Friday, July 29, 2016

Yesterday Pope Francis visited the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp in Poland.


Pope did not deliver a speech, did not pose for the cameras, he passed through the camp gates alone and quietly prayed all by himself.

Generally Pope Francis did not make any loud statements, but in the memorial book he wrote simple words, understandable to everyone: “Lord, have mercy on your people. Lord, forgiveness for so much cruelty”. Later, Francis met with 12 former prisoners who managed to go through the hell of Auschwitz, met with the Righteous Among the Nations and representatives of the Jewish and Catholic communities in Poland. Pope visited Auschwitz as part of his visit to the World Youth Day in Poland and on the occasion of the 1050 anniversary of Christianity in the country.

A few days ago many reverent fathers of various ranks from around the world were in Kyiv. But none of them visited places of mass execution of people. I remind you that this year marks 75 years since the beginning of the executions at Babi Yar in Kiev: according to different evidences from 150 to 200 thousand people, mostly Jews were executed there. The exact number of dead victims has not yet been established, though so much time has passed, still there is no museum, no memorial book there. From 1.5 to 1.9 million Jews were tortured in Ukraine.

This is our common history and joint pain, if we forget about it, who will ensure that such tragedies do not recur in the future?

Wednesday, July 27, in Lviv, Honorary Consulate of the State of Israel hosted a concert of Jewish songs that were presented to the audience by performers from Italy.


I’d like to thank to everyone who helped to organize the event and the audience who attended the concert. It was very nice to see the hall full of guests!

The concert was attended by young people from the city of Ivrea, who came to Ukraine for the World Youth Day in Krakow. They performed a number of songs on lyrics from the Old Testament on Italian and Hebrew. Young people who sang songs - Catholics, they are not professional artists, but "folk" artists seeking common between Christianity and Judaism.

It was quite clear that the performers did not just sing but truly loved the music they performed. Particularly pleased that so young people study Jewish traditions and culture, look for the relationship of Christianity and Judaism. For me, this concert was very organic in Lviv, where Jews and Christians lived together for centuries. Such folk performance very well highlights the long tradition of Jewish songs.

I suggest you watch the video of the concert.

Today I want to tell you about the future that has already come in Israel, and is far away from us.


This summer, an unmanned automobile has been presented in Israel. It has not just been invented and turned out in a single quantity; it will soon come on the market in Israel.

Such a spacious car can drive on the roads of the country with the help of an autopilot, which has also been invented and developed by the specialists of Mobileye in Israel: the organization is among the ten most “smart” companies in the world. For the mass use of such machines it requires waiting for regulatory changes in the Israeli law.

Mobileye has already developed similar systems for Tesla electromobiles. And at this time the German company BMW in cooperation with Intel is developing its own passenger unmanned vehicle based on the Israeli technology. Its production is planned in 2021. Experts estimate that by 2020 the majority of car manufacturers will start producing unmanned cars, working exactly with the Israeli technologies.

Everybody is talking abort “treason” and I am talking once again about “victory”: this week in Kyiv the grand opening of the high-tech center High Tech Office (HTO) has been held.


This cluster is designed to find and promote innovations of national level. In plain language, this means that now the leading experts of the largest Ukrainian companies will collect information on the current developments of our inventors and implement those that are able to bring money quickly and guaranteed. Logic is simple.

By the way, the center is developed by analogy with the Israeli Office of the Chief Scientist: this is a person who is responsible for the development of modern researches and elaborations. His task is to find the most promising projects, and thus those that will bring profit and contribute to the further development of the industry.

In Israel, this activity is the key to sustainable growth not only of science, but also of production. In fact one of the most important factors of the success of Israel's economic model is the commercialization of scientific achievements: Israeli have accumulated vast experience in the implementation of university projects. Scientific research centers of Israeli universities are not only the centers of development of science, but also one of the most promising spheres of the Israeli economy.

Ukrainian High Tech Office will work the same way: the basis of its activity will be a support of innovative ideas for technology development and innovations, as well as implementing of projects based on intellectual potential of Ukrainian scientists. First of all, the center will work with innovations in the areas of agriculture, infrastructure, cybersecurity and manufacturing of high-tech equipment. The cluster itself was created by commercial companies, the representatives of the Ministry of Economic Development will become members of it.

We live in the age of high technologies and today any investment in science is an investment in your future. Today science can be the foundation of long-term economic growth, and an example of Israel is a proof of this. Currently Ukraine is at the beginning of its way, so we can use the experience of Israel, which has successfully been applying the potential of its science for the commercial purposes for many years.

Thursday, July 28, 2016

Today I want to talk a little bit about Israeli Navy.


The little state of Israel has access to three seas. No fence or wall can be put on the water. Therefore, the country is defended from water, mostly, by patrol boats, corvettes, missile boats, submarines.

Israel Navy is the smallest in numbers compared to Army of Air Forces, they are located at bases in Eilat, Ashdod and Haifa. Soon Israeli Navy will put modern "Super Dvora Mk3» - in translation – the “bee” patrol boats into service. This boat has great maneuver abilities at high speeds, armed with machine guns, grenade launchers, depth charges and torpedoes. In the case of aggravation of the situation in the region, boats are supplemented with heavy weapons. The crew members, in addition to the personal weapons have Pyrocartridges against swimmers and divers.

The boats are designed and manufactured here in Israel. Do you know where at some stage these ships will be built? In a desert. Why not, if you are able to grow and export sturgeon caviar, year-round grow fruits and vegetables and rationally use every meter of valuable land.

Also next year Israeli army will take in to service of four third generation Protector unmanned surface vehicles. This robot - also developed by local company Oregon Iron Works and "Rafael" the group. Interestingly, "Raphael" State Concern - continuously holds competitions among students of technical colleges, attracting them to work. Career in "Raphael" can start for the students of the second year, where military group will pay tuition fee for the students it recruits.

Ukraine has two seas, a large number of rivers, a huge number of specialists in the shipbuilding industry and high technologies. Ukrainian "Oboronprom" has the potential of not less than the Israeli military group, the Ukrainian Navy can and must be as effective as Israeli. The difference between us is that in Israel, unlike Ukraine, government agencies, the education system and the defense industry are smoothly running in providing of experts and systems to protect themselves, and others. Now large-scale international exercise - "Sea Breeze 2016" is taking place in Odessa, four thousand troops from 16 countries and 25 warships take part in it. Looking at such a scale, I see, that our country has a huge potential and it is important to implement it in the right way.

Wednesday, July 27, 2016

Ukraine continues the policy of economic integration


Over the last week two especially good events happened, but, in my opinion, they were paid inadequate attention to. First, yesterday in Jerusalem another round of talks between Ukraine and Israel about the introduction of a free trade zone between the two countries ended. I have already said a lot about the obvious benefits of this union. For two days in Israel the group of representatives of the Ukrainian ministries was working: they were discussing certain provisions of the agreement, custom duties, dispute settlement, and trade rules with Israeli colleagues. Particular attention was paid to the access of goods to the domestic markets of both countries and possible liberalization for agricultural and industrial goods.

