1

Amb. Dan Kurtzer speaking

at the AIEC New York Gala, 2008 (page 3)

Gideon Patt honoring Zehava Dankner (page 7)

Ilanit Levi displaying reusable

and biodegradable bags at CBI's

main stand in Tel Aviv.

SPECIAL FEATURES:

2008 New York Gala

CBI Reopens French Chapter

President Peres Bestows Yakir Awards

Executive Address

2008 Magshim Awards

The Canaanite Gate (1,850 B.C.E)

New Initiatives

IDF Tender for Environmental Studies

Newsletter 2008/9

We are happy to announce the

reopening of the French chapter

of the Council for a Beautiful Israel.

Mme. Vanessa Elia is the president.

Israel's ambassador to France, Mr.

Daniel Shek, will be hosting the

inauguration ceremony with a

festive dinner at his Paris residence

in March 2009.

The Council’s "Use One Plastic Bag Less" Campaign

In 2008, the Council for a Beautiful Israel

initiated a national campaign in central

urban locations, aimed at minimizing

environmental damage caused by

overuse of plastic bags by industry and

consumers. In Israel alone, two billion

plastic bags are given free of charge to

the public each year. The life span of

a plastic bag averages a mere twenty

minutes, while disintegration takes

hundreds of years.

The Council’s French Chapter Reopens in Paris

2008 marks a year of expansion at the Council for a Beautiful Israel. The Council has added educational programs

as well as several physical projects, thus perpetuating the Council's mission.

In 2008, we enjoyed major media exposure, the likes of which we had not encountered in the past. CBI'S

established competitions continue to attract hundreds of thousands of people from all walks of life, and we

have come up with new initiatives, such as environmental campaigns to abolish harmful waste. We also won a

prestigious tender for environmental education programs to the Israel Defense Forces.

We deeply appreciate our warm welcome at the Gala Dinner in New York in September. We were encouraged by

all those attending despite the bleak atmosphere in the city. It was a true demonstration of solidarity.

The Council continues to gain international strength. Our French chapter, which has reopened after an eighteen-

year interval, is already active and we wish it much success. We are undergoing leadership changes in our U.K.

branch, and these will be announced shortly. We trust our steadfast, devoted British Friends to continue their

important support of the Council.

In 2009, the Council's parlor meetings in New York, will be hosted by Israel's Consul General, Mr. Assaf Shariv,

with the participation of Israel's Ambassador to the United Nations, Professor Gabriella Shalev.

We wish to extend our appreciation to all our longstanding sponsors of the 2008 Album, which has again

received very enthusiastic feedback. We believe they are all proud to be mentioned in what is now considered

one of the most beautiful art books published in Israel. We promise to continue with ever-exciting themes in

our next productions.

The Council is synonymous with leadership in community and national environmental care. Its activity is felt all

over Israel, including areas under fire, like Sderot. Indeed, we can accomplish our work only with the backing

you provide, and we thank you all for your steadfast, sincere commitment to the Council and its goals.

Sincerely,

Avraham Katz-Oz Gideon Patt

CBI Chairman CBI President

Dear Friends,

Newsletter 2008/92

Newsletter 2008/9 3

The Council for a Beautiful Israel was represented by all its

executives at The American-Israel Environmental Council's

(AIEC) gala dinner at the Plaza Hotel, New York, in September

2008. In spite of the financial crisis that had begun to affect

the atmosphere in the city, the AIEC managed to fill the

Plaza's ballroom with its longstanding, dedicated friends, as

well as with new ones. The dinner was co-chaired by S. Daniel

Abraham, Richard Hirsch and Mel Atlas. The heads of the Israeli

Council received an especially warm welcome.

Israel's newly appointed ambassador to the United Nations,

Professor Gabriella Shalev, and former U.S. ambassador to

Israel, Dr. Dan Kurtzer, were speakers. AIEC President Sheila

Kurtzer was mistress of ceremony.

The Council's 40 years of achievements for the benefit of the

environment and of the people of Israel were commended

by Professor Gabriella Shalev, who came straight from the

opening ceremony of the UN General Assembly, where the

importance of joint global activity to protect the environment

was stressed.

