Friends!

Today the world celebrates Halloween, also known as "All Saints Day". This day people decorate houses with homemade lanterns from pumpkins, wear creepy costumes, beg for candies and tell horror stories. For Ukraine, this holiday is new it is celebrated only few decades after gaining independence. Young people attend parties and kids walk through the neighborhood, asking "trick or treat?".

And our ancestors - Slavs also celebrated a holiday on this day. It was called Veles night. This day the special connection between the worlds was felt, when spirits of ancestors and future generations became inseparable.

It was believed that Veles Night - was family holiday. On this day, the spirits of ancestors allegedly visited their descendants to check how they live, give them a lesson or a bless for a good year. Traditionally, people put the candle on the windowsill, so the native soul could find his way home. On the table, they put apples, pumpkins, squash, autumn flowers.

Important role in the day paid fire. With nightfall people fueled the fire to jump through it and walk barefoot on coal. This was the way to free man from evil spirit. And they let a fire at home: if it turned out slowly, then there was a devil in the house, which had to be expel.

On this day, there were many ceremonies, I'll tell you about one of them. Often the person feels in trouble, he or she does not know what to do in a given situation. To decide their fate, our ancestors waited for Veles night, then asked for help with relatives who have died. They said: "Mom, Dad (or other relative), now you come to our world, to offer me the advice. Tell me, how can I be and than finish the job. " Then they crushed question. People believed that in this way they were able to hear an answer from loved ones in a dream and solve their trouble.

Like the old Celtic Halloween, Veles night is a time during which the most important thing is to be with family and to remember relatives who are no longer with us. In my opinion, it is important to do it as often as possible. So how would not you regard such holidays as Halloween, take a moment in order to remember without regret people who you love and loved!

Friends!

I want to share with you these wonderful works of Israeli artist and sculptor Sigalit Landau, who shooked the world. More recently, they conquered the visitors of the gallery in London, and I shall tell you why.

Project is called "Salt bride", Sigalit had been creating it for few months. She dipped black dress into the Dead Sea. This dress was not accidentaly chosen. F heroine of the play "Dibbuk" by Semen An-sky - known writer of Jewish origin wore it. This work made him famous and glorified for many years.

On the basis of the play lays a story familiar to any Ukrainian, because it is similar to Ukrainian literary tradition. Poor guy Hanan and rich girl Leah love each other, but father does not allow them to be together. He wantsher to marry a rich old man, a neighbor.

And here - not a familiar move. Man resorts to Kabbalah (only deal married man after 40 can do that) and dies. Leia comes to his grave and prays him to take her. Time passes, comes her wedding day and she became infused by Dibbuk. According to Jewish legend - it is an evil spirit that controls the body. Rabbi (spiritual leader) banishes evil from the girl, but she, being between two worlds, does not want to come back and dies.

This love, sadness and a sense of being between two worlds was reflected by Israeli artist Sihalit Landau. The process of crystallization miracle dress was shot 8 times, to recognize the magical result. A few months made black dress turn into fabulous costumes dress for bride.

In this way the artist drew attention both to the history and nature of Israel: the legend and the sea, what could be better?

Friends!

Now, in Tel Aviv it is planned to remodel one of the most famous areas - Dizengoff Square. It opened back in 1934, and still is loved by the most of Israelis. A pearl of the square is the fountain "Fire and Water", which fascinates with its design, and implementation of ideas.

Do you know that the most favorite area is named after the girl from Zhytomyr named Zina? She was the daughter of the Rabbi, when she met the imperial army officer called Meir Dizengoff, a guy from Bessarabia. He served in the city. The girl was still a minor, and man, who was half older than she, patiently waited until his love became 18 yearsold. However, during that time he was in prison and learned in Paris. Then Meir accepted the Baron Rothschild permission to run a factory producing wine bottles in Palestine,but he refused to go there alone.

So he went to Zhytomyr to ask for the hand of his beloved Zina. In 1983 they married. However, in the consulate they changed the first letter of the name of his wife, since that time she has been known as Zina (Tsina).

Later, Meir Dizengoff became the first mayor of Tel Aviv, and his wife supported him throughout. She was an independent woman - gave voice and French lessons. Zina was loved by the whole city, people called her its "mother". But true motherhood she felt onlyfor a bit, Dizengoff’s only child died in infancy.

Zina passed away before Meir, he was very upset by her death. And frankly glad when the townspeople decided to name the central square of the city in her honor.

The couple, originally from Ukraine, has done a lot for Tel Aviv to became the town we know it today. Incidentally, after the death all the money of the family left for the good of the city. Also, they left all their love to it, and it helps town to bloom now. I sincerely hope the new generation of Ukrainians, will love their hometowns as well as Zina and Meir loved Tel Aviv. And they will breathe thenew life into the familiar streets.

Dear friends!

On the 28th of October Ukraine celebrates the Day of Liberation from Nazi invaders.

On this day in 1944 Carpathian operation ended. It lasted six weeks, and this day Soviet troops entered the modern border of Ukraine. This victory extremely influenced the subsequent course of the war.

Let us recall some figures that should be know by all Ukrainians. Military operations of World War II in Ukraine lasted for 40 months - from 22 of June 1941 to the end of October 1944. During this time, the loss reached unprecedented proportions. According to various sources, including the dead, the victims of the concentration camps, deported, evacuated and those who have moved into exile with the retreated Nazis Ukraine has lost about 14 mln. people. The invaders destroyed more than 700 towns and 28,000 villages, 250 of them burned with residents.

Truly, it was not easy to live under the wing of "liberators", but the fact that Ukrainians made a high effort to the victory in World War II - is uncontested.

We have to honor the memory of our ancestors. We have to grind for them and give thanks for all that they did to Ukraine, to free itfrom occupation. They put their lives and our eternal gratitude – is their main award.

Ukrainians paid a terrible price for freedom and independence. Now again it's one of those periods of history when you have to fight with the enemy, who came to your land. I have no doubt that Ukraine will win, because the ability to fight for their homeland isflowing in the Ukrainian’s blood. On this day I want to remember the lines from the Taras Shevchenko’s poem: "Fight - overcome, God helps you!"

Friends, today I want to prove you once again that the impossible - does not exist.

I want to tell the story of 14 years old Jewish boy, called Taylor Rosenthal, who was proposed to sell his idea for $ 30 million, but he declined. Intriguing?

