(Cont p.5)

lower decorating artists (Infioratori) fromthe beautiful Sicilian town of Noto

adorned the streets of Jerusalem(photo) andTel Aviv with a carpet made of flowers,celebrating the arrival of spring in aRenaissance style.

n April 18 Ambassador Sandro DeBernardin hosted a press conference at his

residence in which he presented ‘Aviv Italia’, anextensive promotional campaign taking placethroughout Israel between April and June.The project is aimed at promoting Italy in acampaign involving all Italian bodies present inIsrael: the Embassy, the Italian Cultural Institute,the newly constituted Italian Business Desk, theDante Alighieri Society and the Association ofItalian Jews in Jerusalem.‘Aviv Italia’ is divided into numerous events thatopen a window on the main areas of Italianinterest in Israel and the ties of collaborationt h a t e x i s tbetween thetwo countriesin industry,commerce ,science andculture (seepages 4 - 5).

he meeting between ForeignMinister Gianfranco Fini and

his Israeli counterpart Silvan Shalomon April 7 coincided with the funeralfor Pope John Paul II in Rome andwas characterized by the “excellentstate of bilateral relations.”

The dialogue between Italy and Israel“is based on a genuine and consolidatedfriendship”, declared Minister Finiduring the final press conference, “anda notable recent increase in economicand commercial ties.” Looking into the futureMinister Fini stressed that Israel “representsa portion of the west located in the MiddleEast so that when peace is achieved in the area,it will be easier for Italian and Europeanbusinesses to consider Israel a privileged

partner, as it already is today in many respects.”The Minister recalled Italy's engagement withinthe Quartet that has to accompany the peaceprocess foreseen by the Road Map: “It is acommitment”, explained the Minister,

NOTIZIE ITALIANENewsle t t er o f the Embassy o f I ta ly in I srae l No. 35 May 2005

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(Cont p.5)

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pilgrimage marathon fromBethlehem to Jerusalem

honoring the late Pope John Paul IItook place on April 14, organized byOpera Romana Pellegrinaggi.The event, an initiative of Mons.Liberio Andreatta and now in itssecond edition, saw Israeli, Palestinianand Italian athletes running togetherfrom Nativity Square in Bethlehem to the LastSupper in Jerusalem. Minister for Public

Administration Mario Baccini(photo), accompanied by AmbassadorSandro De Bernardin and JerusalemConsul General Nicola Manduzioattended the event, bringing a muchappreciated message of solidarity,hope and peace from the Italiangovernment. The Palestinian athleteswere able to complete the race, which

was much appreciated by all. The event attractedlocal and international media coverage. <>

AMinister Baccini attends peace marathon

On 12 June 2005 a referendumwill take place in Italy on thesubject of Medically AssistedProcreation. Italian citizens

living outside Italy and duly registered in theAIRE may exercise their right of voting viamail.Il 12 giugno 2005 si voterà in Italia per ilreferendum in materia di procreazione assistita.Anche gli italiani residenti all'estero, iscrittiall'Aire, hanno diritto al voto per corrispondenza.L'Ambasciata invierà a ciascun elettore entro il25 maggio un plico contenente il materialeelettorale ed un foglio informativo illustrante le

modalità di voto. Il cittadino esprimerà il propriovoto e resti tuirà la scheda per postaal l 'Ambasciata, ut i l izzando la bustapreaffrancata. La busta andrà inviata al piùpresto in modo che giunga a destinazione nonoltre le ore 16.00 del 9 giugno p.v.In caso di mancata ricezione del plico elettorale,il cittadino deve comunicarlo quanto primaall'Ufficio Aire di questa Ambasciata, che siadopererà per garantire la possibilità diesprimere il proprio voto.

Ufficio AIRE: Tel. 03/5104004 Fax: 03/5161650E-mail: infocons@netvision.net.il

Avviso ai cittadini italiani in Israele

'Aviv Italia' blooms inTel Aviv

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Infiorata of Noto inJerusalem and Tel Aviv

Deputy PMs Fini and Shalom strengthenbilateral entente

(Cont p.2)

Ambassador Sandro De Bernardin with the President ofthe Shenkar College Prof. Amotz Weinberg (left) and thePresident of the Association of Italian Jews Arch. DavidCassuto

he event, marking 100 yearssince the birth of Enzo Sereni,

and 60 years since his death, tookplace on April 5 - 7 and highlightedthe history, culture and the Italianroots of the young pioneer from Romewho went to British Palestine andbecame an Israel i hero. Theconference was organized by Prof.Sergio Della Pergola of the Hebrew Universityof Jerusalem. Ambassador Sandro DeBernardin was present at the openingceremony, which was attended by a largecrowd at the Nahon Italian Museum inJerusalem.Son of a prominent middle class Jewish family- his father was a physician at the Royal Houseof Savoy, his brother Emilio a future leader ofthe communist party and another, Enrico, acelebrated scientist - Enzo Sereni (photo) wasborn in Rome in 1905. While still a young manhe became acquainted with Zionism and, with

his wife Ada, left Italy for MandatoryPalestine in 1927, settling in a kibbutz.Sereni held a number of importantpositions in the Jewish community ofPalestine and became a hero when, afterparachuting behind German lines in 1945in an effort to save the lives of fellowJews, he was captured and sent to Dachau,where he died. Over 25 scholars and

writers from Italy, Israel and the US attendedthe conference, and much of the debate centeredon Sereni's deeply rooted Italian backgroundand the importance of his life to the history ofItaly. The conference was organized by theAvraham Harman Institute of ContemporaryJudaism at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem,the Ben Zvi Institute for historical research, theCenter for Italian Jews and the research instituteat Kibbutz Yad Tabenkin, and was sponsoredby the Embassy of Italy, the Israeli ForeignMinistry and Kibbutz Givat Brenner.<>

