may 2012 • volume 7 • issue 2 • iyar / sivan 5772

A sermon, prepared and dis-tributed in Malaysia by the Federal Territory Islamic Af-fairs Department has caused outrage amongst Jewish and Christian groups.

The US based Simon Wi-esenthal Center, a leading inter-national Jewish human rights organisation, declared a travel advisory on Malaysia.

The speech delivered on 30 March at lunchtime in mosques across the capital city declared, Muslims must understand Jews are the main enemy to Muslims as proven by their egotistical behaviour and murders per-formed by them.

The sermon makes a mock-ery of Malaysia’s constitution which promises that religions other than Islam ‘may be prac-ticed in peace and harmony in any part of the Federation, ac-cording to a statement issued by the Simon Wiesenthal Center.

“It puts to the lie the re-peated calls in international bodies by Malaysia’s Prime Minister, Dato’ Sri Mohd Najib, for religions to forsake intimi-dation and violence. It threatens the few Jews in Malaysia and millions beyond its borders,”

MALAYSIA SERMON OUTRAGES JEWISH AND CHRISTIAN GROUPS

IN THIS ISSUERegional NewsSetting up seder in Chengdu 7-11

Business NewsPhilippine-Israel Business Forum 12-13

Independence Day GreetingPresident of Israel, PM of Israel, Consul General of Hong Kong 14-16

Art and CultureNew play about Jewish refugees in Shanghai 17-19

FeatureChinese business delegation goes tech-shopping in Israel 20

Special DaysYom Hashoah, Yom Hazikaron, Yom Ha’Atzmaut 21-23

JTA Classifieds 24-25

FestivalShavuot 26

Jewish communities in AsiaCandle-lighting and the months Parshas 27

By staff writers A local Malaysian newspa-per Bikyamasr commented that most younger Malaysians give little credence to statements be-ing made by the government’s official Islamic body. They argue it has little to do with reality and is an attempt to get support from the Islamic world as a whole.

“We know what they want to be,” said Marin, a 22-year-old university student in the capital. “And they want to be seen and heard, that’s all,” quoted Bikyamasr.

Its headline read: “Malaysia Islamic body calls Jews “main enemy,” but people say irrel-evant”.

commented Rabbi Abraham Cooper, associate dean of the Simon Wiesenthal Center.

The address also called on community leaders to increase the awareness and understand-ing of the importance of Jerusa-lem, referring to it by its Arabic name, al-Quds. “The honour of al-Quds and the al-Aksa mosque must be defended by all Muslims, as it is holy land that must be blessed”.

Concerns also extend be-yond the Jewish community. Just one day after the sermon, an officially-sanctioned state seminar entitled, ‘Strengthening the Faith, the Dangers of Lib-eralism and Pluralism and the Threat of Christianity towards Muslims. What is the Role of Teachers?’ was convened by the Johor Education Department.

This department and the Johor Mufti Department re-quired 55 schools to send two religious teachers to deal with the “threat” of Christians to

Malaysian Muslims.

“With British imperialism a thing of the past, what then is the nature of the threat that Christians who form only 9.2% of Malaysia’s 28.3 million population pose to the majority of Malaysian citizens?” Cooper asked.

“In such an environment, where religious intolerance is being paid for with taxpayer’s money and promoted by vari-ous official organs, it is time to raise the basic question as to whether Jewish and Christian travellers to Malaysia will be safe,” Cooper added.

The Simon Wiesenthal Center has urged our 400,000 constituent families along with all Jews and Christians to re-evaluate any travel plans to Ma-laysia, whether on business or as tourists. The Center will also ask the US State Department to launch its own investigation of state-sponsored religious big-otry in Malaysia.

Kuala Lumpur at night calm and peaceful

www.jewishtimesasia.orgMay 2012 • Volume 7 • Issue 2 • Iyar / Sivan 5772

Established 2006

Happy 64thAnniversary

to Israel

A church in Kuala Lumpur feeling the undertones

Jewish Times Asia May 20122

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

JTA120430_260x360_adv_OP.pdf 1 02/05/2012 1:17 PM

Jewish Times Asia May 2012 3

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

JTA120430_260x360_adv_OP.pdf 1 02/05/2012 1:17 PM

www.kaegi-ag.ch

We are proud to support Jewish Times Asia on its 6th year AnniversaryHappy 64th Independence Day

As a government agency, Invest Hong Kong has supported over 2,400 overseas companies to set up and expand in Hong Kong.

Our services are free, confidential and tailored to your needs.

Visit our website or call us today:

www.investhk.gov.hk

HongKong Gateway to

China

Heart of Asia

Congratulations to the State of Israel on its 64th Anniversary

Head office: 25/F, Fairmont House, 8 Cotton Tree Drive, Central, Hong KongTel: (852) 3107 1000 Email: [email protected]

Tel Aviv office: Modi Ashkenazy, Principal ConsultantTel: (972) 3 691 1171 Email: [email protected]

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

JewishTimeAsia_May12_115x168.ai 1 12年5月2日上午10:09

Mazal Tov to the State of Israel

on its 64th anniversary

and our deepest wishes of Peace &

Prosperity

The Jewish Welfare Board24/26 Waterloo Street

Singapore 187950


We are the first international law firm dedicated

to the business, personal and philanthropic

interests of successful people, their businesses,

families and advisers.

Sharon Ser and her partners wish Mazel Tov to the State of Israel on its 64th Anniversary

Hong Kong | Singapore | BVI London | Geneva | Milan | Zurich New York | New Haven | Greenwich www.withersworldwide.com

Mazal Tov to the

State of Israel on its

64th Anniversary and

our deepest wishes of

Peace & Prosperity

The United Jewish Congregation of Hong KongJewish Community Centre

One Robinson Place, 70 Robinson Road, Hong KongTel: (852) 2523 2985 Fax: (852) 2523 3961 www.ujc.org.hk

Best Wishes to the State of Israel on its

64th Anniversary

Michael & Judy Green and family


London Pearl Hong Kong LimitedSuppliers of the finest pearls to most international brands worldwide

[email protected]

Yerushalayim Shel Zahav

Infinity GroupThe leader in cross-border China private

equity funds and tech cooperation.www.infinity-equity.com

Hong Kong Office:Unit 3501 Lippo Centre, Tower 1,89 Queensway Road, Admiralty

Hong Kong

Mazal Tov to the

State of Israel

Happy 64th Birthday!

www.lsdco.com

Mazal Tov to the State of Israel

on its 64th Anniversary

and our deepest wishes of Peace

& Prosperityחג עצמאות שמח!

בס"ד


Congratulations to the State of Israel on its 64th

Anniversary

From

Sheri and Robert Dorfman

Mazal Tov to

the State of Israel


and our deepest wishes

of Peace and ProsperityMazal Tov to the State of Israel on its 64th Anniversary and our deepest wishes of Peace & Prosperity

All you could ask for in one

The IsraelI dIamond IndusTrycongraTulaTes

The sTaTe oF Israel on ITs 63rd IndePendenace day

Best wishes for happiness, peace & prosperity to all our friends and clients in the Far East

THE STATE OF ISRAEL ON ITS64TH INDEPENDENCE DAY


Rabbi Henig checking seder table

Setting up seder in Chengdu

Spending Pesach in China can be a difficult experience espe-cially for visitors but Chabad is making it a little easier and more welcoming.

Chabad has added the city of Chengdu on the map to compliment its other exist-ing Chabad centres in Yiwu, Guangzhou and Shenzhen. These locations are additional to the more established com-

Thai workers in new job placement scheme

Ben Gurion named as one of the leading mideast airports

A new job placement manage-ment scheme for Thais seek-ing employment in Israel is expected to pick its first batch of workers this month.

According to the Bangkok Post, Israeli Ambassador to Thailand, Itzhak Shoham, said about 200 job applicants will be selected at random under the scheme supervised by the Inter-national Organisation of Migra-tion (IOM). He said the IOM’s involvement in job placement will boost Thai and Israeli ef-forts to curb exploitation of workers.

The new management sys-tem is in line with an agreement Thailand and Israel have signed on placement of workers.

Under the agreement, the IOM will oversee the place-ment of Thai workers in Israel to help curb inflated job place-ment expenses which are hit-ting workers.

Thailand’s Labour Minis-try’s Department of Employ-ment recently scrapped a plan to send 5,000 Thai workers to Israel after learning the job placement expenses exceeded 300,000 baht a worker.

Ambassador Shoham said the plan overseen by the IOM will cap expenses at 69,000 baht, covering necessary costs such as air tickets and visa fees.

Labour Minister Paderm-chai Sasomsap said IOM in-tervention will prevent Thai workers being exploited. The ministry will inform job seekers of the new scheme to prevent them from falling victim to un-scrupulous job brokers. Prawit Khiangpol, director-general of the Employment Depart-ment, said the department has launched an inquiry into firms charging high brokerage fees.

Pesach historically pro-vides interesting statistics on matzah consumption.

According to Yeshiva World News, matzah exports from Israel amount to ap-proximately US$13.1 mil-lion. The main recipient of the biggest volume is the US, totaling US$7 million which has dropped recently, but still totals 52% of total matzah exports. Experts report the drop in the US is due to an increase of local production in the country.

The second largest re-cipient is Italy (10% of total exports), totaling US$1.3 million, Britain is in third place (9% of total exports) totaling US$1.2 million. In 2011, matzah’s from Israel were shipped to 53 coun-tries. These included: Azer-baijan, Uzbekistan, Nigeria, Uganda, Kenya, El Salvador, Macadamia, Philippines and Singapore.

Special ‘hand-made’ matzahs from Israel have recently hit record prices per box around the world.

A delegation of seven Israeli companies in the field of Homeland security (HLS) and defense visited Vietnam in March. It was coordi-nated by the Israeli Exports and International Coopera-tion Institute and the Eco-nomic and Trade Office, Embassy in Vietnam.

The workshop on HLS was organised by the em-bassy for the relevant minis-try and department officers in Vietnam. The delegation had meetings with the Min-istry of Defense, Northern Airports Corporation, Viettel group, GTel as well as with other local companies and distributors.

The visit was an opportu-nity for the Israeli companies to present new technology and their experience in HLS, and promote cooperation with the Vietnamese side.

Matzah consumption up

Homeland Security in Vietnam

Visitors attending seder in Chengdu

munities in Shanghai and Beijing that have excellent infrastructures for Jewish life.

The Chabad Chengdu Cen-tre was opened a few months ago and is run by Rabbi Dovi Heni. The Chengdu seder itself was held at the Traffic Hotel in downtown Chengdu to accom-modate the bigger turnout.

The seder was very well at-tended. A gathering of around 70 people, a mixture of mostly tourists and Israelis passing through, with a few Chengdu Jewish residents. The food was plentiful and the atmosphere was lively and relaxed. A few other Chabad shluchim were there to help out.

the improvement of passenger service level next to advanced technology and professional capabilities, while complying with high international service standards for passengers de-parting from and arriving in Israel,” the report added.

