enewsletter EMBASSY OF THE REPUBLIC OF SLOVENIA IN TEL AVIV April 2014

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1 enewsletter EMBASSY OF THE REPUBLIC OF SLOVENIA IN TEL AVIV April 2014 European Parliament Elections 2014 HAPPENING NOW On April 26 the Slovene electoral commission confirmed 16 lists for the European Parliament elections, up from 13 in the previous elections in This May Europeans will elect the new members of the European Parliament and for the first time ever the elections will also help determine who the President of the European Commission will be. This means voters have power to decide who is in charge and have a bigger say on Europe s future. In Slovenia elections are going to be held on May 25 when voters will be able to decide on future eight MEPS. More information on European parliament elections in Slovenia at: and on the Slovenian European Parliament elections candidates at: Bilateral scholarships for the academic year 2014/15 The Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sport of the Republic of Slovenia offers number of scholarship months to foreign nationals, on the basis of bilateral agreements between the governments/ministries and reciprocity. 27 scholarship months are available to citizens of Israel for the academic year 2014/2015. Applications are available at: Photo: Entrance to the National University Library and detail of the door (source: National University Library) Potential candidates who are interested in studying in Slovenia can get more information at Europe Day 2014 events. The first event will be held at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem on Monday, 12 May 2014 where the European Forum has

2 organized a day-long European festival. The second event will be held at the University of Haifa on 15 May 2014 where the Center for German and European Studies has organized a conference and an outdoor European cultural festival. The Embassy of Slovenia will be presenting studying opportunities in universities across Slovenia. Ambassador Suhadolnik on Joys and perils of Diplomatic Life On April 9, Ambassador Suhadolnik spoke at the Cadets Course at the MFA in Jerusalem. The session On Joys and Perils of Diplomatic Life included speakers Ms Vani Rao, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of India and Mr. Walter Zepeda, Deputy Head at the Embassy of Guatemala. The Session was attended by twenty Cadets from the MFA, the Director of the Cadets Course Itai Bardov and moderated by Talya Lador-Fresher, The Chief of Protocol at the MFA. BUSINESS The oldest kibbutz plastics factory plans expanding into European markets: Huliot Plastic Industries has acquired Slovene company Argo Plastics Company Huliot, owned by Kibbutz Sde Nehemia in the Upper Galilee, is expanding its operations to Europe, acquiring Slovenian factory Argo. Founded in 1947, Huliot is the oldest kibbutz plastics company. It manufactures plumbing products for infrastructures and construction. The company s annual sales are NIS 150 million, mainly in the Israeli market. The acquisition of Argo realizes one of Huliot s central targets: entering the European market and establishing a presence. Huliot said that with the completion of Argo's acquisition, new markets in ten European countries will be opened to them, including Germany, Austria, Italy, the Czech Republic, and more. Within a few months, the company intends to begin marketing one of its flagship products in these countries: new, environmentally friendly, acoustic, plastic plumbing for sewage, to replace metal plumbing, which pollutes the soil. The company believes that the acquisition of Argo will also allow it to enter new markets outside of Europe such as the UAE. Source: Globes [online], Israel business news - Slovene Start-up delegation coming to MIXii Innovation Conference Following the successful First Slovenian - Israeli Day of Science and Innovation in February of this year in Ljubljana, where Slovene start-ups presented themselves to the Israeli Slovene panel of judges, Slovene start-ups are arriving to Tel Aviv. Slovene start-up delegation will be coming to Israel on the occasion of the Israel Innovation Conference (MIXiii), where Biomed and High-tech will join hands. The Conference will take place at the Tel Aviv Fairgrounds May 20-22, The previous conferences hosted over 7,000 industry players, engineers and scientists with approximately 1,500 participants from over 45 countries and an excess of 4,500 one-onone meetings. The conference will provide unique opportunity for Slovene participants

