Yisrael .

For the first time Ben-Zvi visited the Land of Israel in 1904, and in 1907, he had already settled there. During the riots of 1905, Yitzhak Ben-Zvi took an active part in protecting the Jews in Poltava. In 1906, during the search the police found in the house of Ben-Zvi in Poltava armory, which was intended for Jewish self-defense forces. After that, the whole family was arrested, and Isaac's father was exiled to Siberia. Ben-Zvi succeeded to escape to Vilna.

In 1952, Yitzhak Ben-Zvi was elected to the post of the Head of the State Israel. He was re-elected to the presidency in 1957 and 1962 and held this position until his death in 1963.

One of the most significant achievements of Yitzhak Ben-Zvi is also his historical research. Most of his scientific researches are dedicated to the Jewish communities in Asia and Africa, as well as to different nationalities - the Samaritans, Karaites and the representatives of Sabbatai community. In his writings, Ben-Zvi was describing many peoples who inhabited the Land of Israel. Ben-Zvi headed the Institute for the Study of Jewish communities in the Middle East, which was founded in 1948. In 1952, the institute was named in his honour "Mahon Ben-Zvi".

What are people in Israel doing in winter? They are running!

Yesterday, Tel Aviv hosted the traditional international sports marathon, one of the most popular in the country. The grand race was attended by more than 40 thousand people, including 2500 foreigners. To carry out such large-scale event the police had to block off the streets. Marathon route passes through the historical part of the town, so runners have the opportunity not only to cover the distance but also to enjoy the UNESCO World Heritage and the natural beauty of Tel Aviv.

The event program includes the carrying out of half marathon, races at 10 and 5 km, children's race, as well as hand-cycling competitions for people with disabilities. The first prize equals to 40 thousand US dollars. This year, Kenyan athlete William Igun second time in a row won the Tel Aviv marathon, being the fastest who has run 42 kilometers

With a great pleasure Israeli youth, older people and even children are participating in such kind of events: even five-year kids are allowed to participate on one of the marathon stages. I must say that young people lead a pretty active lifestyle in Israel, they spend a lot of time outdoors, preferring to chat with friends than attending bars that are so popular among Ukrainian youth. I can assure you that youth in Israel smoke cigarettes and drink alcoholic beverages much less in comparison with the Ukrainian. Perhaps this is a historical feature, but it may be due to the fact that all young people in Israel are obliged to undergo the military training in the army, and the weak has nothing to do there.

About fifteen years ago, an Israel company, which specializes in the production of cooling systems for aircrafts, has started cooperation with Ukrainian Aviation Concern SE "Antonov".

Israeli replaced the Russian company, with which Ukroboronprom (includes SE "Antonov") was forced to terminate the businessrelationship.

Despite the attempts of Ukraine to completely eliminate dependence on the products of the Russian military-industrial complex, it was extremely difficult to replace all constituent parts by the foreign counterparts. But, not only the Ukrainian planes, designed according to the hundreds of USSR State Standard are outdated. The matter is complicated by the fact that the classical system of bureaucracy holds Ukrainian aviation industry by a deadly grip.

Modern companies have been working on the NATO army’s standards for a long time. Now the ever-present USSR State Standards of the mid of last century are confusing the Israelis. The representatives of the Israeli companies operating in "Antonov" offered to work on the NATO standards, gradually modernizing the Ukrainian aircrafts. "There is no money" – that was the answer of the Ukrainian side...

In addition, the case is further complicated by the bureaucratic red-tape: for the production of the necessary systems, Israelis need from 6 to 36 months. The Ukrainian legislation states that all the money shall be returned to the customer if he does not fulfill the contract obligations within 90 days..

Who would like to work with Ukraine on such terms? Israelis? Many thanks to them. But how long the Israeli company will sustain the Ukrainian realities?

Yesterday, the Israeli Minister of Justice, Ms. Ayelet Shaked arrived in Ukraine on a two-day working visit.

This visit was a natural continuation of the policy of a friendship at the highest level, which is conducted by Israel and Ukraine.

Ayelet Shaked made a meteoric career in the Israeli government: she came into politics only nine years ago, having a diploma in computer science. In the beginning of her career she was a member of the "Likud" party and headed the office of Benjamin Netanyahu, when he was a leader of the opposition. Later, he left the party "Likud" and became one of the founders of the "Jewish Home" party. Ms. Shaked is well known for firmness of her character and decisive actions as the Minister of Justice of Israel. She has been occupying this position only since May 2015 and is the youngest government minister.