NOTIZIE ITALIANE May 2005

International conference on Enzo SereniT

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he Italian Business Desk in Tel Avivorganized an exploratory visit to Israel

in April by a delegation from Venice's Chamberof Commerce.

Led by the Secretary General of the Chamber,Dr. Romano Tiozzo, the delegation heldmeetings with the Federation of Israeli Chambersof Commerce (FICC), the Manufacturers’Association as well as a number of privateenterprises aimed at stimulating scientificresearch projects and commercial initiatives,encouraging tourism and promoting cultural

exchange. Some of these projects will beintroduced alongside an important Murano glassexhibition (photo) that will be organized nextyear by the Eretz Israel Museum of Tel Aviv, incollaboration with the Italian CulturalInstitute.<>

TVenice builds bridges to Israel

h e N AT Ow o r k s h o p

“ A d v a n c e dResearch on MassC a s u a l t ySituations” took place at the Rambam MedicalCenter in Haifa from April 10 - 15.NATO has entrusted Israel with the establishmentof a modern system for dealing with trauma andother emergency situations; Israel, for its part,has chosen Italy as the ideal co-partner to realizethe project, for which Dr. Pietro Lavezzo,Director General of the ULSS Veneto 13, hasbeen nominated project leader. A team fromPortugal will also take part in the venture.The official opening of the workshop was held

in the presence of Gen. Amos Gilad, a numberof Ambassadors from NATO countries amongwhich Italy’s Ambassador Sandro DeBernardin. During the course of the 5 day eventthe theme of “Mass Casualty Situations” wasexplored. The exchange of knowledge in thisfield will allow protocols to be establishedcontaining guidelines for the reorganization ofsystems to manage traumas and other emergencysituations. These will subsequently be appliedin NATO member countries. Aside from Dr.Lavezzo the Italian delegation included Prof.Enrico Mairov, head of R&D at the ULSS 13in Veneto; Dr. Angela Di Tommaso and Mr.Francesco Bertolucci, of the same ULSS; Dr.Roberto Brocato of Rome's "S. Camillo"

hospital; Dr. Mario Costa and Dr. GiancarloMusiello of the Lazio Region's EmergencyHealth Agency; Dr. Daniele Giovanardi of theModena Policlinico and Dr. Vincenzo Riboni,of Vicenza's General Hospital.<>

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Italians and Israelis cooperate in NATOemergency management

he “Standing NATO Response ForceMine Countermeasures Group 2”,

commanded by Captain Paolo Polidoro(photo, right, with Defense Attaché Col.Veltri), visited Eilat from 21-27 March.

During their stay in Eilat, personnel from theNATO fleet held meetings with DefenseMinistry officials and liaison officers from theIsrael Navy (INF). Reciprocal visits to the"Bersagliere" by representatives from the INF,who were welcomed aboard by AmbassadorSandro De Bernardin, resulted in an invitationto visit the Eilat naval base, where Capt.Polidori met the Commander of the base aswell as Eilat's mayor, Mr. Yitzhak Halevi.<>

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Nato fleet under Italiancommand visits Eilat

A large number of Israeli enterprises fromdifferent sectors answered the Embassy's callto participate in this initiative and to expandtheir ties with Italy, including Supersol,Mediterranean Car Agency (importers ofFIAT, Alfa Romeo and Lancia), Azrieli Towers,Dan Hotels, Ash Bar (importers of Barilla),Neni Ltd. (importers of Caffe` Mauro, thefamous Bialetti coffee machine and professionalcoffee equipment) and Ophir Tours. Manymembers of the media as well as the enterprisesinvolved attended the press briefing. In hisremarks the Ambassador stressed thedetermination of the Italian Government to apolicy of concrete support for bilateral relationsthrough a substantial allocation of resources(as demonstrated by the establishment of theItalian Business Desk) as well as to an ongoingeffort to stimulate new joint projects andinitiatives.<>

(cont. from p. 1)

