I congratulate all the students and their parents on Knowledge Day!

Today, small schoolchildren and older pupils, students of gymnasiums, high schools, colleges, universities, postgraduates and their teachers begin a new school year.

On this day, some continue studying, and many cross the threshold of school for the first time. It has fallen on them to experience a new system of education introduced by the Ukrainian government. The new principles of assessment in primary school have been criticized a lot, but it is obvious that the process of school reforming has got off the ground.

In Israel, as in Ukraine, thousands of pupils for the first time will sit at their desks on 1 September. There children also start going to school at the age of six and taught for 12 years. In Israeli elementary school they study Hebrew, mathematics, history, geography, nature, English, music, painting, rhythm and engaged in physical activity. Almost everything like us, except that the program is designed so that all the material is given in class, the children have almost no homework. The focus is not on memorizing information as to what to teach children from the first days in school but to think independently, analyze and correlate the facts. These skills are needed for adult students and independent life.

I wish all first year pupils of Ukraine and Israel to find new friends in school, success and reach the highest peaks! I sincerely wish the pupils to find enthusiasm in learning, and to their teachers - success and patience in learning of the new system.

Oketz in Hebrew means sting, there dogs are trained to be involved in special operations of the Israeli Army.

The dogs of the Oketz Unit have three main specializations: to find the bomb, neutralize an enemy and save people. There is a challenging training program in the special unit: the training course lasts for at least a year before an animal is allowed to participate in special operations. The unique dogs are taught to neutralize an enemy, armed with a knife or gun, to creep up unnoticed and spend hours lying in ambush. Four-legged soldiers are divided into those that are involved into arresting, the ones to search and rescue, and the ones to search for explosives.

The army receives completely different breeds of dog: German or Belgian shepherds serve to search for explosive devices, Labradors are engaged in search and rescue operations, small dogs inspect the interior of cars at checkpoints. The main task in the training of such soldiers is to create a solid tandem for man and dog being able to understand each other perfectly.

Animals for the unit are grown in Germany and Holland, and start being trained from an early age. It costs the Israeli army 1000 dollars to maintain each attack dog every month. These soldiers serve 7-8 years, and then they are sent to families, often - to families of their own fellow-dog handlers.

These animals are cared about as children are: every dog ​​lives in a six-meter cell with a special floor covering, they are well-fed and treated: the dogs’ caries of four-legged soldiers of Oketz is even treated. Since 2003, Israel has a special cemetery for military dogs, where they are buried with full honors: on the tombstones it is indicated if the dog has been killed in battle, died of old age or illness. The Oketz special unit exists from the very beginning of the State of Israel, during this time four-legged soldiers rescued hundreds of people and dozens of terrorists were neutralized in Lebanon and Gaza, on the West Bank and the Golan Heights. The soldiers of the unit fought in all the campaigns of the past 30 years.

By the way, Muslims, unlike Jews, consider a dog a dirty animal, so they think that if a kamikaze is bitten by a dog before exploding, then he will not becomes a Shakhid (martyr for the faith) and will not go to heaven. The soldiers of the Oketz benefit from this working with dogs to distract terrorists.

Since the end of summer Ukrposhta puts new postage stamps from the series “Jews” into circulation.

I always emphasize the strong bond that has long existed between our peoples. This is due not only to the fact that Ukrainians and Jews lived side by side for centuries, but also due to simple values common for both peoples.

The Jewish community in Ukraine is well known for its cultural traditions and crafts. It has always been known that the best tailors are Jews. The funniest musicians are Jews. One of the most pious peoples is also Jews and they don’t only pray, but also build their temples for prayers.

And it is very pleasant that now these traditions will be sealed in beautiful illustrations of Mykola Kochubei, who has become the author of these images. In a series of “National minorities in Ukraine. Jews” four stamps are presented: the Freilach dance, the Synagogue in Zhovkva, Rosh Hashanah and the Tailor. Each stamp has edition of 130 thousand copies.

Why have these subjects been chosen? Until the eighteenth century Zhovkva was an important centre of the Jewish education and religious life. The synagogue in Zhovkva was built at the end of the XVII century and is a shining example of the Renaissance and Baroque architecture. The synagogue of Zhovkva is well-known all over the world. Suffice it to say that some synagogues in Israel are built on its model.

Many people already know what Rosh Hashanah is: it is the Jewish New Year. This year it will be celebrated on October 3. On Rosh Hashanah they blow the shofar, call on divine judgment and call to penance. As well as it is in the Christian tradition, it is customary to send gifts to each other and set the generous tables of treat.

Freilach is a traditional Jewish folk dance. Do you remember “Seven-forty”? So this is it. The Jewish tailors have always been known for their skill and mastery in every city and town.

Such steps once again emphasize the close relationship between Israelis and Ukrainians, because the events depicted on new stamps are well understandable and clear without words to every Ukrainian.

On Sunday, August 28 the Ukrainian special forces rescued the employees of the Embassy of the State of Israel from terrorists: the soldiers of the special forces unit of the SBU Alpha, the Kord National Police and units of forces of special operations of the Armed Forces of Ukraine successfully neutralized the terrorists and freed the hostages.

The operation resulted in no casualties.

This thriller in the Israeli Embassy building took place in the framework of anti-terrorist trainings of the Ukrainian special services which the SBU conducted in coordination with the Israeli side. The residents of Kyiv could see the real picture of the antiterrorist operation right in the heart of the capital. I think many people were surprised with explosions, smoke, and military vehicles at the Israeli embassy.

Such trainings of the SBU are held not for the first time: each year the staff of the diplomatic representation of Israel agrees to participate in the anti-terrorist trainings, because it is well aware of the importance of such activities. As I have repeatedly told, response in the case of the terrorist attack is being taught at kindergarten in Israel. All Israeli citizens are well aware how to behave in an emergency situation, so the operation of the Ukrainian special forces did not become something surprising for the embassy staff. According to their words and experts’ estimations, the Ukrainian soldiers coped perfectly with the task.

Currently, Ukraine is facing a daily threat of terrorism. And now I do not mean the military conflict in the East, which is modestly called ATO instead of war: security officers face real or fake threats daily. I hope that soon the Ukrainian secret services will be able at least partially to achieve the level of Israel, where the credibility to the defenders is hundred per cent, and the level of protection is one of the highest in the world.

Today I would like to tell you a story that is an example of the highest degree of humanity and sacrifice.

Stories like this also took place in Ukraine during the Holocaust.

In 1940, the Protestant commune of Le Chambon-sur-Lignon which is 350 km from Paris, was occupied, and Chambon was taken over by the Vichy regime. However, the residents refused to recognize the collaborationist regime.

The spiritual leader of the commune was young pastor André Trocmé, who had come to Chambon with his wife Magda and their four children six years earlier. In winter 1940 the first Jews, who had fled from Germany, came to Trocmé’s house. The pastor's wife asked friends to shelter them at their homes. Later a few people who had managed to evade a certain death came, and then Jews from everywhere were coming continuously to Chambon.