3 to network with Israeli and international counterparts, providing insight into the Israeli innovation ecosystem, making Israel one of the largest global innovation hubs. ONE START UP AT A TIME MESI simplifying diagnostics The company MESI is developing diagnostic medical devices that support physicians work, assist them with accurate results and reduce time needed for diagnosis. This is MESI Simplifying diagnostics. It started with a challenge: Medical diagnostics are getting more advanced every day. The technology used not only saves lives, but enhances their quality. MESI has combined knowledge from experts to create the best product and the finest user experience possible. ABPI MD has been enhanced by MESI s motto Simplifying diagnostics. The company was founded with the aim to develop an automated ankle-brachial pressure index measuring device. The idea was suggested by the co-founder Matjaž Špan, MD, who has extensive experiences in cardiovascular medicine. In his daily practice he had been using the old Doppler ultrasound method for measuring ABI for diagnosing peripheral arterial disease, the obstructions of large arteries in lower extremities. However, he was dissatisfied with the method since it was time-consuming, inaccurate and subjective. He teamed up with Jakob Šušterič and Tomo Krivc, both electrical engineers and co-founders, to develop a device that would be time-efficient, accurate, objective and easy to use at the same time. The company s first product, an automated ankle-brachial index measuring device (ABPI MD) was developed very quickly and efficiently. Alongside the development process, the company implemented a quality management system and was the youngest company in the country to receive ISO 9001 and ISO certificates. MESI s innovation has been recognized by a number of awards: The Rector s Award for Best Innovation, the finals of the best Slovenian start-up, the Best Slovenian Innovation at the Slovenian Forum of Innovations in the start-up category and the Golden Award for Innovation from the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Slovenia. The company s vision is to bring ABPI MD to every general practice to help physicians discover the peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Twenty percent of people older than 55 years have PAD, but only 25% of them is aware of it. MESI s device can help discover PAD up to 5 years earlier and moreover it can discover path to asymptomatic patients. More at:

4 TOURISM ONE DESTINATION AT A TIME Logarska dolina- Logar Valley The Logar Valley is one of the most beautiful Alpine glacial valleys in Europe. It extends into the Kamnik-Savinja Alps from the north. A part of the Solčavsko region, tradition and nature have found harmony here, serving as a good example of sustainable development. As an added value to agriculture and forestry, tourism offers an opportunity for relaxation in the peaceful ambience of the Landscape Park as well as hiking, cycling, horseback riding, photo hunting, etc. The park has received a Future in the Alps Award from CIPRA for the successful management of a protected area. Photo: Logarska dolina landscape park, source: A tranquil walk in Logarska dolina, one of Europe s most beautiful glacial alpine valleys reminds us of the centuries-old harmony here between men and nature. The Logar valley is an excellent starting point for hiking to the peaks of the Kamnik - Savinja Alps or in the interesting immediate area. The Logar valley lies nestled deep in the heart of the Kamnik - Savinja Alps, and due to its location is an ideal starting point for numerous excursions into the mountains. The foundations of the picturesque Alpine valley one can enjoy today were in fact laid down during the last Ice Age when a huge glacier abraded a 7-km long, 250-m wide U shaped basin. Today this trough-like valley lies enshrouded by the lofty peaks of Krofička, Ojstrica, Lučka Baba, Planjava, Brana, Turska Gora and Rinke, all of which rise above 2,000 metres. The valley is divided into three parts: the lower tract is called Log, the central one Plest, whilst the upper part is known as Kot. Log and Plest are covered by meadows, whilst Kot is partially forested. The attraction of the Logar valley to the nature lover lies in its abundant natural sights coupled with an almost pristine environment. A characteristic mark is also imparted by the farmsteads which have over the centuries aided in contriving a cultural landscape fashioned by the hand of man. The result is

5 complete harmony of man and nature, a characteristic seldom found in this day and age. Because of all this the Logar valley was made a regional park, the future image of which rests on the successful development of quality tourism in symbiosis with nature. Slovenia observes its First Book Night CULTURE On April 24, 2014 Slovenia observed the first Book Night with some 260 events in over 70 places around the country. Photo: Book Night, which has been observed on World Book Day in several countries, was a success because the project was joined by authors as well as publishers, book shops and libraries. The bulk of the happening took place in the capital of Ljubljana, where the project was joined by the National and University Library, which organised a panel on books, words and their importance, and the Public Fund for Culture (JSKD). One Thousand and One Nights bazaar was set up at the Metelkova museum district, which served as the gateway to the times of the Arabian Nights. Visitors were able to browse books at the bazaar until 1 AM as well as listen to an Indian music concert, watch a puppet-theatre show and "a magic dance", and take part in a workshop. Book shops joined the event by opening their doors through the night. Source:

