Israeli envoy seeks cultural ties with TN
Consul General of Israel Menahem Kanafi's exclusive interview with DC.
Update: 2013-12-01 10:42 GMT
Chennai: Consul General of Israel Menahem Kanafi in an exclusive interview with DC spoke about how the Israeli government is exploring options to extend its cultural and academic relations with the state in ways charted out to protect the Jewish settlements once all the Jews in the sub-continent leave for Tel Aviv.
Q) Will the embassy of Israel be willing to facilitate inter-university collaboration?
A) If an Indian university wants to establish ties with Israel institutions, the office of the consul general is ready to facilitate the process. The Israel government is interested in developing an academic relationship.
Q) When will Chennai get to host a cultural relations centre of Israel?
A) Chennai is very vibrant and Israel appreciates it. We are exploring various options to develop a cultural centre like our centres in Mumbai and New Delhi. We want to bring Israeli culture here.
Q) What hat makes Israel strong in cyber security?
A) Israel has invested heavily in cyber security in terms of R&D. India may follow the same idea. Sponsorship and fellowships should be granted liberally to those interested in pursuing education in this field.
Q) How important is cyber security commerce?
A) We were able to generate revenue of $1.5 billion through cyber security commerce in 2012. Cyber security commerce is a market with potential.
Q) How is Israel is planning to protect the Jewish settlements once all the Jews in the sub-continent leave for Tel Aviv?
A) We will seek the help of the Indian Archaeological Survey to protect the settlements and we are in discussion on that topic. We are helping all the Jews in all possible ways.
Q) How has Israel established a cyber security policy?
A) Israel does not have a cyber security policy as yet. We developed the institution first, the policy will come in the near future.