I’ve met with Ms. Shaked at the reception in her honor: we were talking about the legal system in Israel and the differences with Ukraine. I would like to note that Israel's Ministry of Justice is the most important regulator of the legal activity in the state: it consists of about 50 different departments - including the Department of Legislative Initiatives, the General Prosecutor's Office and the Legal Adviser to the Government that are now led by a strong woman.

During her visit, Ayelet Shaked held negotiations with Pavel Petrenko, Minister of Justice of Ukraine, met with leaders of the Jewish community. Also today, Ms. Minister intends to communicate with the First Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine Eka Zguladze, Head of the National Police Khatia Dekanoidze, as well as to take part in a ceremony in memory of the Babi Yar victims.

I am very pleased that today the visits of high level officials as of Israel as of Ukraine passes into the category of working meetings – this means that the process of development of the bilateral relations between our countries are on a right track.

Today at Olympiyskiy stadium a match of 1/8 Champions League between Ukrainian “Dynamo” and “Manchester city” English club will be held.

I would like to wish good luck and victory over the worthy competitor to our guys in the match! I want to believe that this football season will become successful for Ukraine and sportsmen will delight us, viewers, with excellent game!

Go on, “Dynamo”!

On February 23, 2016, the exhibition “The dynasty of Medalie” dedicated to the famous Medalie’s family will open at Lviv museum of the history of religion

The history of this family covers 200 years of Jews living on the territory of Russian Empire and Soviet Union, its members were participants of many tragic events: disfranchised life, riots, revolution, emigration, religious persecution, the disaster of European Jewry during the Holocaust.

Family of Medalie’s rabbins is known from the middle of the XVIII century. The life of one of the most famous members of the dynasty – rabbi Shmaryahu Medalie - is inseparably connected with Ukraine: in Krolevets of Chernihiv province, he married the daughter of a famous Hasidic rabbi Dowa Bera Karasyk from Nizhyn, after the death of father-in-law he took the lead of a religious community of the city.

After the October Revolution rabbi Medalie opposed to closing of heders, to withdrawal of the values ​​from the synagogues. Since 1933 he was the chief rabbi of the Moscow Choral synagogue, actually being the chief rabbi of the USSR at he same time. In 1938, at the height of Stalin's terror, the rabbi was arrested on charges of having connections with the Chabad movement and the condemnation of the soviet system, and was shot. After these tragic events part of the Medalie’s family returned to Ukraine and lived in Chernihiv.

Children of rabbi Medalie remained faithful to the ancestral traditions, Jewry and religion; many people had to pay for this. Aron Medalie, the lecturer of the Leningrad Institute of Water Transport, spent several years in the camp actually just by visiting a synagogue and following Jewish law. Both of that was incredible courage for the lecturer of soviet university in the early 1950's .

Some of Medalie’s children have inherited his religious ministration. Hillel, who emigrated to Antwerp, was the rabbi of this city. Moshe, the eldest son of rabbi, who stayed in the Soviet Union, was a rabbi of Rostov. He died at the same time, when the father and in the same way: he was shot in 1938 in the camp near Khabarovsk.

Today Medalie’s dynasty continues to exist in Eretz Yisrael, and in many other countries. Exhibition through the example of the Medalie’s family illustrates the fate of the orthodox Jews who tried to save religious tradition under the totalitarian regime, persecutions and destruction of national and spiritual heritage of people who inhabited the Soviet Union.

The exhibition will be demonstrated during February-March. We invite everyone who wishes to study the history of Jews to visit the exhibition “The dynasty of Medalie”.

“Israel is a self-cleaning society” is the theme of my conversation with journalists of Hromadske radio.

Once again I have told about the importance of interaction between Israel and Ukraine. We discussed “The city security center” project, I told about experience of Rishon-le-Cion. Perspectives of Ukrainian-Israeli trade relationships and free trade zone there are in interview to Hromadska radio wave.

To listen to the interview

MAIDAN 2014. REMEMBER. MOURN.

I bring to your attention yet another media interview.

We discussed the necessity to strengthen bilateral cooperation with Israel and Ukraine, the situation with Israeli deputies’ visit to occupied Crimea.

What steps Ukraine should make in order to use Israeli experience in high technologies and in fight against terrorism, about atmosphere of friendship between our countries are in “Espreso-TV” interview.

Israel continue to maintain leadership in the development of unmanned aerial vehicle

On February 15, the annual aviation and space salon was opened in Singapore at which Israel demonstrated the latest drones. “Aviation industry” Concern has presented several designs, three of which were so-called unnamed aerial vehicles-kamikadze .

The first aircraft is called “Harpy New Generation”, it is meant for suppressing air defense systems, is equipped with a passive radar and telemetry, characterized by improved aerodynamics and increased sensitivity to a wider range of radar frequencies.

