Drawing Israelis' admiration for China

Artists perform the Thousand-hand Bodhisattva during a performance dubbed "My Dream" in Tel Aviv, Isreal on Oct. 17, 2009. "Experience China in Israel" cultural event formally kicked off Saturday evening in Tel Aviv Opera House, in the presence of Israeli President Shimon Peres and Wang Chen, Minister of the State Council Information Office of China.

In addition to its popularity, "Experience China in Israel" also drew Israelis' admiration for China's accomplishments made over the past years.

Addressing "China, Israel and World Economy Symposium" in Tel Aviv University on Monday, Bank of Israel Governor Stanley Fischer hailed China's development during the past 60 years, especially since its reform and opening up over 30 years ago.

It is a miracle in the world's economic history, said the internationally renowned central banker, adding in an exclusive interview with Xinhua that China's unprecedented growth is not only reflected in the economic figures, but also "in the streets," "in the way people are dressed" and "in the buildings."

Naama Meirovitz, an archaeologist working in the museum where "A Close Look at China" is held, said that after seeing these pictures, which showcase the significant achievements the Chinese people have made in the past 60 years, one will be given an impulse to visit China.

"It is very interesting to see what the future holds for China," she said, adding that "It must be very proud to be a Chinese."

Oded Ofek, a 34-year-old Tel Aviv resident and a website consultant, put his admiration in an interesting and impressive way, saying that "I hope to live another 60 years to see what China will be."

Helping enhance bilateral friendship

Though it is hard to gauge the exact impact of "Experience China in Israel" on Sino-Israeli ties, it is beyond doubt that the largest ever cultural exchange event between the two countries helps increase understanding and deepen friendship.

As Tor put it, from the pictures on display, "I can tell the Chinese people are happy and live a peaceful life."

Wang Chen, Chinese Minister of the State Council Information Office, said Tuesday during an exclusive interview with Xinhua on the sidelines of the event that cultural exchanges now ongoing in Israel present a multi-facet China to Israeli people, and thus help bring the two peoples closer and deepen their friendship.

The event allows Israelis to know China's social transforms, economic developments and the accomplishments achieved especially since its reform and opening up over 30 years ago.

"Culture is like water which moistens everything silently," said Wang, noting that "culture exchanges can make hearts communicate, can help see the soul of a people, and can plant roots deeply in the hearts of the people."

The culture exchanges can produce great benefits and can not be replaced by economic and trade cooperation and other bilateral activities, he stressed, adding that they will help boost the political relations between China and Israel and "will sow the seed for further enhancing bilateral ties."

"Seeing is believing," Wang said, noting that only through contacts, communication and exchanges, can the two nations know each other better, more comprehensively and authentically.

Editor: Dong Jirong