Dr. Dan Kurtzer, former U.S.

ambassador to Israel and

now Visiting Professor in

Middle East Policy Studies at

Princeton University, delivered

an enlightening keynote

speech to an enchanted

audience. He recounted his personal experiences of the

political map of the Middle East and of Israel’s position on it.

Gideon Patt, president of the Council for a Beautiful Israel,

spoke on behalf of the Council, expressing its gratitude for the

American Friends' continued support of current major projects,

including the upcoming Center in Jerusalem and the parks in

Kiryat Shmona and Be'er Sheva.

From Left: Amb. Gabriella Shalev; Sheila and Amb. Dan Kurtzer (on right);

Zita Rosenthal (second from left); Gideon Patt speaking at the Gala; CBI

Executives with Amb. Dan Kutzer

2008 New York Gala

4 Newsletter 2008/9

Yakir AwardsThe Council for a Beautiful Israel's highest honor, the Yakir Award, is presented by the

President of Israel at the President's residence, to individuals for their outstanding vision,

leadership, and continuous support for the goals of the Council.

David Lewis, CBEThe Council for a Beautiful Israel is proud to bestow the Yakir

Award upon David Lewis, one of its main pillars of support in

England. His steadfast backing has been instrumental in the

success of the Council's ventures.

The Lewis' family company is one of the most significant

private companies in Britain. In 1995 David Lewis received the

title of CBE, Commander of the British Empire, from Queen

Elizabeth II of England.

David Lewis’ involvement with Israel began in 1973,

immediately after the Yom Kippur War, when he and his family

established the Lewis National Rehabilitation Institute to help

wounded IDF soldiers.

In 1980, Gideon Patt, then Minister of Tourism, persuaded

David Lewis to invest in Israel. He responded by founding

Isrotel, a 5-star hotel chain, in Eilat, transforming the city into

an international tourist attraction.

David AzrieliThe Council for a Beautiful Israel is honoring David Azrieli with

the Yakir Award as a tribute to his longstanding sponsorship of

its mission. He initiated and continues to sponsor the Council’s

annual Azrieli Prize for Urban Planning, designed to encourage

architects and urban planners to develop creative, innovative

urban projects appropriate for Israeli society, environment, and

culture.

David Azrieli, a noted architect and entrepreneur in Israel and

Canada, is the recipient of the Order of Canada, the country's

highest civilian honor. He is a Knight of the National Order of

Quebec, one of the most prestigious honors of that province.

David Azrieli's contribution to Israel is exemplified by his

establishment of the first covered suburban shopping mall in

the country, an idea that inspired many other entrepreneurs.

He is also famous for the Azrieli Center's skyscraper trio, which

has transformed the Tel Aviv skyline.

5Newsletter 2008/9

Sculptor Dani KaravanThe Council for a Beautiful Israel is proud to present the

Magshim Award to Israeli sculptor Dani Karavan for his lifelong

contribution to public and environmental beauty.

Dani Karavan is renowned

worldwide for his art,

exemplifying Israeli scenery.

He has created numerous

environmental sculptures

both in Israel and abroad,

and his prizewinning

creations are exhibited

in the most important

galleries around the globe.

The Bedouin Village of Drijat The village of Drijat received אhe Magshim Award for its

unprecedented initiative: the installation of a multipurpose

solar electricity system, providing power to the entire village.

Drijat, founded in 1860 and formally recognized in 2004, is

located northeast of Be'er Sheva. The village has 900 residents,

among them many professionals in the fields of medicine,

law, education, pharmacy and tourism – an example for a

prosperous Bedouin village.

The City of NetanyaThe 2008 Magshim award was awarded to the city of Netanya for

its outstanding contribution to urban landscape development.

Its cultivated shore line, promenades, and parks, as well as its

quality residential projects have made Netanya a jewel tourist

town, with artistic creations exhibited throughout.

The International Birding & Research Center in EilatThe Center received the 2008 Magshim Award for its innovative

ecological activity and educational environmental enterprises.

Located north of

Eilat on recycled

land, it serves as a

“refueling” station

for migrant birds,

enabling them

to complete their

seasonal journeys.

In addition, it annually provides special education to some

60,000 children with behavioral and concentration problems.

Many of these children improve and can eventually join the

army.