For what was he offered such a large sum? His idea, on the one hand, lied on the surface. The boy invented machines that instead of sweets and water would contain first aid kits. The idea came to Taylor simply - he plays in the school baseball team, he often gets injured, and sometimes it’s hard to find even a regular patch. First, the young businessman wanted to set a pharmacy near stadiums,but calculated: the salary of sellers will reduce profits to zero. So he decided, that machine is exactly what he needs.

The project was developed at the School of Young Entrepreneurs. Taylor’s parents helped him to embody the idea in life. They aredoctors, together they developed and patented invention. In the well-known business conference in Brooklyn, he received 100 thousand dollars of private investment and incredible offer - to sell the project for $ 30 million. And the young man rejected it. "At that moment I thought that such an agreement was wrong. I felt that I want my company tp grpw as it is, and the money would have pulled me down. "

It took several months, now he is ready for sale and wants for his idea not much, no less - 50 million.

Why am I telling you this? First, you have to understand that any own ideas can turn your life upside down. Do not be afraid to pursue your thoughts, whatever sphere of life they are concerned. So you can open new ways that you can not even imagine.

Second, pay attention to your children. Do not forbid them to come up and help them to implement their ideas. Maybe one day your child will create a start-up that will cost thousands of dollars?

Friends, do you imagine that 7% of Ukraine’s territory is rubbish?

Approximately, it takes the area of ​​Denmark or 14 Kyivs! According to various estimates, the entire number of landfills reaches a number up to 30 thousand. And it is a real problem.

Firstly, it appeared because of the negligence of any city government to this issue. For politicians, it is not a priority, garbage is no one interferes, at first. And second main reason is a general attitude to the rubbish from Ukrainian. Some people believe that paying for its disposal is too much, sorting is not needed, even more, cleaning up after outdoor recreation – does not worth it. It amazes me.

Imagine that smelly trash can become a blooming garden. And I'm not kidding!

In 1920, the British, who ruled the land of Israel, created the first landfill in Tel Aviv. The city was still young, only 15 years old. It was situated in a comfortable place, in the valley between two rivers. Years passed, Tel Aviv has grown, and a dump became giant and started to cause big problems. First, the terrible stench prevented all people, who were living nearby, and second - thousands of gulls flew there for the remains of food. Near the trash are avian passes of Airport Ben Gurion, so birds that flew there in large numbers, put air service under threat.

In 2004, Ariel Sharon’s government decided to end the nightmare of garbage and create in its place a real ecological oasis. It took years of work; however, landfill in this place transformed into a wonderful park, which, incidentally, is named after the prime minister, who believed in the idea and allocated significant funds from the budget.

Now a handsome park Ariel Sharon is the only delight. It offers a stunning panoramic view of Tel Aviv. Here there are fig and olive trees, in transparent artificial lake swim white and blue lotuses, replete with greenery. At the end the object size will be three times bigger than the pride of New York - Central Park. Latest environmental technologies allowed to do so, even the dump smell just disappeared. Now it is one of the most popular places to rest among Israelis.

Experience of converting landfill into a park is popular in many countries. Moreover, this project brings considerable funds. I'm sure that it can be like easily implemented in Ukraine. Volunteers are involved in such things, but there is no global design. So, enthusiasts should think about this. Ukrainians should review their attitude to waste, because otherwise for the next generation it will be very difficult to live on this earth.

Friends, I often write to you about the great people of Israel, who can inspire you by their achievements.

Their experience of life is admirable. Their actions are striking. I read all of your comments, often you write that it is a pity that such people do not live in Ukraine. In my post, full of pride and sorrow, I want to show you - there are such people, they should be known and all Ukrainians should be proud of them.

Yesterday, at the age of 91, died a majestic Ukrainian leader. His name is Bogdan Hawrylyshyn. He is a man, of which it is impossible not to be proud. Of which you cannot be silent, especially now, at the times when Ukraine needs a good human examples. "One of the most influential Ukrainians in the world", "advisor of governments and presidents," "a member of the Club of Rome." All of that is about him, but even these big words – are not enough.

Bogdan Dmytrovich was from those people about whom you can say: "He has made himself." He was born in the Ternopil region, but at the age of 18 he was arrested by the Germans and sent to a labor camp in Germany. He lived there with refugees and miraculously fled to Canada, where he took a job as a lumberjack. After that he was the bartender and entered the University of Toronto. He became an engineer, but did not leave the education, he improved his knowledge. Later he graduated from the International Management Institute in Switzerland. He stayed there for several decades: firstly, as a teacher, later - as a director.

Have you ever heard about the World Economic Forum in Davos, the annual event, that is dedicated to the economic development of the countries? I am sure that you have. And guess who was his co-founder? Right, Bogdan Hawrylyshyn. Back in 1969 Professor Klaus Schwab and he organized a two-week workshop for senior managers, that later became a world-wide event.

And who put a lot of effort to create in Ukraine the "Renaissance" International Foundation? Also, Bogdan Dmytrovich. He led it in the beginning. Later Hawrylyshyn opened its own charitable foundation, which deals with the help for young Ukrainians, who are able to bring the successful experience of other countries in their homeland.

He loved young people. In 1940 he became a member of the scout organization "Plast" engaged in self-education of patriotic Ukrainians. He was extremely proud of this. When he met with interviewers, he often wore the form of "Plastun".

He was so proud of his origins. Bogdan Dmytrovich can be called a man of the world, because he lived in several countries. But at the meetings with presidents, rich people, businessmen, politicians, he always held out his hand and said, "Bogdan Hawrylyshyn, Ukrainian."

He was the advisor of many Ukrainian politicians, even prime ministers and presidents. And at the end of life he admitted that he was disappointed about them, because no one truly listened him. After the Revolution of Advantages, he wanted to help Peter Poroshenko, but new president did not ask about his help. It offended Bogdan Dmytrovich. Although he knew the truth, which will help Ukraine: «What does efficient country mean? It's a way of life at the head of which stands ecosystem development - of human, business and nature, where every management decision is taken with regard to the following generations».

Bogdan Hawrylyshyn really wanted Ukraine to become successful. I want the same, and therefore I draw your attention to the life experience of people like him. Ukrainians should not give up, because for a bright future you must fight. Be proud of who you are, and do more, improve yourselves and the world around and others will be proud of you.

