On the 13th February 2015, the Ambassador of the State of Israel in the Czech Republic, Gary Koren, paid us, the students of Masaryk Grammar School in Pilsen, a visit. Not knowing what to expect, we had only been told the Ambassador would talk about ‘modern Israel‘, we looked forward to the discussion, and not solely because we did not want to attend our other classes.
Due to maintaining security, we had to leave our bags in another class room, we were only allowed to have a pen on us. Before the Ambassador came, we were told some basic information and given a brochure about the Cemach competiton that tries to connect Czechs and Israelis. Then the Ambassador came, introduced himself and told us what he had studied and what he had worked as before taking the job of ambassador. He also asked us whether we do or do not know some basic info about Israel. Having heard some dates and names, he started the presentation about his country, distant Israel. Firstly he told us general information like where Israel is, when and why it was established etc., although he did not mention any conflict this Jewish state had had to endure, but why would he do that? Everyone tries to forget something ugly and it does not matter if it is a war or a bad fight with a friend. For instance, while mentioning the Israeli conflict with Palestinians he regarded it as ‘our problem with Palestinians‘ and Israeli neighbours were described as ‘the states that can’t be negotiated with right now‘.
He continued with describing Israel, mainly concentrating on the excellent economy; he praised for example Intel and cherry tomatoes, and, I would say, the tourism side of the country. He showed us several beautiful photos and videos both of the capital Jerusalem and of the diverse landscape. It seemed a bit like promotion but I think we all knew why. No one would show pictures of bad places or deeds. No Czechs would tell you that we have great problems with some of the worst corruption in Europe or that the trains are always late but they would tell you we have wonderful cities with plenty of sights. But the Ambassador told us at the beginning of the presentation that intelligent people should be able to not only receive all their information from the tabloids but also to find more sources and find the truth by ourselves. Even being aware of this fact I must admit this presentation was a fine introduction of Israel and its culture.
After the end of the presentation there was an opportunity to ask any question we could think about (concerning Israel, of course). The questions concerned the upcoming Israeli parliament election and the aforementioned Israeli-Palestinian conflict. It was obvious the second question hit the spot and that it was not easy for the Ambassador to answer it. But for whom would it not be hard to answer?
Filip Polák, 3. A