In 2011, more than 12.2 million passengers passed through Ben Gurion airport.

Ben Gurion’s Terminal 3, designed by Israel-Canadian architect Moshe Safdie, fea-tures a duty-free rotunda open 24 hours a day.

For the fifth consecutive year, Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport was named as one of the leading airports in the Middle East in the Air-ports Council International airport survey, published recently. Israel’s main inter-national airport was ranked third, after Dubai and Abu Dhabi airports.

The report, based on sur-veys checking more than 30 parameters and surveying mil-lions of travellers, said new technologies being introduced at Ben Gurion would situate it

at “the forefront of the interna-tional security technology.”

“Ben Gurion Airport has a strategy of continuous focus on

www.jewishtimesasia.org

Jewish Times Asia

Publisher & FounderPhilip Jay

Sub EditorTony Henderson

ContributorsTony HendersonDavid Shamah

Design & LayoutThe Green Pagoda Press Ltd

ChairmanRobert L Meyer

We welcome editorial enquiries and advertising requests.Please contact our email: [email protected]

PrinterDG3 Asia Limited6-9/F, Haking Industrial Bldg,34 Lee Chung Street,Chai Wan, Hong Kong

DistributionPP&D Company Ltd.

Jewish Times Asia is published by Jewish Times Asia Ltd© Copyright 2012

Jewish Times Asia LimitedSuite 2207-2209,Tower 2, Lippo Centre,Admiralty,Hong Kong

General Line:

Tel: (852) 2530 8177Fax: (852) 2530 8100

Representative Singapore:

Andrew LimMobile Tel: (65) 9631 7112Email:[email protected]

Jewish Times Asia is registered as a Hong Kong newspaper with the Government of the HKSAR.

Material in the newspaper may not be used or reproduced in any form or in any way without permission from the editor.

While every effort has been made that the content is true and accurate, the publisher is not responsible for any errors or omissions in the printed text.

Jewish Times Asia is distributed on a controlled circulation, complimentary to resident addresses and business’s in the region. In addition extra copies are available at synagogues, Jewish community centres, kosher restaurants, clubs and associations. The newspaper is also on EL AL flights between Israel & Asia.

Departure lounge


Join BHI in celebrating Israel’s 64th Independence Day

As Israel’s leading bank, Bank Hapoalim plays a significant part in ensuring a stable and dynamic domestic economy.

BHI Investment Advisors (Asia) Limited701, Ruttonjee House, 11 Duddell StreetCentral, Hong KongTel: (852) 3423-0838Fax: (852) 2840-0678

InvestmentAdvisors(Asia) Limited

Part of Bank Hapoalim Group www.bhibank.comYour Gateway to Israel

hong kong 16.8x24 yom_2012.indd 1 22/03/12 11:49

Regional News

Martial arts and combat sytems gaining momentum

Lieberman visits Singapore

As part of a regional visit to Asia, Avigdor Lieberman, Is-rael’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Af-fairs, flew to Singapore after his China tour in late March.

Singapore Foreign Affairs and Law Minister K Shanmu-gam hosted a dinner for the deputy prime minister who was accompanied by senior officials from the Israeli foreign minis-try.

During the dinner, the min-isters reaffirmed the longstand-ing relations between Singapore and Israel since Singapore’s early years of independence. The ministers also had a wide-ranging discussion on develop-ments in Asia, the Middle East and Iran’s nuclear programme.

Minister Shanmugam noted that there continues to be a se-vere confidence deficit in the international community over the nature of Iran’s nuclear programme, and that Iran’s right to produce nuclear energy for peaceful purposes was not inconsistent with its responsi-bility to restore international confidence in the nature of its

nuclear programme.

He cautioned against pre-cipitate actions and hoped that Iran would work with the inter-national community to achieve a peaceful long-term solution as conflict in the Gulf would have serious consequences for the global economy.

Both ministers also dis-cussed developments in the Middle East peace process.

Minister Shanmugam ex-pressed concern with the lack of progress and reiterated Sin-gapore’s support for a two-state solution, which would see Israel

and Palestine living side-by-side in peace and security.

A spokesman from Singa-pore’s Foreign Affairs Ministry said both sides should commit to an early resumption of nego-tiations, which would form the basis for a comprehensive solu-tion to a longstanding conflict.

While in Singapore, Deputy Prime Minister Lieberman met with Singapore President Tony Tan Keng Yam and Prime Min-ister Lee Hsien Loong, as well as with Deputy Prime Minister, Coordinating Minister for Na-tional Security and Minister for Home Affairs Teo Chee Hean.

Minister Avigdor Lieberman with Singapore’s K Shanmugam

MFA

Krav Maga

Philippine instructor Dindo de Jesus has officially become the highest ranking practitioner of Krav Maga, an Israeli com-bat system, in Asia.

This accord ing to Avi Moyal, chairman and chief instructor of the International Krav Maga Federation (IKMF), who promoted de Jesus to the rank of graduate level 4 during his brief visit to the country. De Jesus is currently the country director and chief instructor of IKMF Philippines and he has taught Krav Maga to members of the country’s law enforce-ment units.

Krav Maga is a practical tactical system developed in Is-rael that teaches how to prevent, deal with, and overcome all

kinds of attacks and is gaining popularity in many parts of the world.

On a separate develop-ment, Singapore is also look-ing to spearhead growth of an Israeli based martial art known as Kapap. The Singapore-based Kapap Federation Asia plans to open up centres in Asia includ-ing, Hong Kong, Taiwan and China. Chief instructor from the International Federation, Avi Nardia, has seen much progress in Asia.

“There is a big progression as Kapap starts to apply to se-curity companies in the region from VIP protection and secu-rity issues, to business people who need to secure themselves and CEOs who travel world-wide and want to feel more secure,” Nardia said.

In Singapore, the martial art has become a hit, especially among women who make up about 70% of the student base. In all, there are 2,500 practi-tioners. Kapap Federation Asia chief instructor Teo Yew Chye said: “I guess why Kapap ap-peals to women is because it is not a strength-based system.


Regional News

Chabad Torah dedication event in Seoul

Anhui delegation visits IsraelA delegation from China’s Anhui Province visited Isra-el from 12-15 March, headed by Ni Fake, vice governor of the province.

The delegation was look-ing to establish cooperation, in various business ties espe-cially in the fields of science, technology, medicine, agricul-ture and tourism.

During the visit, they met with Mina Goldiak, the Depu-ty Chief Scientist of the Israeli Ministry of Industry, Trade and Labour and visited some

Israeli companies including Vanir and Akol and signed cooperative agreements which was the highlight of the trip.

The province of Anhui is located in the North of China, producing a mix of agricultur-al products, specifically wheat, sweet potatoes and rice. Also, its natural resources, including iron, coal and copper.

One famous Anhui-based corporation is the automobile company Chery, based in Wuhu.

South Korea’s Jewish com-munity celebrated the dedica-tion of its first torah scroll on 4 March.

After four years, Rabbi Os-her Litzman with the support of the community and friends from around the world, com-missioned a new torah for the community. A sofer - scribe came from Israel to Seoul to allow the community to par-ticipate in the 613th command-ment or last mitzvah, being,

to write a torah, which can be fulfilled by completing a letter.

The occasion was probably the biggest Jewish event ever in Seoul with around 200 people present at the Grand Hyatt ho-tel. A band playing traditional tunes brought additional happi-ness to the occasion, to supple-ment a generous festive spirit and buffet.

Rabbi Litzman, said, “We have waited a long time for this to happen and now it’s finally

Families participating in completing a letter in the torah

Torch light procession

Guests at the event Rabbi Litzman in the centre

here. It’s a big milestone in the development of our Jewish community.”

Israel’s Ambassador to South Korea, Tuvia Israeli, praised Rabbi and Rebetzin Litzman for their leadership of the religious affairs of the com-munity and for their efforts in commissioning the new torah. “Each one of us should be very happy and thankful to live in Korea through this important step. Of course, this will not be finished until we have our own synagogue, but as Rabbi Litzman says, this will come. “If there is any other reason this gathering is important, that’s to show there is Jewish life in Korea,” he added.

Arriving from Hong Kong to attend, Rabbi Mordechai Avtzon, who established the first Chabad house in Asia in Hong Kong 26 years ago also congratulated Rabbi Litzman

for the achievement and ex-plained the importance of a strong Jewish community.

The community escorted the new torah under the chuppah in a procession to Chabad House with torches, festive music and dancing through the streets, much to the bemusement of the police escort and the locals.

At Chabad house a red carpet laid the way to the new

Aron Kodesh. The celebrations continued with the traditional hakafots. Songs of happy birth-day in several languages for Rabbi Litzman’s 30th birthday started the next session, sitting around the table as discussions ensued, late into the evening.

According to Chabad, there are about 500 Jews living in South Korea, mostly in the capital Seoul.

China’s Ambassador to Israel, Gao Yanping (centred), with the Anhui delegation, also in attendance was Zhou Guolin, Science and Technology Counselor of the Embassy of China.


Regional News

Technion University tapping Nepal talent One of the most sought af-ter destinations for technical studies, Israel’s Technion Uni-versity, is amongst the worlds top rankers.

Last year, three students from Nepal went to Israel to study at the Technion Inter-national School of Engineer-ing (ISE) for a undergraduate course with full scholarships.

Ariel Geva, Managing Di-rector ISE, was in Kathmandu in March to speak and inform about the institute to students and parents.

During his stay, Geva, visited secondary schools and also held a session at the Hotel Shangri La to discuss the vari-ous courses available.

Technion Institute offers full, partial and paid studies for the students aspiring to study undergraduate and graduate courses at the Institute.

Separately professors and students associated with Engi-neers Without Border-Technion are also involved in voluntary activities in Nepal. Technion has plans for student exchange programmes with Nepali uni-versities from next summer onwards.

The Technion – Israel Institute of Technology, was founded in 1912 and is a public research university in Haifa. The university offers degrees in science and engineering and re-lated fields such as architecture, medicine, industrial manage-ment and education. Technion is ranked among the top tech-nological institutes in the world and has a distinguished faculty including two Nobel prize win-ning scientists.

Celebrating Lag B’Omer on Mount MeronThousands of Israelis and tourists are expected to con-verge on Mount Meron for the annual Lag B’Omer pil-grimage to the resting place of kabbalist and author of the Zohar, Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai.

This year the festival will fall on 10 May, commemorat-ing the 33rd day of counting the Omer and the death of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai.

Ariel Geva speaking in Nepal

Israel’s Director-General of the Ministry of Tourism Noaz Bar Nir met the most senior Christian delegation ever to visit Israel from India.

The delegation members ar-rived in February included car-dinals, archbishops, bishops and priests, including his Eminence Oswald Gracias Cardinal Arch-bishop of Mumbai and Cardinal Mar George Alencherry, the head of the Syro Malabor Cath-olic Church in India.

