Georgian-Israeli relations light up at Hanukah
By Keti Sikharulidze

The Messenger, Georgia
Dec 9 2004

The start of the Jewish festival of light, Hanukah, on Tuesday evening
was also a time for Georgian officials and Jewish leaders in Georgia to
cast their own light on the relationships between Israel and Georgia.

To mark the occasion, the Jewish Agency for Israel (Sokhnut) and the
Israeli-Georgia Chamber of Business celebrated with a concert December
7 at the Tbilisi Opera House.

Symbolically lighting what he called the ‘the symbol of Jewish soul,’
President Mikheil Saakashvili helped light the menorah and praised
Georgia’s rich historical friendship with Judaism.

“I am very proud of the Jewish nation, and the inspiration and
willingness of Jewish soldiers to defend their country,” he said,
“I wish that our soldiers had the same inspiration.”

Immediately after lighting the candle, the Israeli singer Liora
presented the president with a red rose.

Saakashvili added that he looks forward to a closer relationship
with Israel: “We have 2,600 years of a relationship, but it needs
broadening and there are great prospects to build it.”

Speaking with The Messenger, the president of Israel-Georgia Chamber
of Business Itsik Moshe approved the president’s words saying that a
“new stage” of relations has begun and that this holiday “has given
light” to the strong Georgia-Israeli relationship. Moshe stated this
holiday represents the beginning of a new era between Georgia and
Israel relationship.

“After 15 years there is a new reality and we have a historical
opportunity to begin a new stage of relations with the Georgian
government, and I think that the Georgian government can make it and
Israel is ready to support it,” stated Moshe.

This year is particularly significant because the Jewish Agency for
Israel is celebrating its 75th anniversary and its 15th anniversary
of its establishment in Georgia.

The head of Jewish Agency for Israel Representation in Georgia and
Armenia, Dov Pikulini, told The Messenger Tuesday evening that “our
organization will continue its traditions and activities.” Pikulini
added: “Let the candles of Hanukah lighten the victory of small
nations over large nations.”

One evidence of the ‘new era’ in relations is already being recorded
in a sound studio. The Georgian singer Merab Sepashvili and Israeli
singer Liora are compiling a new album of Georgian and Hebrew songs.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress