The participants of the special press-tour of Novomedia Association visited the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Israel, in Jerusalem. During the visit, they had a chance to communicate with Mr. Zvi Rav-Ner, who is the Deputy Director of Department of Eurasia.  

Ukrainian journalists set the goal to learn from the experience of Israel in terms of a construction of its statehood.  Another subject of the dialogue was the political and military conflict over Palestinian territory. According to representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Israel, in the world’s largest media the coverage on that complex subject is often biased.  Therefore, it’s always important for the media workers, to visit the scenes personally and learn the subject from the inside. 

Evangelical Protestant Church – is one of the largest groups in the Christian world, supporting the state of Israel. It is nice to know that Ukrainian Evangelical churches also love our country. I very much want to hear your journalistic voice which sounds loudly. After all, there is the fulfillment of a Bible prophecy in the restoration of the state of Israel"- he said.

Participants, however, confirmed that protestant churches giving a lot of attention to the importance of the topic of Israel, knowing that this state plays a key role in World’s history. Christians pray for the Jews, and they love God's chosen people.

The delegation also discussed the relevant issues that are common for both of the countries. It is a constant threat of a war by unfriendly neighbors, frequent anti-terrorist actions, the need to eliminate corruption and the modernization of the economy based on high technologies, and informational wars. Israel lives and effectively has been developing for more than 65 years in those circumstances, constantly looking for new ways to strengthen the defense and welfare for its citizens. Despite the hostile environment, the State manages to develop, preserving an ancient traditions and value, remaining a democratic country and it does not encourage permissiveness.

For the Ukraine, Israel – is an example of national unity, invincibility, and stubborn desire to develop their own state, despite the incredible resistance of the neighbors. Further cooperation between our countries will be very useful, and can be used in different areas, such as: military, economic, scientific, tourism, "- said Maxim Vasin, one of the visitors, Executive Director of the Institute of the Religious Freedom.

Yuri Vavrinyuk, chief editor of the magazine "Blagovestnik", shared his impressions after the tour: "All this time during the trip, the idea that the fate of modern Israel and Ukraine are very similar, did not leave my mind. Israeli statehood is kept in a special national consciousness, national identity, which is only now, truly awakens in Ukrainian society. Similarly, the external danger united Ukrainian and Israeli society. Israel's experience can help us build a new Ukraine in many ways. "

In the conclusion, the representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Israel warmly thanked the group of “Novomedia" tour for the visit, and convey the wishes of peace for Ukraine.

The experience of building a strong Israeli state in the most adverse conditions requires a careful analysis of the Ukrainian partners. Jews pray a lot and work hard. It seems that this is the secret of the success of their country, which we can courageously adopt and practice ", - said Ruslan Kukharchuk, the head of a group of Ukrainian journalists and president of the Novomedia Association. 

Press-tour of "Novomedia" in Israel took place from 24th to 29th of December, at the invitation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, of the State of the Middle East.

Novomedia Association Press Center