André Trocmé urged his parishioners to help all who need it, and his wife was engaged in the organization of their salvation. His appeal was responded, and the peasants began to shelter refugees in their homes. During 4 years of occupation the inhabitants of Chambon saved 5000 Jews - as many as there were local citizens in Chambon. Some families managed to hide Jews for 4 years, until the region was liberated.

Jews were welcomed, sheltered in apartments and houses, at factories, farms, institutions. They had false papers, ration cards, Jewish children were taught in schools, along with the village children. During this time, no one of 5000 people was given to police.

Of course, the sharply increased number of the villagers did not go unnoticed, the search began. When Vichy authorities demanded from André Trocmé to stop defending Jews, he replied: “We do not know what a Jew is. We only know men”.

In August 1942, the police, local authorities and the Gestapo had been making searches within the village for three weeks and demanded to give them Jews under pain of death. André Trocmé refused, buses left empty.

In 1943, a courageous pastor was arrested, but the villagers continued his work under his wife’s direction. André Trocmé lived a long life and died in 1971, Magda Trocmé - in 1996.

In 1998, Yad Vashem awarded Le Chambon-sur-Lignon commune with an honorary diploma for humanity shown by its inhabitants during the war: 40 people from 2 thousand French citizens recognized as Righteous Among the Nations are residents of the village of Le Chambon.

Do you know what gelotologists are?

I doubt that, but in Israel there is such a profession, gelotology researches are carried out and it is studied at the university.

In simple phrase, a gelotologist is a medical clown, a person who relieves pain, fear and person’s stay at hospital. I think many of you have heard stories about how children are treated in Israel: the approach is not like ours. Instead of shouting, intimidating or forcing a child, kids are distracted with funny stories and bright costumes in the Israeli hospitals. Gelotologists’ work is so widely used in medical institutions of Israel that it is recognized as a separate paramedical profession.

It has long been known that laughter has a great healing effect, because during laughter our brain produces “happy hormones” - endorphins, which build up the immune system. In addition, the function of the cardiovascular, respiratory and digestive systems is improved, anti-stress hormones are produced. All these useful properties of laughter are used by the Israeli doctors.

In Haifa medical clowning is taught at the academic level. Admittedly, this therapy helps not only patients, but also doctors. It is believed that gelotologists work mainly in oncology departments, but in fact they help victims of accidents and violence, sexual harassment, those who have lost relatives or are depressed. They are invited to medical treatment rooms, ultrasound investigations, autotomography.

Another sphere of the Israeli gelotologists is work with elderly people. Very often, these people are loners, bad at making contacts, and gelotologists help them to deal with psychological problems. The effect of gelotologists’ work can be seen immediately.

For the moment only volunteers are working as “cheerful doctors” in the Ukrainian hospitals. But a volunteer cannot often be long in one place, cannot get through psychologically, has no special education and does not understand intricacies of the process. In Ukraine there are many educational institutions that have long ceased to learn anything new. I am confident that the introduction of gelotology to their course would be very helpful for everyone.

Continuing the topic of cultural events that we’ve started today, I want to announce with pride that Ukrainian performance won the contest on art festival in Edinburgh.

Edinburgh Fringe Festival - the largest art festival in the world and getting the main prize - the award of Summerhall theater - it is an occasion to be proud of.

The authors of the folk opera «Counting sheep» are spouses - Ukrainian singer Chuck Kudryavtseva and Canadian musician Mark Marchik.

They met each other on Maidan in winter 2014, were volunteers, helped military and then decided to tell Canadians about Ukrainian sentiments and problems through play. Folk opera «Counting sheep» is rather atypical formulation, there is no monologues and main characters, the main component is the ancient Ukrainian songs and dances, videos, viewers are attracted to participate in performances even they are been treated with Ukrainian sweets during the performance.

The first settings were designed only for 30 people. But now in Edinburgh every evening you can see a play of about 220 persons and all tickets are sold. A Summerhall theater owner so imbued the performance that raised the Ukraine flag over the building, which will stay there until the end of the festival.

To attract maximum attention of the world to Ukraine and Ukrainian events, tell about unique and rich Ukrainian culture, traditions, the beauty of the land and the dignity of the people - that is the main task of contemporary Ukrainian art. I am sure that such performances as «Counting sheep» can do for Ukraine's image even more than politicians and diplomats.

Tomorrow, August 27, Lviv Philharmonic invites the residents and guests of the city to visit the international musical project In Memoriam – United by Music.

In Memoriam is a part of a large-scale cultural and diplomatic initiative aimed at uniting society, spreading the ideas of peace and tolerance through dialogue of cultures. The concert program includes two All Ukrainian premieres: the works of Ernest Bloch's Suite Modale for flute and Orchestra and In Memoriam.

This musical project will bring together a unique group of musicians on one stage: the first flute of France Philippe Pierlot, a worldwide renowned pianist Maria Prinz (Bulgaria, Austria), a famous violist and conductor in this program Alexander Zemtsov (Germany, Switzerland) and the INSO-Lviv Academic Symphony Orchestra.

The aim of the international musical project In Memoriam – United by Music is commemoration of the Jews who died during the Second World War; conducting educational and formative activities on highlighting multiculturalism and multi-ethnicity of the city of Lviv. Project founders are trying with the help of musical dialogue to attract public's attention, both Ukrainian and international, to spreading the ideas of peace and tolerance, better understanding between different ethnic groups and different age groups of Lviv community, and getting familiar with the classical symphonic works of the European composers of the Jewish origin.

In 2016 Ukraine marks the 75th anniversary of the Babi Yar tragedy, commemorating the innocent victims. Babi Yar in Kyiv, Drobytsky Yar in Kharkiv region, Prison in Lontsky Street, the Valley of Death of Yanovsky concentration camp in Lviv region – these are just few scenes of bloody terror against humanity. Not to forget these bloody pages of our own history and to overcome ethnic conflicts and especially all manifestations of genocide is an object of our time.

The friendly and multicultural Lviv invites the residents and guests of the cultural capital to join the unique project of tolerance of peoples and cultures.

August 27, Lviv Philharmonic. The concert starts at 6 p. m.

Despite the fact that summer is coming to an end, in Israel due to the hot climate and warm sea, the tourist season will last a few more months.

Autumn in Israel is the most popular time for pilgrimage tours. Since 2010, between Ukraine and Israel a visa-free regime has been established, nevertheless Ukrainians have a problem with an entry into the territory of Israel from time to time, and the Internet is full of stories about custom officers’ meticulousness at Ben Gurion Airport and sent back tourists.

These strict measures have quite understandable reasons. The first reason is that Israel is a country at war and security issues are taken very seriously, so to make jokes at the customs or somehow hinder custom officers from performing their duties is not recommended. Holidays can end before they even begin.

The second reason is illegal immigrants, who under the guise of tourists are trying to enter the country and get jobs. There is an active struggle with these individuals so if you do not prepare the necessary documents to confirm your intentions in advance, there is a chance not to get into the country.

