Mark Sofer, Ambassador of Israel to India, in an exclusive conversation with B&E talks about Iran, terrorism, Palestine, and a solution in West Asia
B&E : What is the general perception in Israel about India? Whaqt is that thing about India that intrigues the present generation of Israelis.
MS : We have 700 students in Israel studying Indian philosophy, Indian language, Indian mentality, culture in six universities in Israel. Difficult to know what the reason is. There is something in the mentality and the culture of this country which is admired not only by Israelis, but many people around the world. For Israeli and to lot of people around the world. tourists come here for quietness, peace and calm which they don?t get in volatile parts of middle-east, especially after schools, colleges, military service, university- which are all stressful for the youngsters. Here they enjoy the culture, cool and calm atmosphere.
B&E : We would like to know how Moshe is doing and we would like him to know how much India misses him.
MS : I would look at it from the other side of the coin. Actually I was here that time. First of all we were inundated by calls in Mumbai who wanted to adopt Moshe. The nanny was also seen as a hero which indeed she was, as a matter of fact, there is no doubt about it, as put her life to risk to save moshe. I understand the baby speaks Hindi, now that he is 3 years old. It was very moving for us
B&E : Interestingly Israel is a country in Middle East that associates more with Europe. It plays Euro Cup as well. Is there any effort being made to be part of EU?
MS : We play football in Europe because our national arena which is West Asia or Middle East arena, they are not being able to offer a place into the natural geographical arena that we are supposed to be in. I am sure a day will come when we can move into this arena- in the meantime we have to be here. The problem number one with Israel and EU is- Israel is not in Europe- I think even before we start talking about EU, we have to undergo certain kind of name changed. However much we can make the like-mindedness of economy, mentality and culture, Israel is in Asia! I don't know any other Asian or even African country for that matter, which is in EU. In the same way I wouldn't expect any African country in ASEAN. I think the idea behind is that the movement or idea of like mindedness. The same kind of approach to human values, democracy, rule of law, freedom of press, stability-these are the kind of values you have. One of the reasons we are so close to Europe is EU countries are literally half-n-hour flying from Tel Aviv, which is Cyprus; Greece would be about an hour flying. So we are literally on the borderline of Europe in that respect. Therefore there is a lot of affinity there, and from that affinity, and interaction that there is; sometimes good, sometimes giving and taking in the end of the day it doesn't mean that we are going to be part of EU.
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B&E : What is the general perception in Israel about India? Whaqt is that thing about India that intrigues the present generation of Israelis.
MS : We have 700 students in Israel studying Indian philosophy, Indian language, Indian mentality, culture in six universities in Israel. Difficult to know what the reason is. There is something in the mentality and the culture of this country which is admired not only by Israelis, but many people around the world. For Israeli and to lot of people around the world. tourists come here for quietness, peace and calm which they don?t get in volatile parts of middle-east, especially after schools, colleges, military service, university- which are all stressful for the youngsters. Here they enjoy the culture, cool and calm atmosphere.
B&E : We would like to know how Moshe is doing and we would like him to know how much India misses him.
MS : I would look at it from the other side of the coin. Actually I was here that time. First of all we were inundated by calls in Mumbai who wanted to adopt Moshe. The nanny was also seen as a hero which indeed she was, as a matter of fact, there is no doubt about it, as put her life to risk to save moshe. I understand the baby speaks Hindi, now that he is 3 years old. It was very moving for us
B&E : Interestingly Israel is a country in Middle East that associates more with Europe. It plays Euro Cup as well. Is there any effort being made to be part of EU?
MS : We play football in Europe because our national arena which is West Asia or Middle East arena, they are not being able to offer a place into the natural geographical arena that we are supposed to be in. I am sure a day will come when we can move into this arena- in the meantime we have to be here. The problem number one with Israel and EU is- Israel is not in Europe- I think even before we start talking about EU, we have to undergo certain kind of name changed. However much we can make the like-mindedness of economy, mentality and culture, Israel is in Asia! I don't know any other Asian or even African country for that matter, which is in EU. In the same way I wouldn't expect any African country in ASEAN. I think the idea behind is that the movement or idea of like mindedness. The same kind of approach to human values, democracy, rule of law, freedom of press, stability-these are the kind of values you have. One of the reasons we are so close to Europe is EU countries are literally half-n-hour flying from Tel Aviv, which is Cyprus; Greece would be about an hour flying. So we are literally on the borderline of Europe in that respect. Therefore there is a lot of affinity there, and from that affinity, and interaction that there is; sometimes good, sometimes giving and taking in the end of the day it doesn't mean that we are going to be part of EU.
Read more.....
Source : IIPM Editorial, 2012.
An Initiative of IIPM, Malay Chaudhuri
and Arindam Chaudhuri (Renowned Management Guru and Economist).
For More IIPM Info, Visit below mentioned IIPM articles.
Prof. Rajita Chaudhuri's Website
domain-b.com : IIPM ranked ahead of IIMs
Arindam Chaudhuri's Portfolio - he is at his candid best by Society Magazine
IIPM Best B School India
Management Guru Arindam Chaudhuri
Rajita Chaudhuri-The New Age Woman
IIPM's Management Consulting Arm-Planman Consulting
Professor Arindam Chaudhuri - A Man For The Society....
IIPM: Indian Institute of Planning and Management
IIPM makes business education truly global
IIPM B-School Detail
An Initiative of IIPM, Malay Chaudhuri
and Arindam Chaudhuri (Renowned Management Guru and Economist).
For More IIPM Info, Visit below mentioned IIPM articles.
Prof. Rajita Chaudhuri's Website
domain-b.com : IIPM ranked ahead of IIMs
Arindam Chaudhuri's Portfolio - he is at his candid best by Society Magazine
IIPM Best B School India
Management Guru Arindam Chaudhuri
Rajita Chaudhuri-The New Age Woman
IIPM's Management Consulting Arm-Planman Consulting
Professor Arindam Chaudhuri - A Man For The Society....
IIPM: Indian Institute of Planning and Management
IIPM makes business education truly global
IIPM B-School Detail