The next round of talks will be held in Kyiv. In addition, the Ukrainian Ministry of Economic Development is planning to conduct consultations with the representatives of business, who are interested in trade relations with Israel. I hope that very soon I will be able to report about the signing of this important document for both countries.

The second event which can not be ignored is the signing of the Treaty on Open Skies between Ukraine and Lithuania. Now between the two countries all restrictions on air services are lifted: any Ukrainian air carrier can fly to any city in Lithuania, as well as Lithuanians can. Previously, Ukraine has already signed such a treaty with Poland, Italy, Armenia, Estonia and others. From the obvious advantages of such “openness” is increasing of market competition, creating of new opportunities, the ability to get on the international aviation market. Everything is logical: a new market brings new opportunities.

I think that such positive changes should occupy the front pages of the Ukrainian media. If Ukrainians start to be interested in the development, future, not past, it will not make sense to write about provocations, similar to the one that is happening in Kyiv today.

Tuesday, July 26, 2016

Yesterday, the chief military prosecutor Anatoly Matios stated about the support for the legalization of firearms in Ukraine.


According to the prosecutor, the presence of legal weapons among the population would be able to raise the level of self-defense, which, in turn, will lead to a reduction in crime rate.

Of course, it is up to Ukrainians to decide if they should carry weapons or should not. It is well known that today there is a large quantity of weapons in illegal trafficking in Ukraine. At the same time we can more often hear about road accidents committed by drunk drivers than about killed or wounded in shooting.

I want to share the statistics of the countries, where it has long been permitted to use weapons. First of all, of course, it is Israel: one of the main differences between Ukraine and Israel that with every escalation of a military conflict Israelis simplify the procedure of obtaining weapons. At the same time the crime rate continues to decline. The basis for issuing a permit to carry a handgun in Israel will be the fact that you live or work in an areas associated with risk. In addition, any person who has served in army may submit an application for obtaining weapons. In Israel, vigilantes-volunteers who guard residential areas, police, and private security officers are armed.

According to the density of armed people Israel comes first in the world that does not prevent it to be a country with one of the lowest crime rates. In Israel, there are 330 policemen per 100 thousand of population, in Ukraine there were 397 in 2015. The two countries are at war, but the crime rate in Ukraine is objectively higher.

Why do not insolent teenagers walk with guns on the streets here? Because there is a sincere intolerance of any manifestation of aggression in a society. Israelis are great patriots, but this fact does not prevent them from criticizing the government or the prices in the shops. But no one will argue with a policeman who stops for checking, nobody will shout threats on the street: for such actions you can get 4 months of arrest. Thus, citizens themselves are the regulators of social behavior.

As for other countries, let us take Moldova as an example. After the permit to carry small-weapons, the crime rate was reduced by half there. In Estonia, carrying of short arms has been legal since 1992: until 2000 criminality declined by 80%. In Poland it is minus 34%, in Slovenia it is minus 50%. Thus criminal world has not disappeared, but legal weapons are rarely used in such crimes.

Over the past two years crime rate grew drastically in Ukraine. But if there is a chance to defend oneself “being armed” with work of security services, how should we protect ourselves in the regional centers or villages? I think that Ukrainians have the right to choose how to protect themselves, their family and country.

Friends, I am pleased to announce that on Wednesday July, 27 at the Honorary Consulate of the State of Israel in Lviv a concert of Jewish songs will be held.


I invite everyone who likes Jewish music to spend the evening in a pleasant atmosphere!

The program includes traditional Jewish melodies in modern version, which will sound in Hebrew and Italian. The singers are a young band from Italy.

For Jews, a song is a history, conversation and prayer. It is a source of inspiration and a way to preserve their identity. During the concert program the songs following the biblical texts will be heard.

I invite everyone who wishes to enjoy Jewish music to visit the Honorary Consulate of the State of Israel on July, 27 at the address: Lviv, 36 \ 3 Gazova Street. The concert starts at 6 p. m. Admission free.

Monday, July 25, 2016

Recently, there is so much violence and deaths around, that today I have decided to write about the most peaceful occupation - agriculture.


I'll try to wedge into this stream of explosions, assaults and terror attacks with “an olive branch”.

I have often talked about Israeli innovation in agriculture: it is amazing how a small country, in which there are simply no fertile lands, there is a war constantly, has managed to adapt to the harsh conditions, and still manages to earn good money on this.

The Israeli developers are always inventing new ways to grow vegetables without water, fight blasts without chemicals, harvest and care for animals without people.

One of the most useful of the Israeli developments is drip watering, which allows wetting soil in drought conditions. But in Israel they are managing to upgrade it. The Israeli company Tal-Ya manufactures reusable plastic boxes for getting water from air. The containers made of recycled plastic reduce the plants’ water requirements up to 50%. Their cost is $ 3-5 per a unit, and service life is 10 years. These products are used by farmers in Israel, the United States, China, Chile, Georgia, Sri Lanka and Australia.

Company BioBee has been helping farmers to get rid of predatory mites without using chemicals since 1984. In kibbutz Sde Eliyahu they breed spiders, bees and flies that eat harmful insects. Yes, the method is not new, but in Israel it has been used long since and with equal success. But EdenShield technology is fighting destructive insects with natural non-toxic extract that masks odors of plants. The remedy is created on the basis of chemicals that Israeli desert plants emit. Their odor deters blasts without causing environmental damage.

Another Israeli technology allows in a way to vaccinate plants and seeds against blights: TraitUP technology actually injects new genes into a plant, with these patterns are not inherited in the future. Gene modification is a complex issue, but with limited natural resources is one of the outputs to get a good harvest.

One of the most beautiful startups is GreenWall technology. This is the modern “Gardens of Babylon”: developers are creating vertical gardens in high-rise buildings. At the same time such a vegetable garden requires a minimum amount of space, water and soil. Thus, residents of high-rise buildings can grow rice, corn, wheat...

A reasonable approach to any case guarantees a positive result. It is a pledge of prosperity, it is used in Israel. I will repeat a phrase that I am used to say: if in Ukraine we started using at least part of the Israeli technology, we would feed the whole world long ago.

Friday, July 22, 2016

Today is an unusual day in Israel: by the Jewish calendar the Seventeenth of Tammuz is a day of adversities, mourning and fasting.


Mourning in commemorating of the events clashed at various times on this date and fasting in expiation for their own ignorance, greed and stupidity.

One of the events that are recalled on the 17th of Tammuz was the erection of the Golden Calf by Jews after the exodus from Egypt. At that time when Moses received tablets of the Covenant on Mount Sinai, people managed to lose faith and betray their prophet and God beneath. For a very short time they gave up on themselves and deeds they were accomplishing, despite the fact that they had just been released from years of slavery. Moses broke the tablets on the foot of Mount Sinai, dismayed at disbelief and cowardice of the people who made the golden calf.