Here are some tips for those who are going on vacation in Israel:

1) You must have documents indicating where you will stay.

2) It is necessary to have a sufficient amount of money at the rate of at least $ 70 per day for each family member - in cash or on a credit card.

3) You and all your family members (except for small children, of course) should clearly know the program of your stay in the country - what city you are going to, what hotel, which tours are booked, how many days and where you are going to stay, etc. The more concrete, the better.

4) You should have a return ticket with a closed date.

5) If you are going to your family or friends – it is better if you are sent an invitation for everyone who is going. This paper is prepared in any form, but there must be an address, telephone and full name of an inviting person, and even better – an attached scanned copy of an identity card.

6) In case of medical tourism you should have an invitation from the hospital on your hands, the opportunity to show the correspondence with the clinic, the document confirming payment of treatment.

7) Particular attention is paid to people of working age who enter Israel alone - it is important to remember, as they have the greatest risk of falling under suspicion of illegal guest working.

8) Behave politely, calmly, answer questions patiently while dealing with the customs service, by no means try to scream or be rude.

If you are suddenly denied an entry - you have some time before you will be sent back. During this time, you or your friends and relatives can apply to a lawyer to prevent removal and make a positive decision on entry into the country.

If you comply with these rather simple and inherent requirements in any customs - you will be able to enter the territory of Israel without any obstacles. I will say more - having learnt the hospitality of this wonderful country, you will want to come back again and again.

Dear Ukrainians!

I warmly congratulate you on the most important holiday of the country - Independence Day of Ukraine. The centuries-long dream of the Ukrainian nation - the dream of its own state came true 25 years ago. Dream which have been followed by generations of Ukrainians.

Today Ukraine is a proper member of the international community. It is a beautiful country, where proud and inspired people live, who are ready to defend their independence, even by force of arms. This nation will overcome all the difficulties. I am sure that a bright future is waiting for Ukraine.

It does not matter where you have been born: in Kyiv or Sevastopol, in Lviv or Donetsk, in Odessa or Vinnytsia, what language you speak - the main thing is that you have love to Ukraine in your heart and the desire to make this country better.

I wish all Ukrainians wealth and prosperity, health to you and your family and friends, and most importantly - a peaceful sky over the Ukrainian land.

Today is the day of Ukrainian flag. Anthem, crest and flag of the country - are not just a certain state attributes.

National symbols - are subjects of impersonation of dignity and faith in the country. When the flag of your country rises above the Olympic arena - everyone feels a sense of pride. After the victory of Ruslana in 2004 or Jamala at this year's Eurovision Song Contest – what was people happily waving in all areas of the country? That's right - the flag of Ukraine. It is a symbol of pride, independence and the will of the people. It is very painful to see when this symbol is refered dismissively and without proper respect.

"Blue and yellow" combination is of a quite old origin and is associated with an awarded right in 1708 by Charles XII to Mazepa to mark his army with narrow blue and yellow stripes at the peaks for his the Cossack troops, that arrived in the Belarusian headquarters of Charles XII. As the national flag, this combination appeared in Ukraine at the beginning of the XX century. Blue and yellow were the traditional colors of the Galicia-Volyn forces and as such a flag was used by Sich Riflemen. In 1917 flag becomes one of the symbols of the Ukrainian People's Republic. This combination of colors was used by Skoropadskiy WUNR and the Carpathian Ukraine in 1939.

At the end of 1980s the blue and yellow flag becomes the symbol of free Ukraine again. March 23, 1990 the national flag was hoisted over the building of the City Hall of Ternopil, Lviv took up the initiative, and in July the Ukrainian flag was waving at the Kyiv City Council on Khreschatyk. January 28, 1992 the Verkhovna Rada approved the blue and yellow banner as the national flag of Ukraine.

By the way, it is widely believed that the national flag colors mean as follows: blue means “sky”, yellow means “fields”. It is not exactly correct interpretation of colors. In fact, the color blue means “strength of God”, and yellow – “faith in God”.

Power of God and faith in God, as well as pride, need for independence, beauty and great strength of mind are qualities that are inherent to the Ukrainian people and which have helped Ukrainians, in spite of all the historical barriers and events, to create their own independent Ukraine.

I quite often write about various achievements of the Israel Defense Forces (the IDF).

In my opinion, the main achievement of the IDF is attitude to a soldier. In the Israeli army life of each soldier is the greatest value to keep and save which all the forces and means are applied. The Israeli scientists are constantly working on technical innovations that will help to save soldiers’ lives.

In the near future, the IDF infantry will get another novelty - the small-size radio-controlled combat robot, able to carry explosives.

The novelty has been developed by the Israeli company Roboteam, founders of which are two former soldiers from the IDF special unit, who know from their personal experience what hostilities are.

The robot moves on wheels and has a two-hour battery life. The robot can walk upstairs, take pictures day and night and can even “hear” an enemy, as it is equipped with five cameras and a microphone. This electronic sapper goes at a speed of 3.5 km an hour and can carry up to 10 kg of explosives. Special “hands” allow the robot to pick up and carry objects.

Such robot-sapper can significantly reduce the risk to soldiers' lives, as now an operational deploy can be executed by the robot, for example, showing the soldiers what awaits them round the corner. Such a “toy” is not cheap, a few tens of thousands of dollars apiece, but when saving lives of soldiers are at stake - Israel has no concept of “too expensive”. I think that the Ukrainian politicians should adopt these qualities from Israelis and take better care of the Ukrainian soldiers.

Technical progress is inehorable, electronic gadgets and devices have become an integral part of the life of any modern person.

Literally for some decades computers have become from giant, heavy boxes, attached to a socket into thin and light mobile devices. Nano-bots and micro-robots, glasses for the blind and a car with the autopilot, flying missile “backpack”, running shoes on batteries and electronic pets with artificial intelligence – the things which were used to be a subject for the Hollywood movies and science fiction writers are becoming everyday reality.
Sooner rather than later gadgets will be embedded directly into a human, and the first signs of such development are already there.

A group of researchers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Microsoft Research division has developed a technology to create a new generation of flash tattoos, which are also innovative interfaces. The technology is called DuoSkin. This tattoo looks as a fashion metal pattern, which allows you to turn a part of your skin like the keyboard. Also this wonderful pattern can serve as a display, which will change colors depending on the temperature of the body and share data with other gadgets, including making contactless payments.
One of the main advantages of the development is low cost manufacture. Given the speed of propagation of innovations in the modern world, I am sure that it will take very little time and such a “tattoo-gadget” will adorn many hands throughout the world.

On the occasion of the 25th anniversary of Independence of Ukraine, Israel will host an exhibition with a symbolic name – “Two states - one dream”.

Exhibition of photographers – immigrants from Ukraine, will open on August, 23 at the Ukrainian Cultural Center of the Embassy of Ukraine in Israel.