Small UAV-kamikadze “Green dragon” was specially designed for mobile units and special forces. Its weight is only 15kg and the weight of the warhead - 3kg. It is equipped with telemetry for manual control by a compact remote control. From 12 to 16 such drones along with the launcher can be folded in entire body of usual armored vehicle.

Another development of the Israeli military is “Rotem L” quadcopter- scout. It is designed to fly 10 km at weight of just 1kg its warhead. This compact device is folded into a backpack, and is served by only one operator.

The Israeli army is constantly modernizing the UAV, investing millions of shekels in their development. Such investment is beneficial from several sides: firstly, Israeli army itself needs drones, and secondly, the high-tech Israeli UAV’s are actively buying by foreign partners, bringing considerable income to the state budget.

Alas, Israel is not ready today to supply a similar technique to Ukraine and there are a number of interior and foreign- policy reasons. But I am sure that such situation is not eternal. The development of the situation in the east of Ukraine and the impact of armed conflict on the stability of the whole Europe could soon open the prospects for cooperation in this field.

Ukrainian startups will be presented in Silicon Valley

At the end of February eight Ukrainian startups for the first time in history will take part in famous American conference Startup Grind. At first, 6 places for participation were proposed to Ukrainians, but the number of worthy representatives was so big that it was suggested to create partitionable space for 8 places. Founders of such startups as Buzzarm, Stafffr, Spinbackup, Turnkey-Lender, QRhythm, Corezoid, CartFresh and DataVirtuality will communicate with the most powerful investors in the world.

40 participants from 80 countries all over the world are involved in participation. Ukrainian inventors will present at the conference device that will protect wallet from thieves, program of personnel records, service for personnel communication in company, application of data protection, energy efficiency of data centers and others. It should be noted that the cost of these inventions for user is small, and this is also an advantage of Ukrainian product.

I have already said many times, the sphere of IT-technologies is developing rapidly in Ukraine and has enormous potential. Even now developments in computer technologies are attracting millions of dollars from investors in economy of the country. It is just important to promote its development and support. That is why the Honorary Consulate of Israel initiates the creation of Ukraine-Israel bilateral grounds for round tables, educational lectures and seminars specifically for IT-professionals in order to help them develop business professionally.

Good afternoon friends!

The end of the last week was rich enough in events. On Friday, I held numbers of meetings with Jewish community in Lviv as well as with business representatives.

The concrete outcomes of the meeting were an opening of “Jewish Buisness Club” and presenting of a unique project “Work Servise Lviv” which will help to the citizens of Lviv in job search. “Jewish Buisness Club” comprises representatives of Jewish business part in Lviv and will cooperate with diasporas from other countries thereafter developing Ukrainian business contacts and economy.

Whereas, in framework of “Work Servise Lviv” people who have temporary difficulties can upgrade their qualifications or find a new profession as well as get a new job position. The project will train qualified specialists and will help them to obtain employment. “Work Servise Lviv” creation was possible with the support “Teiva” and WJR (The United Kingdom). Also, there is in plans the creation of a common base of businessmen and communication platform.

Nowadays employment and investing are economic priorities, so I think that this project is a mandatory necessity and a very promising one. Hope that communities from other regions of Ukraine will support our initiation.

In addition to this, we had a talk about extension of low costs creation between Ukraine and Israeli: as the previous flight Lviv-Tel-Aviv-Lviv opened in May last year showed itself as very good, we are ready to continue the development of air traffic between our countries/

Besides, preservation of the Jewish heritage was discussed at the meeting – the memorial of “Zolota Roza” synagogue, perpetuation of the victims of the Holocaust (in particular, memorial at Janovskii concentration camp where died more than 200 thousand of people, most of them were Jewish).

Much remains to be done, there are even more plans and perspectives. But the main is that we should help each other within our abilities and than any challenges may be overcome.

Last week was given an interview to VAAD – Association of Jewish Organizations and Communities of Ukraine.

During this conversation such issues as work of Ukrainian-Jewish commission on trade and economic development, imposing Free Trade Area between Ukraine and Israel, provision of job places to Ukrainian builders were brought up first and foremost.

Also, matters of common historical heritage, family ties between our nations and ways of interaction for strengthening cooperation were discussed.

An interview for VAAD Ukraine is put for your attention.

Zeev Zhabotinsky became one of the symbols of Israel’s establishment, the leader of the right-Zionism, founder and ideologist of the Zionists-Revisionists movement, founder of the Jewish Legion, such organizations as "Etzel" and "Beitar".