On the same day, many years later, Israel's enemies managed to breach in the walls of Jerusalem: as a result, three weeks later, the Temple itself was destroyed.

It is unique that the people has appointed a special day when their own sins and troubles, that were following them, are remembered. If you can admit your mistakes, possibility no longer to repeat them emerges. In the light of the latest high-profile “exposures” that we all have seen during the previous week and taking into account the general level of corruption in the country, I think that it would also be useful to have such a day. But I am not sure that one day will be enough to remember all the adversities and all the golden calves that have fallen on Ukrainians.

While we have politics, war and corruption here, the young generation is working on its future, and brings glory to their country.


Last week, the Ukrainian pupils have collected a bunch of medals at prestigious international competitions.

Ukrainian wunderkinds have won 11 rewards at competitions in physics and mathematics, which took place in Switzerland and China. At the International pupils’ physics Olympics, Ukrainian pupils won 1 gold, 3 silver and 1 bronze medals. 2 silver and 4 bronze medals were also brought to Ukraine, they had been won by boys from Kyiv and Kharkiv at the International Mathematical Olympiad in Hong Kong, having confirmed their place in the international ranking of the most intelligent.

From China, rewards in mathematics were also brought by the Israeli team: young people had won 3 silver and 3 bronze medals. Israel's national team also participated at the competitions in physics: Israeli pupils took the 19th place, having won 3 silver medals, one bronze medal and one recognition medal. By the way, the trainer of the Israeli national team is immigrant Leo Radzivilovsky.

I heartily congratulate the winners, their teachers and parents! Wonderful successors are growing. I wish young people perseverance in achieving goals and further victories!

July 21, 1906 Olena Shovgeniva - poet, playwright, essayist Olena Teliha - was born.


The 110th anniversary of her birth has passed completely unnoticed, however this woman should be a symbol of the Ukrainian rebirth and example to follow.

Olena Teliha’s father was a talented hydraulic engineer and professor of Kyiv Polytechnic Institute, later - the UNR government official, so in 1920 the family moved first to Poland and then to Czech Republic. There Olena met her future husband – Mykhailo Teliha.

During the proclamation of the UNR Teliha actively supports the revival of independent Ukraine and the overthrow of Bolshevism. She heads the Union of Ukrainian writers, is published in newspapers and magazines. Despite the ban for publication by the German occupiers Teliha continues her publishing activity, which ultimately leads to her arrest in 1942. Her husband voluntarily gives in to Gestapo together with her. Life of Olena Teliha ended February 21, 1942 at Babi Yar. Her husband and colleagues - Ivan Rogach, Volodymyr Bahaziy, Ivan Irlyavskyy and other patriots were shot together with the writer. In the cell where she sat, the inscription was found: “Here was sitting and from here is going to execution Olena Teliha”. Above this a trident styled on a sword was engraved by her hand. They say that after Teliha’s death one of her torturers said he had not seen a man that died so heroically as this beautiful woman.

Olena Teliha differed with phenomenal civil courage and romance. In the worst years for the Ukrainian intelligentsia, she relentlessly followed the idea of ​​Ukrainian identity, national consciousness and revival of Ukrainian statehood. Teliha was a true knight of her time. For years Teliha’s works were forcedly forgotten, but not neglected.

Her words about choosing own independent life for Ukrainians are relevant now as they were 70 years ago. Now all her life is a model of consciousness and behavior of the citizen who does not have inferiority complex.

It will be like this: on a clear autumn day
We will take the road that goes our own way.
Our souls ploughed by hard competition's spade,
The seeds will sprout up in victory's array.

And this that we have dreamed for many years
All reality and possibility,
It will all shine like the sun - every bush and stone 
In these minutes - both cutting and happy!

Thursday, July 21, 2016

Today, Ukrainian media will write about one thing: the photos of Ukrainian defensive “wall” along with “a ditch and an embankment” have got into the network.



The grandiose project, like many others in the hands of quick-witted fraudsters, has turned into a puff; instead of fortification construction we can see a pit, ditch and green fence at the cost of $ 4 billion. It is clear without words where money have been allocated. Now the prosecutor's office should study out this.

For comparison, I want to show you another photo - from Israel. Yesterday, the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, together with the Minister of Defense, Minister of Internal Security, Chairman of the Defense Committee of the Knesset, and Chief of the General Staff inspected one of the areas of the separation fence: this is a construction, separating Israel and the West Bank of the Jordan. The first stretch was built in 1994, and the main part - in the early 2000s. Billions are being allocated for the construction, but the result is different: during another escalation in 2004, only for six months terrorists have killed 19 people, 102 have been injured in the area without a fence. In the area with a fence no one is killed.

You know, we can speak much about that how Ukraine can take from Israel, give various examples. And once you can show such a picture, and everything becomes clear without any explanation.

I remind you that the Wall project is not officially completed and funds for its construction continue to be allocated from the state budget.

Wednesday, July 20, 2016

Journalists are being killed again in Ukraine...


Today Pavlo Sheremet, famous Belarusian journalist who has been living and working in Ukraine for a long time, has been killed in Kyiv. He has been blown up in his car in the city center.

Now I'm not going to speak about the fact that today it has become absolutely clear that the war is right under the windows of the capital's residents. I want to say that freedom of speech cannot be stopped by either bombs or tanks, especially in today's Ukraine. Whoever the killers of Pavlo Sheremet are, they have not achieved their goal – they could not stop or intimidate Ukrainian journalists. Just because Ukrainians are not afraid anymore.

The President and the General Prosecutor took the case investigation under their control: I hope it will help to complete it.

I want to express my condolences to Pavlo’s family, friends and colleagues. Cherished memory.

В Украине снова убивают журналистов…


Сегодня в Киеве погиб Павел Шеремет - известный беларуский журналист, который долгое время уже жил и работал в Украине. Его взорвали в собственной машине в центре города.

Не буду говорить сейчас о том, что сегодня стало абсолютно очевидным, что война идет уже прямо под окнами жителей столицы. Хочу сказать о том, что свободу слова невозможно остановить ни бомбами, ни танками, тем более, в сегодняшней Украине. Кем бы ни были убийцы Павла Шеремета, они не достигли своей цели – не смогли остановить или запугать украинских журналистов. Просто потому, что украинцы больше не бояться.

Расследование дела взяли под контроль президент и Генпрокурор: надеюсь, это поможет довести его до конца.

Хочу выразить свои соболезнования родным, близким и коллегам Павла. Светлая память.

Tuesday, July 19, 2016

Terrorist attacks continue resonating confident, stable Europe: massacres in Nice, carnage in Germany today.