The exhibition will showcase the works of talented craftsmen photographers Tetiana Gur, Vadym Lytovchenko, Ievgenii Melnykov, Borys Podelko.

Ukraine and Israel are independent, free states, which are connected by a common history, common traditions and a shared dream of peace and happiness for everyone. In their works, Israeli photographers demonstrate the close relationship between our peoples and show what dreams modern Israel and Ukraine live. It is noteworthy that the exhibition will not be dedicated to any political or social events: the authors show lives of ordinary Ukrainians and Israelis the way it really is, “from within”.

The exhibition opens on August 23 at the address: the Ukrainian Cultural Center, 15A Nitzana Str. (Matnas), Bat Yam. You can see the works of photographers from August, 23 to September, 5.

Page of the event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1651354355185134/

What images arise in minds of Europeans, if they hear “Donbass”, “Chernobyl”, and “Ukraine”?

And in your mind, if you hear “Jew”, “Sicily” or “German”? Under normal circumstances, all these words will cause very distinct, embedded stereotypes that often have little to do with reality.
Of course, thanks to the revolutionary and military events, the world's opinion on Ukraine has changed in recent years. But until now, it does not correspond to reality often, and thus, Ukrainians cannot count on an adequate attitude to themselves and to the state as a whole. This is due to the fact that Ukraine itself does not widely inform the world community about events in the country and does not help out this educational process with reliable information. Very often this information is replaced by an established offense of previous years, attributing the predecessors’ mistakes to a new generation.
For many years, Israel has also been struggling with its assigned stereotypes. So starting next year, in the Israeli and German schools a new optional course will start, purpose of which is to introduce the younger Israeli generation to the German one to overcome stereotypes about each other.

According to the study curriculum of Israel and Germany, in school textbooks of both countries, both peoples are presented in a distorted historical significance. In Israeli textbooks, Germans and their state are shown mostly in negative terms with an emphasis on the Nazi themes. And in the German books the modern state of Israel is told about through the prism of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, where Israel is presented in an unfavorable light.

Since 2017 the updated program will be introduced in the senior classes of the Israeli and German schools. German students will be told about the fact that Israel is the only democratic state in the Middle East, a high-tech power with a multicultural society. In turn, the Israeli schoolchildren will learn that modern Germany is a strong liberal country that offers tremendous opportunities for developing countries and helps refugees. Thus, the images embedded in the minds of the children will be able to “upgrade”.

I love to acquaint Ukrainians with the achievements and all sorts of wonderful wonders of Israel.

Photos from the press service of the Council of research and development of Arava desert

One of these wonders is Arava desert.

With the word "desert" you probably imagine dunes, endless sand, infernal heat and flora, consisting of cacti and thorns. Such was the Arava just a few decades ago. Today, it gives several harvests of fruit and vegetables per year, and allows growing of organic products, without the use of pesticides and antibiotics.

According to The Marker, Arava gives almost 160 thousand tons of vegetables and fruits per year, with nearly 120 thousand tons exported, and the rest used for domestic market.

In recent years, revenues from export of agricultural products produced in Arava reached 1 billion shekels a year, another 190 million shekels brought through domestic market. And this is not the fertile Ukrainian black soil, but the hot sands of the desert.

The most common culture in Arava - is a sweet pepper, it is grown up to 113 thousand tons per year. Arava has become a source of dates fruits and zucchini, and onions, cucumbers, eggplant, cabbage, pumpkin are successfully grown too.

There are also some amazing features of Arava, such as Thai beans, which are very well settled down in the wilderness. Here they are grown in a special way - hung under the ceiling - so the pods turn perfectly flat, not warped due to contact with the soil and reach up to 30 cm. Spanish onion "sebolito." - hybrid of onion and green onions - white part of the onion is sweet and green feathers are spicy and fragrant. Agronomists of Arava found new type of wild melon -momordika - very useful, but bitter plant. Momordica help from a variety of illnesses, including a virtually natural insulin and is very useful for diabetics. Hanging strawberries of Arava impress with its aroma and sizes, and peaches and nectarines ripen in early April.

The Israelis are very fond of delicious and healthy food, and yet they love their country, so the application was found even for "useless" and lifeless areas of the desert.

In ancient times, a sacred truce was announced for the period of the Olympic Games.

                              Ori Sasson extends a hand to his opponent from Egypt

However, in today's world, the laws of honor and morality ceased to operate

Just a week ago, I wrote about how the Lebanese team blocked the entrance to the bus for Israelis. The incident took place with absolutely no consequences for Lebanese athletes, although it has written on a variety of media.

However, International Olympic Committee could not close eyes on the outburst of Egyptian judoka.

Islam al-Shahabi was disqualified and expelled from Rio de Janeiro after the demonstrative refusal to shake hands with Israeli judoka Ori Sasson after the competition. Apparently, the basis of the Olympic Games sense (at least on paper) - the union of the world through sport - escaped the attention of the Egyptian athlete.

At a press conference, al-Shahabi said that he could not shake the hand of the representative of Israel in the eyes of the whole world and that the rules of sports games do not require a handshake with the opponent. He, you can say, showed a higher degree of tolerance for accepting the fight and not boycotting it...

After the decision of the IOC Egyptian sports leadership expelled the "hero" from the national team and immediately sent him home.

I think that comments are superfluous. The modern Olympic Games have long ceased to be a demonstration of sport beauty and a healthy mind and turned into a race for medals and prizes. A number of countries, instead of teams of athletes can safely send to the teams of lawyers to the games.

I have often written about dozens of the Israeli start-ups and technical innovations.

Each time there are questions in the comments to a post: “Why are there so many inventions in Israel?”, “How can there be so many young entrepreneurs?”. Today I would like to answer these questions.

I think that very few people in Ukraine know about the most secret part of the Israeli army - Unit 8200. This unit is rightly called “the eyes and ears of Israel”.

It was the guys from 8200 who managed to hear telephone conversations between Egyptian President Nasser and King of Jordan Hussein during the Six Day War, 8200 members were able to tap Yasser Arafat’s phone call to the leader of the terrorist group, which seized a cruise ship in the Mediterranean Sea in 1985. They claim that it was 8200 that managed to disable the Syrian air defenses during the elimination operation of a suspected nuclear facility. The well-known computer virus Stunxet, which hit 45,000 industrial computers of Iran, including the ones on the nuclear facilities, was also a “surprise” from 8200. And these are only the wonders that can be told about...

There is practically no official information on the activities of Unit 8200, it is only known for certain that its prototype the Shim mem 2 department has been formed in 1948 during the British mandate in Palestine. Today in 8200 there are about 5 000 employees, each of which works with the most modern technology in an environment where you need to make decisions that affect the life or death and with a small number of instructions from above. The command sets the task and gives great freedom in its solving, in addition - the administrative division structure is such that each formation works relying on its own strength, like a startup. Often, different formations are not aware of the work of other colleagues.

