December 16, 2001
1 Tevet, 5762
Jerusalem

Jewish Agency to Head Session and Taskforce at Herzliya Conference on Strategic Strength
Sallai Meridor to Give Major Address
Natan Sharansky to Speak on Jewish Power in the Former Soviet Union
New Immigrant Wounded in Dolphinarium Terror Attack and U.S. Parents of Soldier Killed in Action to Light Hannukkah Candles

Rita Abramov, a new immigrant from Russia, who had been wounded in the Dolphinarium Terror attack, will light the Hannukkah candles at the prestigious Herzliya Conference on National Strength Sunday evening, tonight, December 16th. She will be joined by Maj. Gen. (Res.) Amos Yaron and by Mr. Max and Mrs. Suzanne Singer from the U.S., whose son was killed in action in the IDF. Rita Abramov, who immigrated with her father, mother and brother from near the Chechnyan border in Russia, was severely injured in the Terror attack, which took the lives of 21 youngsters and wounded 108 individuals. She is still in rehabilitation but is also studying at the Tel-Aviv University affiliated School for Practical Engineering.

The Jewish Agency will head a session on the “Jewish People as a Strategic Asset” in the Herzliya Conference, tomorrow, December 17th. Jewish Agency Chairman Sallai Meridor will give his analysis of the strategic significance to Israel of the Jewish People. At a special dinner session and Prof. Arthur Naparstek, Director of the Israel and Overseas Pillar of the United Jewish Communities, will present the results of a special Jewish Agency taskforce on the subject of the Jewish People as a strategic asset. Minister Natan Sharansky will speak on Jewish power in the Former Soviet Union and relations with Israel.

The Herzliya Conference on Israel’s National Strength and Security, organized by the Institute of Policy and Strategy of the Interdisciplinary Center, under the direction of Dr. Uzi Arad,is Israel’s premier academic evaluation of Israel’s National Strength, in the broadest sense of the term.

In the context of this forum, Israel’s leading political, military, industrial and financial decision-makers, as well as distinguished academic and political analysts from Israel and abroad come together to deliberate upon the components of Israel’s National Security and to recommend guidelines for future policy. Among those lecturing at the conference will be the President, Prime Minister, Minister and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of Defense. The Conference will analyze such issues as the new international arena, the Palestinian complex, growth and economic viability, the Future War, Terrorism and Deterrence as well as security implications of the media.

For additional information contact Yehuda Weinraub, 055-284805

For further information:
Contact the Office of the Spokesman:
Michael Jankelowitz
Liaison to Foreign Press and Media JAFI
Tel: 972-2-6202780
Fax: 972-2-6202708
Mobile: 972-51-601706