Israel officially opens its pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai

Yesterday, Israel officially opened its pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai to welcome visitors from all over the world at the most important and largest cultural event in the world.

The opening ceremony was attended by Minister of State for Entrepreneurship and Small and Medium Enterprises Dr. Ahmed bin Abdullah Humaid Belhoul Al Falasi, Israeli Minister of Tourism Yoel Razvozov, Commissioner-General of the Israel Pavilion Eleazar Cohen, Executive Director of the Expo 2020 Dubai Bureau Najib Al-Ali, and a number of officials.

Yoel Razvozov said: "I am pleased to stand here as the representative of the Israeli people and government at the opening of the Israeli national pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai. A lot of things are happening here. For the first time in history an Expo is held in an Arab country. It is also the first time that an Israeli pavilion has been held in an exhibition." It is one of the most correct and powerful steps towards cooperation between the Emirates and Israel in history."

 He added, "Peace allows us to forge a new reality in the Middle East that achieves prosperity, security and stability for all. We believe that in order to reach a better tomorrow, one must choose practical and positive measures. So I am pleased to invite every visitor, participant and host in this event to visit our country. Come and see." For yourselves, what is the reality of Israel? Tourism is the key to exploration, learning and coexistence. Tourism builds bridges of peace.”

 The event began with a traditional Mizusa ceremony performed by Rabbi Levi Duchman.

The Mizusa bag was created and designed exclusively for Expo 2020 Dubai by artist David Roitman.

Hanging the mezuzah on the doorpost is an ancient Jewish practice and a ribbon-cutting ceremony was followed by the Minister of Tourism and Commissioner-General of the Israel Pavilion.

 For his part, the World Commissioner of the Israel Pavilion said: "I have dreamed of this day for many years and at this historic moment I would like to thank Israel and the UAE government for making this dream come true. Our pavilion is open to all. Together, we can make our future and tomorrow better."

The ceremony concluded with a performance by Hamalgsut, a band playing traditional Israeli music, followed by the Israeli DJ Abass.