6 Strawberry Girl by Savyon Liebrecht at Mini Theatre, Ljubljana On April 25, 2014 the premiere performance of Strawberry Girl took place at Mini Theatre in Ljubljana. The theatre play Strawberry Girl is based on a novel with the same title written by the contemporary Israeli author Savyon Liebrecht. The main poetic figure of the text is the character of a Jewish woman who grows strawberries, big as a man s fist, in a Nazi concentration camp. The project speaks to the generation form the generation, for the creators of this performance are mainly young people, born into this world without the burdens of history. Thus, they approach it with a certain naivety, but also with curiosity which leaves them open to any new big discoveries that the project might offer. Savyon Liebrecht theatrical performance in the translation of Maja Kutin and directed by Črnigoj Tjaše Quince with actresses Vesne Vončina is a co-production of Mini theatre and the Jewish cultural centre in Ljubljana. Photo: Miha Fras Slovene poet Barbara Pogačnik at Nisan festival Nisan Foundation for Art and Culture at Maghar, held its 15 th International festival for poets 28 April-May 1, The festival brings together Jewish and Arab poets who accentuate the common as well as poets from all over the world. Slovene poet Barbara Pogačnik read poems and took part in a translation workshop. Pogačnik edits and translates the anthology of Slovene poetry together with Israeli poet Hava Pinchas- Cohen.

7 JUDAICA Educating the Educators On April 10, 2014, The National Education Institute, the Center of Jewish Cultural Heritage Synagogue Maribor and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Slovenia organized a seminar on the history of Jews in Slovenia. The event was held in the Maribor Synagogue and was attended by thirty teachers, mostly of history, from both elementary and secondary schools. The lectures also outlined the history of the Holocaust in Slovenia and presented literature available on this topic. Three of the lecturers are members of Slovenia's delegation to the IHRA- the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance. Evening of Remembrance of the Holocaust against Slovenian Jews On April 24, the 70th anniversary of the deportation of Jews from Prekmurje to Nazi concentration camps was commemorated in a memorial evening, organized by the Jewish Cultural Center and publisher house Beletrina at the Mini Theater in Ljubljana. The event introduced the movie Jews in Slovenia directed by Maja Weiss, followed by a presentation of the pocket edition of the novel Billiards at the hotel Dobray and literary evening with writer Dušan Šarotar. The documentary film Jews in Slovenia is the first Slovenian film that opened the topic of almost forgotten memory of the Slovenian Jewish community and Holocaust in Slovenia. Weiss discussed the film and its creation. The film deals with the persecution of Jews at the end of the Second World War from the perspective of a Holocaust survivor returning from a concentration camp. The novel Billiards was first published in 2007 and was this year reprinted in pocket edition by Beletrina publishing house. The event was organized by the Jewish Cultural Centre Ljubljana and publishing house Beletrina in cooperation with mini theater and RTV Slovenia. Yom HaShoah Memorial ceremony for Jews from Former Yugoslavia On April 28, Ambassador Suhadolnik attended the Annual Holocaust Commemoration ceremony for Ex Yugoslav Jews in Shoresh forest near Jerusalem. This year the ceremony was entitled: The Grandchildren speak. It was attended by representatives from Yad Vashem as well as diplomats.