'Aviv Italia' blooms in Tel Aviv

Edited by:The Embassy of Italy in Israel(Economic and Commercial Office)

p.1p.1p.1p.1p.1p.2p.2p.2p.2p.3p.3p.3p.3p.4-5p.6p.6p.6p.6p.6p.7p.7p.7p.7p.8p.8

Ministers strengthen bilateral entente'Aviv Italia' blooms in Tel AvivMin. Baccini attends peace marathonNotice for Italian citizensInfiorata of NotoVenice builds bridges to IsraelItalians and Israelis cooperate in NATO eventNato Fleet visits IsraelInternational conference on Enzo SereniWider cooperation between military industriesItalian banks interested in IsraelRAI opens new Mid-East bureauGala evening for Einaudi CenterPrimavera Italiana, 'Aviv Italia'New book by Amos LuzzattoColorful deserts and storms over Tel AvivCantica choir performs RossiniStudy in ItalyVinitaly 2005Events at the Nahon MuseumRestoring works of artDebating trends in architectureMeeting Cardinal MartiniEvents in ItalyItalian Trade Fair Calendar

Trade Tower, 25 HaMered Street, Tel Aviv 68125Te l : 0 3 - 5 1 6 . 1 7 4 4 F a x : 0 3 - 5 1 6 . 1 7 5 5www.italian-embassy-israel.org econ3@italemb.org.il

n April 15 Italianpublic television

RAI opened its newMiddle East bureau in Jerusalem, in thepresence of Ambassador Sandro De Bernardinand Consul General Nicola Manduzio, as wellas numerous representatives from Israeli andPalestinian media.Welcoming the guests were RAI's twocorrespondents in Israel, bureau head ClaudioPagliara and Filippo Landi. Also present wasRAI's Director of International Relations PierLuigi Malesani and the Director of RAIIn te rna t iona l Mass imo Magl iaro .Bureau chief Pagliara stated that the new officewill provide complete, accurate and balancedcoverage of the Middle East, and DirectorMalesani recalled that RAI is not only acommercial enterprise: its position as a publicinstitution obligates it to duly report all pointsof view. In his remarks Ambassador DeBernardin underlined the value of the strategicchoice made by the state broadcaster tostrengthen its presence in Israel, where it hasalso been investing in a regional perspective.www.rai.it <>

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RAI opens new Mid-East bureau

NOTIZIE ITALIANE May 2005

3

n April 4 – 8 a delegation led byItaly's Defence Secretary General

and National Director of Armaments,Gen. C.A. Gianni Botondi (photo, left,with Italian Defense Attaché Col.Alessandro Veltri ), visited Israel fortalks with Defense Minister ShaulMofaz. Minister Mofaz expressedsatisfaction at the outcome of his visitto Italy last year, and conveyed his wishthat Italian Defense Minister Martinowould soon visit Israel.Accompanying members of thedelegation included Gen. GiuseppeBernardis, Gen. Aldo Cinelli, Col.Mauro Rai, and Lt. Col. Francesco Geraci.Meetings included talks with the DirectorGeneral of Israel's Defense Ministry, Gen. AmosYaron and with Gen. Amos Gilad, Head of thePolitical Department at the Defense Ministry.The delegates then participated in a "Panel" thatincluded the Director of Israel's Defense

Research & Development Organization(DDR&D) Brig. Gen. Shmuel Keren. Thedelegation also visited leading defense industryenterprises and were guests at a dinner hostedby Ambassador Sandro De Bernardin at hisRamat Gan residence. <>

OWider cooperation between military industries

n April 6-9 a high leveldelegation from the

Italian financial groupUnicredit visited Israel, ledby its Deputy Director General Dario Frigerio,accompanied by Dr. Dani Schaumann,Director General of Pioneer Investments, andCounsellor Giuseppe Scognamiglio,responsible for Unicredit’s external

inst i tut ional re lat ionsdepartment.The mission, motivated byIsrael's liberalization of its

financial sector, included important meetingswith Finance Minister Benyamin Netanyahu,with Finance Ministry Director General YossiBachar, as well as with leading figures fromIsrael's major banking institutions.<>

OItalian banks interested in Israel’s financial sector

he World Premiere of"Power of Human

Relations", performed byseven dancers of VertigoDance Company (photo)and the five musicians ofT h e D i a m o n d s , wa s

presented on April 19, at the New Israel Operaof Tel Aviv.The Gala Evening, under the auspices of theAmbassador of Italy to Israel, was a charityevent in favour of the girls and boys of the LuigiEinaudi Cultural Center, in the Israel GoldsteinAHN Village of Jerusalem. The event wasorganized by the President of the Italian Friendsof the Center, Mrs Ester Ghitis.Among the audience were many children fromthe Israel Goldstein AHN Village in Jerusalemand representatives of the Ministry of Educationand Culture, of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs,and of Tel Aviv Municipality. Greetings were

pronounced by the Director of the Luigi EinaudiCentre and the Israel Goldstein AHN Village,Pini Cohen, the Ambassador of Italy to IsraelSandro De Bernardin and Mrs. Ester Ghitis.The Luigi Einaudi Cultural Center, named afterthe first President of the Italian Republic, wascreated in 1966 as an initiative of Italiansupporters of the Israel Goldstein AHNVillage.<>

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Gala evening in support of Einaudi CulturalCenter

Conference on Material Technology and JewelryMay 2 – 3, Tel AvivA three year research project, funded by the EUCommission, resulted in the creation of theEuropean Jewellery Institute (EuJI), incooperation with Tel Aviv University in theperson of Amiram Porath. Project coordinatorMs. Vitobello of Milan Bicocca University willhead the Italian delegation, which will becomprised of academics, designers andindustrialists.www.euji.org