During the meeting, the tourism minister discussed the process of strengthening the ties

Christian delegation from India visits Israel

India Delegation

between Israel and the Christian community in India. In recent years, there has been a consid-erable increase in the amount of incoming tourism to Israel from

India. The delegation visited Christian sites in Jerusalem and the Galilee and held meetings with Patriarchs and Vatican rep-resentatives in Israel.

It is traditionally celebrated with a mix of prayer, song, bonfires and the customary first hair cut for three-year-old boys.

Mount Meron is not only a site for pilgrimage but also offers walking trails with spectacular views from its 3000 foot peak.


Regional News

Hong Kong Jewish idol raising money for Magen David Adom

The Hong Kong Friends of Magen David Adom (MDA) Committee organised the first Hong Kong Jewish Idol event at Elsa High School Audito-rium. Titled Let’s rock, it was held on 25 March.

The evening event hosted 10 performers. The Hong Kong event was slightly amended from the TV reality show sing-ing competition, where the winner is determined by the viewers and a panel of judges who critique the contestants’ performances. Hong Kong Jew-ish Idol had no judges or votes and all the participants were winners!

The performers, aged from 7 to 40 years, all gave their best

shot in their respective reper-toire. All prepared very well under the leadership of local Jewish resident, actor, Howard Payley was the best mentor they could have had.

Over 100 guests enjoyed

watching the next generation of Hong Kong superstars over gourmet cheeses and wine.

The funds raised during the evening will go towards the MDA ambulance summer vol-unteer programme. The Hong Kong Friends of MDA is aim-ing to sponsor a few teenagers to train in emergency services in MDA facilities in Israel.

After that participants will have a unique opportunity to

spend 3 to 4 weeks on duty assisting senior medical and paramedical staff and experi-ence the daily “routine” of an ambulance station in ‘real life’ conditions.

The MDA Friends of Hong Kong Ambulance has been in service for more than four months and is contributing to

its core mission: to save lives in Israel. The committee will also be launching a new project towards the end of the summer, details of this have not been disclosed.

Please contact [email protected] if you are interested in the volunteer pro-gramme and/ or want to join one of MDA projects committee.

As Israel extends its coopera-tion on agriculture with India, Israeli companies have begun seeking opportunities in more states and locations some less familiar than others.

The Agrovision exhibition organised by Vidarbha Eco-nomic Development Council, and MM Acti Sci Tech Com-munications, had the presence of Israeli companies engaged in horticulture technologies and ir-rigation systems.

Vidarbha is in the state of Maharashtra. The Israeli gov-ernment, in association with the state government, is also com-ing up with developing a second ‘excellence centre’ on training in horticulture at Nagpur, the largest city in Vidarbha.

The centre is expected to be operational in six months and will mainly focus on orange

crops. Raviv Byron, chairman of Israel-India Chamber of Commerce, said that the firms participating in Agrovision showcased technologies on in-creasing the pomegranate yield as well as growing better variet-ies of the fruit.

One Israeli firm offered technology to productively grow avocados in India.

The Israel-India Chamber has taken part in similar events in other parts of the state, like Sangli and Beed.

Maharashtra is the second state after Haryana where a similar centre on vegetable cul-tivation was recently set up.

There are plans to have similar centres on pomegran-ates and mangoes in other parts of Maharashtra, according to an Israeli government spokesper-son in India.

Agriculture firms excel in Vidarbha


Business NewsBusiness News

Philippine-Israel Business Forum

The first official Philippine-Israel Business Forum in col-laboration with the Bureau of Trade Promotion of the De-partment of Trade and Indus-try, the Embassy of Israel and the Israel Chamber of Com-merce of the Philippines, was held in March.

More than 80 individuals from various industries and gov-ernment agencies attended the forum. The forum highlighted the potentials of both nations in terms of products, import-export accessibility, and invest-ment incentives which favour investors.

During the event Under Sec-retary Panlilio remarked on the huge opportunities that can be explored between the two na-tions in terms of technology and manpower.

The Philippine government recognised the importance of import-export activity with Is-rael. More collaboration and exploration to fully open trade activity with Israel was called for. Through the initiatives of the embassy and the chamber

New diamond grading system in IndiaA leading retail diamond and gold jewelry chain in India has adopted a polished dia-mond grading system devel-oped by an Israeli company to allow its customers to verify the quality of the diamonds they purchase.

Kirilal Kalidas Jewellers, based in south India, has chosen DiaScan machines which permit prospective customers to as-certain a diamond’s value. The machines, which cost just under US$10,000 each, are produced by Singapore-listed Sarin Tech-nologies, headquartred in Israel.

Suraj Shanta Kumar, direc-tor of the jewellery chain said that the machines would soon be available at all of its 10 stores, adding that until the advent of these devices, customers had no way of ascertaining the quality of smaller stones and could only

place their trust in diamond re-tailers.

Sarin chief executive officer Uzi Levami expressed satisfac-tion with Kirilal Kalidas Jewel-lers decision to acquire the Sarin machines, considering the move an important vote of confidence in the product.

Sarin Technologies Ltd pro-duces a number of gemology tools which permit for diamond cut and colour grading, shaping and sawing, and marking and in-scribing. The company products provide smart solutions for ev-ery stage and aspect of diamond design and manufacturing.

bassy, specifically on agricul-ture.

Late last year, the Israeli government donated a green-house and an agricultural park for farmers in Licab, Nueva Ecija. Bar-On stressed the im-portance of this undertaking to help farmers grow their opera-tions and their benefits, to uplift their livelihood.

Josef Gueta, incumbent president of Israel Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines and Chairman of the Foreign Chamber Council of the Phil-ippines shared how the Phil-ippines and Israel have had friendship and active trade ties since way back in 1947. The Philippines was the only Asian nation to vote in favour of UN partition resolution that cre-ated the country Israel and that formed the links between the two nations.

At present, Israel and Phil-ippines main import-export products are: electronics, mari-culture-aquaculture, chemicals, machinery, arms and ammuni-tions. Philippine trade activities with Israel rank at 37.

Mazal Tov to the State of Israel on its 64th Anniversary

Josef Gueta

Uzi Levami

DiaScan machine

Unit 703, 7/F, Lucky Building, 39 Wellington Street Central, Hong Kong

Tel: (852) 2147 2018 Fax: (852) 2147-2038Email: [email protected]: onyx-diamonds.com

Wishing peace and security on Israel’s 64th Anniversary

ONYX Diamonds (HK) LTD

with the support of the Depart-ment of Trade and Industry/Ex-port Bureau. Opportunities have to be fully identified and vigor-ously followed up.

Israel’s Ambassador, Me-nashe Bar-On underlined the present undertaking of the em-


Wishing Peace and Security on Israel’s 64th Anniversary

Room A, 16/F, Entertainment Building, 30 Queen’s Road Central, Hong KongTel: +852 2526 5885 Fax: +852 2526 5887 email: [email protected]

Art and Culture

Israel has moved to bolster bilateral trade t ies with China by voting to support joint industrial research and development (R&D) projects between the two countries.

Announced in April, the Chief Scientist’s Office at the Industry, Trade and Labor Min-istry is going to oversee the agreement, which will join 45 other bilateral accords aimed at encouraging cooperation be-tween Israeli and international companies.

Israeli Prime Minister Ben-jamin Netanyahu praised the agreement, telling ministers that Israel and China “together are a winning combination because we are two nations with magnif-icent traditions who also adopt modernism.”

Netanyahu said Israel is pursuing an ambitious goal of US$10 billion in exports to Chi-na over the next three years.

“The agreement is one of the most important tools we have to promote trade ties with China, as well as the establishment of a special fund to support (Israeli) companies operating in China and India,” said Industry, Trade and Labor Minister Shalom Simhon.

Ministry Chief Scientist Avi Hasson attributed the increase in Israeli exports to China to the strength of the domestic hi-tech industries. He said that his of-fice was committed to helping Israeli companies operate in the Chinese market.

R&D ventures boosted

Business News

Agritech Israel 2012 showcasing technologyMore than 7,000 foreign visi-tors from 115 countries are expected to converge at the Israel Trade Fairs and Con-vention Center in Tel Aviv between 15-17 May.

Agritech Israel 2012, the 18th International Agricultural Exhibition, is one of the world’s most important exhibitions in the field of agricultural tech-nologies and is held once every three years.

The event attracts ministers of agriculture, government rep-resentatives, experts, agricul-tural associations, agronomists, scientists,engineers and farm owners from around the world.

The exhibition provides an opportunity to see in one place the latest developments in the agricultural sector and advanced agro-technologies, especially in the fields of irrigation, water management, arid zone agricul-ture, intensive greenhouse cul-tivation, development of new seed varieties, and organic and ecologically-oriented agricul-ture.

Situated in one of the world’s most arid regions, Israel pioneered the concepts of drip irrigation, recycling, purifying and reuse of wastewater for ag-riculture purposes.

One highlight at the exhi-bition will be High-Tech dairy farming solutions from Israel.Representatives from Hof Ha-sharon Dairy Farm, SAE Afikim and SCR Precise Dairy Farming will demonstrate their advanced systems for herd management, monitoring and feeding, which are in use across the globe.

Afikim’s AfiMilk subsid-

iary recently taught two visit-ing groups of Chinese dairy farmers and dairy experts how to use AfiMilk technologies to increase milk production, im-prove efficiency and take care of the cows in the dairy farm and during milking sessions.

Back in 2001, MASHAV installed a complete demonstra-tion dairy farm in Beijing using Israeli technology.

Now considered China’s most efficient dairy farm, it serves as a training centre for thousands of dairy producers in China and neighbouring coun-tries.

AfiMilk equipment is in-stalled at 105 milking stations in China, and last year, a new dairy company in Vietnam signed a five-year contract with the Israeli company to set up its ambitious dairy farm proj-ect aimed to boost the supply and consumption of milk in the country.

“Israeli dairy farming is highly considered all over world for its high production per cow,” explains Pinhas Gur, head of professional services at AfiMilk.

Afikim Dairy with Chinese dairy farmers

Lenovo invests in Vertex’s new venture capital fund

“The investment in Vertex is aimed to continue our expan-sion in Israel by building a solid R&D presence in the country. We firmly believe in the great potential inherent in combin-ing the innovative technology and entrepreneurship of Israel-based companies with Lenovo’s global presence,” added He.

“We are delighted to wel-come Lenovo to our family of global investors. There is tre-mendous synergy between our investment focus and Lenovo’s long-term business goals,” said Ehud Levy, managing partner, Vertex Venture Capital.

“We believe that our stra-tegic partnership with Lenovo will significantly contribute to the further success of our com-panies as well as bolster the lo-cal Israeli High Tech sector,” Levy added.

“Based on our history since

Lenovo Group announced its investment in Vertex Venture Capital’s new VC fund as part of the company’s strat-egy to strengthen its presence in Israel.

Lenovo, is the world’s sec-ond-largest China based PC vendor, will make a significant investment to pursue new de-velopment opportunities in the areas of fixed and mobile broad-band communications. As well as in digital media technology and applications, enterprise IT, infrastructure and greentech.