People get into 8200 from school. In Israel, all citizens do military service and special division can choose anyone. They pay attention to the potential of a teenager, his aptitude for mathematics, information science, foreign languages, but the most important thing is an opportunity to learn quickly, adapt to changing conditions. Many employees of 8200 tell that they have been quite third-rate students in terms of school grades, but they have got in 8200 just because this unit evaluates the potential of what a person can become, rather than what they are right now.

So Israel has quickly realized that in the modern world it is impossible without the development of technologies and their own genius, has created the “incubator” for successful startups. Agree, for several years to solve the problem of the defense industry under conditions of war and with minimum input, but with an enormous freedom of action, people with such experience are not afraid of any risk or responsibility.

Avishai Avrahami, the founder of Wix, one of the leading cloud platform in the world, 31-year-old Ron Reuter has just recently sold his startup company Oracle for $ 50 million, 29-year-old Kira Radinsky who after army worked at Microsoft, where she created an algorithm that on the basis of historical data allowed to predict the first cholera outbreak for 130 years in Cuba. Later she founded the SalesPredist company... According to the Forbes magazine former employees of Unit 8200 have founded more than one thousand startups.

It is the answer to the question why there are so many successful projects and technical innovations in Israel. If you want a brilliant youth - raise it. It is one more reason to follow the example of Israel.

Today I would like to talk about refugees and displaced residents - one of the most painful and topical issues of the modern world.

Wars, conflicts, ethnic discrimination, dictatorships and natural disasters force many people to roam the world in search of a better life. At first glance, these people cause sympathy and desire to help. But is it so harmless?

I have repeatedly written posts about how “poor” refugees behave in so hospitable Germany and provided statistics on the number of robberies, rapes, etc. I am sure that average Germans are not thrilled with such neighbors.

Of course, there are people who need support, help and understanding, however, a very large percentage of these displaced persons often speculate on their plight, not willing to respect the laws and traditions of the country, which they have arrived to.

Israel has faced this problem several times - immigrants from Morocco brought polygamy with them, the Soviet atheists did not recognize either religion or traditions.

Residents of Ukraine have faced displaced persons inside the country, it would seem the same nation, the same culture, but we see a number of stories about the speculation on “plight” and impudent behavior of the displaced.

Alas, it is impossible to fight the behavior of displaced persons within the country legislatively, but immigrants - completely. An example of how to do it has recently been given by Switzerland, in which the issue of integration into the society is paid a lot of attention to.

As well as the other members of the EU, Switzerland has received a number of Muslim refugees. The authorities of Basel rejected the application of two Muslim girls for obtaining citizenship because they did not attend the lessons provided by the school curriculum, in particular - swimming. The girls’ parents who forbade them to attend such lessons were faced a $ 1,500 fine. The Supreme Court ruled that religious motives cannot exempt from attending lessons.

In April, in the canton of Basel members of a Muslim family have been denied citizenship due to the fact that they went around the city in sports trousers and did not greet bypassers. According to the committee responsible for the adaptation of refugees in the country, it is an exact sign that family has not assimilated sufficiently.

In Switzerland, those who refuse to abide by the laws and customs of the state do not get citizenship, even if they have lived in the country for a long time, are employed and have a good command of one of the official languages ​​- German, French or Italian.

These examples show very clearly that a strong nation is primarily the one that appreciates and respects its history, culture, language and tradition and does not forgive disregard of these issues. If you come to live in Israel - be so kind to learn Hebrew and take the customs of the country. If you call yourself a Ukrainian - accordingly choose the Ukrainian language and respect the Ukrainian culture. Only with this attitude to the country one can build a normal future.

According to the Jewish calendar today is Tisha B’Av (the ninth of Av) - the saddest day of the year for all Jews.

This date symbolizes all the worst and tragic events in the life of Israelis.

It all began with the fact that Jews ceased to believe in the Covenant between God and his people: in 1312 BC spies sent by Moses into Canaan sowed distrust and panic among the people, making their Creator angry and were punished to 40 years of wandering in the desert. On the 9th of Av 586 BC the First Temple was destroyed, the Second Temple was ruined on the same day (70 AD). In 132 AD Jerusalem was destroyed: by the Roman governor’s order the Temple Mount was ploughed up. Three years later the fortress of Betar fell, and then the mass banishment of Jews from their lands began. Nearly 600,000 Jews were killed, 50 towns and about 1,000 villages were destroyed, and Judah became a scorched desert. Later in the day, a series of tragic events occurred, which are remembered by Jews on the 9th of Av.

On the eve places of entertainment, theaters, concert halls are closed in Israel - Jews mourn the tragedy of their people. Tisha B’Av is equal to the mourning for a first-degree relative, so Jews do not eat or drink, keep a fast and mourn. Even the Torah - the source of joy and knowledge – is forbidden to be read on this day. Today, Jews are coming to the Western Wall and are mourning the catastrophe of their people.

The fate of the Jewish people is sad and unique at the same time: what another people that had repeatedly been subjected to persecution and almost complete destruction was able not only to survive and preserve its ancient traditions, but also revived its own state? Jews believe that one day this day will become the biggest holiday and the entire world will be saved - and all this describes the Jewish people.

I like to write about different truly fantastic things that are developed in Israel.

Today, in my list there are different actuating devices based on sensor technologies, which are designed to make life of a simple layman easier and help in completely different areas of life.

Today, sensors are used everywhere: in agriculture, health service, transport equipped with numerous sensors goes in the cities, without them appliances and security systems don’t work. Do you remember how in old science fiction films a character brings his hand the item or stares at it and specifies its structure? Of course, Israelis still do not possess this type of sight to this extent, but they can measure blood composition, body state or food energy value without touching it.

Thus the Consumer Physics company launches a device that will calibrate the chemical composition of any object with the help of optical sensors without touching it. For example, amount of fat in a piece of pie, fruit ripeness, ingredients of medicines, qualities of cosmetics and gemstones. It will be possible to identify what material the clothes you are going to buy is made from, or what have been added to a box with a cake in addition to the necessary.

Another company - MS Tech - designs and manufactures nanotechnology sensors that detect and recognize objects. Already now, airlines use them for screening of hand baggage and passenger baggage. In addition, these sensors are used to control food safety, at medical diagnostics, detection of smoke, water and air monitoring.

Everyone has long been accustomed to fitness sensors and smart clothing will not surprise anyone, but I'll try. In Israel they have developed sensors that do not need to be in contact with a person to measure blood pressure, body temperature, respiration rate and heart rate, blood alcohol level or glucose level. You do not have to get anything off or breathe somewhere, sensor is non-contact. In addition to direct benefits, such sensors are going to be used to identify a person, for example, in the workplace.

The Vayyar sensor can turn your smartphone or tablet in 3D-visualization system. Vayyar uses transmission of radio signals of low power for scanning objects within a fraction of a second and makes their enlarged image. This technology is planned to be used for the detection of tumors on mammography or bacteria in milk, which is sold by the glass.

When you come to Israel, you often realize that Ukraine has been detained in the development not for one decade. But we have excellent professionals who are equal to the Israeli ones! I really want Ukraine to be spoken as a country of wonderful inventions.

