Embassy of Finland Tel Aviv - Suomen suurlähetystö Tel Aviv

Last week, our representative from the commercial section of the Embassy, Shay Yusfan, participated in Team Finland day in Helsinki. The program included meetings with Finnish companies from startups to large corporations interested in engaging and expanding their operations in Israel. Among others, these companies offer security products, AI applications and even ice cream! Ambassador Dr Nina Nordström participated in the meetings as well. We are looking forward to seeing new Finnish companies entering into the Israeli market!

Last night, the photo exhibition “Refugees for the Second Time” was opened at the ANU Museum of the Jewish people in Tel Aviv. The exhibition is co-produced by the Embassy of Ukraine in the State of Israel, Embassy of Poland, Embassy of Estonia, Embassy of Finland, and Embassy of Sweden. The thought-provoking pictures of Erez Kaganovitz portray twenty Ukrainian refugees. The exhibition presents powerful testimonies on how they sought refuge in Israel but found themselves in the midst of a war.

The event was opened by Ambassador Yevgen Kornyichuk 🇺🇦. The organizing embassies were represented by Agata Czaplińska 🇵🇱, Alexandra Rydmark 🇸🇪, Robert Derevski 🇪🇪, and Suvikki Silvennoinen 🇫🇮. We also heard the greetings of Ambassador Jacob Lew 🇺🇸, Yuval Fuchs from MFA 🇮🇱, Erez Kaganovitz, and Valentina Varshavsky, representing the 🇺🇦 refugees.

In her speech, Silvennoinen underlined the importance that refugees can make their voice heard – “Everyone has a story to tell.”

Starting this week, the exhibition will be displayed at the Ukrainian Cultural Center in Tel Aviv (Yirmeyahu Street 22) for a month of September (free of charge, the opening hours to be confirmed)

President Alexander Stubb spoke this week at the Annual Meeting of Heads of Mission in Helsinki. He stated that the new era requires a new approach: value-based realism. “Finland's idea is no longer just to "survive". Finland is an active player looking into opportunities to influence from different directions. The goal is to strengthen Finland's position and influence. We are moving from an active stability policy towards value-based realism. Through the NATO and EU memberships, we finally are in the community with Western values, to which we have belonged in spirit throughout our independence. We will never be in a gray area again.
In supporting Ukraine, our values and interests are combined. Our aim is to contribute to the resolution of other wars and conflicts, but Ukraine is a priority for us.”
The full speech: https://www.presidentti.fi/en/speech-by-president-of-the-republic-of-finland-alexander-stubb-at-the-annual-meeting-of-heads-of-mission-in-helsinki-on-27-august-2024/

For Finns, spending time in nature is an integral part of their everyday life. A special day to mark its importance, Finnish Nature Day, is celebrated this year on August 31st. The day falls always on Saturday, which allows people to enjoy outings and activities on their day off along the lakes, forests, archipelago and national parks, which are often nearby even when living in a city. It is recognized that the nature also is a source of well-being – whether it is hiking, picking berries and forest mushrooms, fishing or simply resting by the water’s edge. A tasty blueberry pie or fish soup can be rewarding bonus after such an outing.

📷: Business Finland Image Bank, Embassy of Finland

"Fallen Leaves", a film by the Finnish director Aki Kaurismäki is now showing in Lev movie theaters. The director is in fond of depicting the things as they are - the life has its moments but the film also is humorous and filled with humanity like his other films.
youtu.be/EO35Qna1_uU
https://www.lev.co.il/en/movies

עלי שלכת | Fallen Leaves

אתמול בלילה כולם בפינלנד נשאו עיניים לשמיים מאחר ותנאי מזג האוויר אפשרו לראות את אורות הצפון בצורה מיטבית בכל רחבי המדינה.
הזוהר הצפוני הוא כינוי לתצוגות (Aurora Borealis) הם תצוגות אור טבעי בצורת ספירלות, וילונות או קרניים המכסות את כל השמים. התופעה נגרמת מהפרעות ברוח השמש במגנטוספירה של כדור הארץ. Aurora Borealis מופיע בעיקר באזורים הצפוניים, ולכן פינלנד ולפלנד בפרט הן אחד המקומות הטובים בעולם לחוות אותם. מדי שנה מגיעים תיירים רבים לחזות בתצוגה המרהיבה של אורות הצפון.
תמונות נוספות מאתמול: https://www.is.fi/kotimaa/art-2000010626652.html

Northern lights in finland 🇫🇮😯💙
As seen last night......

