Paris exhibit ‘opens doors’ to Israel

 

Diplomats, French officials, actors, artists and leaders of the Jewish community gathered at the Carousel du Louvre for the launching of an unusual exhibit, titled “Open a Door to Israel.”

 

The exhibit is composed of nine doors, each in a different color and design, all opening into huge interactive screens.

 

“This exhibit is the fruit of two and a half years of work and an investment of NIS 3.5 million, as a joint venture of our ministry and the Ministry for Strategic Affairs,” Joel Lion, director of the Foreign Ministry’s Public and Academic Affairs Department, explained to The Jerusalem Post on Wednesday.

 

“The idea was to bring Israel, to bring Israelis to the world, for people to view the Israeli experience. When the idea first came up, we defined nine values; nine characteristics of Israeli society, and each of these elements became a door to be opened.”

 

Israeli Ambassador Aliza Bin-Noun, tells the Post that many people in France and elsewhere connect Israel only with the Middle East conflict or to terrorist attacks. “It is our job to demonstrate the positive aspects of Israeli society. To offer people a small taste of us, of what we are alike, to awake their curiosity,” she says. She also notes that Israeli Innovation Day, featuring the best of Israeli hi-tech, will open here on April 6.

 

Judging by the crowd, the creative side definitely appeals to many. Famous French caricaturist Platnu opens one door after the other, followed by Filmmaker Alexandre Arcady and French actor Steve Suissa.

 

“After the BDS poster campaign at the London tube last month, we were not sure how our exhibit would be greeted,” an Israeli diplomat said. “We already put up posters last week in several metro stations announcing the exhibit without the slightest negative reaction,” he said. “I am sure that our Israeli doors will open many French hearts”... Read more.