It seems that Europeans will have to get used to a new way of life.

Against the background of all these events, the issue of the Israeli experience in combating terrorism is becoming more relevant than ever. Experts, journalists and ordinary citizens are asking, whether it has been possible to avoid such casualties. Should we openly talk about Arab terrorists in Europe?

The small state of Israel is surrounded by neighbors who dream to destroy it. The population of Israel is a real boiler, mix of different nationalities, people of different cultures and traditions. What allows Israel to maintain stability in the state, to prevent such large-scale tragedies?

Some of my readers refer to the fact that Israel has experienced security professionals and it takes years to become such specialists. This is not quite true. Anyone who has been in Israel, has seen that all the guards, military are young people. Another thing is that the civilian population is ready for any emergency. In case of any emergency event the speed of reaction to what is happening is very important.

Not so long ago in Israel, the Palestinian terrorist rammed a public transport stop: in a few minutes, she was neutralized by the citizens themselves. In Nice, the police could not respond immediately: they had to wait for the prosecutor's permission to use automatic weapons... Do you remember the attack in Orlando? There a killer had been walking in a club for three hours and a half, looking for his victims and simply shooting them: the club had a zone “without weapons”. Just a few weeks later there was a similar story in other US club: there an attacker was neutralized by visitors for a couple of minutes - they were armed and ready to repel an attack.

In Israel, in the case of increasing of terrorist threats, volunteers start protecting educational institutions, schools, kindergartens. In 2004, after an escalation, the teachers who had an armorial bearing license were invited to go to work “in fully-mission capable”. Nurseries and kindergartens were guarded by the women who had served in the army and who were planning to become teachers.

In Israeli schools special safety lessons are given for children: at any time the administration can turn on a siren alarm, simulating a threat. The pupils are explained how to respond to any kind of attack, are told the sequence of actions during attack. High school students mandatory attend military bases of IDF: within a week they have basic military training, after which they can help teachers in an emergency.

Tell me, how Ukrainians, residents of large cities will respond, if suddenly they hear the sound of an alarm siren? I am sure the majority of people will just panic.

There are many examples of this, but their essence is that today it is simply necessary to learn how to protect ourselves, our loved ones in an emergency. If previously, a terrorist threat was “somewhere there”, now it is close. Each week, the SBU reports about a regular weapons consignment, detained in the city. To find and neutralize a potential criminal is the task of law enforcement agencies, but the population should be able to defend themselves on their own if necessary.

Monday, July 18, 2016

In Ukraine, the Israeli pictures and movies about Jews will be screened once again.


July, 15 VII Odessa International Film Festival began in sunny Odessa. Traditionally, in addition to the main program, Jewish theme takes a special place in the work of the Film Forum. Well, what kind of Odessa is without Jews! The festival will screen films not only about Jews, but also pictures of Israeli filmmakers.

So in the National competition Olena Demyanenko’s film My Grandmother Fanny Kaplan competes for the first place. For the plot of the film the author has chosen a romantic and at the same time tragic story of love relations between Fanny Kaplan and Dmytro Ulyanov - the brother of “the leader of world proletariat”.

Israeli filmmakers Ronit and Shlomi Elkabets brought their film “Get: Ha’mishpat shel Vivian Amsalem”, tells about the protection of personal dignity of a simple woman who is trying to divorce her husband for 5 years. The film is presented in the "Special Screenings" section. In the same category, the movie directed by David Novak "In Search of Babel" will be shown: 75 years after the execution of the Soviet writer Isaac Babel's grandson - Andrew Mala Babel - is trying to understand the personal and creative life of his famous grandfather. The movie "Mountain" by Israeli director Yael Kayyam, tells of a pious citizen of Jerusalem, living with her family in the house next to the Jewish cemetery on the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem; Mountain - a place where she is trying to escape from the routine and, at the same time, find itself.

Relations between Arab and Israeli youth are covered in “Crossroad 48”. Author - Udi Aloni, the Israeli-American director, his picture is presented in the "Festival of Festivals". The film shows the real life and the constant confrontation, in which hundreds of thousands of young people stay in Israel on a daily basis.

Also in Odessa we will see the story of Nelly Lenz - the victims of the Holocaust, who has managed to survive in a concentration camp. The director of the film “Phoenix” - German filmmaker, the leader of the Berlin Film School, Christian Petzold; retrospective of his films is presented at the festival.

In addition, Eva Neumann will be in the jury of Odessa festival, whoes "Song of Songs", has already entered into the golden collection of Ukrainian cinema. National competition program will judged by the Israeli actress Shani Klein.

VII Odessa International Film Festival will last until 23 July.

Thursday, July 14, 2016

How much time do you spend on the standstill in traffic jams?


On Thursday in Kyiv there was a collapse of local scale: on the bridge an accident occurred, as a result two districts were virtually paralyzed, people were walking in the heat, many of them did not get to work.

In Kyiv, Lviv, Odessa and in any other big city it is often possible to observe a picture, when, due to the crazy traffic congestions not only public transport but also cars of intelligence services cannot attend an emergency. Besides the fact that many motorists do not obey traffic regulations and do not allow cars to pass, for example, ambulances, vehicles have often physically nowhere to go. Drivers have to invent the most sophisticated methods to break through to the point of destination. After all, someone's life depends on the efficiency of their response.

In Israel, there is also a problem with congestions and it is quite serious. And just because of the fact that the intelligence services cars cannot get to an emergency site in time, people’s lives are endangered. Temperature in Israel is + 35C – and this is normal. But Israelis figured out how to correct the situation 30 years ago. In the 80s there was a situation when an ambulance could not attend an emergency in time, and as a result a child died. After this incident, a group of volunteers has organized a team that in the shortest possible time can get to a patient to give him first aid. The members of the United Hatzalah / United Rescue organization, having received information that an ambulance cannot get to any area of ​​the city, go on bikes, scooters or walk to the address to help the victim before the arrival of medical aid team. Very often such a quick response helps to save lives.

In 1989, just at the beginning of the project, only 15 volunteers took part in it. Now nationwide first aid organization United Hatzalah/United Rescue numbers 3000 volunteers. For the period of their existence, they provided first aid to 1.6 million people all over Israel. United Hatzalah not only open their offices on different continents, but also train volunteers of the largest cities in the world. In recent years, the experience of the Israeli volunteer organizations began to adopt in Brazil, Argentina, India, Panama, Lithuania, USA.

What do you think, can be such organization be useful in the congested streets of Kyiv, Kharkiv, Lviv and Odessa? Now many people hide from the heat at the river or seaside: how can ambulance reach faraway Hydropark site or Trukhaniv island? I think the answer is obvious. During the revolution of 2014, hundreds of people become doctors, volunteers, for a short time had to learn the basics of first aid. After the outbreak of hostilities in the East of Ukraine, thousands of people were trained in the provision of various kinds of medical aid to the victims. I am sure that the creation of such an organization in Ukraine can be of a great help to the emergency services.