“We have a very strong po-sition in Israel that mirrors our worldwide results. Lenovo is the number one provider of commercial laptop PCs in the country and the second largest PC vendor overall,” said George He, senior vice president and chief technology officer, Leno-vo.

inception over 15 years ago, we are confident that this relation-ship will prove to be a win-win-win situation: for Lenovo, for Vertex’s portfolio companies and for Vertex’s fund,” Levy concluded.

Vertex Venture Capital was founded in 1997, is a top-tier Israeli VC with US$600 million under management, and invests in high technology companies.

Ehud Levy


Greetings from the President of the State of Israelto the Jewish Communities in the Diasporaon the occasion of Israel’s 64th Independence DayDear Friends,

I am proud to celebrate Israel’s 64th Independence Day with you all. It is not only a day of celebration, but also one to reflect upon and realize that the reality we have built is much more than the vision we once dreamed.

The remarkable achievements we have made in six decades are evidence of an unyielding spirit which define the Jewish people. We returned to our home-land, rich in history, yet scarce in land, meager in natural resources. We had no choice but to invest in our greatest asset – our people. And we did, together with you. Israel grew tenfold in population, fifty-fold in gross domestic product. We absorbed millions of Jews from around the world. We built beautiful towns and prosperous cities, the new alongside the old, the past next to the future. We have built an extraordinary country, due to our extraordinary people. Today, we can proudly look upon our thriving economy, innovation serves as Israel’s heartbeat, and creativity runs through our veins.

Yom Haatzmaut, Independence Day, is also a time to remember those who defended and served our country, many of whom sacrificed their lives for our young state. Today Israel is still on the unwavering quest for peace and we will never abandon our thirst to live in harmony with our neighbors. The ideals on which Israel’s father David Ben Gurion founded our nation are the very same ideals we live by today, and reflect the principles of justice and freedom instilled by our prophets.

It is with great joy that I celebrate with you our modern day miracle, the State of Israel. Our mutual unwavering commitment to each other is crucial. The young generation’s commitment to our state is essential as our shared tomorrow will be defined by innovation. As partners of our nation, your ability to secure a future defined by scientific development and discoveries is vital to our shared mission.

My friends, the challenges of our time are demanding. Today, together, let us wave the flags for the future of Israel, as an independent and democratic state. Let us wave the flags of peace, security and brotherhood.

Chag Atzmaut Sameach!

Shimon Peres

www.zim.com

חג עצמאות שמח!

Celebrating withthe State of Israelits 64th anniversary!

Hong Kong

Guangzhou

Hong Kong Office: 57th Floor, The Center, 99 Queen’s Road Central, Hong KongTel : (852) 2868 2866Fax : (852) 2868 5820Web Site: www.robertsonshk.com

Guangzhou Office:Unit E, 12th Floor, Gaosheng Building, 109 Tiyuxi Road, Guangzhou, China Postal Code: 510620Tel : (86) 20 3879 5260 Fax : (86) 20 3879 5468

Best wishes to the State of Israel on its 64th Anniversary

Contacts:

Jeremy Levy (852) 2861 8403Email: [email protected]

Samantha Gershon (852) 2861 8452Email: [email protected]


Mazal Tov to the State of Israel on its 64th Anniversary & Our Deepest Wishes of Peace and Prosperity

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Greeting to Diaspora Communities for Israel’s 64th Independence Day

Israel’s Independence Day is a time for us to consider what makes Israel truly unique.

Israel is unique in restoring sovereignty, and the capacity for self-defense, to a people who had been stateless and powerless for 2,000 years.

Israel is unique in ingathering to an ancestral homeland an exiled people who had been scattered around the globe.

Israel is unique in having become a global technological power despite the fact that we face threats faced by no other nation on earth.

Israel is unique in the Middle East for having a vibrant, liberal democracy where women are equal, minorities are free and where all are subject to the rule of law.

But Israel is unique in one other important way: we are unique in having such passionate friends, Jews and non-Jews alike, for whom the well-being, security and future of our country are so important. This passionate support, along with Israel’s strong army, free economy and dynamic society, is the pillar of our national strength.

And this Independence Day, I want to thank the tens of millions of friends of Israel throughout the world for their unwavering support for the one and only Jewish state.

Sincerely,

Benjamin Netanyahu


Congratulations to the State of Israel on its 64th Anniversary

The State of Israel has always been famous for its innovation and creativity and it is in this spirit that we wish to make a change to our activities in Hong Kong this year.

Traditionally, the Consulate General of Israel in Hong Kong celebrates Israel’s Independence Day every year in an official reception. This year, I have decided to make a contribution from the budget of the Independence Day celebration, a donation of HK$139,888, to the Society for the Relief of Disabled Children at a presentation ceremony on May 3.

In Judaism, the religion of the Jewish people, there is great importance to “Netina” – giving, appreciating and understanding. The donation is in itself a translation of this value into reality. It is also a token of appreciation for the close friendship of Israel with Hong Kong.

Israel and Hong Kong have been enjoying a longtime and valuable bilateral relationship. Last year, Israel’s Minister of Industry, Trade and Labour and delegation paid an official visit to Hong Kong and met with Hong Kong SAR Government officials and local business leaders.

In terms of bilateral agreement, the Agreement for Surrender of Fugitive Offenders was initialed last July between the Hong Kong SAR and the State of Israel. The au-thorities of Israel and Hong Kong are also in the process of preparing the signing of the agreements on industrial R&D in the coming months and on double taxation in 2013.

On R&D collaboration, the Consulate is working closely with Israel’s Weizmann Institute of Science, one of the world’s leading multidisciplinary research institutions, and the office of Hong Kong’s Commissioner for Innovation and Technology on the establishment of a R&D centre in Hong Kong.

Israel, which is two-thirds arid, has become a world leader in water technologies, with a track record for pioneering the fields of drip irrigation, water recycling and desalination. In Hong Kong, Israel is working with the local authority through two Israeli water tech companies, one using software analysis to monitor water and wastewater systems for leaks and other faults, and the other a billing management company.

An Israeli water technology incubator’s start-up company has also received a US$2.6 million investment from a Hong Kong venture capital company. Other Hong Kong investment in Israeli technology includes four Israeli start-up companies, in video-editing, navigation technology and smart phone applications.

There were two major business delegations from Hong Kong to Israel this year. One was led by the Federation of Hong Kong Industries, and composed of distinguished local business leaders, to share knowledge and experience in sectors such as electronic, energy, and water and environmental technologies. In exchange, a business delegation from Israel will come visit Hong Kong in the coming June.

The other business delegation was arranged for the senior representatives of two leading Hong Kong wine importers to attend the fourth International Wine Exhibi-tion - “ISRAWINEXPO 2012” and to tour the wine regions in Israel. This followed the other visits to Israel by the two Hong Kong-based Masters of Wine, both in 2010 respectively.

On arts and cultural activities, the Programme Director of the Hong Kong Arts Festival Society went to Israel last year to look into the latest repertoires of the different Israeli art companies and to check out the up-and-coming artists. The Consulate will collaborate with the Hong Kong Arts Festival Society to present a number of modern dance performances and world music concerts in the 2013 festival.

Israel is determined to share our innovation and creativity, be that in the forms of technology or arts, with Hong Kong, China and the world. We believe in a better future, and by sharing we hope we will be a step forward.

Message by Consul General of the State of Israel in Hong Kong and Macau Ambassador Amikam Levy on the occasion of the 64th Independence Day of the State of Israel

SwissPrivateBanking


ww

w.meatmarket.hk

fancy a bit of meat?fancy a bit of meat?

ww

w.meatmarket.hk

I Love Korea video contest New play about Jewish refugees in Shanghai

Art and Culture

The popularity of South Ko-rean culture in Israel over the past years has provided tremendous opportunities to share cultures and friendship between the two countries.

South Korea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade is holding a video contest for Israeli citizens to take part in. Entitled “I love Korea, be-cause...”, the organisers will invite the winning video con-testant to visit South Korea.

Participants are requested to make a 3 minute video clip on why they love Korea and on its diverse attractions including traditional culture, K-POP, landscape, economic development or personal ex-

periences related to the coun-try. There is no age limit and participants can submit their video through YouTube.

According to the organis-ers there will be a total of 11 award winners. The Grand Prize winner will receive a South Korean brand car, an in-vitation to the country (includ-ing round-trip airfare), and see a K-POP live show. Other winners will receive lap-tops, tablet PCs, digital cameras. The results will be announced in June 2012.

A poster promoting the play

A historical drama entitled North Bank Suzhou Creek that explores the intersection of Jewish refugees, Japanese officials, and local Chinese coexisting in Shanghai during WWII was recently shown in Shanghai.

It was performed at the Shanghai Jewish Refugees Mu-seum, and for two nights at the Shanghai Theatre Academy. It will be premiered in New York in May.

The play is about Jewish refugees in Shanghai immedi-ately preceding the establish-ment of the Jewish Ghetto in

Hongkou, set around a Jewish-run café on the northern bank of Suzhou creek. When Shana, the café owner’s daughter, finds herself pursued by both Mr. Su-zuki, a local Japanese official, and Songyao, a Chinese resis-tance fighter, she must decide whether to follow her heart or save her family.

Performed bilingually in Chinese and English and in-tegrating popular Klezmer, Hollywood, and Chinese folk melodies from the period, this is a moving, educational, and artistically daring new play.

The former Ohel Moshe

synagogue, housed in the Shanghai Jewish Refugees Museum, was drastically trans-formed into a Jewish café of the 1940s. Ohel Moshe is one of two old synagogues in Shang-hai and is located at the heart of what used to be the Jewish Ghetto in Hongkou District.

North Bank Suzhou Creek was written by Vice President of the Shanghai Theater Acade-my Dr. William Sun. It is co-di-rected by two Jewish-American directors, Michael Leibenluft and Jeffrey Seichel. The cast of 6 includes 3 Western actors and 3 Chinese actors.

North Bank Suzhou Creek

Israel Fruit Festival opensAs part of the celebration of the 20th anniversary of diplo-matic relations between Israel and China, the Israel Fruit Festival 2012 opened on 17 April at the Shanghai Jewish Refugees Museum. The festi-val will last for a month.

Four well-known Israeli fruit and wine companies are

participating and providing a selection of fruits such as dates, citrus, red grapefruit and wine.

During the festival, the consulate has launched a bi-lingual website www.fruitday.com providing on-line fruit and wine offers to local and Jewish residents in Shanghai.


Hue Festival 2012 - enjoying culture from around the world

Art and Culture

Opening Ceremony

One of the most important culture festival events held in Vietnam, the Hue Festival, took place between 7-15 April. The festival is staged every two years in Hue City, the an-cient capital city of Vietnam.

This year’s theme, Cultural heritage with integration and development – a meeting place of historical cities is part of the National Tourism Year 2012 for Vietnam.