Italian piazza at AzrieliMay 15 – 19, Tel Aviv

For one week the bestand mos t co lor fu lexamples of Italianl i f e s t y l e w i l l b eprominently displayedon the commercial levelsof Tel Aviv's AzrieliTowers. There will bebooths offering Italianproducts, lessons in Italian cuisine (spaghetti,pizza, ice-creams), tasting of food products,theatre shows, Italian songs and more.Information: 03-691.8130

Festival of Italian CuisineMay 15 – 30. Tel Aviv

During the festival clients atselected Italian restaurants,chosen by the Tel Aviv branch ofthe Italian Academy of Cuisine,will be able to enjoy specially

priced menus created for that occasion by thechefs, write their critiques on the dishes tasted,obtain discounts and win Italian prizes.In cooperation with the Francesco Paolo CascinoClub of Chefs of Palermo.Information: 03-516.1744

Biotech Conference 2005May 24 – 26, Tel Aviv

An Italian-Israelib i o t e c h n o l o g yc o n f e r e n c e ,organized by the

Israel-Italy Chamber of Commerce in Tel Aviv,will take place within the framework of BiotechIsrael 2005 on the theme: "Italy and Israel:Natural Partners in the Life Sciences". Theconference, on May 25, will run as a concurrentsession within Biotech Israel 2005 at the DavidIntercontinental Hotel, Tel Aviv.Information: 03-516.4292

Italian antique carsMay 27, Tel Aviv

A series of initiatives in cooperation with theTarga Florio Foundation and the Sicily Regioncelebrating the centenary of the Targa Floriorace, the twentieth anniversary of the IsraelAntique Cars Association as well as theestablishment of the Israeli Vespa Club.On May 27 a parade of antique Italian cars willrun from Jaffa to Tel Aviv. The event will endwith an award ceremony and dinner on May 28at the Dan Panorama Hotel of Tel Aviv sponsoredby the I ta l ian Academy of Cuis ine .Information: 03-516.1744

Tuscany: where reality meets fantasyMay 25 – June 23

The Dante Alighieri Associationis organizing a series of culturalevents highlighting Tuscany. Thevery rich program includesc o n f e r e n c e s , p a i n t i n g s

exhibitions, screening of films, tasting of food,excursions and concerts, and personalities fromthe cultural worlds of Italy and Israel willparticipate. The project includes Dante Day, onJune 9, and a trip to Tuscany on June 14 – 24,led by Dr. David Patsi. Ambassadors SandroDe Bernardin and Bruno Bottai, President ofthe world-wide Dante Alighieri Society, willinaugurate the events on May 25 at the Van LeerInstitute of Jerusalem.Dante Alighieri Society: 02-6221110

NOTIZIE ITALIANE May 2005

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I wish to inform all of you about ourupcoming Aviv Italia project. The Aviv Italia campaign is a wide-rangingpresentation of the Italian way of life and ofbilateral cooperation between Italy and Israelthat will take place during the months of April,May and June 2005. As a matter of fact, the Italian Governmenthas been devoting intense efforts tostrengthening and extending bilateralrelations with Israel in all fields. We are proudthat business exchanges, as well as scientific,commercial and cultural joint ventures, arelikewise flourishing. Overall trade with Italyin 2004 totaled an impressive $2.35 billion.Numerous political, municipal and culturalmissions from Italy are visiting this countrythroughout the year, while a thriving touristindustry to and from both countries is atestimony to the friendly spirit thatcharacterizes our relations. Aviv Italia is the visible outcome andexpression of the closeness between ourcountries, and our goal is to transform it intoa victorious undertaking. This is only the beginning. Our bestintentions are focused on bringing moreItalian tourists, Italian artists, Italianindustrialists and Italian products to Israel. We hope that the beautiful displays ofItalian life which we are presenting to theIsraeli public through the many windows ofAviv Italia will persuade many of you to comeand visit our country, to learn our language,and to enjoy Italian sounds, fragrances, andflavors all year long.

Wishing you a very happy Aviv Italia.

Sandro De Bernardin

Dear Reader,

Message from the Ambassador

Italian Trade Commission

Cinema of the SouthMay 30 – June 2, Sderot, NegevThe Festival will include the screening, on June1, of Italian films from the “Cinema of theSouth” retrospective. Among others, thefollowing films will be screened: I cento passi,Il ladro di bambini, Sangue vivo, Non è giusto,Io non ho paura, Mio cognato, Tornando acasa, La destinazione.Information: 03-516.1361

Twenty years of the Israel OperaMay 30, Tel AvivTwo Italian opera singers will participate atthe gala evening celebrating the twentiethanniversary of the Israel Opera, FiorellaBurato, soprano and Piero Giuliacci, tenor.Information: 03-692.7848

Italian food monthMay 31 – June 13

Spec i a l p romot ionoffering new Italianproducts and brands in allbranches of Supersol,Ipernetto and Kosmos.Tel: 03-516.1744

Workshop on Computer SurgeryJune 1 – 2, venue to be announcedItalian-Israeli cooperative project includesparticipants from the Universities of Padova,

Pisa, Siena, Udine e Verona (Italy); HebrewUniversity; Technion; TAU (Israel).Tel: 03-516.1744

Italian National DayJune 2, Ramat GanA celebration of Italy’sNational Day will be heldat the Ambassador’sresidence.

