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Somewhere between the melting pot and the pluralistic society lies Israeli culture. Like her famous mosaics whose ancient scenes are brought to life by the assemblage of many colored tiles, so is Israel's cultural landscape the composite of the heritages and influences gathered in her midst.
Somewhere between the melting pot and the pluralistic society lies Israeli culture. Like her famous mosaics whose ancient scenes are brought to life by the assemblage of many colored tiles, so is Israel's cultural landscape the composite of the heritages and influences gathered in her midst. Situated geographically at the junction of east and west, with a population of wide and varied ethnic groups, Israel has begun the process of fusing these distinct elements into a culture that is uniquely Israeli, one that both respects and honors age-old traditions while continuously renewing the creative process in all fields - the plastic arts, dance, theater, music, film, literature, architecture and design, to name but a few.
CHANGING TIMES, CHANGING STRATEGIES
After nearly 50 years of struggle and conflict, Israel has, at long last, reached the stage of normalization. Peace treaties with Egypt and Jordan and agreements leading to peace between Israel and the PLO have already been signed. Contacts and relations are being established with the countries of North Africa and the Persian Gulf. Israel has full diplomatic relations with 151 countries, 58 of which established (or re-established) ties since the Madrid Peace Conference in 1991.
As part of today's changing world, the Israeli government is emphasizing the role of culture, science and economics as important means by which to develop relations with the countries of the world. The Israeli Foreign Ministry views these as the state's calling card. As of 1994, it issued a new directive mandating increased cultural, academic and scientific activity in the international arena based on the following objectives:
To strengthen the peace process by developing and expanding cultural ties with the Arab world, and acquainting each people with the other's culture.
To develop cultural ties and activities with the non-Arab Moslem states.
To reach out to those places that until recently barely knew Israel such as China, India, Korea, Japan, Russia and the other countries of the former Soviet Union and eastern Europe.
To strengthen ties and contacts with intellectual and artistic circles.
To improve the quality of cultural life in Israel through greater interaction with the cultures of the world.
To improve and expand activities in the field of education by promoting pedagogical methods, youth exchanges and sporting activities.
To cultivate and strengthen scientific relations and exchanges and to share Israel's experience and knowledge with the world scientific community.
Reproduced by permission of Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Jerusalem.