Zeev (Vladimir) Zhabotinsky was born in Odessa, October 18, 1880 in a Jewish family. Study was given to him not very good, but from 16 years he began to publish in Russia's largest provincial newspaper "Odessa leaf", and later became a correspondent in Switzerland and in Italy. He graduated from the University of Rome in the department of law. Writer, essayist, poet, playwright, he wrote in Russian and Hebrew.

In 1903, expecting riots Zhabotinsky became one of the organizers of Russia's first Jewish self-defense detachment. Since that time he become an active Zionist and supported the idea of ​​ a Jewish state creation. As a part of the Zionist activities Zhabotinsky demanded the creation of educational institutions where teaching will be in Hebrew. He considered that the revival of Hebrew promotes knowledge of Jewish culture and the embodiment of the Zionist idea.

Even during the First World War working as a correspondent in Turkey, Zhabotinsky put forward the idea of ​​establishing a Jewish military force and Jews participation in World War II. Zhabotinsky openly encouraged for the establishment of the state on the territory of Israel, possessing Jewish majority. Resorting about the constitution of the future state, Zhabotinsky saw in front of him full civil equality and cultural autonomy for the Arab minority. He said that the Zionists should take the side of the Entente and to form a Jewish army inside of its forces, which would participate in the liberation of Palestine and then became the backbone of a Jewish state organization there. While being in Egypt, together with Joseph Trumpeldor he formed the Jewish Legion in the British army. During the first Arab-Israeli conflicts he was also organizer of the self-defense groups.

Zhabotinsky wanted to create a Jewish state on both banks of the Jordan, the repatriation to Palestine of all Jews who want it, as well as the liquidation of the Diaspora.

In 1923, organization "Beitar" was created under the influence of Zhabotinsky's ideas, an ideology of which was formed under the call to establish a Jewish legitimate army to protect the Jewish population of Mandatory Palestine. Members of the movement recognized a single flag (white and blue), a single hymn ( "Ha-Tikva") and a single Zionist worldview. Exactly these principles formed the basis for the creation of Israel. After the start of World War II, Zhabotinsky was engaged in the formation of the Jewish army, which was supposed to fight against Germany.

Zhabotinsky left a great literary and philosophical heritage. On the basis of his books, speeches and publications, he led the political struggle and founded ideological platform of organizations established by him. He wrote poetry, short stories and novels, translated and wrote an autobiography.

Ukrainian became a dean at the School of Art at Yale

At the picture from left to right:

-Olga Zhuk and minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Pavlo Klimkin

- Marta Kuzma

Ukrainian Marta Kuzma became the first woman who headed the School of Art at Yale University. For the first 152 years of school existence, it will be headed by a woman!

Marta Kuzma is an American fine art expert and curator, a daughter of Ukrainian immigrants, from 2014 a rector at the Royal Academy of Arts in Stockholm. Behind Marta Kuzma there are more than 20 years of curatorial length of service in different countries. In the mid-nineties, she led the work of Contemporary Art Center of George Soros in Kiev. Then she supervised the Office of Contemporary Art in Norway, Center of photography in New York and Contemporary art project of Washington.

School of Art at Yale University was founded in 1864, it was the first institution of its kind in the United States and it is still considered as one of the best in the country. The school prepares Masters of Arts in graphic design, painting, photography and sculpture.

And last week, Olga Zhuk joined a team of cultural diplomacy at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Olga is a renowned expert of cultural management. Over the last 5 years, she oversaw one of the most popular and largest Ukrainian festival - "Book Arsenal" at the Art Arsenal, previously she worked in international art, media and educational projects, and participated in the development of the "Culture-2025" strategy.

In her new position at the Ministry Olga Zhuk will coordinate the development of cultural diplomacy.

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Pavlo Klimkin commented the appointment of Olga Zhuk: "the Foreign Ministry with civil society partners has made the first systematic steps to create a new quality of Ukrainian cultural diplomacy. We need to move forward with new projects and with bright and clear understanding of its strategy. Olga will be the moderator of this movement. I sincerely congratulate her in the team at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. "

I am glad that Ukrainian culture continues her steady development and wish Olga and Marta success in her work!

January 1, 2016 Free Trade Agreement between Ukraine and the EU came into force.

This is an agreement which is an indispensable part of the euro integration process of our state. Agreement on an FTA means not only the modernization of the legislative framework, exposure to European and therefore world standards, but also decreasing or setting to zeroes duties on goods or services from Ukraine. In addition to this, entering into the European trade area will attract to Ukrainian economy, which urgently needs support, investors who used to work with international standards.