"Whoever saves one life, saves the world."

This is a quote from one of the most successful films, called "Schindler's List." I am sure many of you saw this movie, but if not - I advise to do it. It described the life of Oscar Schindler, industrialist and member of the Nazi Party, who saved 1,200 Jews during the Holocaust. For this he was awarded the title of "Righteous Among the Nations" and even buried on Mount Zion in Jerusalem.

But the same people as he lived in Ukraine. Only this summer the honorary title of "Righteous Among the Nations" was received bysix families. During his speech in the Parliament President of Israel Reuven Rivlin gave special attention to them, called them "sparks that shone brightly during the dark twilight of mankind." There are two and a half thousand of such sparks in Ukraine, it has 4 place in the world by the number of people awarded the title of "Righteous Among the Nations."

I want to tell you a story about one of them, that breaks all the stereotypes. In 1936 in Nikopol, in the Dnieper region lived Fedir Vovk,who was the teacher and school principal. And then a trouble came. It took only few months for hostile German troops to get the city where he lived and capture it. Many people have fled but Fedir remained.

And not just that. He had a plan, decided to become the chief agronomist of the land council. Hi took this position to help people, who were extremely lacking food. He gave to the German occupation administration understated bills of harvesting, and gave the hidden surplus to the hungry people. Moreover, he had connections and rescued Ukrainians from forced departure to work in Germany. And yet he joined the UNO. He built the nationalist underground network, which included about a hundred people. Of course, he headed it.

And this Ukrainian nationalist did a lot to save Jews. When the Germans established their administration in Nikopol they began to killJews. Among those,who could die, was Sarah Davydivna Bakst, teacher from the school where Vovk worked. Her family turned to him with a request of salvation. And he did not leave them in the lurch. He scheduled special plan to Sarah with her husband, two children, mother and nephew – and they survived.

Sarah lived with the children in the cellar, which belonged to a school colleague, and mother with nephew were sent to the village. At the same time Vovk has prepared false documents that helped the family to move to Dolinsky district at Dnipro area. The operation was successful - all rested alive. But soon Vovk was arrested. All were afraid, that the reason was his help to Bakst’s family. And, fortunately, they only exposed the machinations with harvest, so he was able to pay off corny.

But when the Soviets came back, Fedor realized that he should escape. Then the family moved to Galicia, where Vovk became vice-president of Ukrainian Supreme Liberation Council, so-called "belligerent parliament of Ukraine." He got a mission and lived in hiding in exile, in Slovakia and Germany, and later - moved to the United States.

History of Fedir Vovk was told by his student, he found Bakst and Sarah submitted her memoirs for consideration for the title of "Righteous Among the Nations." Vovk and his wife received this high award in 1998.

I want you to know - this is not the only example when Ukrainian nationalists saved Jews. And now, unfortunately, we just can not know how things were at the time of the occupation, because many sources are destroyed and were left behind years of Soviet propaganda, which influenced the coverage of the story. Israel is still looking for people who risked their lives to save Jews during those terrible times.

Although now plans of Ukrainian and Jewish people are aimed at mutual cooperation today and in the future, we must always remember the terrible experience of our past and appreciate it.

Friends!

Today Jews celebrate the last autumn holidays – Shemini-Atzeret and Simchat-Torah. In Israel they are indivisible, but the diaspora marks them separately - on Sunday and Monday.

I wish you sincere joy, good humor, good luck and inspiration! May God help you in every way!

Let me tell you about each of the events. Shemini-Atzeret in Hebrew literally means "the eighth day, someone was late." The reason is that it is celebrated on the eighth day of Sukkot, but the only similar thing is the atmosphere of joy and happiness. Shemini-Atzeret is a day, wrote in the Torah: "On the eighth day you will have a holiday." Right now, the Jews complete to read five books of Moses. In addition, the day has a different meaning. Thousands of years ago sages believed that on this day the heavenly court decides whether it will rain in the next year. A week earlier, rain could be a punishment for the Jews – you cannot be happy from it, while living in a tent on Sukkot. Therefore prayers for the right weather conditions began on the eighth day, the sacred words of this prayer are written in Mussaf that is repeated by all - from young to old.

Simchat-Torah is anover holiday. Translated as "Joy of the Torah." On this day, on the contrary, jews begin to read five books of Moses. To do this, they have a special ritual. From Aron Kodesh (storage space Torah scrolls) they take out scrolls and organize entertaining dance around the synagogue hall. People of all ages and social classes sing and rejoice with the Torah in their hands. It’s a sin not participate in the dance. The process is repeated for seven times, so as many people as possible can hold scrolls in their hands.

In these holidays of fun and joy I want to remind you - do not forget to learn. Because historically, these days are related to it reading, which is an important part of self-development. No matter how old you are, try not to stand still and learn more.

How to build a powerful army?

The answer is definitely known in Israel. Today I'll tell you about one of the secrets of success of the armed forces of this great country.

For centuries, children were inspired by the military. They like to watch the changing of the guards, festive parades, etc. Just to meet the man who survived in the war is a great honor for them. Israeli knows from childhood that serving in the army is the most important duty. And they seek to join forces with a great ardor. Young people are fully supported in this outburst. To help teens feel all the genuine features of army trainings, there is a specialized international organization called Gadna which is operated by the IDF.

Officially it appeared in 1948, but the first military units aimed from teenager groups have been involved a few years earlier. They were a part of Haganah - Jewish underground army that fought with Arab terrorist gangs at the time of the British mandate. Now it's completely worked out program, which teaches teens from 13 to 18 years. It is completed by 19,000 Israelis and hundreds of young boys and girls from other countries every year, because they want to feel the military service on their own experience.

The service is series, not like in the movies: teenager rises up at 5 am, has a few minutes to prepare and clean the place, and goes to the formation on the parade ground, later gets important tasks for the whole day. Incidentally, tasks can apply not only on military. For example, some people should to take care of the garden, or make a general cleaning, because real soldiers must perform durability.

Teenagers are taught by highly skilled army officers and all the trainings are coordinated by the Ministry of education. Although the emphasis is placed not only on training, rather on the overall patriotic development, teenagers still have time to acquire the necessary military skills, which are a fundamental basis for pre-conscription training.