Italian Day at BGUJune 6, BeershebaItalian Day at BenGurion Universityi n B e e r s h e b ai n c l u d e s apresentat ion ofItalian activities int h e e c o n o m i c ,c u l t u r a l a n dscientific fields, ameeting of experts and an evening concert withjazz pianist Danilo Rea (photo). Repeatperformance on June 7 at Suzanne DellalCenter, Tel Aviv.Tel: 03-516.1361

Primo Levi: writer and scientistJune 30, RehovotEvening at the Weizmann Institute of Rehovotdedicated to the great Italian writerTel: 03-516.1361 <>

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NOTIZIE ITALIANE May 2005

50 years of the Compasso d'Oro award for designMay 31, Ramat Gan

The exhibition is a joint venture of the Italian Cultural Institute and the Embassy ofItaly, ADI - Italian Association for Italian Design, and the Shenkar School ofEngineering and Design. The Compasso d'Oro Award is the most prestigiousacknowledgement dedicated to design, products, research and merit. The award ceremony,in the presence of Adi's President, Carlo Forcolini, and Deputy President AlbertoMorgantini, includes the screening of pictures and display of items belonging to thehistorical collection of the Compasso d’Oro organization, and a conference by the wellknown designer Bob Noorda, winner of three Compasso d’Oro prizes.Tel. 03-5161361

'Aviv Italia’ was officially opened with theInfiorata of Noto on March 27 in Tel Aviv, inthe presence of Ambassador Sandro DeBernardin, member of the Noto Municipalcouncil, Mr. Roberto Figura, Mr. Vito Genova;the Deputy Mayor of Tel Aviv, Mrs. YaelDayan; the Cultural Director of the Municipalityof Tel Aviv, Mr. Avigdor Levin and Dr.Simonetta Della Seta. The Kolot Hazamirchildren’s choir performed a medley of songsaround the graceful image of Botticelli's famous"Primavera" - reproduced on a 4x5m.rectangular flowered panel laid on DizengoffSquare, in the heart of Tel Aviv (photo). Anotherbozzetto, depicting a detail from a masterpieceof Italian Renaissance painting, was composedby the Infioratori of Noto and laid on the squarefacing the Nahon Museum. The masterInfioratori came all the way from Sicily to laytwo wonderful flower carpets in the streets ofTel Aviv and Jerusalem, as a token of friendshipto residents, and to teach their traditionaltechniques.<>

(cont. from p. 1)

Infiorata of Noto

“which continues to develop, starting from afundamental consideration: two peoples andtwo states that live in peace and in full reciprocalrespect. Therefore the greatest attention will bepaid by Italy to the Palestinians' right to a State,and as much attention to Israel's right to live inconditions of security and in a context that alsosees neighboring countries respectful of thefundamental right to peace.”Another subject discussed was the situation inLebanon, on which the two ministers were ableto note substantially convergent positions "asregards the necessity to continue pressuringSyria to respect UN resolution 1559 and decide,therefore, to withdraw its troops from Lebanon.”The meeting ended with a declaration byMinisters Fini and Shalom to continue to putin place all the political, cultural and educationalinitiatives aimed at “eradicating from publicopinion, not only in Italy but also in Europe,the scourge of anti-Semitism that, despite whathistory has taught us,” underlined Minister Fini,“continues to take hold in certain countries.”<>

Deputy PMs Fini and Shalomstrengthen bilateral entente(cont. from p. 1)

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NOTIZIE ITALIANE May 2005

n April 9 the Galleryo f G i v a t a y i m

Thea te r hos t ed theopening of the exhibition"Deserts and Storms" bythe I ta l ian-Spanishpainter Marta Salto-WeisAzevedo Franchetti Pardo.The exhib i t ion wasorganized by the ItalianCultural Institute incollaboration with theCervantes Inst i tute .The artist's brilliant colors, the result of anintense , romant ic involvement wi thchromaticism and her powerful use of the canvas,seemed to dissolve the gallery's physical wallsbefore one's eyes, inviting the spectator to retracethe vastness of natural desert spaces, of sinisterskies and mysterious structures. Subjects rangedfrom the sublime naturalness of the Sinai

m o u n t a i n s t o t h eshimmering surfaces of theDead Sea, from the WadiRum canyon in Jordan tothe sudden storms seenfrom the artist 's ownapartment overlooking theTayelet of Tel Aviv.The Mayor of Givatayim,Effi Stenzler, opened theexhibition which includedan introductory welcomea n d r e m a r k s f r o m

Ambassador Sandro De Bernardin, the Chargéd'Affaires of the Spanish Embassy DiegoBustamante, the Director of the GivatayimTheater Ran Gwetta, the Director of the ItalianCultural Institute of Tel Aviv, Dr. SimonettaDella Seta and from the curator of the exhibitionDoron Pollak. <>