בפינלנד מציינים את יום הולדתה של טובה ינסון, האמנית הפינית (1914–2001), יוצרת המומינים. היא הייתה סופרת, ציירת ומאיירת אשר יצרה גם קומיקס וקריקטורות אך הייתה ידועה בעיקר בזכות המומינים, סדרת הספרים כוללת 9 ספרים המתורגמים ל-60 שפות.

מוזיאון המומינים הראשון והיחידי בעולם נמצא בעיר טמפרה בפינלנד. אוסף מוזיאון המומינים מכיל יצירות מומינים מקוריות שנתרמו על ידי טוב ינסון. בעיר נאנטלי שגם היא בפינלנד נמצא "עולם המומינים" שבו הילדים יכולים להכיר את הבתים הסביבה של המומינים ואף לשחק עם איתם.

https://www.muumimuseo.fi/en/etusivu/
https://www.moominworld.fi/moominworld

In Finland, today we mark the birthday of the Finnish artist Tove Jansson (1914-2001), the creator of the Moomin characters. She was a writer, painter and illustrator who also created comics and cartoons but perhaps best known for the Moomins. The series includes 9 books translated into 60 languages.

The first and only Moomin museum in the world is in the city of Tampere in Finland. The Moomin Museum collection contains original Moomin works donated by Tove Jansson. In Naantali, which is also in Finland, there is the "Moomin World" where children can see the surroundings and houses of the Moomins and even play with them.

On the day of 3000m steeplechase final in , we would like to remember Elias Katz, a Finnish athlete, participated in Paris Olympics exactly 100 years ago, won in silver in steeplechase and gold in 3000m team race. Katz came to Eretz Israel in the 1930s, was assassinated in Gaza in 1947 while screening movies for the British troops and is buried in the Rehovot military cemetery. Ambassador of Finland Nina Nordström visited the grave last week. Olympic rings were attached to the stone on the initiative of Rony Smolar and Adi Hirschovits, writers of history of the Finnish Jewish sports club Makkabi, to which Elias Katz also belonged. May his memory be a blessing! #הוועדהאולימפיבישראל

Embassy of Finland congratulates the Israeli Olympic medalists for their great achievements (from right to left): Sharon Kantor - silver in windsurfing, Tom Reuveny - gold in windsurfing, Artem Dolgopyat - silver in gymnastics, Raz Hersko - silver in judo, Inbar Lanir - silver in judo and Peter Paltchik - bronze in judo. We are looking forward to more success! #הוועדהאולימפיבישראל

What is the Finnish ‘summer food’ made of?
New potatoes, fish that is directly from the lake or from the market place, salads and sweet desserts made of berries or rhubarb are favorite dishes on the menu. There is no better way to spend a warm long summer night than sit outside with good company in the garden or have a picnic in the nature.
📷: Jaska Poikonen-Korpoström

Finland offers a stunning stage for movies, documentaries and series, no matter what kind of setting is required – from cityscapes to wilderness, and from lakes to archipelagos. In recent movies, Finnish cities have even played the roles of Paris and Seattle. You can also find a list of new Finnish series and films available on international streaming platforms.

Filming in photogenic Finland - thisisFINLAND Finland offers a stunning stage for movies, documentaries and series, no matter what kind of setting is required – from cityscapes to wilderness, and from lakes to archipelagos. In recent movies, Finnish cities have even played the roles of Paris and Seattle.