The event drew over 2 mil-lion visitors, of which approxi-mately half as international tourists. Amongst the many

country participants, four Israeli artists performed, including a 4–piece rock band.

Well over 25 art troupes from 27 countries and territories attended the festival, including France, England, Denmark, Japan, South Korea, Australia, Israel, India, Mexico, US, Phil-ippines, Russia, South Africa.

The Hue Festival is an inter-national festival of culture, arts, and tourism. Highlights this year included: street arts perfor-mances, musical concerts, folk music, a drums and percussion festival, jazz night, historical film evenings, puppetry, martial arts and dance performances. Team India with trophy

India-Israel chess match

on the final day. Winning seven games in all, Sasikiran just con-ceded a single draw when he could not force matters against Vitali Golod in the rapid game.

Both countries fielded very competitive teams including Grandmaster’s Illya Smirin, Tal Baron, Vitaly Golod and Gil Popliski representing Israel. All the matches were followed closely on the web, as the games were beamed live.

This year is special for both India and Israel as far as the game of chess goes, from 10 May, first sons in chess from both countries, Viswanathan Anand and Boris Gelfand will battle it out for the ultimate title in Moscow.

An India-Israel chess match was organised by the All India Chess Federation under the aegis of World Chess Federa-tion with the support of Em-bassy of Israel in New Delhi.

The tournament took place at Airport Authority of India Officers’ Institute in New Delhi in April.

The Indian team outclassed their Israeli counterparts 29.5-18.5 in the India-Israel 2012 match, a curtain raiser to the world chess championship 2012 in Moscow.

Second highest rated In-dian Grandmaster Krishnan Sasikiran paved the way for his team’s victory scoring a mas-sive 7.5 out of a possible eight

WITH THE SUPPORT OF

PRESENTED BY ORGANISED BY MAJOR PARTNER OF LE FRENCH MAY主辦

支持

籌劃「法國五月」主要夥伴

© S

ucce

ssion

Pica

sso

2012

.

LFM_Picasso_115mm_168mm.pdf 1 2/5/12 9:32 AMDance troupes Drum Festival


Israel Diamond Museum opens Judaica Exhibition

Art and Culture

Rolls Royce

Kungfu Revelations 9 Scrolls

Solar System

Ferris Wheel

51st Israel Festival providing celebration in art

A remarkable exhibition of Israeli silver Judaica entitled Chains of Silver has been opened to the public. The ex-hibition is running from April through July at the Harry Oppenheimer Diamond Mu-seum (HODM) in Ramat Gan.

In a special ceremony to open the event attendees in-cluded the former Chief Rabbi of Israel and Chief Rabbi of Tel Aviv, Israel Lau, the Mayor of Ramat Gan, Zvi Bar, and Chairman of the Executive of the museum and President of the Israel Diamond Exchange Yair Sahar. The curator of the exhibition is Yehuda Kassif, art director of the HODM.

The exhibition is the first at the museum to deal with the importance of Judaica, which increasingly attracts collectors all over the world. According to Yair Sahar, whereas most of the previous exhibitions were de-voted to diamonds and jewels that adorn the body, this exhibit deals with glorifying the soul. “What are presented here are the jewels of faith, the orna-ments of religious precepts, and the adornments of good deeds,” Sahar said.

Guest of honour Chief Rabbi Lau said that the impor-tance of silver religious objects

Exhibits on display

is seen over 3000 years ago during the exodus from Egypt, when the Jewish people carried with them “utensils of silver, gold and clothing.” He said that there is a strong relationship between silver and diamonds: both are precious substances, both represent traditional Jew-ish professions and both en-abled wealth to be easily trans-ferred from place to place.

The exhibition features more than 70 magnificent silver pieces, created by the Israeli artists Mauriciu Samuel and Itzhak Luvaton. Some of the items are based on traditional designs and include ritual wine

cups, spice boxes, Mezuzot and Chanukah lamps.

Others are intricate silver sculptures of everyday objects – a Harley Davidson motorcy-cle and sidecar, a Rolls Royce Silver Cloud, a bicycle, an airplane, the solar system, a fer-ris wheel – which have hidden within them ritual objects such as Shabbat candle holders, wine cups, Torah pointer, miniature books of Psalms, or Chanukah spinning tops.

These objects are at once faithful miniature replicas pro-duced in a precious metal and at the same time functional rit-

ual objects for Jewish religious observance.

Samuel is the third genera-tion of a family of silversmiths. Born in Romania, he trained professionally with his father, Meister Leo Samuel and master artists in Israel.

Luvaton was born in Israel. He began as a jewelry maker and designer and completed his training at the Bezalel Academy of Art in Jerusalem. Both stud-ied etching under Yasha Ben-Zion and have since become artistic partners in the field of Judaica. Their works are found among the most prominent Judaica collections, at muse-ums and galleries, and in syna-gogues around the world.

HODM i s pa r t o f IDI Group, showcases the achieve-ments of Israel’s diamond in-dustry, and enables the visitor to follow the diamond on its fascinating journey “from the depths of the earth to the heart of human being.”

Located in the heart of the diamond complex, it is a cul-tural and educational centre that attracts thousands of visi-tors every year. The permanent exhibition combines artifacts, displays and information and uses video segments to enhance the experience of the visitor.

Saburo Teshigawara, Mirror & Music

The Israel Festival Jerusa-lem that began in 1961 with a modest series of classical concerts in Caesarea has be-come not just one of the most important events in Israel’s cultural calendar but also a festival of repute on the inter-national stage.

Today, the 51st Israel Festi-val is a three-week celebration of the performing arts featuring

31 different events in dance, theatre, jazz, classical, Israeli and world music, with interna-tional and Israeli performers.

The festival will be held from 23 May - 14 June and opens with a tribute to the late, Yossi Banai at Safra Square. It will feature contributions from 12 countries, including Japan, the first nation in Asia to recog-nise Israel which is celebrating

60 years of diplomatic relations and the Czech Republic and China – both of which are cel-ebrating 20 years of relations.

To mark the anniversary each has sent some of its best to the Festival. Some of the highlights of this year include: Yamato drummers of Japan with Gamushara (reckless in Japanese), and from China, Nine Scrolls, a legend that traces the development of Kung Fu.

Charlie Chaplin’s daughter Victoria Thierre Chaplin di-rects her own daughter Aurelia Thierée in her surrealistic non-verbal Murmures des Murs, the story of a woman seeking her place in the world.

Two kinds of Baroque music from the 17th and 18th centuries are on offer: Accentus Austria will perform folk and classical music from the then-Austro-Hungarian Empire, and from Columbia comes Musica Ficta, giving visitors the rare

chance to hear music by South American composers.

In dance, Tango fans will be able to experience Tangueros Del Sur from Argentina, and dance sensation from Japan Sa-buro Teshigawara and his com-pany offer Mirror and Music.

Most events take place in and around the Jerusalem The-ater complex and other Jerusa-lem venues.

For further details, visit http://www.israel-festival.org.il. Murmures des Murs

Ric

har

d H

aug

hto

n


An airport security check that some felt was excessive didn’t sour members of a

Chinese trade mission, who see Israel as a source of many technologies that China needs to grow.

Israel, as a country with a plethora of enemies, could stand to make a few more friends — and for that friend-ship, Israel has begun looking east. Among those potential friends is China, which until now has been somewhat re-luctant to engage in full-blown business and diplomatic rela-tions with Israel.

Not anymore, though, Cari-ce Witte, a noted Israeli expert on China, told The Times of Israel. “China now feels con-fident enough to use its new-found political weight to begin its involvement in key areas of the world where it feels it has important interests, and one of those areas is the Middle East,” Witte said. And as founder and director of SIGNAL, Sino-Israel Global Network & Aca-demic Leadership, Witte wants to help make sure that China is exposed to Israel’s understand-ing of the Middle East story.

It’s for that reason SIG-NAL, which sees its mission as “enhancing China’s and Israel’s strategic, diplomatic, cultural and economic relation-ship through academia,” Witte said, organised a delegation of top Chinese businesspeople to Israel, the first of its kind. The businesspeople represent firms seeking investment opportuni-ties abroad. Actually, the group of 25 businesspeople and aca-demics from the Middle East Research Center at Shanghai Jiaotong University (which SIGNAL works closely with) had been invited to the Palestin-ian Authority; and when Witte found out they were visiting the PA, she arranged for visas to ensure that they visit Israel as well.

“Now that it has strength-ened politically and economi-cally to the point where it sees i tself as a growing ‘great power,’ China has changed what had in the past been a tacit acceptance of Israeli ties to an active ‘constructive participa-tion’ policy, where it plans to become involved in the Middle East,” Witte said. “Part of it is due to pressure from the Ar-abs, who want China to use its weight in the Israel-Palestinian conflict, but for China it’s about much more than politics: Bei-jing sees in Israel a strategic regional partner that has much

Chinese business delegation goes tech-shopping in Israel

hear on the news in general is propaganda, so they figure what they hear about Israel is as well. Thus those that can come and see the reality on the ground are most anxious to do so.”

One issue that any foreign company coming to do busi-ness in China is advised to look out for is the protection of intel-lectual property; China not only has a poor reputation in defend-ing IP, but is often accused of encouraging its theft. Unfairly, says Chen. “IP theft is nothing new and goes on all over the world, including in the West. China’s greater ‘sin’ in this re-gard is perhaps that it is better and more successful at reverse engineering than many others.”

Nevertheless, he said, the government has made protect-ing IP a priority. “China realizes it needs to upgrade its economy from its current mass manufac-turing base to more of a tech economy.

This is already beginning to happen – we are already see-ing Chinese-made world-class products and labels being de-veloped, as Chinese consumers demand better quality.” Besides, the government has learned, it can’t bite the hand that feeds it; while many companies are willing to risk the possibility of IP theft in order to enter the Chinese market, figuring that the money they make will off-set other losses, China realizes that the companies with the most important technologies — the ones that China most needs — will choose to stay away. “So Israeli tech companies can feel comfortable working in China,” Chen said.

Eventually, it’s possible that Israeli companies may even begin looking east for invest-ments, instead of west, Chen said. “Here in China, there are hundreds of municipali-ties that are trying to promote themselves as the next Silicon Valley, and each year there are dozens of trade missions to California investigating ways China can repeat America’s suc-cess as a high-tech innovator. Eventually I think China will succeed in becoming an impor-tant high-tech center, but this may not happen for a while.” And that’s another important factor for China in seeking bet-ter relations with Israel. “Israel is closer than China to the ‘real’ Silicon Valley, in concept and practice. Israel can be a bridge to help China achieve the high-tech future it is seeking.”

Supplied by David Shamah. The article was reprinted with permission of the Times of Israel

country as well, because they were carrying “suspicious looking” paraphernalia – bags, booklets and trinkets with Ara-bic writing which they picked up on their visit to Ramallah, where they meet with PA offi-cials.