2008/9 Magshim AwardsThe Council for a Beautiful Israel’s annual Magshim Awards, presented at the same time as the Yakir Awards at the

President's Residence, are bestowed on public and private institutes, non-profit organizations, and individuals for

outstanding contributions to the quality of urban life and environment in Israel, in the form of ecological projects, public

gardening, urban planning, and other aesthetic environmental improvements.

6 Newsletter 2008/9

CBI Initiates "Environmental Treaty"Prior to Israel’s municipal elections, in November 2008, the

Council for a Beautiful Israel and the Union of Local Authorities

in Israel collaborated, for the first time ever, in formulating a

“Contract with the Environment”, committing prospective local

authority leaders to safeguard and improve the environment

and the quality of life of their constituents.

The treaty is designed to actualize the right of every person to

live in a healthy, beautiful environment. It places the quality

of life at the center of public urban activity, emphasizing the

need to foster open spaces.

The Council and the Union of Local

Authorities in Israel will jointly

monitor the implementation of

the commitments made by the

candidates elected.

CBI Creates a Huge Chessboard in JerusalemA joint CBI-Jerusalem Municipality initiative was inaugurated in

Jerusalem’s Safra Square, where the Municipality of Jerusalem stands,

in July 2008: a giant, black-and-white marble, public chessboard with

the appropriate pieces.

The chessboard, operated daily by the Safra Square Administration,

has already become an attraction for residents and visitors.

above: The Minister of the Interior Meir

Shitrit, mayors, and Knesset members at the

launching ceremony in September 2008.

The signing of the treaty in Haifa.

Uri Lupolianski, former mayor of Jerusalem,

assisting a child in an open game.

New Initiatives

7Newsletter 2008/9

Annual Theater EveningThe Events Committee's annual theater evening was a great

success. Despite the war in the south, the Haaretz Museum

theater was packed to capacity.

The proceeds of the evening, featuring the Beit Lessin musical

production, “Broadway, Corner of Frishman”, will go toward

creating a new horticultural therapy project during 2009.

Our special thanks to Ilana Haas, Rubina Horowitz, and Lea

Shani, who masterminded the event.

Zehava Dankner Retires after 40 Years at CBIThe Council for a Beautiful Israel held a

festive lunch in September in tribute to

Zehava Dankner upon her retirement. For

40 years, Zehava was the Council's foremost

volunteer, as a member of the Council’s

executive board and as chairperson of the

Women's Events Committee. She will now

devote herself to the needy in the town of

Sderot, where she volunteers twice a week.

Mrs. Aura Herzog, founder of the Council

and Honorary President, praised Zehava's

steadfast dedication and contribution.

Zehava's "stamp" was felt in everything

she took on, starting with the Council's first

campaigns to promote anti-litter awareness

among youth and the public at large.

Subsequently, she energetically supported

green projects, the highlight being the

wildflower planting campaign on the fiftieth

anniversary of the State of Israel. By initiating

successful theater evenings, Zehava raised

the necessary funds for creating horticultural

therapy units and gardens for various sectors,

including young handicapped children and

wounded, traumatized IDF soldiers.

Zehava thanked the Council, her old and new

colleagues and, in particular, Mrs. Herzog,

who granted her the wonderful opportunity

to lead a challenging and gratifying life.

New Horticultural UnitThe Horticultural Unit in the Oz Special Education School in

Holon, was funded by The Women's Division of the Council for

a Beautiful Israel.

From left: Gideon Patt, Aura Herzog, Zehava Dankner, Avraham Katz-Oz.

Chairman Avraham Katz Oz presenting

Zehava Dankner with a trophy

Newsletter 2008/9

CBI Wins IDF Tender for Environmental StudiesThe Council for a Beautiful Israel won the important Israel

Defense Forces (IDF) tender for environmental studies. CBI's

pedagogical department has adapted the study program

to suit IDF issues, in particular the use of non-degradable

products, pollution, and waste management. Courses will be

held at the Center for Environmental Studies in Tel Aviv and at

IDF bases.

CBI's Clean Energy Program Presented at European ConferenceOur pedagogical director, Ms. Haya Yogev, presented the

Council’s “clean energy” study program at a three-day Greek-

Israeli Athens Conference on "Sustainable Energies and

Business Opportunities.” It aroused much interest among the

120 Greek and Israeli participants – developers, producers,

investors, and promoters of clean energy systems – and has

already led to negotiations for joint projects.