At the end of the course Gadna issues a special certificate that teen can use while joins the army and acquired skills that he or she has earned can help them to get into some of the elite units. But not for all the teenagers army is the ultimate goal. Many youths are joining program simply in order to increase their own endurance and ignite the fire of patriotism in their hearts.

I am convinced that such courses should acquire extensively in Ukraine. A country that is at war requires those on whom it can rely on. This is younger generation of Ukrainians, which must be aware of the military and at least sincerely patriotic. Then it will be impossible to break this society.

Today is the birthday of one of the most interesting contemporary politicians, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu!

I would like to heartily congratulate him. He is a very symbolic man for the whole of Israel, and I want to tell you his lifestory, full of ups and downs.

Famous politician was born in the well-known family. His father Benjamin was the personal secretary of the co-founder of Israel Ze'ev Jabotinsky (who was born in Odessa, by the way). Benzion Netanyahu was a very intelligent man, a professor of history. Face ofBenjamin’s brother, Jonathan Netanyahu, is also familiar to every citizen of Israel. He is a hero of the country, was killed in the legendary "Operation Thunderball" in 1976. Then, the Israeli military have saved lives of the hostages in Uganda airport. But the army was also meaningful to Benjamin himself. In 1967 he went to serve, hitted the elite commando-reconnaissance unit, which later wascommanded by his brother - Sayeret Matkal. Both brothers, in 1973, during the Yom Kippur War, were defending the homeland in Israel. Benjamin even left the University in the US for that. Brothers were involved in fierce fights in the Golan Heights.

After the end of hostilities, Netanyahu returned to America, he graduated and went to work in Israel. However, then he was very far from politics: he worked as a manager in the furniture company. But he was so worried about the fight against terrorism, that throughthe participation in various conferences, he came to his dream.

All because of the great oratorical skills. His first performances conquered all. Then he criticized Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin, who negotiated with Yasser Arafat and signed a peace agreement in Oslo. He was a radical opponent of this and was so angry that he called the decision "a new Holocaust."

Not surprisingly, a great speaker, a smart man and a former military man easily won the sympathy of the Israelites. His first campaign involved American political strategists, who have helped to create the image of sharp and straight-line policy for him. It brought Benjamin a victory in the first direct elections of the prime minister in 1996. Although his opponent was "too tough" – it was Shimon Peres.

Netanyahu, despite his views, went on territorial concessions with Yasser Arafat, but the world was not durable. Some believe - this is due to construction of a new Jewish neighborhood of Har Homa, located on a hill, which Palestinians considered their own. Othersthink that the reason was the attack in a Tel Aviv cafe, responsibility for which Hamas took over. But the fact remains – everything came to the re-election. And prime-minister lost it.

It could seem – it was the end of his political career. But Benjamin returned to the premiership because narrowly missed his own mission. Netanyahu has always had huge ambitions, the main among them was to enter the history of Israel as well as David Ben-Gurion. And if the current prime minister's foreign policy may raise issues, his contribution to the development of the Israeli economy is priceless.

In my opinion, Ukrainian officials should take an example from Netanyahu, because he, more than anyone else, knows how to run the country in times of war. Let me give you a very strong quote the Prime Minister, which describes the state of not only Israel, but also in Ukraine, if you change the names of the countries: "Neither Babylon nor Rome did not have representatives in the UN, as well as a thousand-year Reich. These seemingly invincible empires, no longer exist. And Israel is alive. "

I thank Benjamin Netanyahu for his patriotism and a desire to fight for his people and their rights. Ukrainians have to pay attention on the quality of the politicians, because if they put people higher than their own interests – they will bring a bright future to the country.

Dear friends, yesterday all the world watched an important political spectacle.

In Las Vegas, the last televised debate between the candidates for the presidency of America - Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton was held. Itseems that there is no matter for Ukraine or Israel from that. But there is. And I'll tell you why.

To all the world the Democratic Party candidate announced - Russian authorities are spying on the United States. Turning to Trump, she said: "You are ready to praise Putin, ready to break NATO, to do everything he wants, you continue to receive his support, because he has a favorite in these races. This is an unprecedented situation, because foreign government was never involved into the electoral process”. Republican, incidentally, said that USA should be friends Russia, because if not - they have nuclear warheads. In my view, even from this brief it is obvious whatpolicy will lead Trump after his victory. The one of his promises was a possible adoption of the annexation of Crimea by Russia. Of course, at the first TV-debates, he changed his mind. On this occasion I would like to mention a joke from Vice President Joe Biden. "I'm glad that Trump realized that Crimea is part of Ukraine. By the way, soon he will admit gravity. "

The majority of Ukrainian has a strong position on the US election. On the other hand, in Israel everything is not so simple. One of the most famous Russian-Israeli portals on the eve of the third round of debates conducted a survey among readers. The topic was “who would you like to see as US president”. It was attended by 3,000 people - the selection was quite large. Trump received 74 percent of the votes, Clinton - 20. According to another survey, 63% of Israelis believe that the candidate of the Democratic Party will "push"on Israel. In comparison, the negative impact of Republican candidate was assured only by 8% of respondents. However, the Hebrew speaking Israelis, as American Jews do not support Donald Trump. American Jewish Committee Research has proven that 57 percent of voters believe that Clinton will develop friendly relations with Israel.

Why there is such a difference, you will ask? Perhaps, it’s because of Donald Trump's statement that "Iran would destroy Israel if I shall not be choosen. And if I’ll be, in Israel everything will be fine"? Not at all. The reason for these fluctuations of sympathy is extremely familiar to Ukrainian. It is Russian propaganda and information manipulation. Obviously, Putin supports the Republican candidate, Trump likes him in return. To spread hisposition to the world Russian president launched propaganda machine. It is not surprising that Russian-speaking Israelis, perhaps even without realizing it, came under its influence.

In this situation, Ukraine should understand that Russia uses powerful tools of influence on the world. What can wedo with this? Fight it back, push Ukraine and its position into the world by all the possible ways. I use this in every, even the smallest opportunity, and urge you to do the same. All the world has to know about Ukraine and its needs, and especially – understand its opinion. PR of Ukraine in the world - is not joke, but a very necessary tool that can hinder the propaganda. Believe me, it should be given much more attention.