More than seven million Jews lived in Central and Eastern Europe before the Holocaust.


In Ukraine, the Jewish civilization had been flourishing for more than five hundred years: unique culture, language, literature, religion were developing here. Ukraine is the birthplace of Hasidism – a religious movement, which influenced Judaism worldwide. In Ukraine dozens of Jewish schools and temples were opened. A special phenomenon was the emergence of an original traditional shtetl Jewry: there were their own rules, style and way of life, their festivals and chronology, culture, traditions and language.

Meanwhile, there is little left that reminds us of the rich historical Jewish tradition, which has existed on the lands of Eastern and Central Europe. Over the past 80 years, cultural centers of European Jewry virtually disappeared in the form in which they had existed prior to World War II. For example, during this time the Jewish population in the territory of Ukraine has decreased by almost 10 times. If in the past Jews spoke mostly Yiddish, today it is more possible to find a Jew who knows their language anywhere in New York than in Chernivtsi. Similarly, scrolls, manuscripts, books, menorahs and national recipes were taken by their owners everywhere. The Holocaust, globalization, mass migration completed the process of the destruction of a unique cultural environment.

The thing that is left and reminds of the rich Jewish heritage in Europe every day is the Jewish cemetery. Across the continent, there are Jewish burials as a direct proof of continuous connection between the epochs. On these days, many of them are in poor condition: they are overgrown with bushes and grass, traces of many of them are lost. The centuries-old memory of Jewish presence in Central and Eastern Europe is being lost this way.

By the way, the Jewish cemeteries are not just the old tombstones. They are the monuments of the Jewish architecture, they contain a unique historical and genealogical information. Many of them are the works of folk art and writing. On the tombstones epitaphs were often written, due to this one can study the regional language of Jews, and the large scale of material allows conducting extensive sociological researches.

In Ukraine, many municipal authorities openly state that no one monitors the state of the Jewish cemeteries on their territory. Previously, this was done by the local Jewish communities, however, now there is simply no one to do it.

In 2015 ESJF was founded - European Jewish Cemeteries Initiative, which deals with the protection of Jewish heritage. The aim of the organization is to find Jewish cemeteries, restore them, define clear borders and fencing.

The organization is funded by the German government. Within the pilot project 1 million Euros has been allocated to fund 30 projects for the protection of Jewish cemeteries in four European countries. One of the tasks of the initiative will be the foundation of administrative and research structure, which will be responsible for similar projects in other countries.

According to statistics, only in the territory of 46 European countries it is known about the existence of nearly 10 thousand of Jewish cemeteries. Three-quarters of them are in the former USSR and South-Eastern Europe. In Ukraine, there are hundreds and hundreds of them. In 2015, a pilot project of ESJF covered 27 places of Jewish burials in Ukraine, during 2016 it will cover 46 more. The members of initiative find in the archives, according to the testimonies of local residents, the old Jewish cemeteries, clean the area, put up fences and agree to take care of the territory.

One should always remember that only the people that knows and remembers its past well, has the future. This is even more necessary now, when Ukraine has become an independent state and is studying its own history in a new light.

Today in the capital of Galicia one of the most, perhaps, interesting Ukrainian festival Night in Lviv is starting.


Interesting, because it can not be otherwise in Lviv, because it is at night, and because performances suits any taste.

For three hot July nights Lviv will become a cultural capital of Ukraine and center of concert life. During three nights, it will be possible to visit hundreds of attractions, excursions, performances, museums, galleries, theaters, concert halls. In addition, very different music can be heard on the streets.

It will be possible to listen to organ right on the Rynok Square, walk along catacombs of Lviv temples, watch movies in the courtyard of the Town Hall, or take part in a historic quest.

I invite everyone to visit amazing night Lviv and see it in an unusual perspective.

The opening of the festival is on July, 15 at 7 p. m. in front of the Town Hall. The festival will last from July, 15 till July, 17.

Yesterday at the 50th anniversary air show in English Farnborough Ukrainian An-178 impressed aircraft designers, pilots and audience with its global flight.


Within six minutes provided for the demonstration flight the viewers saw steep turns, maximum roll-offs, flight at minimum speed on the runway. When you look at the pictures of AN-178 flight, you are becoming proud of the Ukrainian aviation industry.

The aircraft of the Ukrainian producers can work in a variety of weather and climatic conditions, at high temperatures and humidity; base at airfields with different quality covering of runways. An-178 is extremely easy to use for transportation of packaged cargo, containers, including oversized marine C1. Its load capacity is from 15 to 18 tons. The new aircraft will replace the well-known AN-12 and C-160.

While viewers were watching the skill of the pilots’ work, representatives of the Antonov Design Bureau signed a contract with the Canadian company Esterline CMC Electronics for the supply of systems and equipment of AN-148, AN-158, AN-178 and cargo planes - An-124 100 Ruslan. The Ukrainian aircraft will be equipped with Canadian avionics that will allow them having the benefits on the global market. As the Minister of International Trade of Canada, Ms. Chrystia Freeland assured that the Ukrainian side has the full support of the Canadian government.

Ukrainians have things to be proud of: talented, hardworking people work here, the Ukrainian goods are recognized at the highest level. Just a few years ago, Antonov was on its last legs, and today it is producing a new aircraft and signing contracts with international companies. And I suggest you looking at the capabilities of a new Ukrainian aircraft and assessing its benefits.

Wednesday, July 13, 2016

Yesterday a two-day visit to Ukraine of Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau ended.


The outcome of this historic visit was the signing of free trade zone between Ukraine and Canada.

What will it bring Ukraine? First, it is the removal of tariff barriers. Within seven years after the agreement enters into force, 99% of all trade barriers between Canada and Ukraine will disappear. Ukrainians will have access to the system of state procurement system of Canada, Canadians - in Ukraine. Ukrainian and Canadian goods will receive priority in the trading system of the two countries, Ukraine will significantly expand its sales market, obtain a transparent environment for trade. Along with the expansion of economic benefits, Ukraine has to reform its own legal and regulatory framework that will allow the launch of its goods on the Canadian market to the full extent. In addition, participation in the contract implies the effective fight against corruption and the creating new vacancies. According to analysts, the signing of this agreement will give an impetus to the development of the economies of both countries.

We must remember that the largest Ukrainian diaspora lives in Canada: ethnic Ukrainians are a part of the Canadian government, since the emergence of independent Ukraine Ukrainians of Canada have been supporting the economic, political and social development of our country. This support was clearly manifested during last two years: in addition to humanitarian assistance, Canada supports us in the international arena, Canadian military instructors work in Ukraine, volunteers are constantly engaged in the delivery of goods for the victims of the hostilities in the Donbass region, Ukrainian soldiers are treated in Canada.