Yesterday, a strike of doctors began in Israel: all doctors of all public clinics operate in the “Sabbath day” mode, that is only emergency operations are performed, all others are rescheduled.

Physicians demand to increase financing of the sector and to increase wage, they are sure that they will achieve this. Such strikes are held on a regular basis, it is normal for a democratic state.

In Israel customs, drivers, operators, teachers, typists in courts, lifeguards on beaches and high school students strike. In 2011, the Israeli Foreign Ministry employees were on strike: diplomats sought higher wages and better working conditions. Because of this the visit of Russian President Dmytro Medvedev was thwarted and the visit of the American leader Barack Obama to Israel was almost canceled. Of course, this brings some inconveniences, but a way to defend own rights is a natural part of the democratic process.

Because of another strike of employees, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Israel had to meet guests at the airport at the wheel of his own car. Could you imagine this in Ukraine? Obviously, no, because labor unions function only formally here and no one knows how they really help workers.

And in Israel, the labor union movement plays a key role in the existence of the state itself. Labor unions have real power to influence decision making at the highest level and really change people's lives. One of the founding fathers of modern Israel, David Ben-Gurion, has founded the Histadrut trade union, which has become a powerful force for the protection of workers' rights. In addition to regular duties, the trade union has contributed to the social, political and ideological unification of workers, created and developed public infrastructure. Besides taking care of workers, the work of trade unions helped, oddly enough, to develop the Hebrew culture and increase a number of repatriates.

Even the main military organization Haganah, which later became the basis for the formation of the IDF, had been subordinated to the trade union movement. Maybe that's why up to now a soldier, a man, comes first in the Israeli army, and then everything else goes.

I think Ukraine can draw much positive from this experience. Current Ukraine along with early Israel is made of sand, is often divided mentally and is not focused on the protection of workers' rights. Until now, we are working on the basis of the Soviet system, where there was no private property, and requirements of a worker were lower than the needs of the state. However, now it is time to create structures that will be focused on the needs of majority of society, not the oligarchs. Experience of Israel and other democratic states is a great base for inheritance in this respect.

The Russian press, led by the Russian president said that Ukrainian sabotage and reconnaissance groups penetrated into the territory of Crimea, where destroyed two FSB officers and planned to disrupt the vacation season ...

I am sure that very soon there will be witnesses who will confirm the “veracity” of the allegations, the a lot of “evidence" will appear and perhaps even some kind of international organization will be willing to comment on the situation or give money to “improve the humanitarian situation in the region”.

Today most of the activities of international organizations is divorced from reality: they are ready to comment, blame or censure different situations, but have no idea what their millions are spend on. A striking example of such activities is the recent events in Israel.

Last week it became known that about six years ago, one of the commanders of Hamas became the director of the branch of the American humanitarian organization World Vision in the Gaza Strip. For six years, he used “humanitarian aid” from the UN for military projects of Hamas - especially the construction of diversion tunnel on which militants infiltrated Israel and committed murders. Since the autumn of 2014 to March 2016 around 1,409 billion dollars (that is, on average, about $ 100 million per month) were transferred to the United Nations "to assist in the restoration sector." Almost all the money was spent for military purposes: mainly for the construction of tunnels.

Like this money that should have gone on food, clothing and education of civilians was used for the development of international terrorism. The unemployment rate in Gaza is from 40% to 60%, thousands of families are in need of the most basic and necessary things. But for terrorists it is much more “useful” to build diversionary tunnels than to feed their own citizens. And for international and public organizations it is easier to put a tick in the line “helped” than to control, how collected funds have been really spent.

Of course, one cannot blame international humanitarian organizations and their donors for an effort to help international terrorism - they are pursuing only good purposes. But until then, while for the international community invented problems are in the first place info matters and desire to self-promote, rather than the actual situation in the region, terrorism will thrive.

Today, Ukrainian tennis player Elina Svitolina has won a truly historic victory at the Olympic Games in Rio: in the third round of the tournament, our athlete has beaten the first racket of the world, legendary Serena Williams!

Of course, it is not a medal yet, there is a quarter-final ahead, but few can boast of beating a multiple champion. According to Serena herself, the best athlete has won in the match - this recognition is worth a lot. After a tense struggle, the audience gave Elina Svitolina a standing ovation and encored her to the court. Now she will fight against no less powerful rival Petra Kvitova.

The first medal at the Olympics for the Ukrainian national team was brought by Serhiy Kulish: the silver medal in shooting could be the gold one, if not a strong agitation. On the same day titled Ukrainian saber-fencer Olga Kharlan won the bronze Olympic medal.

Yesterday, judoka Yarden Gerbi brought the first medal to Israeli athletes: at the Olympic Games in Rio, she won the bronze medal. Do you know how athletes say? Bronze is more expensive than silver: silver means that you have lost, and bronze means that you have won.

And last week the Ukrainian national baseball team won at the European Baseball Championship, which took place in Israel. In the final, Ukrainians defeated Russians and became the best team in Europe.

I congratulate all the athletes on their bright victories! You are a real pride for your nation, your victories are admired! We are looking forward to no less beautiful victories in the following competitions.

You can often hear about the special status of the soldiers of the IDF in the Israeli society: they are respected, and loved, to be a soldier in Israel is just prestigious

In addition to direct military responsibilities, performed by the IDF, the Israeli army consolidates the society around shared values ​​and ideas.

This phenomenon of the IDF is not explained by patriotism only: in Israel they can take care of their soldiers. A demobilized soldier can take career guidance by the state, receive a living wage, study at the courses or get higher education. Special benefits are presented to young people from single-parent or just poor families. A former soldier can receive a money gift after demobilization, a gift for the study payment or to start their own business, as well as other benefits.

In addition to the state, capital is allocated to support the IDF by individuals and international volunteer organizations. Their money is directed at improving the life of soldiers: gyms and hostels are built at these expenses, assistance is given to lone soldiers, and grants are provided which will help a soldier to find a prestigious profession in the future.

Last week, the head of the General Staff of the IDF offered to send part of the money from these donations for soldiers to get higher education: starting from autumn demobilized soldiers will be able to study at the university by means of the army. It is planned to allocate 230 million shekels a year, this is in addition to the 500 million, which have been already allocated for scholarships for soldiers from combat units. The IDF wants to reallocate funding completely, so the funds that are given as donations are paid for the higher education of soldiers, and then for other projects.

At all times, in any country of the world soldiers were in the army not only because of the great love for their country, but because the army has always been well funded and has given more opportunities for a young man. Of course, it is possible to form an army entirely on patriotism, but not for long: it is difficult enough to be devoted to the country and command on an empty stomach. And that's fine.

It is well understood in Israel, so the IDF is prospering. I'd like the Ukrainian soldiers, who have a very high credibility of the Ukrainian society, could boast of such care from the state.

In Ukraine, there has been war for two years, in Israel – almost for 70 years.

