This week sees the launch of an Israeli initiative called Faces of Israel which
essentially is a charm offensive designed to address what the Israeli government believes is a generally negative image of the country here in Ireland.
A spokesperson for the group asserts that it is supported by, but independent of the Israeli government.
Faces of Israel consists of six young Israelis of diverse backgrounds and they plan to give talks about themselves and their country, at universities and community groups in Northern Ireland as well as the Republic. The Northern Ireland Friends of Israel Group and the Ireland Israel Friendship League have arranged speaking engagements, as well as media interviews.
Late last year the Dept of Foreign Affairs responded to accusations in the Israeli media of feeding anti-Israeli hatred, by stating that any criticism relates to policies only, particularly those concerning the occupied territories.
Since the state of Israel was founded, following World War II, a negotiated peace settlement between Israelis and Palistinians has eluded all efforts to find a solution. So-called land for peace initiatives have failed to gain agreement by both sides, with one of the main stumbling blocks being the future of the city of Jerusalem (pictured), a city of huge religious significance to Muslims, Jews and Christians alike.
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Image: Wikimedia: Berthold Werner
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