In addition, according to the results of the last NATO summit, Canada will be one of those countries that will deliver lethal arms to Ukraine. This more than any words shows what impact the Ukrainian diaspora has in Canada. All this makes it possible to hope for an effective cooperation between Ukraine and Canada.

I would like to say a few words about the Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau - one of the most popular politicians of modern times. The young and charismatic Canadian leader sincerely likes Ukraine, which gives us the undoubted preferences. He began his visit with laying of wreaths to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the memorial at Babi Yar. At the wreath-laying ceremony he was accompanied by his eldest son. Justin Trudeau is well-known for its commitment to universal values, rather liberal views and respect for the traditions of different cultures. According to Trudeau, the Prime Minister of multinational Canada, you must be familiar with and respect the history of the state, the part of which you are. I fully share this point of view: without past, whatever it may be, there is no future.

Tuesday, July 12, 2016

The history of one conflict.


10 years ago, on July 12, 2006, Israel launched an anti-terrorist operation against militants of Hezbollah organization. The reason for the attack was the provocation of the Lebanese terrorists who committed the rocket attack on border areas of Israel, undermined an armoured car of Israeli border guards, killing three and kidnapping two more soldiers.

Militants of Hezbollah demanded the exchange of Israeli soldiers for thousands of Palestinian prisoners. The response was a statement made by Ehud Olmert - Israel's Prime Minister - about the impossibility of any negotiations with terrorists. Olmert also announced that Israel's response to the provocation would be tough: after a few hours the Israeli Air Force launched a massive bombardment of southern Lebanon controlled by Hezbollah, hitting the main backbone roads, destroying roads, bridges, thus significantly immobilized the enemy. At the same time, Israeli tanks entered Lebanon, in response Hezbollah began rocket and mortar attack of Israel. Within a month, terrorists were attacking by fire northern Israel, making hundreds of thousands of Israelis evacuate in the center and south of the country.

The armed conflict lasted for 35 days, as a result of attacks 166 Israelis and over 1,200 Lebanese were killed, more than 1000 Israeli soldiers were wounded. On August 14, it was announced about complete cease-fire, the southern regions of Lebanon were cleared of terrorists and transferred under control of the Lebanese authorities and UN peace-makers. By early October, in the south of Lebanon about 10 thousand Lebanese soldiers and more than 5000 peace-makers were present, Israeli troops left Lebanon.

After the Second Lebanon War, Israel was able to draw the right conclusions and created a unique system of anti-missile defense, which protects residents from strokes.

I must say that many criticize the Israeli defense system, accusing it of lack of preparation for such attacks. But in just 35 days, Israel was able to start and finish the conflict, threatening to escalate into a massive attack by militants, preventing possible terrorist attacks, sabotage and seizure of territory. The Israeli authorities did not negotiate or advise with anyone, checking the correctness of their actions. There was a threat to the lives of Israeli citizens – it was responded adequately. How many victims from the civilian population and the military would be if Israel launched long negotiations? Thousands? Tens of thousands? No one - except the aggressor - is interested in a frozen conflict, undermining political, social and economic stability in the country. Israel understands this very clearly.

Monday, July 11, 2016

According to the results of the NATO summit in Warsaw, Ukraine was at the center of world attention once again.


The situation in Ukraine has forced the NATO member countries to think seriously about the threat posed by Russia not only for Eastern Europe, but also for the whole world. Even such countries as France and Italy, the leaders of which are ready to call off sanctions against Russia, supported the strengthening of the military presence of NATO in the east. You can be friends with Putin - you can sit with him at the dinner table, fly together to Sicily and promise mountains and marvels, but it is necessary to hold the line anyway. Because it is better to keep the enemy close and visible.

Not two-valued became a statement of the NATO countries, which accused Russia of subverting order in Europe, based on mutual abidance by common rules, “Russia has continued its aggressive actions undermining Ukraine’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and security, in violation of international law. These developments have serious implications for the stability and security of the entire Euro-Atlantic area,” - these words are declared in a general statement of Ukraine and NATO.

The result of loud statements will become а significant increase in the military presence of NATO forces in Europe: already since 2017 the French troops alongside with British will be present in Estonia, since 2018 - Germans in Lithuania, US troops - in Poland, Canada and Latvia. Leaders of NATO countries openly state that this extension of cooperation is a direct result of the threat from the Russian side.

As for Ukraine, one of the most important decisions of the summit, in my opinion, are the statements about the possibility of supplying lethal arms to us, increasing assistance from the USA and aid package from NATO.

Absolutely clear sounded British Prime Minister’s call addressed to Russia to get out from the territory of Ukraine: Crimea and Donbass. David Cameron called for “pressing on Russia”. Such a statement by the head of the second power of the NATO states is worth its weight in gold. In response to the aggressive policy of Russia and the threat posed by the actions of this country around the world, the UK is resuming its nuclear program.

Generally Warsaw Summit could unite all “frenemies” and erase all differences better than any economic forum: the annexation of Crimea, 10 thousand deaths in the Donbass, the bombing of civilian towns in Syria much more clearly explained what Russia’s statements about friendship and partnership are worth. In NATO they clearly understand that if Russia is going to save someone, it is necessary to arm oneself and conduct preventive attacks. Today, Ukraine has a chance to get as nearly as possible to the North Atlantic Alliance: it is not obligatory to be a member of NATO, meet all its standards and rely on the support of the member countries.

Friday, July 8, 2016

Kyiv becomes more European: July, 5 in the capital the municipal bicycle rental Nextbike was presented.


Nextbike is a fully automated bicycle rental system.
At any time of a day 7 days a week, anyone can use services of rental. The peculiarity of this type of service is that taking a bike for rent at one point, you can leave it in another.
Since 2015, this system has successfully been operating in Lviv. In the capital eight bike stations will operate, 20 “iron horses” are allocated. First rental centers will be opened near metro stations “Ploshcha Lva Tolstoho”, ‘Beresteis'ka”, “Mins’ka”, “Livoberezhna”, “Pozniaky”, “Vystavkovyi Tsentr” and near Pyrogovo.

If the experiment with the implementation of a new public transport goes well, the citizens of Kyiv will receive about 100 new bike stations.
As for prices for such transport, a season ticket will cost 800 UAH, a month - 120 UAH. Without a permanent ticket you can use the bike for 50 UAH during the first 30 minutes, and 50 UAH - for each subsequent hour.

Now Nextbike is available in more than 100 cities in 16 countries on three continents: the system works in Germany, Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Hungary, Dubai, Latvia, New Zealand, Poland, Switzerland, Turkey, the UK and the USA.

This system of bicycle rental for overloaded Kyiv could be a real solution to the problem of congestions in the city center. However, this requires not only the bikes, but bike paths, traffic lights, trails. After all, it is necessary that the drivers respect cyclists. I hope that the citizens of Kyiv support the implementation of environmental mode of transport, and Kyiv administration will not stop on the achieved and will accomplish such a useful business.