In Finland, the summer is the high season of festivals. From chamber music to jazz, folk early medieval music, opera and choral music the variety of festivals offer music to every taste. Also rock festivals have been part of the Finnish summer scenery for decades. Finland Festivals gathers info about the festivals: https://festivals.fi/en/about-us/
📷© Stefan Bremer ©Kuhmon Kamarimusiikki

The 49th Helsinki Cup has started! It is the largest and most international youth football tournament in Finland. During the years it has grown to be one of the biggest youth football tournament in Europe. 20 countries participating, 1800 teams, including 300 girl teams and 1500 boy teams. The Helsinki Cup tournament has been a significant factor in promoting the well-being of children and young people and in building communities. It is known for its tolerance, equality, internationality and respect for all participants. Bend it like Helsinki tournament team players!
📷: Mira Lönnqvist

SULKAVA ROWING RACE IS HERE 12-14.7.2024!
במדינת אלפי האגמים חתירה היא תחביב פופולארי אשר יכול להגיע עד לרמה תחרותית מקצועית. אנחנו מתקרבים עכשיו למועד של מרוץ החתירה הגדול בסולקבה בתאריכים 12-14 ביולי 2024! במרוץ יש קטגוריות לסוגי סירות שונות, קבוצות גיל ואורך מסלול אשר משתנה בין 30-70 ק"מ. המרוץ מושך אלפי משתתפים מפינלנד ומהעולם וקהל של עשרות אלפים מגיע כדי ליהנות מהיופי של מזרח פינלנד והנופים של אגמים האין סופיים שלה.

In the country of thousands of lakes rowing is a popular hobby but can be taken to the competitive level. It is time again for the big Sulkava Rowing Race 12.-14.7.2024! The race has categories for different boat types, age groups, and the length of the journey varies between 30-70 kilometers. The race attracts thousands of participants from Finland and from abroad and audience of tens of thousands to enjoy the nature of the Eastern Finland and its countless lakeviews! Read more:
https://www.suursoudut.fi/en/frontpage/
📷: Mikko Nikkinen

At Yad Vashem, the 11th International Conference for Educators, 'Holocaust Education in a Global Context' has started. Yesterday, at the opening event, Ambassador Nina Nordstrom was greeted by Dani Dayan, the Chairman of Yad Vashem, who officially opened the conference. Educators are instrumental in raising awareness of the Holocaust among new generations and the conference provides various angles and tools for that. In today's world with the rise of a new wave of antisemitism it is crucial to oppose polarization and encourage dialogue. As part of the opening program, Yad Vashem collection of Holocaust-related artifacts were presented to the participants - how thousands of small items and millions of documents have been located and preserved, work that will be ongoing for years to come.

Last week, Shay Yusfan from the commercial section of the Embassy participated in an inspiring event, the opening ceremony of the Israeli Quantum Computing Center (IQCC) that took place at Tel Aviv University. Established by the Israeli company Quantum Machines and backed by the Israel Innovation Authority and the university, the new center aims to accelerate the entire Quantum ecosystem in Israel, with an important emphasis on open international cooperation. Much like the Finnish company IQM, it supports an open platform and not the traditionally closed-loop quantum architecture.
It was also great to see the Finnish company Bluefors as part of the new IQCC. Bluefors is manufacturing cryogenic measurement systems, cryocoolers and other cryogenic product lines for quantum technology, fundamental physics research and other select industries such as life sciences and clean energy. Both companies are part of the thriving Finnish Quantum computing ecosystem that already exceeds EUR 200 million in 2023.

Road safety was improved in an usual way in Lapland, where large animals, reindeers, can wander on the roadsides and cause accidents. An innovative way for their prevention is to paint the reindeer horns with glow color to make them more visible to drivers. The end result was magical!

אייל עם קרניים זוהרות בחושך הטריף את הרשת: "קסום ומבעית בו-זמנית" תמונות של בעל החיים הפכו לוויראליות ברשת עם מיליוני צפיות ומאות אלפי לייקים. כעת מתברר שהתיעוד היה חלק מניסוי שנערך בפינלנד במטרה למנוע תאונות דרכים.