In the end, I can say that according to a CNN poll, recent debates ended with the victory of Hillary Clinton. 52% against 39% for Trump. We can only guess who of them will win the elections in November, and it's not the point. The main thing for us is following the political processes in the countries and analyzing, which twists and turns going on over them, being able to expose any event by criticism and absorb a lesson from it.

Do you know what is now the main trend in the development of military weapons?

Attack drones. The Israeli company Israel Aerospace Industries developed several ones. I want to tell you about the «Harop», which appeared 15 years ago. Mostly it is know as "suicide drone" or "bombers drone." The reason is that in it’s warhead are situated 15 kilograms of explosives, so hitting the target drone deletes itself. For example, with its help it is easy to get rid of a hostile radar or truck. For the first time in a real combat conflict «Harop» was used by Azerbaijani armed forces during the recent conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh.

Now Ukraine is only establishing the production of shock drones. So far, there are no such drones as «Harop». But this does not mean that there are no ideas. "Suicide drones" here are easier, though such developments, to my mind, surely will grow in the future.

For example, there is a flying explosive, called "Gaydamaka" M-49. The device was developed in 2014 by experts of scientific and production center of unmanned aircraft "Bend" at the National Aviation University. One person can easily carry the drone; it is used mainly for exploration. If we fill the "Gaydamaka" with two pounds of explosives, it can deliver a powerful punch. Another development is called "Scimitar-2", this UAV was established by the United Alliance "New Energy of Ukraine". The device is also small, the military can launch it directly from his hand. In addition, it can be installed on infantry combat vehicles.

Unfortunately, these developments are not taken to mass production. Despite this, the NSDC Secretary Oleksandr Turchynov promised that impact Ukrainian drones will be launched! Now they are produced on the facilities of the State Enterprise "Antonov". It is not suicide drones, but I am sure that this is only the first steps. Ukrainian army will see their own UAV next year, and if the experiment will be successful, the development will be continued, and armament of Ukraine will reach a new level.

I have already told you that in Israel the first drones appeared same way as in Ukraine - because of military tension and by volunteers. Years passed, and the development of the UAV is still taken very seriously. Today, personnel management of IDF openes a new training program for academic provision. It is called the "Silo". Within the program the best students will be learnt how to maintain and develop unmanned aerial vehicles at the expense of the army. Training will last 4 years, after that students will pass the officer training and afterwards they will serve in the research centers of the Ministry of Defense and the Air Force. This is the future of Israel's defense, because in the next decade UAV will become the center of the military development.

I am sure that Ukraine is used to think about the development of the production of drones for ten years ahead. The development, that have been already run in the country should not be ignored, it should be fully supported and developed. Then the defense capability of Ukraine will increase rapidly.

Friends, today I want to talk to you about democracy.

According to the canons, it can not exist without competition and political pluralism. All opinions, attitudes and ideologies have a right to exist if they are supported by the heart of democracy - the people.

But there are moments when democracy is used in someones favor. Now Israel is raging a scandal with the organization "B'Tselem". It gathers information on human rights violations in East Jerusalem, the Golan Heights, West Bank, Gaza Strip and Israel. It seems to becompletely grateful and honest business. But like everywhere, there are pitfalls. Recently, "B'Tselem" played absolutely anti-Israeli game.

Imagine, the CEO of the organization attended the meeting of the UN Security Council (which Israel officially boycotted, because it concerned Jewish settlements, and was initiated by Egypt, Senegal, Malaziya.. familiar list of countries with at least the last vote resolution of UNESCO). He made a speech calling for peace "to end the occupation," obviously referring to the territory controlled by Israel after the victory of the Six Day War in 1967. The man, who lives and leads the organization in Israel on the world stage says his country should be given a signal that it can not "control other people for 50 years and call itself a democracy."

I think you, dear readers, are familiar with such thesis. Of course, they are not completely identical, but they show how there can betwo completely different ideological camps in the middle of one country. And Ukraine, as no one else, knows the troubles to which it leads.

The Israeli government reacted rather compromise. “B’Tselem” will be forbidden to take alternate members of military service. This is a clear step for the organization, funded from abroad, that really should be limited to benefits. And moreover, it should be completelylimited organization, whose anti-state actions in the international arena are officially supported by Russia.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the important words on the subject: "Israeli democracy allows to speak, even tocomical and crazy representatives and organizations such as the" B'Tselem ". And the majority of people knows the truth. We will continue to uphold justice and the interests of the state, despite the international pressure. "

Dear Ukrainians, on this occasion I want to remind you that only the people have the last word and must be a fundamental driver of any decisions. Even the most powerful countries may have internal enemies, but they must be fighted.

Israel is celebrating Sukkot now, and, according the old tradition, on Wednesday at the Wailing Wall thousands of Jews will gather.

They will take part in the blessing of Kohanims. This is one of the largest worship. During the worship representatives of old family of Kohanim – the Hebrew priests, originating from Aaron, brother of Moses, covered with Talita are proclaiming a prayer in which they remind us about services in times of the First and Second Temple in Jerusalem.

This year's gathering will have special meaning. Israeli Foreign Minister Aryeh Deri urged more people to come to worship, to prove that the relationship of Jews and their holy sites is indestructible.

The reason is the scandalous resolution, that have been recently adopted by UNESCO. It denies the Jewish connection to their main shrines - the Temple Mount and the Western Wall. The authors of this nonsense wereEgypt and the Palestinian National Authority, they made a resolution voted. The document, which in addition, fordozen times accuses Israel in "occupation of Palestinian territories," was supported by 24 countries. Russia is among them. Representatives of Ukraine, refrained from legitimizing this nonsense. Thank you for this.

I totally support the position of the head of the Israeli government Benjamin Netanyahu on the matter. He gave wonderful examples: "The claim that the Jewish people is not related to Jerusalem and the Temple Mount, is as absurd as the claim that China is not related to the Great Wall of China and Egypt – to the pyramids. This absurd ofUNESCO left it without any legitimacy ". I believe that an international organization of the such level as UNESCOis, has no moral right to play on the side of certain countries and speculate with historical heritage. Such a decisiondoes not only offend all the jewish believers, but also those who simply are proud of their history.

This is not the first anti-Israeli resolution, agreed by the Organization for Education, Science and Culture of the United Nations. This confuses me. How and why does the well-know international organization create new conflicts at the time when the world suffers from their dominance?

