The 2012 "Globes" Israel Business Conference got underway today at the David Intercontinental Hotel in Tel Aviv. The conference will last for two days, and will host prominent figures from Israel and overseas to discuss the burning issues in business and economics. The opening plenary session this morning was addressed by Tel Aviv mayor Ron Huldai, who was followed by President Shimon Peres.
Huldai fiercely criticized the Israeli government and its social and economic policies. He commented on the choice of Tel Aviv as number two city in encouragement of entrepreneurship. "When the question is asked, Where are we headed? the meaning is, Where is Israel headed from the point of view of business, economics, and support for these things. If we isolate ourselves diplomatically, we won't be able to see ourselves as start-up city." Huldai criticized education in Israel, saying, "We have to ask why and at what standard are we educating the next generation. Through a series of laws enacted by the salami method, a situation has been created whereby Israel is engaged in education that does not address society's problems. For people to understand what democracy is, core curriculum studies have to be inculcated at a sufficient level to bolster our social and economic strength.
"In Israel today, there is a struggle between the values of Israel according to the vision of Herzl, seeking to advance culture and human rights, and a different Israel with alien values which does not does not have human rights among its aspirations. Unfortunately, this Israel is entirely politically motivated.
"This is a loud 'color red' siren, a social and economic siren. These rockets are on their way here. The time has come when we must wake up and win this value struggle for the benefit of Israel and its economy."
Peres: Negotiations now, there's no time
In conversation with Richard Quest of CNN, President Peres commented on the diplomatic and security situation, and compared Gaza with Singapore. "The one is in the darkness of the Middle Ages, and the second is global. What should we choose? Singapore, or Gaza? Goodwill, or death? Singapore is the model, and we must return to negotiations with Abu Mazen. He is a man of peace, of compromise."
Asked about the political concessions being demanded of Israel, and about the fact that Hamas is not prepared to make any concessions, Peres said, "This the time for a real choice. We agreed to two states for two peoples, but the road to genuine agreement with the other side is long, and the time has come to take steps, and not just talk about intentions. The time has come to talk about the road, and to stop measuring the length of the road.
"The time has come to forget the past and to think about the future. From now onwards, we really must think about how to implement the idea of two states for the two peoples. What on earth are we arguing about? Decide what you want, and now. We haven't got time," the president said emphatically, winning applause.
Peres said the two sides agreed about most of the issues, but that the matters in dispute were substantial, and therefore we were in negotiations. "Left and right in Israel agree on two states for two peoples. We know roughly within what borders, with certain disagreements, we agree that the borders must be defensible, and so on. So this is the time to start to act."
Peres was again asked if he was considering a return to politics. "I think I'm too young to return," he replied. On the gas discoveries in Israeli waters, Peres said, "With all due respect to the gas and oil, Israel lives on its high-tech."
The president added, "I feel as young as my dreams. A man is measured by his aspirations, his vision and dreams, not by his age. I believe that in my vision and in my hope I am closer to the age of Obama than to those who want to choose the path of terror and blood."
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on December 9, 2012
© Copyright of Globes Publisher Itonut (1983) Ltd. 2012