Israel is a country of start-ups and high-tech. Israel does not have rich natural resources, there is no heavy industry, no fertile land, for almost 70 years the state has to be at war.


The sphere of high technologies is one of the economic powerhouses of Israel: just during the last year Israelis exported goods and services worth $ 37.5 billion. And this figure continues to grow. I think the demand would not be so high if Israeli technologies were low-quality.

Except that the sphere of IT brings billions to the Israeli treasury, it also provides jobs for Israelis. But despite the fact that the Israeli government invests millions in the development of the sphere of high-tech, industry is in need of the labor force - there are only 8.5 million inhabitants in Israel. For this reason, Israelis often invite specialists from Ukraine: Ukrainians work mainly remotely.

Several days ago, an Israeli company SimilarWeb, which is one of the leading enterprises of the Israeli sphere of high-tech, opened its own development center in Ukraine. The company specializes in web analytics, its 8 offices operate in different countries of the world. The total investment amount of SimilarWeb is $ 65 million. Among the company's clients are such the Internet giants as Google, eBay, Nike.

I often hear: “How can Israel be useful for Ukraine is understandable. And what interesting could be in Ukraine for such a successful and stable country like Israel?” I always emphasize that we have not only a common history, but also the general scope of activity and common interests. The most important wealth of any country is its people. Ukraine has excellent specialists of the highest level in different branches, otherwise they would not be invited to international corporations, new offices and representative offices would not be opened in Ukraine. The opening of a branch of the Israeli company talks about the gradual stabilization of the situation, because the business does not come to the place where it is insecurely. Let us learn to appreciate what we already have and increase what we already can do. Then we do not have to look for the better land and a better life.

Israelis not only love their history, but also respect it.


The State of Israel itself exists today only because Jews have been able to save its authentic culture and traditions during thousands of years.
In Israel they take good care of everything that tells the story of the formation of the Jewish state. Six years ago, the Israeli Knesset passed the law according to which in the building, were the first parliament of young Israel sat, museum will be created.

The building, I must say, is unremarkable: a three-story mansion at King George Street in Jerusalem, which belonged to the Froumine family. It housed 120 deputies, along with their assistants and clerks from 1950 to 1966. But here worked the founding fathers of Israel, headed by David Ben-Gurion, Menachem Begin, Golda Meir, Moshe Dayan... If the walls could talk, they would have told many unique stories about the formation of the young state, and the historic decisions which have been taken within the walls of this building. Now in the building of the former Knesset preparation for the opening of the museum are under way.

In the meantime the building is being reconstructed, for future visitors a video was filmed featuring the current head of the current parliament: the tour is conducted personally by Yuli Edelstein.

Thursday, July 7, 2016

On the eve it became known that the German government agreed to increase significantly funding of programs for Jewish, who had survived during the Holocaust: in the next three years, Germany will pay more than a billion dollars as part of compensation for actions in World War II.


Negotiations on this issue were held by Claims Conference Organization, which protects the rights of Jews who survived the Holocaust. The last increase in funding will concern people who are in need of home care. Now all over the world there are about half a million of Jews who were able to pass through a ringer on during the Holocaust and stay alive. Many of them still have not received any payments: some simply do not know that they exist, others cannot get all the relevant paperwork done. Such international funds as Claims Conference help people in restoring their rights.

Just for post-war years, Germany has paid more than $ 90 billion in compensation. In 2016, Claims Conference will transfer to Israel about $ 450 million for the financing of social services for the Holocaust survivors. In addition, $ 450 million will be transferred by direct payments for individual compensations. The money will be spent on care - it is clear that it will be got by aged people – medicine, food, clothing and emergency financial assistance.

Over 70 years have passed since the war, but Germany does not lay down duties, do not complain about the crisis, devaluation, or social problems. Even in 1952 it signed an agreement on the recognition of its responsibility for the Holocaust, and since then strictly has been fulfilling its obligations. The German government believes that people, who had survived the Holocaust, should be provided an opportunity to live in dignity.

The ability to recognize their mistakes and pay for them is an example of the behavior of a truly strong and democratic state. Human history is history of wars. Reservations and concentration camps, weapons of mass destruction and anti-personnel mines - most of its human achievements the “genius” dedicated to creation of instruments for the destruction of their own kind.

Wednesday, July 6, 2016

Friends, today I represent to your attention my last interview with the Ukrainian media.




Together with journalists of publishing house of Novoe Vremya (New time) we talked about Ukrainian and Israeli relations, prospects and new projects, countering the propaganda and security. Once again I explained why it is important to deepen bilateral relations between Ukraine and Israel and also told about what people think about Ukrainian situation in Israel.

http://nv.ua/ukr/ukraine/events/pochesnij-konsul-izrajilju-oleg-vishnjakov-pro-perspektivi-vidnosin-z-ukrajinoju-165202.html

Tuesday, July 5, 2016

Flowering gardens in the desert is a phenomenon as natural for Israel as dried, abandoned parks in Ukraine.


Jerusalem, which is situated in the territory of the desert, is one of the greenest cities in Israel, and its biggest green area is Sacher Park. It is located in the city center: this is where the citizens of Jerusalem are going on a picnic, here the main festivities during the holidays are held.

High-tech Israelis have decided to make their favourite blooming oasis the most environmentally friendly: Sacher became a member of the “smart” parks. The charging stations for electric bikes and smart phones will be installed in the park, Wi-Fi, energy-saving “smart” systems of lighting and irrigation with remote control and solar-powered will be over the whole territory.

On the territory of Sacher there are already grounds for football, tennis, basketball, frisbee, for skateboarding or rollerblading, playgrounds, plenty of space for picnics. After the project of “smart” park starts working in Sacher, other public places of Jerusalem will be upgraded.

The history of the park is interesting: it is named after Harry Sacher - British lawyer and Zionist, who moved to Eretz Yisrael in 1918. After his father's death his children gave by will his entire fortune to create a city garden, to perpetuate the name of Sacher in the city, which he loved passionately. During the War of Independence, the park had a runway for the aircraft, which delivered provisions and ammunition to the city. In 2013, ther monument in honor of soldiers, who died for Jerusalem during the war, was put.

In May this year, at the Mariinsky park in Kyiv a piece of Israel appeared: in honor of the 25th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between Ukraine and Israel here Avenue of Israel was planted, where there is also free Wi-Fi.

Monday, July 4, 2016

For the last 2 weeks in Israel, there was a new series of terrorist attacks: in the south of the country the kindergarten building was attacked by fire, near Hebron, a car was also attacked by fire - a father of 10 children was killed, his two daughters and wife were seriously injured, a soldier of Magav was attacked; in Netanya near the market a man and a woman were seriously wounded with a knife, before this a terrorist killed a 13-year-old girl sleeping in her house…


Insane killers continue to shed the blood of innocent people.