OColorful deserts and storms over Tel Aviv

The artist, Marta Salto-Weis Azevedo FranchettiPardo (left), with Simonetta Della Seta

Study in Italy” is a must-seewebsite in English for students

wishing to attend higher education(H.Ed.) programs in Italy, both atundergraduate and postgraduate level.This site provides information aboutH.Ed. institutions (university and non-univers i ty sec tor) , admiss ionprocedures, study programs, universitydegrees, non-university H.Ed.qualifications (academic diplomas),language tuition, student life andwelfare services, country information,etc. Links to other websites are alsogiven, where more detailed informationon specific topics of individual interestis available.www.study-in-italy.it <>

“

rofessor Amos Luzzatto, President of the Union of ItalianJewish Communities (UCEI), introduced his latest book “Il

Posto degli Ebrei” at the Italian Cultural Institute in Tel Aviv on29-30 March in the presence of Ambassador Sandro De Bernardin.A large crowd, composed mostly of Israelis of Italian origin, attendedthe two day event, which stimulated animated debate on issuesraised in Prof. Luzzatto's book concerning the role of Jews in theexpanded European Union. <>

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New book by Amos Luzzattostimulates discussion

n A p r i l 7 - 1 1Verona hosted the

3 9 t h e d i t i o n o fV I N I T A L Y , t h einternational wine andspirits exhibition thateach year brings to thebeautiful city of Romeoand Juliet the best ofwinemaking across theworld. Over 140,000professionals and wine lovers visited thestands of 4,200 companies from 30 countriesrepresenting new trends and tradition.Prior to the inauguration of the exhibition,VINITALY hosted the 13th International WineCompetition, the most selective of its kindworldwide, since it awarded only 97 medalsout of about 3,500 wines assessed from 31countries. The purpose of the organizers,VeronaFiere, is to stimulate the wineries toimprove the quality and the winners consider

the Vinitaly awards as anexcellent promotionaltool.There is no better way tosum up the VINITALY2005 experience than toquote Anna Abbona ofMarchesi di Barolo inPiedmont: "A greatVinitaly and, from anorganizational point of

view, one of the best ever".The President of VeronaFiere, LuigiCastelletti, pointed out that Vinitaly, onceagain, has helped companies to make goodbusiness. The activity of Vinitaly will continuein May with Vinitaly Russia, in October withthe Vinitaly US Tour, in November withVinitaly China and in January 2006, for thefirst time, the Vinitaly brand will travel toIndia. <>courtesy of Yair Koren, IBA

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On April 7-11 Verona hosted two of the world'smost important exhibitions of their kind -Vinitaly and Sol. At Vinitaly - the exhibitionfor wines - the Israeli wine industry wasprominently represented. At Sol - the olive oilexpo - members from the Israeli and PalestinianOlive Oil Boards stood side by side in a jointventure, organized and coordinated by the PeresCenter for Peace, thus attracting strongattention from the Italian media and public.Info: Mrs. Nili Kariv, karivnil@netvision.net.il

Vinitaly 2005 - another love story in Verona

he Custodian of Terrasanta of the FriarsMinor and the Italian Cultural Institute

invited the Cantica Choir, directed by M° RenatoBeretta, to Israel to perform Rossini's PetiteMesse Solemnelle for soloists, choir, two pianosand harmonium. The events ware organized byFather Quirico Calella. The Italian soloistswho joined the choir in this beautiful concertwere soprano Giovanna Donadini, mezzosoprano Raffaella Vianello, tenor AndreaGiovannini and bass Antonio Marani,accompanied by Anna Brandollini and MauroBertoli, piano, and Marco Berrini, harmonium.The concert was repeated successfully in threevenues: at St Peter Church in Jaffa, April 19,at the Acre Auditorium, April 20, and in theBasilica of the Annunciation on April 21. <>

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Cantica Choirperforms Rossini

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NOTIZIE ITALIANE May 2005

n i n t e r n a t i o n a lconference enti t led

"Form D - Developments,Dig i ta l Des ign BeyondMorphogenesis" was held inHaifa on April 7 at theTe ch n i o n ' s Fa c u l t y o fArchi tec ture and TownPlanning. The conferenceexplored the theoretical andpractical potential of digital design inarchitecture.Speakers taking part in the event included Prof.Antonino Saggio (photo), professor ofarchitectonic composition at Rome's La Sapienza

University and an internationallyrecognized expert on digitalarchitecture. Prof. Saggio is oneof the editors of the celebratedser ies "IT Revolut ion inArchitecture/ The ComputerRevolution". Others taking partwere Prof. Arch. Stefano Mirti,of the Interaction Design Instituteof Ivrea, and Prof. Arch. Claudio

Millul of the Technion and member of theinitiative's scientific organizing committee. Theconference highlighted the excellent ties betweenthe Technion and the Italian Cultural Instituteof Haifa, which co-sponsored the event. <>