Chen, who is quite familiar with Israeli ways – he speaks Hebrew fluently, is one of China’s most prominent Bible scholars, and won a prize in 1994 for translating A. B. Ye-hoshua’s novel Three Days and a Child into Mandarin — understands the concerns, more than the other members of the delegation. “Members of the group were familiar with Israel’s security issues, but it’s another thing to actually experi-ence the practical application of those issues,” Chen told The Times of Israel. “Chinese people are generally very patient, but I think any business person, Chi-nese or otherwise, would have to be at least somewhat upset over such an extensive security check.”

Nevertheless, Chen said that the group had enjoyed a fruitful trip to Israel and the PA, and had learned a great deal about potential investments. “China has a good relationship with Israel, and has great respect for the Jewish people. I emphasize this when I speak to Arab of-ficials in China, but of course China is interested in promoting peace and coexistence where it can be of assistance. It’s for this reason I believe strongly in SIGNAL’s model of bringing not only high-level government officials to Israel, but also busi-nesspeople,” Chen said.

And, there is a great deal of interest among many Chinese to learn more about Israel. “They realize that much of what they

to offer China.”

Why, indeed, would a behe-moth like China be interested in making friends with little Israel, considering its strong ties to Arab countries, and especially to Iran — as well as its depen-dence on those countries for its insatiable energy needs? Actu-ally, it is just that dependence that is driving China toward Israel, Witte said. “Israel’s rep-utation as an innovator in clean alternative energy production, solar energy, and innovative engineering are well known to China’s leaders, and China is very interested in implementing similar programs in order to re-duce its dependence on foreign fossil fuel.”

Besides energy technology, Israel can help China in three other key areas where the needs are great: Water reclamation/purification, agricultural tech-nology and security. “If there’s one thing China values, it is sta-bility, and for stability you need enough food and water and suf-ficient energy. Israel has faced these challenges head on and has developed the appropriate technologies to deal with them successfully. China sees this example and wants very much to import it,” Witte said.

Naturally, Israel benefits as well, as companies gain access to the huge Chinese market. This past week, Finance Min-ister Yuval Steinitz signed a billion-shekel deal with China in which Israel will set up water technology projects in China, with Beijing guaranteeing a credit line that Israel will grant to exporters approved for the programme. This is in addition to other major Israeli projects already going on in China, in-cluding Israeli development of China’s first Water Treatment

Industrial Park, to introduce advanced water treatment tech-nologies from Israel that serve the needs of the huge China water market.

While things are clearly moving in the right direction, there is still plenty that could go awry in Israel-China rela-tions, Witte said. “There’s never been anti-Semitism among the Chinese people, but plenty of it is now getting into the country, as Arabs and others attempt to sway China to lean on Israel.

This is already taking its toll, and Israel must build a broad-based network of rela-tionships with China in order to build an awareness among Chinese of who we are, before someone else does it for us in a negative way.” As an extremely conservative country, China tends to build its friendships slowly, with those friendships based on mutual trust. “Foster-ing that trust is an important part of what we do at SIG-NAL,” Witte added.

Unfortunately, that trust took a bit of a blow when the Chinese delegation arrived in Israel, as well as when it left, said Professor Yiyi Chen, who may be more familiar with Is-rael and Israeli culture than any of China’s 1.4 billion people. “Among the businesspeople were many who have been to countries that Israel does not get along with, like Libya, Iran, and Syria,” he said. “When security personnel at Ben Gurion Airport saw those stamps in their pass-ports, they pulled over some members of our delegation for thorough security checks that lasted nearly an hour and a half.”

Similarly, members of the group underwent lengthy trips when they were leaving the

The Chinese delegation at the Western Wall


www.jewishtimesasia.org

Jeremy Amias, Director HKHTC

Yom Hashoah

A day to remember victims of the Holo-caust takes place on the Hebrew calen-

dar of 27 Nisan. The official day was established in 1959. Commonly known as Yom Hashoah - Holocaust Memo-rial Day, is held eight days be-fore Yom Ha’Atzmaut - Israel Independence Day.

On Yom Hashoah in Israel, flags are flown at half mast and there is a state ceremony held at Yad Vashem the Holocaust Martyrs’ and Heroes Remem-berance Authority. At 10am air raid sirens are sounded for two minutes and all activity comes to a halt.

In the Diaspora, the day is marked with ceremonies and rituals that include the lighting of memorial candles and the recitation of Kaddish - Mourn-ers Prayer.

In Hong Kong, the ceremo-ny was held on 19 April in the evening at the Jewish Commu-nity Centre. It was organised by the Hong Kong Holocaust and Tolerance Centre (HKHTC), Jewish Tzofim of Hong Kong and contributions from Sabine and Sylvain Gilbert. This years programme included prayers, testimonial readings and music.

On display to the entrance of the event was the book Pas-

sage Des Temoins - passage of witness organised by the Gilbert family. There were photos of the 40 contributors to the book, these were the 40 survivors of the Auchwitz Birkenau camp. Both young men and women taken between the ages 15-16 in Belgium, mostly of Polish descent.

Each one wrote his or her story in their own way. Sabine Gilbert read one story during the ceremony. She happen to choose Nathan Ramet.

“I talked to his wife two weeks before, just checking to see if he was alive and he was already in intensive care,” Gil-bert commented.

“I didn ' t know that he passed away until two days before the ceremony and that

two of his grandchildren were living in Hong Kong, it is a co-incidence,” she added.

Jeremy Amias, Director of HKHTC, introduced the programme with an opening address. Six candles were lit representing collectively the memory of the six million Jews that perished during the Holo-caust.

The Yitzkor prayer was recited by Rabbi Asher Oser, Ohel Leah Synagogue and Rab-bi Mordechai Avtzon, Chabad Hong Kong recited El Maleh Rahamim.

A selection of readings, poems and letters were read by members of the Tzofim, includ-ing: Among all the Nations by Natan Alterman, A letter to hell by Tzvi Hameiri, and Let us say Kaddish by Elie Wiesel.

Rabbi Stanton Zamek, Unit-ed Jewish Congregation, read the Psalm of David and chazan Diego Edelberg sang a musical

Lighting of Memorial Candles

Attendees at the ceremony

Tzofim performing during the ceremony

Passage Des Temoins

Rabbi Mordechai Avtzon

Sabine Gilbert Rabbi Stanton ZamekRabbi Asher Oser

Sylvain Gilbert

piece entitled Arim Roshi.

Other musical interludes were performed by Tzofim. A moving video clip depicting the Holocaust was also shown dur-ing the ceremony.

Sylvain Gilber t , Hong Kong resident and Holocaust Survivor gave an address on his experiences of growing up as a Hidden Child in Belgium during the Holocaust. The ceremony was completed with the singing of the Hatikva, the national anthem of Israel.

The community truly united and shared in the collective grief over the tragedy of the Holocaust. The event was at-tended by around 200 members and visitors, all of Hong Kong’s Jewish congregations were rep-resented and involved.

In a break with tradition, the Hong Kong Jewish Film Fes-tival organised a screening of In Darkness at a local cinema straight after the Yom Hashoah event. The screening was co-presented with the Poland Hong Kong Chamber of Com-merce. The film was very well attended, shown simultaneously in three cinema theatres, and around 330 people watched.

In Darkness was Poland’s entry for the Best Foreign Lan-guage Film Oscar in 2011. The film tells the story of sewer worker and petty thief in Lvov, a Nazi occupied city in Poland, he encounters a group of Jews trying to escape the liquidation

of the ghetto. He hides them for money in the labyrinth of the town’s sewers beneath the bus-tling activity of the city above. What starts out as a straightfor-ward and cynical business ar-rangement turns into something very unexpected.

Remembering the Holocaust


Yom Hazikaron

Israel’s Fallen Soldiers

Israel’s parliament, the Knesset, established the Hebrew date of 4 Iyar, the day preceding Yom

Ha’Atzmaut as Yom Hazikaron - Memorial Day for soldiers who lost their lives in battle for the creation of the State of Is-rael and all those soldiers who died subsequently defending the country.

In Israel, as with Yom Has-hoah, throughout the entire day places of entertainment, shops and restaurants are closed. Broadcasters play programmes about Israel’s wars and show programming that convey the sombre mood of the day.

The commemoration, also

includes two air raid sirens. The first marks the beginning of the Memorial Day and the second is sounded immediately prior to the public recitation of prayers in military cemeteries.

A national ceremony is held at the military cemetery on

Mount Herzl, where many of Israel’s leaders and soldiers are buried. There is a special Re-memberance Prayer and Memo-rial Prayer for members of the Israeli Defense Forces who died in the line of duty.

In Hong Kong, the event was held on 24 April at the Jew-ish Community Centre. Organ-ised by Israel’s Consulate office in Hong Kong and with assis-tance of Tzofim in Hong Kong. This years event was conducted in Hebrew.

A large gathering of Israeli nationals attended, a mixture of local community members and visitors. Rabbi Mordechai Avtzon, Chabad in Hong Kong, recited El Maleh Rachamim for Tzofim performing

Rafael Aharoni Consulate General Amikam Levy

IT’S WHOYoU KNoW

That gets you the best table in the hottest restaurant in town at the very last minute.

Or a pair of up-front tickets to a sold-out concert.

Or a seat on a booked-out flight to Beijing.

It’s who you know that makes your life easier and gives youwhat you want, when you want it.

Not surprising then that it’s also the way you find exactly thatright person to fill a top position in your company.

And, in this instance, all you have to know is us.

HONG KONG EXECUTIVE SEARCHNancy Neumann

Managing Director http://www.hkes.net

Rm.803,8/F.,DanniesHouse 3203,32/F.,UnitedPlaza 20LuardRoad,Wanchai 1468NanJingRd.West HongKongSAR,China Shanghai200040,China Tel(852)25328338 Tel(8621)62897676

the fallen soldiers in Israel’s wars and Rafael Aharoni recited Kaddish.

The lighting of the memo-rial candle was performed by Tzofim, recitals, readings and musical interludes were also

performed by Tzofim.

A special key note address was given by Israel Consulate General to Hong Kong.

The singing of Israel’s na-tional anthem Hatikvah, con-cluded the ceremony.

Rabbi Mordechai AvtzonLighting the Memorial Candle

Wishing

Peace and Security

on Israel’s

64th Anniversary

Your business partner offering tailored financial and strategy advisory services to accelerate your

growth and success in Greater China.

[email protected]


JOHNNY’S PHOTO & VIDEO SUPPLY LTDJOHNNY’S PHOTO & VIDEO SUPPLY LTD

Best Wishes to the State of Israel on its 64th Anniversary

Tel : (852) 2877 2227, (852) 2877 2304Fax : (852) 2877 2120Email: [email protected]

Opening Hours:Mon - Sat 9am - 7pmSunday closed

Yom Ha’Atzmaut

Israel’s Independence Day

Israel Independence Day - Yom Ha'Atzmaut is cel-ebrated annually on the anniversary of the estab-

lishment of the State of Israel on 5 Iyar.

The day preceding this celebration is devoted to the memory of those who gave their lives for the achievement of the country’s independence and its continued existence.