I am sure, Ukrainians understand the position of Israel. This feeling of encroachment on their territory alsodominates in Ukraine. Friends, we must support each other, or history and faith will have no value at all.

Now organization is going to reconsider its decision and is planning to move the final vote. Perhaps they becameafraid, after Israel stopped its cooperation with UNESCO. I want to assure the importantce of the correction of such shameful moment . But there is a bitter note that this happened, so we cannot remove it from the final song.

Dear friends!

I congratulate all the Jews with one of the most important holidays - Sukkot! This biblical Jewish holiday startedyesterday and will last until October 23. These days, people have to remember the most important thing: even if you are very rich, remember about poverty. Wherever you live, God will protect you and give prosperity.

Thus Jews revere the memory of 40-year journey of the Jewish people from Egypt to the Land of Israel. Then the Israelis lived in huts and hoped only aboutthe mercy of God. Now, when people have strong and reliable homes, in appreciation they migrate for temporary houses, to fulfill the commandment of ages.

This festival is extremely special because people are used to build a special tent - sukkah. It has to be placed on the open air, in the yard or the balcony. Walls can be reduced with any material, but the roof should be built only by the branches. It is also important to decorate sukkah with 7 fruits, which are the abundance of the Land of Israel: wheat, olives, barley, dates, figs, pomegranates and grapes. All the men of the family have to live in this lovely hut for a week. Although now the Jews do not follow this tradition completely, they spend meal times and sleep in sukkah.

Another important tradition is the rise Lulav. People are used to take over and bless the four plants. In one embodiment, each one represents a specific body part. Etroh (citrus fruit) means heart, palm leaves - spine, branches of myrtle - eyes and willow - mouth. Together, they represent a man who devoted all his heart to God.

This holiday is well-known by Ukrainian. Since the ancient times they called it "Jewish booths", and believed that Jews can control the weather. Even the prominent Ukrainian writer Ivan Franko wroye about it. He told that the Jews of Prykarpattia liked it, when it was raining during the "booths". It meant that they they would get a lot of money.

Friends, in Torah Sukkot is called "time of joy." I wish each of you to find this joy in the heart, despite any challenges and difficulties. Although Ukraine is going through difficult times now, we should know that they will pass, and this land will be in peace. Remember the example of our ancestors: they proved that if you believe and strive for the best, it will come. Enjoy every moment and appreciate every passing day!

Dear friends!

Today, the world marks an important date -130 anniversary of the birth of one of the most famous and the most important politicians of the twentieth century, David Ben-Gurion.

I am sure that Israel would never be the same, without this majestic statesman. It was he who first proclaimed the Declaration of Independence of Israel, also he was a talented prime minister, who helped to build young and innovative country from scratch.

David Ben-Gurion was a strong politician, very authoritarian, quite stubborn. It is important to know that Ben-Gurion insisted that There will be a Star of David on the Israeli's flag, rather than the more common symbol - Jewish menorah. Why? He wanted to exalt a sign, by which the Nazis denounced Jews, he wanted to make it a symbol of pride.

Remember his words: "Homeland are not given or received as a gift, are not given as a result of political agreements, it can not be bought by gold and won on fists. You could only build it up in sweat." This simple truth can be adapted to Ukraine. Anyone who hopes that his country will reach the next stage of development and success with the help of some magic or someone else's efforts, is terribly wrong. Only a heavy daily work, a clear action plan and a small amount of risk can make a difference.

I admire the person of David Ben-Gurion. He was not afraid of atypical solutions. In 1952, for example, he offered the presidency of Israel to Albert Einstein. Or he specially studied Latin, to read a book he liked. Friends, follow his example, and do not be afraid to go beyond the boundaries: sometimes the best thing, that is waiting for you, is out there.

How to build a powerful army?

The answer is definitely known in Israel. Today I'll tell you about one of the secrets of success of the armed forces of this great country.

For centuries, children were inspired by the military. They like to watch the changing of the guards, festive parades, etc. Just to meet the man who survived in the war is a great honor for them. Israeli knows from childhood that serving in the army is the most important duty. And they seek to join forces with a great ardor. Young people are fully supported in this outburst. To help teens feel all the genuine features of army trainings, there is a specialized international organization called Gadna which is operated by the IDF.

Officially it appeared in 1948, but the first military units aimed from teenager groups have been involved a few years earlier. They were a part of Haganah - Jewish underground army that fought with Arab terrorist gangs at the time of the British mandate. Now it's completely worked out program, which teaches teens from 13 to 18 years. It is completed by 19,000 Israelis and hundreds of young boys and girls from other countries every year, because they want to feel the military service on their own experience.

The service is series, not like in the movies: teenager rises up at 5 am, has a few minutes to prepare and clean the place, and goes to the formation on the parade ground, later gets important tasks for the whole day. Incidentally, tasks can apply not only on military. For example, some people should to take care of the garden, or make a general cleaning, because real soldiers must perform durability.

Teenagers are taught by highly skilled army officers and all the trainings are coordinated by the Ministry of education. Although the emphasis is placed not only on training, rather on the overall patriotic development, teenagers still have time to acquire the necessary military skills, which are a fundamental basis for pre-conscription training.

At the end of the course Gadna issues a special certificate that teen can use while joins the army and acquired skills that he or she has earned can help them to get into some of the elite units. But not for all the teenagers army is the ultimate goal. Many youths are joining program simply in order to increase their own endurance and ignite the fire of patriotism in their hearts.

I am convinced that such courses should acquire extensively in Ukraine. A country that is at war requires those on whom it can rely on. This is younger generation of Ukrainians, which must be aware of the military and at least sincerely patriotic. Then it will be impossible to break this society.

Can we drink water?

Soon this question may appear in heads of everyone who lives on Earth. At last count, there are over 7 billion people on the planet and the world's population is increasing every day, which means that the amount of water that we use also is increasing. Add here some climate changes and you will understand what environmentalists fear about all around the world – the lack of water resources.

Should Ukraine be afraid? There are 14 thousands rivers, lots of lakes and groundwater sources, it should be plenty of water. But it is impossible to find a crystal clear water. Seversky Donets, Western Bug, Dniester, Dnieper few years ago appeared at the list of highly contaminated rivers. Unfortunately, the situation changed only for the worse: rivers are full of nitrogen, heavy metals or manganese. In fact, there are no water of the highest quality in the country there, and even after treatment Ukrainians drink dirty water. And if in Kyiv government are concerned about water treatment for a bit, in the regions it is a huge problem.

