Friends!

Friends! Today, at the invitation of the organizers I made a speech at the gala concert of the International Festival of Jewish music LvivKlezFest.

Lviv has always been a multicultural city where many different communities coexisted. From the beginning, Lviv became native for Jews, later here the Jewish community was the largest, there were even two of them: one in the city, the other in the suburbs. Due to its multicultural character, Lviv was and still is tolerant city. That is why the Jews were able to maintain their cultural heritage and museums in the city, there were kept many items of Judaism, Torah scrolls, paintings by Jewish artists.

As Honorary Consul of Israel in Western Ukraine I think that one of my main roles is to develop and support Jewish culture. I am very happy that this festival takes place in Lviv. This is a good opportunity for fans not only to get acquainted with Jewish culture, but also touch the particles of the Jewish soul.

Unfortunately, in Soviet times, many people were forced to forget their roots. But now they come back to it. Many descendants of Galician Jews come here to plunge into this unique atmosphere and feel the unity.

Unfortunately, Ukraine is going through hard times. But we want to show the world that we have the strength to live, create, transmit to our descendant’s cultural heritage.

I want to thank all the guests of the festival for the skill and inspiration. I am honored to among such talented people. I also want to thank the guests from different countries for their support and solidarity with Ukraine.

You know that this year's festival slogan is: "Jewish music unites in Lviv!" I think here we should meet again and again in the future. I wish you good mood and real fun!