CBI Collaborates With SderotThe Council is collaborating with Sderot by

incorporating the Council's environmental study

programs into its school curricula. Mayor David Buskila

promoted this initiative by personally participating in

a week-long Clean City project. He is committed to

turning Sderot's "Color Red" (alarm code of incoming

rockets) to green, by encouraging a green, calm

atmosphere. In addition to running CBI's programs

in class, students are bused to the CBI's Be'er Sheva

educational center for hands-on practice.

NATIONAL COMPETITION

UMI Competition In Environmen-tal Research2008 marks the 14th year of this important competition in

environmental research supported by United Motors Industry

of Israel.

500 papers were submitted, an impressive increase from last

year. It was especially difficult to choose the winners this

year, as many works were impressive. This year's works dealt

with important

current issues

such as global

warming, cellular

phone antennas,

waste and water

management.

EDUCATION

Mayor David Buskila (left) and CBI

representatives

8

9Newsletter 2008/9

CBI's Tu Bishvat Seder The Council for a Beautiful Israel, the Jewish National Fund,

and the Tel Aviv Municipality held a joint Tu Bishvat Seder at

the Council noting the festival’s origins and commending

the city’s open areas and their importance for residents.

left: Tel Aviv Mayor Ron Huldai heading the Seder

BRANCHESJerusalem

The Jerusalem branch initiated a fair at

Pisgat Zeev School of Technology. The

theme was From Hand to Hand – an

exchange of clothes, toys, stationery and

items for re-use. A welcome initiative,

illustrating one way of reducing the

volume of waste.

HolonBeautifying a Community Center

The Council’s branch manager in Holon,

himself a professional painter, organized

local scouts and volunteers to paint

pictures on the main walls of the Lazarus

Community Center. The result – bright,

jolly images of animals, dancers and the

like – a feast for the eyes.

Kfar SavaYoung children stole the show by sitting down

and creating paintings featuring recycling and

re-use next to CBI's stand at the City Mall.

Shoham

CBI's Shoham branch was a major parti-

cipant in the Knesset's plastic ecological

garden, created with painted plastic

bottles.

10 Newsletter 2008/9

Beautiful HotelThis year, the “Beautiful Hotel in a

Beautiful Israel” competition was

held as part of the conference of

the Israel Hotel Association. Tourism

Minister Ruhama Avraham, Israel Hotel

Association President Eli Gonen, and

former tourism ministers drank a toast

to the New Year together with the

Council's leadership.

This relatively new competition, in its

third year, shows impressive growth,

with the number of participants

increasing by 20% in 2008. This year

special emphasis was placed on

contribution to the community. The

"Isrotel" and "Fatal" hotel chains were

commended in this category.

The Well-Tended CityIn 2008, the “Beautiful City in a Beautiful

Israel” competition, under the

auspices of the Ministry of the Interior,

celebrated its fifteenth year with

almost 150 participating locales. The

competition’s date was no coincidence:

two months before the municipal

elections, simultaneously with two new

Council initiatives, the “Clean Elections”

campaign and the “Contract with

the Environment” treaty, committing

candidates to environmental activism.

The success of this competition can

be seen at the entrances to cities, local

councils, and regional councils, in parks

and “green lungs”, in the prevention

of environmental hazards, and in

the continuous improvement of the

citizens' quality of life.

Beautiful Industry“Beautiful Industry in a Beautiful Israel”

was our first competition, inaugurated

in 1980. Hundreds of plants and

industries parks have continued to

participate since then. Mr. Eli Yishai,

Minister of Industry, Trade and Labor,

which sponsors this competition,

delivered an encouraging address.

Mr. Stef Wertheimer’s invigorating

speech emphasized the importance

of investing in the environment.

National Competitions2008 was the 28th year the Council for a Beautiful Israel held its six annual national competitions, which are an especially

important fund-raising tool. Despite the hard times, the number of competitors increased significantly, a heartwarming

testimony to the public’s growing response to the Council's environmental endeavors.

A new competition in 2009, “Beautiful Rural Education in a Beautiful Israel”, will be chaired by Mrs. Rachel Rabin-

Yaacov, sister of the late prime minister Yitzhak Rabin. The competition will be held in collaboration with the Ministry of

Education’s Administration for Rural Education & Youth Aliyah and its Residential Education & Guidance Department.

