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| Israeli ambassador to Ireland plans bridge building
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JERUSALEM (EJP)--- The new Israeli ambassador to Ireland has spoken of his hopes to build up the relationship between the two countries.
Just over a month after he arrived in Dublin, Dr. Zion Evrony said he sees “great similarities” between Israel and Ireland.
Referring to last year’s group games in the World Cup qualifiers, Evony told Ireland’s Newstalk radio: “I see my mission here to make the strong relations between Ireland and Israel even stronger, to increase trade between Ireland and Israel and to increase tourism from Ireland to Israel , not only when there is a soccer match between the two National teams!
Speaking of the connection between Israel and Ireland he added: “I think it is most striking to see the similarities that are much greater than the differences between the two countries. Like Israelis, Irish have a special bond to their land; both cherish their rich often difficult history, try to preserve their ancient language, both have developed a high tech economy, love music and literature, both have big diasporas who are yearning for their homeland. By the way, in recent years a few Irish pubs have been opened in Israel , so you can hear Irish music in Jerusalem today.”
Media importance
The ambassador also detailed how important he felt it is to change Israel’s image in the Irish media.
Just a few weeks ago a group of 61 Irish academics wrote to the Irish Times advocating an academic boycott of Israeli institutions.
Evrony said: “The success would be if I manage to improve Israel ’s image, especially in the media. I have been received here very warmly, I am very much impressed by the friendliness of the Irish people but I have seen a lot of misunderstanding, misinformation, many misconceptions in the way the media is reporting the conflict in the Middle East . If I manage to create a better understanding of Israel ’s unique circumstances.then I have succeeded in my job.”
Referring specifically to the Irish Times letter, he added: “I think it is only a small minority of academics in Ireland that have signed this letter. I have seen a few letters signed by other academics that condemn the letter calling for a boycott of Israeli universities. I think it is very dangerous to mix politics with research, science and culture.”
Peace efforts
During the radio interview, Evrony faced tough questioning over Israel’s treatment of the Palestinians and commitment to peace.
Rebutting all accusations, he said: “The fact that Israel has tried time and time again to make peace with the Palestinians, that the root cause of the conflict in the Middle East has never been the so called occupation but the refusal of Israel’s enemies to recognise its right to live in peace and security. This has been the heart of the conflict in the Middle East and this has been ignored by these academics and by some of Israel ’s critics here in the media.”
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