by Peter Lyukimson, Israel. Exclusively for VK
Israeli President Shimon Peres made a special speech for Iran and congratulated it on the festival of Nowruz. "I am pleased to wish joy, health and prosperity on this holiday, the day of renewal, which brings joy and hope for a new day, best days and a blessed new year... Relations between our two states have unfortunately reached their lowest point because of the ideas your leaders preach, calling for all possible action against Israel and its people. I am confident that the two peoples will soon restore good-neighbourly relations and fruitful cooperation in all spheres. At the start of the new year, I would urge you, noble Iranian people, on behalf of the most ancient Jewish people, to restore your high-valued place among the nations of the enlightened world, thus contributing to world culture,” Shimon Peres said. The congratulatory words were broadcast by the Kol Israel radio station, which broadcasts in Farsi as well.
Ethnic Azerbaijanis, Tatars, Uzbeks and other peoples of the Caucasus, Central Asia and Russia are not the only ones marking Nowruz in Israel this March. Jews from those regions are celebrating it as well. Official celebrations were organized by the Azerbaijan-Israel International Association and the Tatar Association. Shaul Mofaz, a leader of the Kadima Party, former Chief of Staff and Defense Minister, Incumbent Chairman of the Parliamentary Commission for Foreign Affairs, who was born in Iran, organized a special dinner for journalists on March 20. The Uzbek Embassy in Tel Aviv organized the main celebrations at the Bukhara ha-Yaffa Restaurant (Beautiful Bukhara). Kazakh and Turkish diplomats and respected public and political figures of Israel were welcomed.
