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 Jewish Agency Treasurer Chaim Chesler opens the Karmiel Dance Festival (photo: Avi Hirschfield) "Last year I stood here and promised you that the Jewish Agency would continue to support the Galilee. Two weeks ago, at our annual assembly, we pledged to renew our efforts to strengthen the Galilee and the Negev," said Jewish Agency Treasurer, Chaim Chesler, speaking at the opening of the 14th Karmiel dance festival this week. "I know that the unrest of recent months concerned some of the festival organizers, who worried that people would stay away from such an event. So I am delighted to see so many people here," he said to an assembled audience of some 30,000. "Events such as this festival strengthen the citizens of the Galilee and enhance their feeling of security. We are with you and are committed to helping you. To ensure Israel's future we need aliya and a strong periphery. We are working to realize both aims - this week we are bringing over 800 new immigrants to Israel." Also speaking at the opening were Minister of Culture and Sport, Matan Vilnai and Mayor or Karmiel, Adi Eldar. The ceremony was attended by Israel's fifth President, Yitzhak Navon. The festival brings together dance lovers from Israel and around the world for three days of non-stop dancing and performances by the best of Israel's professional companies, who appear alongside visiting groups from other countries. There is a special emphasis on folk dancing. The festival is attended by approximately one quarter of a million visitors. |