Last year Association Agreement with Ukraine was ratified by all 28 EU member states. However, due to the so-called Euro-skeptics, the question of the ratification of the EU-Ukraine agreement was equated to the full accession of our country in the Euro zone. Some European journalists and politicians say that this is the entry into the EU, as a result taxpayers will have to provide economic assistance to Ukraine. It is understood that in the context of refugee flow problems in Europe, the prospect of paying any undefined money to the country in which there are military actions may not like to the ordinary European.

It is against this background that in the Netherlands in April 2016 a referendum will be held on the issue of Ukraine's membership in the EU. Citizens will be invited to respond to the next question: "Would you be for or against the ratification of the Association Agreement between the European Union and Ukraine?". Even though on July 7, 2015 the Association Agreement between Ukraine and the EU was ratified by the Senate of the Netherlands, thus completing the process.

At the same time, the Dutch government announced about its intention to conduct an information campaign for the support of Ukraine. It was stated by Prime Minister of the Netherlands Mark Rutte. According to him, the agreement is positive for both Europe and the Netherlands. Rutte has promised that "he will explain to people" why the document was signed". We are a trading nation. We live on free trade agreements, and Ukraine is another example of this", - he said.

At a meeting with the President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko at the Economic Forum in Davos in January this year, Mr Rutte stressed that all Dutch government supports the agreement with Ukraine. During the meeting, Poroshenko also said that he expects to further solidarity and unity of the EU on the issue of support for independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine.

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Pavlo Klimkin said that the referendum procedure against the Association between Ukraine and the EU in the Netherlands was initiated by the so-called Euro-skeptics, but it will not affect the association process.

Now experts predict that people of the Netherlands are ready to vote against the EU-Ukraine union. Despite the fact that the referendum is an advisory in its nature, we should not forget about the fact that it shows the attitude to our country in the EU. And informational campaign of the Dutch government here is not an extra at all, I remember that the budget of propagandistic «Russia Today» amounts to hundreds of millions of euros and has the widest broadcasting network. It is clear that in such situation any support of the image of Ukraine on the part of the country, which now are dominant in the EU, will have a lasting impact. However, this will only be possible if the Dutch will vote "for".

Honorary Consulate of the State of Israel in Western region of Ukraine supports educational programme ʻTahlitʼ

February 7, under auspices of the Honorary Consulate of Israel in the framework of "Tahlit" programme 20 young people went from Lviv to Israel . This is the first group that goes to Israel directly from Lviv. Travel from Lviv became possible thanks to the regular flights Lviv-Tel-Aviv-Lviv openenig of which was also contributed by the Honorary Consulate. Ukrainian guys went to Israel in order to get to know better ancestral land, to explore life of modern Israel. A ten-day trip, acquaintance with the culture, way of life, traditions and Israeli people are remained to be discovered by the young people.

ʻTahlitʼ is an educational project, a free ten-day trip to Israel for people of Jewish descent aged from 18 to 26. Participants of the project get acknowledged with the places connected with the history of Jewish people and places of interest of Israel. The project goal is to join young Jewish who live in different countries all over the world to Jewish history and heritage, to tell them about roots, to get acquainted with the life of modern Israel. As of day, in the framework of ʻTahlitʼ more than 400 thousand of people from 66 different countries visited Israel. ʻTahlitʼ was created in 1966 by the initiative of Michael Steinhardt and Charles Bronfman, Jewish philanthropists, who drew attention to their idea of many other partners, Jewish communities around the world, private persons and family funds.

Honorary Consulate of Israel from July, 2015 cooperates with coordinators of the programme and with a great pleasure assist in organizing meetings and consultations. In the premises of Consulate meetings of ʻTahlitʼ representatives with young people and their parents are held.

Israel will protect Pentagon from terrorists

Friends, do you know that Israel is one of the five major partners that are developing counterterrorism technologies for Pentagon? Israeli scientists develop technologies and mobile applications for US Department of Defense aimed at preventing of terrorist attacks.

Unlike other participants of cooperation - Britain, Canada, Australia and Singapore which are also engaged in developments for the United States, Israel has daily necessity in the application of these technologies on its territory, so modernizes and improves them under compulsion. Like no other country, modern Israel comprehends the importance of counterterrorism technologies every day. The wave of terroristic attacks, which in recent months has swept State of Israel could be much more bloody, if not Israeli technologies. The Israeli military can not only repel the enemy, but warn many threats.

Now the Pentagon will hold a competition for startups aimed to work in the field of tactical data analysis, enhanced studying, detection of explosives, chemical and biological agents, intelligence, neutralization of UAV, personal safety. A palmary example of global cooperation! I strongly hope that Ukrainian developers who are now forced to become experts in the defense technologies soon will be able to compete at the highest level with Israeli manufacturers.