On Tuesday 15th October, the Embassy of Israel hosted an evening celebrating Israeli knowledge and expertise that can be shared and given to developing countries. This event, organised in partnership with Tag International Development, proved to be a remarkable opportunity to learn about Israel's achievements in alleviating poverty, whilst empowering local populations in developing countries.
Tag International is a global charity that deploys unique humanitarian Israeli expertise and proven social models to create sustainable solutions for problems faced in the developing world. The charity operates across 12 countries and has recently been awarded a significant United Nations grant through its multi-donor fund affiliate LIFT to implement bee-keeping projects that will impact the lives of over 100,000 people in Burma through Israeli led bee-keeping and agricultural expertise.
The Deputy Ambassador of Israel, Eitan Na’eh congratulated Tag on its work, noting that:
“The history of scientific research and technology in Israel is an integral part of the story of the Jewish people’s return to its homeland. Theodor Herzl envisaged Israel not only as the physical home of the Jewish people, but also as a worldwide spiritual and scientific centre.”
Chairman of Tag International Ricardo Leiman remarked:
“As a businessman I became involved with an organisation like Tag International Development because I was convinced that Israel and the developing world both have much to gain from sharing Israeli humanitarian expertise. Tag works with Israeli experts and humanitarian organisations to transfer the kind of know-how that directly impacts on the lives of tens of thousands of people and at the same time helps improve perceptions and relationships from the ground up. I accept that the problems of the world are too great for me to sort out, but I believe that together we can make a difference”.
Attendees heard about Tag's work amongst the Burmese people, from the Burma programme director Edward Naing. The audience also heard from Vered Kater, an Israeli clinical nurse specialist in paediatric and women’s health. She has implemented a community outreach health education and promotion project in East Sri-Lanka for Tag International Development—an area that was significantly affected by the Tsunami and by ethnic conflict.
Rabbi Dr Yossi Ives, the founder and chief executive of Tag International Development, also spoke at the event. Reflecting on his initial vision for Tag, he explained:
“ From Azerbaijan, to Indonesia to Rwanda to Jordan and now Burma, I am proud of what we have been able to achieve in changing people’s lives for the better by building their capacities to help address key social issues through acquiring knowledge and skills. At the same time, we have seen time and time again examples on how Israeli based humanitarian work when taken internationally provides dividends for peace and coexistence bringing communities to work together to address key issue in their society”.
Ed Naing, Tag Burma Country Director also commented:
“Our project in Burma is innovative and unique, building the beekeeping sector, involving honey production, other by-products, and pollination services. With 70% of Myanmar population living in rural poverty, close to half the population suffering from moderate to severe malnutrition, the bee-keeping project offers an ideal solution for the landless, youth and for the empowerment of women – as has been demonstrated in poverty alleviation projects across Asia and Africa. Our project apiculture section is led by an Israeli agronomist and beekeeping expert with over 30 years’ experience whose services and expertise has been employed in over 25 countries, we are positive that we can make a real difference to people’s lives”.