This proximity is intended to remind people of the heavy price paid for independence. On this day the entire nation re-members its debt and expresses eternal gratitude to its sons and daughters who gave their lives for the achievement of the country’s independence and its continued existence.

“After Remembrance Day, the State of Israel celebrates its 64th birthday. The unbreakable bond between Remembrance Day and Independence Day un-derscores the fact that our dear ones who fell in Israel’s wars did not fall in vain. Thanks to them, the State arose. Thanks to them, the State of Israel will continue to develop and

prosper, and thanks to them the members of the younger gen-eration will also be able to live their lives in security and tran-quility,” Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said .

On 14 May, 1948, the day the British Mandate expired, the new Jewish state - the State of Israel - was formally es-tablished in parts of what was known as the British Mandate for Palestine. With the estab-lishment of the State of Israel in 1948, Jewish independence was restored after 2,000 years.

Independence Day is a cel-ebration of the renewal of the

Jewish state in the land of Isra-el, the birthplace of the Jewish people.

In this land, the Jewish people began to develop its distinctive religion and culture some 4,000 years ago, and here it has preserved an unbroken physical presence, for centuries as a sovereign state, at other times under foreign domina-tion.

Throughout history, the yearning to return to the land has been the focus of Jewish life. Theodor Herzl, the leader and founder of the Zionist movement, increased interna-

tional recognition for the need of a Jewish state.

Other than the official cer-emonies held in the country, Israelis celebrate in a variety of ways in night time festivities. Many spend the night danc-ing and singing traditional Is-raeli songs. During the daytime thousands of families go out on hikes and picnics.

Separately, Yom Ha’Atzmaut also concludes with the ceremo-ny of granting the ‘Israel Prize’, which recognises individual’s for their unique contribution to the country’s culture, science, arts, and the humanities.

Outside Israel, celebrating Yom Ha’Atzmaut has been a way to express solidarity with the country and to strengthen their alliance with it. Commu-nities around the world make special festive parties and pro-vide fun day activities for chil-dren and adults. Such as flag decoration, arts and crafts, and traditional shesh besh tourna-ment. Many show films about the establishment of the State of Israel.

In synagogues, a special prayer is recited during the Maariv - Evening Prayer Service which includes the blowing of the shofar at the end of the service.

Fun day activities for kids


Pet Services Home Furnishing

Pest Control

Relocation Agents /Removal Firms

Classifieds

Decorators/ Painters

Health & Fitness

For details call 2813 0814 or visitwww.weightwatchers.com.hk.

This year, the rules of weight loss are changing forever!

Introducing Brand New ProPoints™

Our biggest innovation in over 15 years!

Discover the new world of weight loss.

Join now for only $10 HKD!Offer expires 31 March 2012

Image Consultants Immigration

�Attn : Mr. DineleyCo. Name : G.G.Dineley&SonsAddress : Rm.D,10/FTaiPakTerrace,36SandsSt,

KennedyTown,HK.Tel : 28184822Fax : 28188493Web : www.dineleydecor.comEmail : [email protected]

From :ArtDepartment/H.K.DollarsaverTel : 2528-0825Fax :2865-5160Address :Rm903Queen’sCentre,

58-64Queen’sRoadEast.Wanchai,H.K.Email :[email protected]

Your ADvErTisEMENT BookiNg iNForMATioN

• issue Date : Nov28,2011• Ad size : 1/8B/Wpage•Cost :$1,390perissue• index : G.G.Dineley&Sons(Decoration)

ATTENTioN - ABouT Your ArTwork Thankyouforplacingadvertisementwithourpublication-DisplayAdSection.Thisisthepre-pressproofofyouradver-tisementpleaseapproveitbyfaxa.s.a.p.andcheckthetextandessentialinformationsliketelephonenumberscarefullybeforesigning.

Approved by: ________________________ 1st proof

#3623

❊ Interior & Exterior Painting ❊ Building & Renovation❊ Outdoor Furniture Restoration ❊ Carpet, Tiles & Flooring❊ Wall papering & special finishes ❊ Plumbing & Electrical

Preferred contractor of HK’s leading establishments

For a free quote:Tel: 2818 4822 • Mobile: 6171 2526 • Fax: 2818 8493

Email: [email protected]

High Quality Workmanship ◆ Affordable Rates

Painting & Decorating Contractors

COMMERCIAL ◆ RESIDENTIALMembers of the MasterPainters, British Decorators & Dulux Trade Select

G.G. DINELEY & SONS (ASIA)

www.dineleydecor.com


Property Services

Travel

Wine Language

Business Centres

Classifieds

ABCDEFGH


● For healthy joints and flexibility

● Natural remedy - contains New Zealand Green-Lipped Mussel Oil

Blackmores LyprinolCare For Your Joints!

R

Australia’s No.1 Natural Health Brand #

# Based on Aztec Sales Data, MAT to 24/10/10

Shavuot

Shavuot the time to receive the Torah

Th e F e s t i v a l o f Shavuot is celebrated on 6-7 Sivan, marks 50 days after the

Pesach seder. The festival is also known as the Festival of Weeks, the Festival of First Fruits, the Festival of the Harvest and the Festival of the Giving of the Torah.

The counting of the Omer, for 49 days beginning on the second day of Pesach, reminds us of the link between the two holidays, one marking freedom from the bondage of slavery and the other freedom from a spiri-tual bondage.

The festival is significant, as it is the time when the Jewish people received the Ten Com-mandments and the Torah from Mount Sinai.

Shavuot also has its roots in an ancient agricultural festi-val that contributed to many of the customs associated with the holiday. It is one of the three pil-grimage festivals when males were required to offer the first fruits from their harvest to G-d. .

There are a number of tradi-

tions that surround the obser-vance of the festival. A central custom is the eating of dairy dishes. Most follow the practice of eating a main meal of dairy on the first day, and a meat meal the second.

There are a number of rea-sons cited for this practice. The Song of Songs, recited in Sha-vuot, uses milk and honey to describe the Land of Israel and as a representation of the Torah.

Many tie it in with Exodus

23:19, that states that one must not eat a kid in its mother’s milk. Eating milk on day one and meat on day two is a sym-bolic representation of this ba-sic law of Kashrut.

Other reasons include that eating a dairy meal will force us not to focus on the Golden Calf and the use of gematria to conclude that chalav (milk) cor-responds with the number forty, the number of days Moshe spent on Mount Sinai.

Additionally, there is the ex-planation that once the Jewish people were given the Torah, they first became aware of the dietary laws. As there was no kosher meat available, the Jews ate a dairy meal while preparing later meals in accordance to the new laws.

People customarily eat blin-tzes, kreplach, rugalah, and cheesecake. Other food-based rituals include the preparation of two loaves of challah, spe-cially shaped. The two loaves are representative of the two loaf temple offering that was required to be made on Shavuot as well as the two meals, meat and dairy.

Other distinctive practices include the reading of the Book of Ruth, one of the five scrolls or Megillot. On a practical level, Ruth is read because the story connects Shavuot to its agricul-tural roots.

On a deeper level, the ac-ceptance of Ruth of the laws of the Jewish people is refl ective of the acceptance of the Jewish people of the Torah.

Both Hallel, is recited and Yizkor - Memorial Prayer, is ob-served on the Yom Tov - 2 day holiday. As far as other public observances, there is the custom of planting new flowers around the synagogue just prior to the holiday as a reminder of the har-vest and the festival’s agricul-tural roots.

There is also a tradition of staying up for all or night to study Jewish texts called Tikkun Leyl Shavuot. There is a set lit-urgy for this study and it is often followed by an early morning service.

Shavuot is a time of great happiness as its core is the giv-ing of the Torah. Once the law was received we were truly free from bondage and ready to ac-cept the covenant as a people.

The generation of Jews with the mindset of slaves was no longer present, after the forty years in the desert, and the fu-ture as a people with a direct relationship with God was now realised.

The Maccabi spirit is working wonders all over the Jewish world. MWU has enjoyed a year of excellent mass events infused with Jewish and Zionist motivation, all working towards the Maccabi answer to the difficult times that we live in. Six years ago, the 17th Maccabiah Games took place on 11th July 2005 in Israel was absolute success, especially when China, Hong Kong and Macedonia participated in the games for the first time since 1932. We, Hong Kong brought some medals back.

With 8,500 athletes competing, including 5,000 from abroad, the Maccabiah Games was a celebration of sports and Zionism. Competitors from 55 coun-tries gathered to celebrate solidarity between our people.

Today, we are looking forward to the 19th Maccabiah Games in 2013. With the larger team from Hong Kong, Macau, China which will participate in the games. Please start saving your money for the trip to Israel. I promise you will have the best time of your life.

I hope there will be as many of you to join me on this trip!

CHAZAK CHAZAK V’NITCHAZEK!

Rafael AharoniChairmanMaccabi Hong Kong

Thank you.We couldn’t have come this far without you.

Room 712 East Ocean Centre, 98 Granville Road, TST East, Kowloon, Hong Kong.Tel. (852) 23121111 E-mail: [email protected] Fax. (852) 23116999

Maccabi World Union (HK Chapter) Ltd.Hong Kong – Macau - China

Two years ago, we celebratedthe 18th World Maccabiah Games

*World’s 3rd Largest International Sports Event*Mazal Tov to the State of Israel



Candlelighting times are taken from Chabad.org.Candlelighting times are taken from Chabad.org.

May Parashas

5 May 2012 / 13 Iyar 5772: ACHAREI MOT / KEDOSHIMThe Parasha of Acharei Mot is possibly best known as it is also read on Yom Kippur and contains the key Yom Kippur service that was performed by the Kohen Gadol. The Kohen Gadol cast lots to designate two goats – one to be sacrificed, the other to be driven to a place called Azazel. The parasha then proceeds to explain with the various types of relationships specifically - sexual laws – who you are not allowed to marry or have relations with. Parasha Kedoshim deals with the commandment to be holy, accomplished by observing both the ritual and ethical laws of the Torah, including from honouring ones parents to keeping Shabbat. From being honest in ones’ business dealing and to making offerings on time . From this we learn that if one makes a pledge to give charity, it should be redeemed promptly. The Torah re-peats the prohibition of incest and other forbidden sexual relationships.

12 May 2012 / 20 Iyar 5772: EMORThe main theme of the Parasha is also the commandment to be holy. One way this is achieved is to separate oneself from all matters that may taint oneself and prevent achieving a state of purity. The Kohanim by the very nature of their position and service in the Temple services are commanded to uphold a very high standard of holiness and purity. They therefore are not allowed to come into contact with the dead, with the exception of their seven closest relatives, and they are not allowed to

marry a divorcee or a convert. Included in the Parasha is the mention of the establish-ment of Shabbat, Pesach, the Omer, the counting of the Omer, Shavuot, Rosh Hasha-nah, Yom Kippur and Sukkot. Laws of the Ner Tamid, the Showbread, the incident with the blasphemer, and the penalties for blasphemy conclude.

