Remarks by President McAleese at the opening of an Art Exhibition sponsored by the State of Israel
Remarks by President McAleese at the opening of an Art Exhibition sponsored by the State of Israel and the Jewish National Fund
Ambassador, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Tá áthas mhór orm bheith anseo libh tráthnóna agus ba mhaith liom mo bhuíochas a chur in iúl díbh as an chuireadh agus as fáilte fíorchaoin.
I was delighted to be asked here this evening to open this exhibition of paintings and sculpture, which is sponsored by the State of Israel and the Jewish National Fund. The wonderful works of art on display here tonight are an example to us all of how much is to be gained from the sharing of our distinct cultural visions, our way of looking at the world.
I would like to begin by congratulating the Jewish National Fund for their initiative on sending ten Irish Artists out to Israel this year to see the country and experience the richness of cultures there, with so many European and Eastern influences. The artists then, in their own individual ways, translated their experiences into images, which bring us a new insight and understanding of the country, the peoples and their heritages. The educationalist John Berger, said that ‘seeing comes before words’. These pieces of art, filled with passion and feeling, give us a very direct appreciation of the complexity and richness of that culture.
Ireland and Israel have many experiences in common; I know that the resources raised in Ireland over the years have been used by the Jewish National Fund to plant trees in areas of Israel that were previously neglected and unused. In particular, we very much appreciate the fact that you planted a forest in memory of our former President, Eamonn de Valera; in turn we very generously sent you over a President – President Herzog.
Israel, no more than our own country, has had a difficult history. It is a history of different cultures trying to find a clear expression of their heritage and aspirations. Both our countries have now directed their energies into creating a peaceful accommodation, based on mutual respect. We each know how painstakingly slow that process can be but we also know that a true and lasting peace is worth all our efforts, determination and energy. We have much to share with each other, to learn from each other, to gain from the links of friendship and understanding that have been built up between our countries.
Involvement in a project such as this serves to enrich not only the artists and individuals involved, but also both of our communities. They open the doors to an appreciation of the arts as well as creating a climate that encourages greater understanding of each other’s cultural identity, and through that, an enrichment and deeper appreciation of our own.
I am sure that all here present today, and indeed all those who visit this exhibition, will be extremely impressed by the high standard of artistic creativity which is on display. I would like to warmly congratulate all the artists on their outstanding work: John Behan, Campbell Bruce, Carey Clarke, Gerald Davis, Martin Valeria, Bernadette Madden, Gwen O’Dowd, Ruth Romney, Jacqueline Stanley and Donal Teskey.I would also like to commend all those who have assisted in the creation, management and completion of this project. My thanks especially to John Murphy from Gaisce, and to all those involved in the Jewish National Fund, in particular, John White and Alec Diamond from the Dublin Commission. I wish you every success in your plans to bring a group of Israeli artists to Ireland on a similar exercise, and indeed in all of your future work. It will be interesting to see what they make of us!
Go raibh míle maith agaibh.