by Peter Lyukimson, Israel. Exclusively for VK
Israeli ministers of foreign relations, tourism, security and MPs of the party “Israel is Our Home” Faina Kirshenbaum, Anastasia Michael and Orli Levi-Abukasis have visited the Cherkessian village of Reykhania in Galilee and met council head Samir Kharun and locals. The village consists of only about 1500 people.
The delegation visited the Cherkessian Institute of Caucasian Peoples opened by the Israeli government, the museum of Cherkessian culture, observed the system for preservation of identity of Israeli Cherkessians, staff training for national schools and etc. Tourism Minister Stas Misezhnikov announced his issuing 600,000 shekels for construction of a tourism center in Reykhania. The government will compensate 25-30% of Cherkessian businessmen’s expenses. Misezhnikov noted that the local nature would attract many Israeli tourists, there is potential for development of international tourism as well.
Security Minister Itsik Aronovich stated that Israeli police is open for Cherkessians willing to train after military service in Israeli Armed Forces. He expects them to file job applications. Leader of “Israel is Our Home” and Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman believes that the state should support national minorities demonstrating loyalty and love to Israel.
Israeli politicians doubtlessly had electoral goals, the party expects votes of Druses and Cherkessians living in Israel. Lieberman has appointed some officials of the mentioned nationalities and sent them on diplomatic missions.
Israel views relations of Cherkessians and the government as a model for building relations with national minorities. Rapprochement of Cherkessians and Russian authorities provokes “jealousy”. It is essential for the Jewish state to have Cherkessians feel themselves as part of the country. As a result, we see new programs for development of tourism in Cherkessian villages and “positive discrimination” when hiring Cherkessians abroad.
The Syrian problem was a reappearing topic at meetings. Tens of thousands of Cherkessians live in Syria and many had high-ranking positions in Syrian law enforcing structures. The complicated political situation in Syria may result in an inter-ethnic conflict between Sunni Arabs fighting with Bashar Al-Assad and Sunni Cherkessians protecting the regime.
Israel is not indifferent to the fate of Cherkessians and offers to help them in solving the most topical issues, Avigdor Lieberman said in Reykhania.
A Chechen delegation headed by Culture Minister Dikalu Muzakayev visited Israel in late February. It visited the Cherkessian village of Abu-Gosh where it took part in renaming a street to commemorate President Akhmad Kadyrov. The local administration expressed interest in developing ties with Chechnya, emphasizing that the local Cherkessians associate themselves with Chechens and Adygs.