8 INFORMATION FOR SLOVENES ABROAD UPCOMING EVENTS ANNOUNCEMENT: 18th Youth camp for Teenagers of Slovenian Origin from Abroad Slovenian World Congress organizes 18th Youth camp for Teenagers of Slovenian Origin from Abroad from July 26 to August 2 in CŠOD Trilobit Centre facility, close to the town of Jesenice. The main purpose of the Youth camp is to bring Slovenia closer to minds and hearts of youngsters who live abroad. Divided in small groups of 6 teenagers and one group leader animator, children of Slovenian ancestry living abroad will discover the beauty of landscapes and various cultural monuments, culture and national identity of Slovenia, and also learn the Slovenian language in a relaxed atmosphere. Participation in the camp focuses on young Slovenians from abroad aged from 10 to 15. For more information, please contact: luka.klopcic(at)slokongres.com or see: ANNOUNCEMENT: 33rd Summer School of Slovene Language 2014 The Center for Slovene as a Second/Foreign Language at the Faculty of Arts of the University of Ljubljana invites you to visit Slovenia this summer and take a course in Slovene while enjoying an unforgettable Slovene holiday. Various Slovene language courses are scheduled for the period June 30 - July 25, at the Faculty of Arts, Aškerčeva 2, Ljubljana. Depending on your level of knowledge of Slovene, you can select from the beginners level to advanced courses. In addition to learning the language, there is also a varied social program, where participants can become acquainted with Slovene culture, history and contemporary reality. You can apply for the course using the application form on the web site: no later than June 16, Members of Slovene ethnic minorities in other countries and descendants of Slovene expatriates and emigrants can apply for a scholarship (2-week morning course). The deadline for applications is May 15, For more information see: In addition, The Center for Slovene as a Second/Foreign Language at the Faculty of Arts of the University of Ljubljana is this year organizing the ninth Slovene Language Summer School for teenagers aged between 13 and 17. The course begins on Monday June 30, 2014 and ends on Friday July 11, For more information see:

9 DOCAVIV festival: Project Cancer by Damjan Kozole Monday, May 12, 2014 at 10:00 Cinematheque 1 Tuesday, May 13, 2014 at 15:45 Cinematheque 3 Thursday, May 15, 2014 at 15:00 Cinematheque 4, followed by a Q/A session with the director Kozole. Slovenia 2013, 91 min, English, Bosnian and Slovene, Hebrew & English subtitles The body, especially his body, was always at the center of Ulay s artistic work. The photos and performance pieces by this conceptual artist are electrifying and gnawing insolently at the walls dividing the sexes. It was therefore only natural that when Ulay was diagnosed with cancer, he would relate to his disease as if it was his greatest project. It was a chance to push the body to the ultimate limit. During the months he was ill and the treatments he received, Ulay (the stage name of German artist Frank Uwe Laysiepen) met with Marina Abramovic, the artist who was also his collaborator and lover, and together they created a series of unforgettable pieces of performance art in which they recreate the thoughts and ideas that first led them to work together. This is a chance to see many of Ulay s works, which are featured in museums around the world. They focus on the tensions in defining identity, the parallels between art and crime, and the often evocative illusions in the game of gender and sexuality. DOCAVIV festival: The Pervert s Guide to Ideology at DOCAVIV festival

10 Saturday, May 10, 2014 at 21:15 Cinematheque 4 Friday, May 16, 2014 at 16:45 Cinematheque 2 Ireland / United Kingdom 2012, 136 min, English, Hebrew subtitles This is the second meeting between the brilliant Slovenian philosopher Slavoj Žižek and the fascinating British director Sophie Fiennes. Just like in their first meeting in The Pervert s Guide to Cinema, sparks of genius start flying, bursting into an illuminating flame. Zizek is a cultural critic, psychoanalyst, philosopher and gifted speaker. He glides gracefully and easily from talk about Nazi Germany to a discussion about Kinder Eggs chocolate, from Beethoven to the Titanic and from Coca Cola to Titanic. He has something to say about everything, and his interpretation of the reality we live in and the way we are motivated by ideology is bold, surprising and generally quite amusing. We are blinded by reality, but we choose not to put on the glasses that will let us see the world hiding behind it, because we don t want to experience the pain that real freedom demands. Source: docaviv EUROPE DAY 2014 May 12, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem European festival organized by the European Forum May 15, University of Haifa- Outdoor European Cultural Festival Slovenia s stand at Europe day 2013 at Tel Aviv University and IDC Herzliya, photo: Haaretz