At the same time, no one is afraid to go to Israel: tourists, pilgrims, scholars, different experts are not afraid, but on the contrary, they tend to go to work and rest in Israel.

In addition, a large number of local people also say that they feel secure and are not afraid to go out at night. According to studies, about 81% of Israelis over 20 think that they can absolutely safely go for a walk in their neighborhood alone at night. This figure is slightly less in big cities, but it is also very high - from 71% in Jerusalem, to 79.5% in Rishon Lezion. This does not mean that criminality has been tackled in Israel: on the contrary, over the past year there has been a wave of terrorism in the country, when some criminals attack people. But these figures clearly demonstrate the level of public confidence in law enforcement agencies, as well as they demonstrate the efficiency of law enforcement.

At the same time, according to Global Peace Index, Ukraine was at 156 place among 162 countries in terms of security and peace. The rate includes 23 indicators and measures the global security level in society, militarization level and level of internal and external conflicts. According to the security level, Ukraine occupies the place between Sudan and the Central African Republic, moreover during the last year we went 6 positions down.

I have repeatedly talked about how they care about the security of citizens in the conditions of permanent war in Israel. Today, Israelis protect the safety of the Olympic Games, because the Israeli experts are among the best in the world. According to the Israeli Prime Minister, thanks to their work, dozens of terror attacks are prevented in the world, the Israeli security services provide latest update to colleagues around the world. Can we ignore such experience and power in Ukraine, where the security situation, unfortunately, is only getting worse?

What is selective humanism?

This is when, during the Olympic Truce one can be represented on a worldwide stage, but continue to hate people based on ethnicity. That is what some of the villains do, using the Olympic arena as a theatrical stage.

During the opening ceremony of Olympic Games in Rio there were more egregious incidents, which should have no place in the Olympics. Firstly, the representatives of the Lebanese national team made a demarche to the Israelites and blocked the entrance to the bus that was carrying both teams into the stadium. The head of the Lebanese team even tried to close the entrance to the bus with his body, bravely blocking the path of the Israeli Olympic team.

Later, at the stadium, during the passage of the Israeli national team under the national flag, whistling could be heard from some of the crowd. It is significant that the Games organizers did not react to such unsporting behavior of athletes and fans. Probably, they have to wait for some more concrete steps towards the Israelis to somehow respond. Perhaps, as of the Olympic Games in Munich in the 72th year, when for the same reasons and with the same motives 11 Israeli athletes were killed because they dared to be born Jews?

Since then, the Israelis have learned a lot and made serious conclusions: Today Israeli national team is guarded the best specialists. Israel does not forget the lessons of the past and is able to defend their honor and dignity.

Recently I have shown you two photos of fortification constructions with the same purpose: the defense wall in Israel and its counterpart in Ukraine.

The story has continuation. Today I would like to bring to your attention the latest photos from the Ukrainian-Russian border and the thing that should protect us from the attack from the East.

Well, traditionally, I am writing about Israel for comparison. With the increase in terrorist attacks that occurred in the country over the last year, the government decided to build the underground wall between Israel and the Gaza Strip. Since the terrorists could not openly enter the territory of Israel, they began to build underground tunnels to cross the border as rats. As a rule, these self-made tunnels were quickly destroyed, often burying the builders themselves. Still, some of them managed to get into Israel. And since in Israel each life is appreciated, the state allocates $ 2.2 billions for the construction of underground fortification.

The new building will go tens of meters under the ground, so that the enemy could not dig the tunnel for sure. In addition, the sensors fixing any unnatural movement will be installed in the new wall. In addition to the underground part, the wall will grow a few meters above the ground - the protection is never too much.

At the first stage 10 km of the wall will be built, then 50 km more. It sounds like science fiction, but if Israelis intend to do something, they just do it. As for the Ukrainian “wall”, we should only hope that sooner or later the Ukrainian statesmen will begin to work for the benefit of their own country.

Sometimes it seems that everything is done in Ukraine in order only young and very healthy people can survive here.

No infrastructure, no transport, no premises, no city in general are adapted to the needs of people with disabilities and children. And here the elderly people are not thought about, everyone pretends that there are no such people.

Meanwhile, modern science provides the elderly with technologies to make the quality of their lives more comfortable. So the Israeli experts have long been engaged in the development of technological solutions specifically for those over 60. If someone thinks that this product is not profitable, I would admit that investors are very willing to invest in such developments, because they are in demand.

For example, the Vitalitix app: it is focused on improvement of communication between a user, his family (or guardians) and volunteers. Thus an elderly person does not feel lonely, his security increases, because he is always in touch. The app also helps to move both at home and around the city.

The Kytera application is a bracelet with a sensor: children can monitor movements of their elderly parents at home. If a person's movement is different from the usual one, the device immediately notifies you of an emergency situation.

There is also a mobile app that can analyze the degree of safety of drug therapy for the individual patient and will remind him of medication taking at the right time.

There are apps that don’t only analyze wellbeing of an older person, but also give specific advice on the stabilization of the state of health.

An interesting program, which, in my opinion, is necessary for not only the elderly: the virtual assistant that guides and encourages physical activity of patients using home exercises. The interface does not just show video lesson, but also sets you a specific goal, increases your motivation, and then tracks the results.

There is a variety of different programs that make life of the elderly easier, but the essence is the same: in Israel they think about the comfort of their older generation and try to make it as accessible as possible, and life - pleasant.

Today the opening ceremony of the XXXI Olympic Games is being held in Rio.

This year 306 sets of medals will be given to athletes from 207 countries at the competitions – it is a record number in the history.

If the other teams are just preparing for competitions, Israel has already won even before the official start: this year, the safety of all participants of the Olympic Games will be provided by the Israeli company ISDS. We can say that Israelis have already won the first “gold”, because they have passed this obstacle and won among other strong security teams.

ISDS is quite a small company, its staff includes 15 people, but they were able to get ahead of the best and largest security companies of the world and received a budget of $ 2.2 billion. Within three years, ISDS has been demonstrating its ability to win the tender in Rio. And before that, the Israelis had to work there in Brazil at the World Cup in 2014, at the Olympics in Barcelona in 1992, in Sydney in 2000, in Athens in 2004 and Beijing in 2008.

To ensure the safety of participants and guests of the Olympics the ISDS company has employed more than 30 sub-contractors - also Israelis. And of course, the most advanced Israeli equipment will be used in Rio. Already, the city is being air patrolled by the Israeli drones, cameras monitor potentially dangerous individuals on the streets. The same thing will happen in all the stadiums, grounds and swimming pools, on all roads and routes, beaches and in the Olympic Village. In addition, the Israelis will keep the situation in airports, railway stations, ports, on the streets, in hotels and public places. In short, it is the Israeli security.

Even before the games the Israeli experts conducted a training course and trainings for 10,000 Brazilian policemen: they told their Brazilian colleagues, how to behave in high-risk situations, how to ensure security in mass gatherings of people. They have brought a unique program to Brazil, which searches a crowd of people with strange behavior. The Israelis have brought a lot of different equipment and safety programs, but of course, they will not talk fully about it.

