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| Israeli embassy celebrates independence day
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Ziv Eitan on stage
Photo: DasCorps/Reiner Eenhuis
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BERLIN (EJP) - The Israeli embassy in Berlin gave its official Yom Hatmautz Independence Day reception on May 16. Over 2,000 people accepted Ambassador Shimon Stein’s invitation to attend a concert and reception at Berlin’s Treptow Arena, the city’s smaller trade fair and concert venue.
Unlike in past years, there were fewer high ranking personalities on hand. Germany’s foreign minister, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, was present, as was Mohammed al-Orabi, Egypt’s ambassador.
As in most years, the event did not fall on the exact date of Israel’s founding. This year, Jewish groups and organisations as well as synagogues throughout Germany honoured Israel’s 58th year of statehood, on May 3, with commemorative assemblies and parties.
On most calendars, modern Israel’s ascent to statehood took place May 14, 1948. However, since Israeli holidays follow the Jewish lunar calendar, the date of Yom Hatmautz changes yearly.
“Since we are all friends,” Ambassador Stein told his guests, “I can save you the long speech about what has been going on in Israel over the past year”. Humorously, he invited all of Israel’s friends, who were not up-to-date, to subscribe to his embassy’s daily newsletter.
Egyptian ambassador present
This year marked the first time that Egypt’s ambassador al-Orabi attended the event. “I am here to demonstrate that the possibility of a true peace in the region is on its way”, the ambassador told EJP. He found the concert an ideal way for people of different nations to come together - calling music “a common language between cultures”.
Al-Orabi, spent a number of years, as Egypt’s deputy ambassador, in Tel Aviv. “I have many friends in Israel and I can see that everyone there is truly tired and are now doing all they can do to grasp the ropes of peace,” he said.
Stein and Al-Orabi have intensified their contact over the past year. “Al-Orabi’s presence gives a sense of support or legitimacy to Israel’s current government,” one bystander told EJP.
This has not stopped Ambassador Stein from continuing his search for broad-based support among Germans. He told his audience that he was looking forward to their continued support for Israel. He focused particular attention on the generational change that was taking place in the rows of Israel’s supporters – having given a special greeting to a number of school-aged youths who had come to celebrate. “These children are the new generation whose backing we are looking forward to, in the future,” he said.
Musical extravaganza
The ambassador was particularly excited by his musical guest, percussionist Ziv Eitan. “Eitan is a person whose energies represent the diversity of our country. He is a person who feels at home in the basements of apartment houses as well as at large scale venues,” Stein said.
The concert was certainly different than the classical programs which the embassy had been putting on in Berlin’s Philharmonic Hall over the past four years. Last year’s reception was a full concert by the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra under the direction of Zubin Metha. It was a highlight that, according to one guest, “can’t be beaten”.
Last year’s concert was particularly noteworthy because it marked Germany and Israel’s 40th year of diplomatic relations.
Although Eitan’s performance was only a three-man show – it was nevertheless a highlight filled with energy. The percussion virtuoso zipped between the various percussion instruments as if they were a single unit. The video installations in the background complimented the rhythms. Fast moving blurry images of everything conceivable offered insight into every aspect of society. Even sensual images were broken up in such a way so as not to offend anybody.
Eitan’s arrangements are a collection of classical, electronic and world-music rhythms that stemmed from European, American, Japanese and Israeli composers. Even Arab and Christian sounds were not ignored. Although the rebirth of a Jewish state was being celebrated, a rendition of Schubert’s “Ave Maria” made its way to the audience as well.
Although the Israeli Embassy is one of the few Berlin based diplomatic representations that puts on such extravagant concerts at large scale venues, it is apparent that the tiny Middle East country is now trying to save some money. The buffet was small to non-existent and the venue less extravagant than usual. Nevertheless, everyone seemed to be in a good mood.
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