I have repeatedly said that Israel has quite strict safety rules. But it is impossible to track everyone, it is impossible to verify and inspect everybody. However, in contrast to Ukraine, in Israel they do not expect international reaction or support, do not wait for them to be allowed to defend themselves or to vote for the adoption of sanctions against the aggressor. Israel got used to defend itself on its own, so in response to these murders, Israel promised to toughen anti-terrorism measures.

The residents of the village, where the six criminals, who had committed the terrorist attacks, came from, will be deprived of work permits, the entire Hebron District will be blocked, and that is about 700 thousand people. East Jerusalem and Ma'ale Adumim - a city located beyond the “green line” – will be built with hundreds of new homes. Military presence will be massively strengthened, settlements will be fortified. From now on, the bodies of terrorists will not be given to relatives, they will be buried in a special cemetery.

Is it cruel? Not democratic? Yes, exactly. Israeli leaders are well aware of the fact that such actions will cause a wave of criticism from other states. Since according to many “liberals” one cannot respond to evil with evil and infringe someone's rights. “Is not a son responsible for a father?” But if six suicide bombers come from one settlement, it is hardly a coincidence. To call for conscience and logic, wag finger and talk to them about democracy and human rights, while they will continue massacring children, sneering?

Democracy, humanity and tolerance are good and acceptable till they do not result in human death or capture of territories and foundation of their own “republics”.

Terrorists have no values, no logic and conscience, they want one thing - to kill. To kill as often as possible. What was to blame a 13-year-old girl or a father of 10 children for? One can long and pathetic clutch their head and reason, how bad it is, but it does not absolutely solve the problem. I think that if everyone who takes a knife to kill or hangs a “suicide belt” on oneself will know that his family would be punished for in return, the number of suicide bombers may significantly diminish.

Friday, July 1, 2016

Today the Ukrainian Naval Forces are celebrating their professional holiday.


I congratulate the Ukrainian defenders on the holiday!

For the last two years Ukrainian Naval Forces are experiencing renewal and reforming, traitors dropped out, patriots and professionals showed themselves. Today real men, men of their words, who know what honor and dignity is, keep watching sea borders of our country.

The history of the Ukrainian fleet dates back to the Kievan Rus’: hundreds of years ago glorious ancestors of modern mariners went by the Azov and Black Seas, guarded their lands on the Dnieper, Danube, Don and Volga. Cossacks’ “chaikas” - light and maneuverable - were a true legend of their time. And now the best traditions of the past are living and being multiplied by the sailors of independent Ukraine. Now Ukrainian Naval Forces are moving from the old standards to the modern ones of the NATO.

According to its geographical location, political and economic potential Ukraine is and must be a great maritime country. Ahead is the hard road of reforming and restoring of the greatness of the Ukrainian fleet.

I wish our defenders inspiration and strength on this road, good health and peaceful sky!

The history of Israeli intelligence agencies originates from the detached units of Palestinian self-defense, created nearly 100 years ago.


Today, intelligence agencies of Israel are among the best known and most influential in the world. The basis of this structure is a powerful triumvirate of the military and political intelligence and security services.

The main objective of intelligence agencies is to protect national interests and security of Israel, and for decades they have successfully been coping with it.

In Ukraine, Mossad, legendary political intelligence of Israel, is traditionally well known. This unit conducts surveillance and information gathering outside Israel, prevents terrorist attacks on the state, and performs special and secret operations abroad. The first director of Mossad, Reuven Shiloah marked the principle of its operation this way, “Israeli intelligence should act as a guarantor of the security of Jews around the world. Secret activities should be based on modern technology, using the latest achievements in the field of espionage, maintaining contact with friendly services.” Up to date, Mossad operates in accordance with these principles, its first task is to protect Jews with the use of cutting-edge gadgets.

A particular degree of secrecy is the basis of the activities of almost all the security services in Israel. Up to the very present time even the names of department heads were secret. If you can find out about any special operations of Mossad, every time it becomes a sensation. For example, as a result of one of Mossad's operations, the judicial system of Israel gave one and only death sentence in its history. We are talking about the kidnapping of Nazi criminal Adolf Eichmann, one of the organizers of the Holocaust, by Mossad agents. Eichmann was in charge of all deportation operations of Jews to death camps during the Holocaust, so his capture was a matter of principle. Therefore, in 1960, 15 years after the end of the war, the Israeli Mossad found Eichmann in Argentina and brought him to Israel. It is interesting that volunteers take part in such operations of increased complexity. After 9 days of kidnapping, Eichmann was brought to Israel, condemned and hanged. The execution of Eichmann became the only practical application of the amendment in the law about the abolition of death penalty in Israel and the second (and last) death penalty under sentence in Israel's history. After hanging Eichmann's body was burned and the cremains were scattered over the Mediterranean Sea outside the territorial waters of Israel.

The most famous operations of Mossad are also Wrath of God – elimination of the terrorists who killed Israeli Olympic athletes, Moses, when more than 10 thousand of Jews were evacuated from Ethiopia, the elimination of the leaders of terrorist organizations.

Today, the Israeli intelligence agencies continue to provide the security of Israel: the bulk of the terrorist attacks in the country end before beginning. Criminals are their methods are changing - today Israel is facing extremism more often - but the purpose of the work of Israeli intelligence agencies is not changing - to defend at any price.

Several years ago, life of an ordinary Ukrainian changed forever: the war, betrayal, and a daily struggle came into our reality.


Ukrainians have shown themselves more than dignified, thousands of volunteers and conscripts have stood up to defence their land.

But among them there is a special category of defenders, who look unusual with machine guns on the front line: in the Ukrainian Army almost 50 thousand women are serving and working. If at first Ukrainians were volunteers and doctors, for today more than 1.5 thousand of Ukrainians have received the status of combatants. Now the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine has allowed women to become snipers, as well as riflemen and mechanics of combat vehicles. Hard times require out-of-the-box decisions.

In the Israeli army women have been serving for many decades. Every fifth soldier in Israel is a woman. A girl in a uniform and with a gun is quite a familiar picture for Israel. If at first women were united in a single unit, now they are serving alongside with men. Moreover, very often, they are an example for men. In Israel they believe that women in the army do not distract the soldiers, but vice versa they are an incentive for them. Women serve in all parts of the Israeli army. Army service for Israeli women starts from the age of 17 and lasts for almost 2 years. In Israel, no one longer sees women-soldiers as something special. And for the women themselves, army service is not something unusual: rather it is a way to master one more profession.

Today in Israel women fly fighter planes, are involved in the reconnaissance, drive tanks, command infantry and naval forces. 26% of the officers of the Israeli army are women, almost all combat specialties are open for them.

Of course, almost every woman is associated with the home-fire and motherhood. But the reality is that women today defend their land together with men, once again proving that any work is within their scope of abilities.