ADebating trends in architecture

n intensive course in artrestoration, organized by

the Italian Cultural Institute, washeld at the Nahon Museum ofItalian Jewish Art in Jerusalemon March 13-15.The highly successful seminarwas led by Prof. Andrea Papi,a consultant for UNESCO and a world renownedexpert in the restoration of works of art, and byDr. Federico Tempesta, Technical RestorationDirector of Cultural Heritage at the ItalianMinistry of Foreign Affairs. The seminar was

inaugurated by the director of theItalian Cultural InstituteSimonetta della Seta and NicolaManduzio, the Consul Generalin Jerusalem. Also present wasthe director of the Museum ofIslamic Art at the Al Aqsa mosqueProf. Kader Salameh, who

visited the Nahon museum's restoration lab.Prof. Salamek was welcomed by Mrs. NavaKessler, Director of the Museum, and by Arch.David Cassuto, President of the JerusalemAssociation of Italian Jews.<>

Restoring works of artA warm reception

w a s a c c o r d e dCardinal Carlo MariaMartini at the presentationof the Hebrew translationof h i s book “VersoGerusalemme”. The eventwas organized by the

Italian Cultural Institute and held on March 3at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.Over 200 guests participated includingAmbassador Sandro De Bernardin, the ApostolicNuncio Mons. Pietro Sambi, the Custos of theHoly Land, Father Pierbattista Pizzaballa, theBishop of Nazareth Giacinto Marcuzzo and theConsul General in Jerusalem Nicola Manduzio.Welcoming addresses were given by Dr.Simonetta Della Seta, director of the ItalianCultural Institute, Prof. Steve Kaplan, of theHebrew University, and by Prof. Guy Stroumsa,director of the Christian Study Center. These werefollowed by highly original presentations givenby the noted Israeli biblical scholar Prof. YairZakovitch, by Prof. Roberto Bonfil, ex rabbi inMilan and expert on Jewish history, and by RabbiDavid Rosen, well known as an exponent ofJewish-Christian dialogue and author of theintroduction to the Hebrew edition of CardinalMartini's book.The Cardinal, moved by the appearance of hisbook in Hebrew and by the participation of somany friends, recounted with emotion the longroad that brought him to his “beloved”Jerusalem.<>

Meeting Cardinal MartiniA

The Zionist movement in ItalyOn Apri l 5 the NahonMuseum inaugurated a newexhibit: a wall recounting thes t o r y o f t h e Z i o n i s tmovement in Italy. Theimportant items were donatedby the descendants of Felice Ravenna (photo),an Italian attorney who became a personal friendof Herzl’s and headed the nascent Zionistmovement in Italy. The public is invited to seethe exhibit.

Special Independence Day exhibitMay 12A unique custom among Italian Jewishcommunities is to change the parokhet, thedecorative cloth covering the synagogue ark, foreach event and holiday, in keeping with the eventbeing celebrated. Among the many old parokhotin the museum's collection, a modern one made

b y t h e I t a l i a nJ e w i s h a r t i s tE m a n u e l eLuzzatti is salientfor its many colors(photo). It wasmade to mark thefiftieth anniversaryof the State of Israeland was donated bythe artist. In honorof IndependenceDay and JerusalemDay, the parokhetwill be on displayin the old Conegliano Veneto synagogue.

Holocaust Memorial DayMay 4Holocaust Memorial Day lecture andpresentation by Prof. Francesco Lucrezi of theUniversity of Salerno on his new book on thedeath of Primo Levi. The lecture will be in Italianand Hebrew. Admission is free.

International Museum DayMay 27On International Museum Day admission to themuseum is free. The museum will also beoffering guided tours for the general public atno charge. The tour in Hebrew is at 11 a.m.; thetour in English is at 12.

Shavuot exhibitionMayShavuot exhibition,wi th spec tacu la rT o r a h - s c r o l lornaments from theItalian Baroque period,and many beautifulitems that illustrate thecustoms of ItalianJewry for the Shavuotholiday. In honor of the holiday, children frompreschools and elementary schools will visit themuseum and will take part in experientialactivities that include tours, crafts workshops,and preparation of dairy Italian dishes. <>

Events at the Museum of Italian Jewish Art

27, Hillel st., Jerusalem Tel: 02-6241610 Fax: 02-6253480 www.jija.org jija@netvision.net.il

8

NOTIZIE ITALIANE May 2005

Events in Italy

Italian Trade Fair Calendar, May-June 200517-21 May, MilanINTELElectronics, lighting,automation, securitywww.intelshow.com

18 – 22 May, BolognaAUTOPROMOTECTransportation industrywww.autopromotec.it

20 – 22 May, NaplesEDILMED-BIENNIALBuilding equipment andfacilitieswww.edilmedfiera.it

27 – 30 May, MilanCHIBIDUE 2005Costume jewellery, fashionaccessories, perfumerychibidue.fmi.it

1 - 4 June, CarraraMarina (MS)CARRARAMARMOTECMarble machinery andservicecarraramarmotec.com

4 – 12 June, TriesteTRADE FAIRHandicrafts, tourism,regional foodwww.fiera.trieste.it