Now imagine Israel, where the issue of drinking water is much sharper than in Ukraine. There were also some problems with cleaning rivers, but real fight for clean resources started in the early 90's. Recently Israelis completed the terrific project of restoration of the Kishon River basin, they released it from the toxic sludge. Now this place from the polluted ponds turned into a "green light" around the Haifa region. And from purified mud Israelis will make the island so they can relax there and enjoy nature. What was the reason of this success? A clear program of action for the maintenance of the ecological state of each river and its fundamental performance.

And Ukraine soon is going to learn from Israel’s experience. Minister of Environment of Ukraine Ostap Semerk and Minister of Environmental Protection and of Jerusalem Affairs Ze’ev Elkin during their recent meeting agreed to establish a working group on environmental protection and water management. Israeli experts will teach Ukrainian about how they clean up e water, how they prevent pollution, and how they restore water basins in Israel. Ukraine only have to provide their lessons into reality.

"I do not think about all the sufferings. I think about the beauty that still remains".

It is a quote from the “Diary of Anne Frank”, one of the most sensitive novels of all times. Everyone knows her story, her diary was translated into sixty languages, it is in the list of the most important books of the century, and it became a part of the UNESCO Memory of the Register.

The life of the young Anne and her family became the quintessential of fate of all Jews in Europe during the Holocaust. But there were thousands of similar stories.

This week the world saw a book of a woman who, just like Anne Frank, knew the horrors of the Holocaust. 89-year-old Carrie Ulreich is from Netherlands is called “Rotterdam’s Anne Frank”, because she decided to tell the story of her life.

Her family, as well as 140,000 other Jews families in Netherlands, had to flee from persecution. She was nearly sixteen years, so she took all the events closely to her young heart.

Ulreichs settled at home of the Dutch couple called Zijlmans. These people were devout Catholics, so they followed the commandment to "love thy neighbor as thyself." To save a Jewish family, the good people gave them their bedroom, and began to live in the cellar, with bags of potatoes nearby. Also they ceased to communicate with anyone, because were afraid to be caught.

According to Carrie Ulreich, the fact, that her family managed to survive - is a miracle, and it is connected with supreme providence. Zionists Ulreichs spent a lot of time in discussions with CatholicsZijlmans . In that way days, months and even years passed.

Now Carrie Ulreich is 89. In comparison to Anne Frank, her story ended quite differently. She is married, gave birth to three children, she has 20 grandchildren and 60 great-grandchildren.

Zijlmans family name is forever inscribed to the list of Righteous Among the Nations.

I am sure that histories of life of people like Anne Frank and Carrie Ulreich should be known by everyone. One of them showed to the world the truth about the Holocaust through the child’s eyes. The second teaches us that in spite of all, we should believe, sacrifice for the good of others, and support each other. These eternal truths have to be written in our hearts forever.

Dear Ukrainians, I congratulate you on the Day of the Defender of Ukraine!

At the official level, this holiday is celebrated in Ukraine only for the second time, but historically it has very old tradition, because on the same day the Day of Ukrainian Cossacks and Pokrov are celebrated as well.

According to the legend, on this day, Prince Askold took siege to Constantinople. Residents of the city could only ask for the help of God, to help them to escape. Then Mother of God appeared in front of the people and covered them by her canopy, which in the church is called the mantle.

My colleague, the French diplomat Jean-Benoit Scherer in 1788 published a historical work where he described this highly important to Ukrainians day. He said that Intercession was a greatest holiday for courageous and brave Cossacks. They highly appreciated it, so elected new members of the officers only this day, because Virgin Mary had to bless them.

On Pokrov Ukrainians traditionally got married, because there was the first snow, which looked similar to bride’s white dress. In addition, the men repaired the house before the holiday, because if they were late with this, it meant that they would spend the winter in the cold.

This day anyone can ask for blessings of the Mother of God, because she hears all and she is ready to protect us. I am sure that today the biggest thing we can ask for is health and strength for our soldiers who are now defending our homeland. They have the hardest times, but they are those defenders, which we are proud of. Ukrainians are strong and courageous people, and there are no troubles that can dishearten us. Fight for your future, because God is with us!

Wish you courage, faith and inspiration, dear defenders!

Yesterday the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe adopted two historical resolutions on Ukraine.

These documents finally called everything that happens in our country by its names. First, they were not talking about "the conflict in Ukraine," but about "Russian aggression in Ukraine." This is an answer to those who still speaks of some "civil conflict" and does not want to see the real thing.

In addition, PACE recognizes the annexation of Crimea by Russia and the Russian military intervention in Eastern Ukraine and calls them a violation of international law. In one of the resolutions they even changed the theme from "The consequences of the crisis in Ukraine" to "The consequences of Russian aggression in Ukraine." Despite the invasion of Russian propaganda, even those MEPs who usually takes the side of Russia this time understood and agreed - that it provoked hostilities in Ukraine, and still supports the separatists and conducts illegal actions on the territory of a sovereign state.

Besides, the PACE recognized that self-proclaimed "DPR" and "LPR" are created and supported by Russia, and all its"officials" are also governed by Russia. So the self-proclaimed countries have no legitimacy.

The Parliamentary Assembly supported the continuation of sanctions against Russia until the complete removal of troops from Ukraine and the restoration of the sovereignty of our country. Once again the organization condemned the illegal elections in the Crimea, Russian Majlis ban, illegal detention of Ukrainian prisoners in Russia, etc.

Also, for the first time, PACE told about the impossibility of holding elections in the Donbass, which Russia strongly argues in Minsk. According to Christina Zelenkova and Mariluyiz Beck, who did report on Ukraine, in case that safety of voters areas outside the controled territory can not be guaranteed, there can be no elections in Donbas.

The "highlight" of PACE meeting was the refusal to allow Russian representatives to take part in the work of the Assembly.

I believe that the adoption of these resolutions will open the way for Ukraine to review existing and arrange new, more effective agreements. In particular, they can influence the course of Minsk agreements by proving that items, lobbied by Russia, in fact - are nonsense.

I am grateful to Ukrainian delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe for the excellent work done!

According to the World Health Organization, each year the number of the worlds blind people increases by 1 million.