19 May 2012 / 27 Iyar 5772: BEHAR / BECHUKOTAISHABBAT MEVARECHIM

Parasha Behar begins with the Laws of Shemitah and Yovel. The land lay fallow ev-ery 7th year, and after the 49th year, (7x7) it lay fallow a 2nd year for the 50th year - the Jubilee Year as well. G-d promises that He will provide for the nation, regard-less of the land being fallow. No one will go hungry. Parasha Bechukotai describes the wondrous successes awaiting the nation, so long as they follow G-d’s mitzvots and commandments. We also read the Tochacha - the Rebuke. It is a lengthy description of the terrible punishments awaiting the nation, if they do not follow the torah. It is customary for the Baal Koreh (the one reading the Torah) and to read it faster and more quietly than the rest of the Parasha. The established prices for endowments of an individual’s worth, or that of an ani-mal, are listed. The final portions deals with endowments of property to the Bet Hamikdash.

26 May 2012 / 5 Sivan 5772: BAMIDBAR A census of the Israelites in undertaken in the wilderness, by way of the counting of the half Shekel. Each Israelite was counted according to the tribe to whom he be-longed, which was determined through his father. This is one of the sources of the teaching that we should follow the traditions of our fathers, whereas our religious identity is determined through our mother. Each tribal leader had to vouch for their members. The Levites were counted separately. The formation of the Israelite camp and how they travelled in the wilderness is described. The Tabernacle was at the centre and surrounded on each of the four corners by three of the twelve tribes, each with their own banner and insignia. The Levites are appointed to carry the different parts of the tabernacle and to assist the Kohanim.

Lag B’Omer:10 May 2012 (18 Iyar 5772)

Yom Yerushalayim:20 May 2012 (28 Iyar 5772)

HOLIDAYS/ FASTS/ ROSH CHODESH/ SPECIAL DAYS

Rosh Chodesh:22 May 2012 (1 Sivan 5772)

Shavuot Eve:26 May 2012 (5 Sivan 5772) –28 May 2012 (7 Sivan 5772)

CAMBODIAChabad Jewish CenterHouse # 32, Street 228, Phnom Penh, Cambodia Tel: (855) 85 807 205 www.jewishcambodia.com

CHINABeijing Chabad House and Community centre: Fang Yuan Xi Lu, next to the south gate of Si De Park, Beijing, PR China Tel: (8610) 8470 8238 ext. 210, (86) 13910740109www.chabadbeijing.com

Chabad of Ya Bao Lu: Jian Guo Men Diplomatic Bldg, Building 3,2/F, 223 Chaoyangmennei Street, Beijing, PR ChinaTeL: (86) 1352 2016 427 Email: [email protected]

Kehillat Beijing (Reform): Capital Club Athletic Center, 3/F., Ballroom, Capital Man-sion, 6 Xinyuan Nanlu Chaoyang District, Beijing, PR China Tel: (86) 10 6467 2225 www.sinogogue.org

GuangzhouGuangzhou Chabad: 31 He Ping Lu, Overseas Village, Guangzhou, China Tel: (86) 137 1050 5049 www.chabadgz.org

ShanghaiShanghai Chabad (Shanghai Jewish Center): Shang-Mira Garden Villa #1, 1720 Hong Qiao Road, Shanghai, 200336, PR ChinaTel: (86) 21 6278 0225 www.chinajewish.org

Chabad of Pudong: Vila # 69, 2255 Luoshan Road, Shanghai, 200135, PR China Tel: (86) 21 5878 2008 www.chinajewish.org

Sephardi Shanghai Center: Building B. Apt. 3 (Room 103), 1000 Gubei Road, Shanghai, PR China 201103Tel: (86) 21 6208 8327 Mobile: (86) 15900808733Email: [email protected], [email protected]

ShenzhenShenzhen Chabad: No.4, Block A, Guishan Xiaozhu Yanshan Road, Industrial Area, Shekou Nanshan District, Shenzhen, PR ChinaTel: (86) 755 8207 0712 www.chabadshenzhen.org

HONG KONG Jewish Community Centre: One Robinson Place, 70 Robinson Road, Mid-Levels, Hong Kong Tel: (852) 2801 5440 www.jcc.org.hk

Chabad of Hong Kong: 1/F Hoover Court, 7-9 Macdonell Road, Mid-Levels, Hong Kong Tel: (852) 2523 9770 www.chabadhk.org

Ohel Leah Synagogue: 70 Robinson Road, Mid-Levels, Hong Kong Tel: (852) 2589 2621 www.ohelleah.org

United Jewish Congregation (Reform): Jewish Community Centre, One Robinson Place, 70 Robinson Road, Mid-Levels, Hong Kong Tel: (852) 2523 2985 www.ujc.org.hk

Shuva Israel (Orthodox): 2/F Fortune House, 61 Connaught Road, Central, Hong Kong Tel: (852) 2851 6300 www.shuva-israel.com

KowloonKehilat Zion (Orthodox): Unit 105, 1/F, Wing on Plaza, 62 Mody Road, Tsim Sha Tsui East, Kowloon Tel: (852) 2368 0061 www.kehilat-zion.org

Chabad of Kowloon: 11 Hart Avenue, 2/F, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon Tel: (852) 2366 5770 Email: [email protected]

INDIA (MUMBAI) Magen David Synagogue: 340 Sir J.J. Rd, Byculla, Mumbai Tel: (91) 22 23006675

Kenesseth Eliyahoo Synagogue, 43 Dr V.B. Gandhi Marg, Fort, MumbaiTel: (91) 22 22831502 / 22839617

Kurla Bene Israel: 275 C.S.T. Rd, Jewish Colony, Kurla (W) Mumbai, IndiaTel: (91) 22 511-2132

JAPAN KobeOhel Shelomoh Synagogue and Community Center: 4-12-12, Kitano-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650, Japan Tel: (81) 78 221 7236 www.jcckobe.org

TokyoTokyo Chabad: 1-5-23 Takanawa, Minato-ku, Tokyo Japan 108-0073 Tel: (813) 5789 2846 www.chabad.jp

JCC Japan: Tokyo Jewish Community Centre, 8-8 Hiroo 3-Chome, Shibuya-Ku, Tokyo 150 0012, Japan Tel: (813) 3400 2559 www.jccjapan.or.jp

NEPAL Chabad House: GHA-2-516-4 Thamel, Kathmandu, Nepal Tel: (977) 980 324 1294 [email protected]

PHILIPPINES Beth Yaacov Synagogue: 110 H.V. de la Costa cnr, Tordesillas West, Salcedo Village, Makati City, Metro Manila 1227, The Philippines Tel: (632) 815 0265 www.jewishphilippines.org

SINGAPORE Chesed-El Synagogue: 2 Oxley Rise, Singapore 238693

Jacob Ballas Community Centre & Maghain Aboth Synagogue: 24-26 Waterloo Street, Singapore 187950Tel: (65) 6337 2189 www.singaporejews.org

United Hebrew Congregation (Reform): email:[email protected]

SOUTH KOREAChabad: 744-18 Hannam-Dong, Yongsan-Gu, Seoul 140-893, South KoreaTel: (82) 107 730 3770 www.jewishkorea.com

TAIWAN Taipei Jewish Center: 2/F No. 8, Lane 180, Songde Rd, Xinyi District, Taipei City 110, Taiwan Tel: (886) 9 2392 3770

Taipei Jewish Community: 16 Min Tsu East Road, Second Floor, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC Tel: (886) 2 2591 3565 email:[email protected]

Taipei Jewish Services: Sheraton Taipei Hotel, 12, Zhang Xiao East Road, Section 1, Taipei, Taiwan Tel: (886) 2 2321 5511, (886) 2 2394 4240

THAILAND Jewish Association of Thailand: 121 Soi Sai Nam Thip 2, Sukhumvit Soi 22, Bangkok, Thailand Tel: (662) 663 0244 www.jewishthailand.com

Chabad of Thailand: 96 Rambutttri St. Banglamphu, 102000 Bangkok, Thailand Tel: (662) 629 2770 www.chabadthailand.com

Bet Sefer Chabad: 221 Sukhumvit Soi 20, Bangkok, 10110 ThailandTel: (662) 258 3434

Chabad of Phuket 52/32 Ratch U-thit Song Roy Pee Rd. (opposite Patong Post Office), Second row of town houses, Patong, Katu District, Phuket 83150

Chiang Mai189/15 Chang-Clan Road, Chiang Mai, Thailand, On street of Night Bazaar, 100 Meters before The Empress hotel Tel: (66) 81 870 2249

VIETNAM Chabad: 5A (villa) Nguyen Dinh Chieu St., Dakao ward, District 1,Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam Tel: (84) 90 9166770 www.JewishVietnam.com

JEWISH COMMUNITIES IN ASIA

Candle Lighting TimesCountries 4 May 11 May 18 May 25 May

Bangkok 6:16 6:18 6:20 6:22Beijing 6:54 7:00 7:07 7:13Guangzhou 6:38 6:41 6:44 6:48Hong Kong 6:33 6:36 6:39 6:43Katmandu 6:21 6:25 6:29 6:33Kobe 6:28 6:34 6:39 6:44Manila 5:56 5:57 5:59 6:02Mumbai 6:44 6:46 6:49 6:52Perth 5:18 5:13 5:08 5:04Shanghai 6:17 6:22 6:27 6:31Singapore 6:48 6:48 6:48 6:49Seoul 7:07 7:13 7:19 7:24Taipei 6:07 6:11 6:15 6:18Tokyo 6:12 6:18 6:23 6:28


Jewish Times Asia Magazine: 260mm (w) x 360mm (h)

“THE CHARM OF ANNIEIS IRRESISTIBLE!”

The Daily Telegraph, UK

From Broadway and the West End to the classic film, the heart-warming rags-to-riches story of orphan Annie has become one of the best-loved musicals.

Direct from the UK, ANNIE stars the brilliantly funny Su Pollard (Hi-de-Hi!) and the supremely talented David McAlister (Brideshead Revisited, Doctor Who, The Mousetrap).

With some of the best-known songs in musical theatre (Tomorrow, It’s The Hard-Knock Life, Easy Street), this international production also boasts spectacular sets, glorious costumes and a hilarious script. Don’t miss one of the most popular family musicals of all time!

Produced by Lunchbox Theatrical Productions and Playhouse Productions Ltd.www.lunchbox-productions.com

31 288 288w w w . h k t i c k e t i n g . c o m LYRIC THEATRE, HKAPA

Official RadioOfficial Ocean CarrierOfficial Media Partner Official Hotel Official Outdoor Media

with West End starsSU POLLARD and DAVID McALISTER

NO EXTENSION POSSIBLE!31 MAY - 24 JUNE

Performed in English. Chinese surtitles at all shows

may 2012 • volume 7 • issue 2 • iyar / sivan 5772

Documents

jewish community

malaysian muslims

jewish refugees

jewish communities

simon wiesenthal center

pm of israel

islamic world

threat of christians