It is interesting that they do not like Israel in Brazil. I would say they intensively dislike. I'm not talking about ordinary citizens - here everyone has their own preferences – I am talking about a political and intellectual elite. It has happened historically. Even in the last few years international scandals spiked between the countries. But at the same time Brazilians called the best – Israelis - to defend the country from the real threats, knowing that in the security issues there is no room for compromises or insults.

I wish brilliant victories at the Olympic Games to the Ukrainian and Israeli athletes: they can confidently think only about sport - safety will be ensured by Israelis.

Today Ukraine celebrates the National Police Day for the first time.

I want to congratulate police officers on their professional holiday!

President Petro Poroshenko said that the new police are a symbol of irreversible changes in the state. I totally agree with him.

Over the past year, people’s trust in police officers - paradoxically after the events on the Maidan - has completely risen from the negative value to 46%. This means that almost half the population trusts the police, and therefore can feel secure in this difficult time. Currently, the police are functioning in 32 cities of Ukraine.

And again with the forming of new law enforcement structure was quite clear that reform would not come quietly. First, competition for one place in the ranks of the National Police averaged 18 people, depending on the region. The recruits themselves and people were expecting rapid and radical changes after the formation of the police. But it was clear that we would see slander and disappointment resulting from police actions, and not all police officers would meet the expectations of an honest and brave police officer. And we saw all this during the last year.

Reforms are never easy, and especially the reform of the structure, which was and partly remains a symbol of corruption and bribability. It takes a long time before confidence in the police will be complete. But the first step has already been made and the first results are already evident.

Today, the Israeli Knesset pays tribute to our fellow countryman, the man who is a symbol of the foundation of the State of Israel – Ze’ev Jabotinsky.

The speaker of the Knesset, Israel's Prime Minister and head of the opposition will appear at the ceremonial meeting in honor of Ze’ev Jabotinsky.
Israel marks the 76th anniversary of the death of our countryman like this. Is this person well-known in Ukraine itself as he is remembered in Israel? I think it is worth reminding once again about his life.

Ze’ev Jabotinsky was born in Odessa in October, 18, 1880. A writer, bright publicist, poet, playwright, he became co-founder and ideologist of the Zionist movement, the founder of the Jewish Legion, the Etzel and Beitar organizations. He wrote his works in Russian and Hebrew.
In 1903 there were anti-Jewish pogroms on the territory of the Russian Empire. Jabotinsky became one of the first who did not fold his hands and founded the first Jewish self-defense troop. Later this experience came in useful to him in creating professional security organizations. Since that time he became an active Zionist and supported the idea of ​​a Jewish state.

Jabotinsky believed that a necessary condition for the foundation of a state is the “language issue”: he literally demanded the establishment of educational institutions, in which subjects will be taught in Hebrew. He believed that the revival of Hebrew promoted knowledge of the Jewish culture and the embodiment of the Zionist idea and he was right.

He called the foundation of a strong military force as another necessary condition, soduring the First World War, working as a correspondent in Turkey, he put forward the idea of ​​establishing a Jewish military force and the participation of the Jews as a side in the World War II. He said that the Zionists should take the side of the Entente and form a Jewish army as part of its forces, which would have participated in the liberation of Palestine and then became the framework of the organization of a Jewish state there. While in Egypt, together with Joseph Trumpeldor he formed the Jewish Legion as part of the British army. He also organized self-defense groups during the first Arab-Israeli conflicts.

Jabotinsky wanted to found a Jewish state on the both banks of the Jordan, the repatriation of all Jews, who wanted that, to Palestine, as well as the elimination of the Diaspora. He has openly called for the foundation of the State of Israel which would have a Jewish majority. Discoursing of the constitution of the future state, Jabotinsky saw in front of him a full civil equality and cultural autonomy for the Arab minority.
In 1923 the Beitar organization was founded. Its ideology was formed under the influence of the call to establish a Jewish legitimate army to protect the Jewish population of mandated Palestine. Members of the movement accepted the only banner (white and blue), same hymn (“Hatikvah”) and same Zionist worldview. These principles became the basis for the foundation of Israel. After the beginning of the Second World War, Jabotinsky was engaged in the formation of the Jewish army, which was to fight against Germany.

In addition to ideology, Jabotinsky left a great literary and philosophical heritage. He wrote poetry, short stories and novels, was engaged in translation. Do our contemporaries, except historians, know that such a person was born and lived on our land? Of course, the memory of Ze'ev Jabotinsky will live in Israel, but I really want Ukrainians to remember about their great compatriot.

From yesterday, August, 1 all public procurement at the expenses of taxpayers in Ukraine is changing to an electronic public system ProZorro.

This means that from now on all tenders which are exceeding the threshold amount (from UAH 200 thousand for goods and services and UAH 1.5 million for work), should be held openly: anyone can check how many, where, by whom, from whom and at what price tables for accountants of the Ministry of Education or a new car for the regional hospital have been purchased.
The ProZorro system provides online information on all tenders above threshold, which have been held by central authorities, large state enterprises and natural monopolies. Now local authorities, utility companies and other organizations that use taxpayers' assets are obliged to use ProZorro.

As for the so-called subthreshold purchases (at the cost below UAH 200 thousand for goods and services and up to UAH 1.5 million for work), usage of ProZorro for them is voluntary.

During the year of pilot project in the ProZorro amount of the expenses saved is more than UAH 2.6 billion, by the end of the year the amount of the expenses saved will be about UAH 5 billion.
The use of this electronic system simplifies procurement procedure. The volume of public procurement market in Ukraine is about UAH 250 billion per year, and this is huge opportunities for business development. Since July in five regions of Ukraine an advertising campaign has been launched to attract business to ProZorro.
No hryvnia was taken from the state budget for the project execution, all the work was done by donor organizations. In addition, the introduction of the ProZorro system is a major anti-corruption initiative and permits non-governmental organizations to track the spending of public funds.

In Israel, public procurement system has been existed for a lot more than a dozen of years. Depending on the final consumer, it is divided between three areas: procurements made by ministries and state companies, procurements of local authorities and separately – procurements of the Ministry of Defense. For a country that spends a significant part of its budget on defense, procurement transparency in this area is an integral part of sustainable development.

Government agencies that contract are offered the wide range of potential partners. The feature of Israel's public procurement system is that in the system of procurements preferences for domestic producers are introduced, especially for public companies: Israelis choose local producers if the price of its products does not exceed 15% of the price of foreign offers. Thus, in Israel, first, they support its own production, and, secondly, create a healthy competitive environment. Of course, to take part in such procurement one should have a maximum financial transparency.

Now all Ukrainian regional administrations are recommended to use this system regardless of the amount of the announced tender. I think it will be a good test for Ukrainian officials to check their readiness for new standards of resource management and will clearly demonstrate who is ready to do business transparently and who will remain in the past.