Every 5 seconds in the world one adult loses his sight, every minute – a child do. In Ukraine, according to official statistics, there are from 70 to 100 thousand people with serious visual impairments. They face daily problems of employment, education and providing leisure time.

Ukrainian realities are not adapted for the visually impaired, our infrastructure, transport agencies, any store or school does not allow using them freely. In fact, blind people are often just locked in a confined space; they totally depend on others and are unable to use the simple "benefits of civilization". Scientists say that with the help of sight, a person gets 80% of information about the world and understands the life. Imagine how can a child get into the world, if he or she can not see anything? Yes, special up-to-date tools are required for that, but we still have children, who are taught by the books, that where written ages ago.

On the other hand, the Israeli inventors do everything they can to help people with similar problems. They developed a special device that attaches to the glasses. It detects an object and transmits information about it to a man by voice message. This assistant is called OrCam. To make it work, you have to press the button or make some gesture and wonder glasses will make instant photograph and analyze it into the audio format. After that it will tell what person sees by himself. So blind people can actually read, recognize the color of the traffic lights without assistance, and determine the number of public transport and much more.

By the way, Israel's Ministry of Education plans to introduce OrCam in all schools because of the strong need to help children with visual impairments. The cost of one unit is considerable - about $ 2,500, but surely it worth’s the money. Machine "speaks" in Hebrew, English, German, Spanish and French.

I hope that Ukraine will soon take the same way and do everything to make the life of visually impaired people easier, not more complicated. I advise my readers to pay attention to those who are truly in need. In reality, even all traffic lights are not equipped with a metronome to help the blind to cross the road. So once again: help them to move, or in stores, or in transport, because it is our duty.

Ten days of repentance сame to the end, and today, dear compatriots, I congratulate you on one of the most important holidays - the Day of Atonement!

Yom Kippur is the Day of Judgment, Day of Atonement, on which a Jew receives the sentence from God, which is sealed. It will decide the fate of man for a coming year. On this day fasting is shared by most of the Jewish population of Israel, regardless of the level of religiosity. Fast is strict – person can not eat and drink for 25 hours.

Traditionally, you should definitely ask for forgiveness from relatives, because you could insult them and did not notice that. You should also remember to commemorate the departed. To pay the spiritual debts, there is a tradition of "giving tzedakah" - handing out money, or just a smile to people and doing some good deeds.

I'll tell you about the traditional rite called "kaparot". Men or women spin cock or hen overhead. They say that animal assumes sins. Than bird is given to the butcher, and its cost – goes to charity. However it is believed that the ritual will work only if people really repented of their sins and seek forgiveness.

Yom Kippur starts with a prayer “Kol Nidre”: it is completely outstanding, its unique melody is well known all over the world. Mention about the special music of this prayer firstly appeared in the 16th century. Listen to this work performed by Yosele Rosenblatt and you will understand what I mean. Thousands of people come to all the synagogues to listen to it, true religion people remain at the synagogues for all day.

On this day Israel stops the entire move on the roads - Jews do not drive cars on Yom Kippur. Moreover – foreigners can not use them too. Also, shops and restaurants, radio and television don’t work as well.

Yom Kippur ends with a prayer "Neilah": it "closes" the Sky, which took ten days of prayers and requests, sent by believers. So this last prayer is the fondest, it takes all the desire and strength of people’s hearts. Lastly, shofar sounds, which means that all sentences are handed.

I wish you good fortune, pure thoughts and God's help! Be honest and act from the heart, with only the best intentions!

Israel's nuclear program - is a mystery.

And the country easily uses it. The most skillful person in that was, of course, Shimon Peres. "Israel will not be the first country in the Middle East, which will use nuclear weapons"- he said. This policy caused a lot of speculation, rumors, drink downs.

The main secret in late 1950s was the construction of a nuclear research center in the desert Negev. Shimon Peres and the Israeli government claimed that all that developing nuclear programs were held only for peaceful purposes, but soon they officially changed the purpose of the research center. The new one was “for the development of weapons”. Center became even more secret, new rumors, that there were so much plutonium, that nuclear weapons easily could be built there, appeared. The question “What is developed in the Negev?” disturbed everyone on tops of almost all countries.

Peres biographers claim - that he (than- Deputy Defense Minister of Israel), initiated the construction of the reactor and the creation of the center. Peres himself believed that the mere presence of the object forced Arab leaders to sign a peace agreement in Oslo in 1993. He was convinced that the Arabs are afraid of Israel, and believe that it will be difficult to destroy. In any point, Perez boasted that Israel did not threat anyone with nuclear weapons and did not do any tests. He did not only build the center - he made it a legend that frightened and fascinated at the same time.

Negev Nuclear Research Center will soon be called after the initiator of its creation. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urges that. The government understands that Shimon Peres did a lot to create it. The municipality of Dimona supports this decision. They have already called the recently opened urban lake after him.

Shimon Peres died, but the nuclear center, which he built to be an outpost of security, will serve for generations of Israelis. Therefore, in my opinion, an initiative of renaming have to be obligatory implemented. Name of Perez, given to such an important and unique object will remind us that wisdom and strength is a combination that always leads to success.

The world is changing very quickly, and today in the fighting does not work credo "In war as in war."

The reason is very well-known: the development of digital technologies. They allow us to reduce the level of civilian casualties to a minimum, causing maximum damage to military force.

Israel is very "convenient" for potential aggressors. It has an average length from west to east, only 120 km away, and there excluded the concept of a rear itself. Nevertheless, Israel today is a developed country with a large number of high-tech startups and IT-companies. Digital technologies used in the military industry are one of the most popular products for export and internal use.

Take, for example, TSAYAD system, which is used in the Army and helps to identify the location of each combat unit, including APCs or cars.

Having access to the system a military sees the location of the enemy and decide on further action. With the help of TSAYAD is also implemented communication between the command and the military "in the field".

Since 1999, it has been created 20 versions of the system. With the first military belong, TSAYAD acquired several "everyday" functions. For example, the caretaker of a military unit can use it to send a request for the delivery of water, fuel and other materials.

There is no sense to believe that the world will become so developed in the near future, that wars will disappear as such. However, any, even the most terrible action, we can make, as much as possible, more humane. And if we already have an attack of the aggressor, we must do everything that the victims were the fewest. Peace to all of you!