Minister of Industry, Eli Yishai, presenting CBI's

Beauty Flag to Tefen Industrial Park's founder Steff

Wertheimer and General Manager Arie Dahan.

Tourism Minister Ruhama Avraham,

presenting the highest award to Miki Poleg,

General Manager of Isrotel-Tel Aviv.

Minister of the Interior Meir Shitrit presenting

CBI's 5-star Award to the Mayor of Ra'anana,

Nahum Hofree.

11Newsletter 2008/9

Beautiful HospitalMinister of Health, Yaakov Ben-Yizri,

congratulated the competition on

its “Bar Mitzvah”. Its effectivness is

exemplified in improved outdoor and

indoor conditions, and by hospital

staff being personally involved in

the process. Competition chairman

Prof. Dan Tzivoni praised the Council’s

welcome influence on the health

system, promising to do his utmost to

get more hospitals involved next year.

Beautiful Senior Citizens ResidenceA festive ceremony marked the fifth

“Beautiful Senior Citizens Residence

in a Beautiful Israel” competition over

50 residences. Director General of the

Welfare and Social Services Ministry,

Mr. Nahum Itzkovitz, and senior

officials praised the Council for its

achievements in this category.

Beautiful Army CampsWe salute the Israel Defense Forces,

which, despite military operations

during 2008, continued to play an

active role in vying for prizes in the

“Beautiful Army Camps in a Beautiful

Israel” competition.

Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Gabi Ashkenazi

complimented the Council on its

competition. He promised to increase

investment in environmental education

within the armed forces.

From left: Beautiful Haifa Scenery; Hogla-Kimberly

Plant; Beautiful Eilat Hotels(top); Maalot-Tarshiha

new Lake Park (bottom); Ramat Gan's new skyline

Mrs. Ziva Lahat (left) presented the Beauty

Flag to Amidar-Zafed Residence General

Manager Mr. Yaacov Brosh.

IDF Chief of Staff presenting the first-place

award to Air Force representative

Prof. Dan Tzivoni presenting the Beauty

Flag to Dr. Dror Wasserman, General Manager

of "Bait Balev" (House in the Heart)

12 Newsletter 2008/9

The Canaanite Gate (1860 B.C.E.)

The reconstructed Canaanite gate in Ashkelon's National Park was

inaugurated on June 18, 2008, after three years of joint conservation work

by the Council for a Beautiful Israel and the Israel Nature and Parks Authority.

Being the world’s oldest arched gate, it was a cause for celebration for

everyone interested in archaeology and the history of the Land of Israel.

The project was implemented thanks to the support of one of the Council’s

steadfast donors, Mr. Leonard Wolfson of the U.K.

The site was excavated by Professor Larry Stager of Harvard University, who

also addressed the ceremony.

The participants packing the square around the gate were served Levantine

delicacies in a Bedouin tent, in the spirit of the Canaanite period, and the

background harp music added to the historic atmosphere.

Archeological Project

Chairman Avraham Katz Oz and

President Gideon Patt near

The Canaanite Gate stone

2008 Album Does it Again

The international album project’s

twenty-eighth year will be

remembered for its 2008 issue,

“100 Years of Israeli Landscape

Painting”. The album pays homage

to Israel's foremost painters of

the past century. It has received

enthusiastic reactions in Israel

and abroad, including in

professional reviews.

ISRAEL

CBI Headquarters

Hayarkon Park

80 Rokach Blvd., POB 53235

Tel Aviv 61532

Tel: 972-3-642 -3111

Fax: 972-3-643-8554

Email: cbi@israel-yafa.org.il

www.israel-yafa.org.il

USA

American-Israel

Environmental Council/CBI

c/o Linda Lese

411 East 53rd Street, Suite 14H

New York, NY 10022

Tel: 1-212-935-1840

Fax: 1-212-421-421-1530

Fed. Id # 23-7379946

FRANCE

Association"Beautiful Israel

(France)"

c/o Mme Vanessa Elia

54 Rue Bassano

75008 Paris

Tel: +33 6 72 81 86 59

vanessa.elia@wanadoo.fr