5 - 7 June, MilanMODAPRIMAFashion and accessorieswww.modaprima.it

7 - 10 June, VeronaPULIREEnvironmental Hygienewww.pulire-it.com

11 – 14 June, Riva delGardaEXPO RIVA SHUHFootwear expowww.exporivaschuh.it

11 - 16 June, VicenzaOROMACCHINEGold and jewelry expowww.oromacchine.org

11 - 16 June, VicenzaVICENZAORO 2Gold, silver and watch-makingwww.vicenzaoro2.it

13 - 15 June, ModenaFASHION SHOEFootwear and leather goods

www.bolognafiere.it

18 June – 3 July, NaplesFIERA DELLACASAHousing expowww.fieradellacasa.net

22 – 25 June, FlorencePITTI IMMAGINEUOMOMenswear and accessorieswww.pittimmagine.com

24 – 27 June, MilanSI SPOSITALIABridal and CeremonialClothingwww.expocts.it

26 June – 1 July, MilanMILANO MODAUOMOMen's fashionwww.cameramoda.it

De Nittis RetrospectiveTill June 12, MilanThis retrospective of paintingsby Giuseppe de Nittis (1846-1884), the important ItalianImpressionist from Barletta,consists of 200 paintings and20 works on paper. The showtraces the evolution of thepainter’s style from his earlywork in Naples, to thepaintings in France andEurope, to his later famous andevocative paintings of London.www.mazzotta.it

Taormina Film FestivalJune 11-18, TaorminaThe Taormina International Film Festival takesplace in the Palazzo dei Congressi and inTaormina's famous Greek Theatre. It is acompetitive film festival screening film previews,independent features, documentaries, shorts andtributes to filmmakers of the past. Every evening,a Taormina Arte Award for Cinematic Excellenceis awarded to an outstanding personality ininternational cinema.Tel. +39 06 583 331 45 festfilm@tin.it

CimabueTill June 25, PisaThe Museo Nazionale SanMatteo presents an exhibitionthat shows the most prolific andrefined paintings of the Pisanschool, stretching from Giunta, the greatest andmost innovative painter of the first half of the 13thcentury, to Giotto via Cimabue.cimabueapisa@yahoo.it

Maggio Musicale FiorentinoTill June 30, FlorenceThe oldest music festival in Italythis year includes three mainopera productions - Tosca and Don Giovanni, both

directed by Zubin Mehta, and Boris Godunov,directed by Semyon Bychkov. Additionally, thereare two exhibitions staged at the Uffizi Galleryand Pitti Palace showing costumes and jewelleryworn by Maria Callas and Ebe Stigniani.www.maggiofiorentino.com

AnniCinquanta - the birth of Italian creativityTill July 3, MilanMilan's Palazzo Reale hosts an impressiveexhibition dedicated to Italian artifacts createdbetween 1948 and 1960, which helped to shapethe country's contemporary profile and lifestyle.For the first time over 700 original objects andprojects document the strengths and peculiaritiesof post-war Italian creativity.Palazzo Reale, Tel +39 02 875 672gruppi@ticketone.it

Biennale Art Exhibition12 June - 6 November, Venice

The spectacular Venice Biennale showcasesartistic and cultural trends from all over theworld. The 51st edition of the festival in2005 offers two exhibitions: The Experienceof Art, curator María de Corral, and Alwaysa Little Further, curator Rosa Martínez.The umbrella of the Biennale includes eventsrelated to all artistic disciplines, but by far

the most famous feature is the visual arts exhibitionspace in the Giardini di Castello, half an hour'swaterfront walk from St Mark's square.www.labiennale.org/en

Pop art Italia 1958-1968Till July 3, Modena

The exhibition’s 100 works by 30 artistshave been divided into thematic groups bythe curators, art historian WalterGuadagnini and Luca Massimo Barberoof the Guggenheim Collection of Venice.They include works by Franco Angeli, theBolognese artist Concetto Pozzati, and theCalabrian Mimmo Rotella.

www.comune.modena.it/galleria

Faces in the CrowdTill July 10, Castello di RivoliTaking ÉdouardManet’s Le Balmasqué à l’Opéra(The Masked Balla t the Opera ,1 8 7 3 ) a s i t sstarting point,Fa c e s i n t h eCrowd traces ahistory of avant-garde figuration.T h e s h o w ’ scurators have selected some 200 figurative worksby 20th century artists illustrating “faces in acrowd,” often shown in the setting of a moderncity.www.castellodirivoli.org

Ravenna Festival18 June - 24 July, RavennaThe Ravenna Festival presents original productionsof opera, concerts, dance, jazz, ethnic music, dramaand cinema, conferences, exhibitions and even theproduction of historical critical essays and theirpublication. It is music, however, that dominatesthe scene.www.ravennafestival.org

Verona Opera Festival17 June - 31 August, VeronaT h e u n i q u eR o m a namphitheatre att he hea r t o fVerona is the siteof a series ofopen-air operaperformances.T h i s y e a r ' sfestival includesperformances ofVerdi's Nabucco and Aida and Ponchielli'sGioconda.veronaapt@tin.it <>