Last week, at the Technion, the Israel Instutute of Technology President Uri Sivan and Prof. Lihi Zelnik-Manor, Executive Vice President for Innovation and Industry Relations welcomed Ambassador Dr Nina Nordström. The Technion is the oldest academic institution that has vibrant connections to the Israeli companies and is the source of various innovations. Ambassador Nordström also had the honor to meet with the Mayor of Haifa Yona Yahav during her visit at the Haifa Municipality. Thank you for the warm reception and Honorary Consul Dr Yoram Sebba and Dr Rachel Sebba for organizing and receiving us in beautiful Haifa!
Yona Yahav

בסוף שבוע זה, בפינלנד ובמדינות נורדיות אחרות חוגגים את Midsummer, היום הארוך בשנה. פינים רבים מבלים את החג בבית הקיץ עם המשפחה והחברים ונוהגים לבשל ולעשות ברביקיו ביחד. בתוכנית נכללים גם סאונה, שחייה באגם או בים, דייג ומשחקים בטבע. במידה שמזג האוויר מאפשר זאת, לקראת הלילה מתאספים מסביב למדורה. מי שחוגג בעיר יכול להשתתף באירועים שונים או פשוט ליהנות מהטבע הירוק והמרענן של תחילת הקיץ בפארק.

This weekend, Finland and other Nordic countries celebrate Midsummer, the longest day of the year. Many Finns spend the holiday at their summer cottage with family and friends, cooking and and having a barbecue together. Going to sauna, swimming in the lake or sea, fishing and playing in nature is regularly part of the program. If the weather allows, towards the night people gather around a bonfire. Those who celebrate in the city can participate in various events or simply enjoy the green and refreshing nature of the beginning of summer in the parks.

Yesterday, Shay Yusfan, Special Adviser, Trade and Economic Affairs at the Embassy, participated in a panel discussion at PLANETech World 2024. He introduced the possibilities for international Cooperation with the Finnish’s Climate Tech market and mentioned the billion-scale investment plans of Finland by 2040 with a goal of reaching carbon neutrality by 2035.

In hope for better days and seeing a Finnish delegation participating in PLANETech World 2025!

Today is Sustainable Gastronomy Day 🥔🍅🥦 In foodies get exceptionally close to the origin of their food, whether in the countryside, at sea, or in the city. There is even a special word for local food in Finnish, 'lähiruoka'.

Pohjois-Israeliin on ammuttu suuria määriä raketteja viime päivien aikana. Noudata erityistä varovaisuutta ja seuraa paikallisviranomaisten ohjeita. Ilmoita tilanteestasi läheisillesi. Hätätapauksessa UM 24/7 päivystys +358916055555, [email protected]

Stora mängder raketer har avfyrats mot norra Israel under de senaste dagarna. Var särskilt försiktig och följ lokala myndigheters anvisningar. Informera dina närstående om din situation. I nödfall ring UM:s 24/7 konsulära jour +358916055555, [email protected]

A rocket barrage has been fired to the northern Israel during the last days. Act with extreme cautiousness and follow the instructions of the local authorities. Inform your closest ones about your situation. In case of emergency, UM 24/7 on-call +358916055555, [email protected]

Israel on tiedottanut ETA IL -matkustusluvan käyttöönotosta, joka koskee Israelissa vierailevia viisumivapaiden maiden, myös Suomen, kansalaisia. Alkaen 1.7. maassa vierailevien matkustajien tulee hankkia sähköinen matkustuslupa etukäteen verkosta saatavalla ETA IL -lomakkeella.

ETA IL -lomake ja lisätietoa: https://www.gov.il/en/departments/topics/eta-il/govil-landing-page

Israelin suurlähetystö Helsingissä tiedottaa: https://embassies.gov.il/helsinki/NewsAndEvents/Pages/ETA-IL.aspx

Israel requires travel authorization through the ETA-IL system starting 1st of July

From 1st of July, 2024, onward, visitors from visa-exempt countries (including Finland) are required to apply for travel authorization through the ETA-IL system.

The ETA IL form and more information can be found from: https://www.gov.il/en/departments/topics/eta-il/govil-landing-page

ETA IL Visitors from visa-exempt countries (including Finland and Estonia)

🔹Suomen Tel Avivin suurlähetystö on suljettu Shavuot-pyhän vuoksi ke 12.6. Hätätapauksessa yhteys ulkoministeriön päivystykseen, puh. +358 9 160 55555, s-posti: [email protected]
🔹Finlands ambassad i Tel Aviv är stängd onsdagen den 12.6. på grund av Shavuot-helgdagen. När ambassaden inte har öppet kan du i nödfall kontakta utrikesministeriets konsulära jour: tfn +358 9 160 555 55, e-post [email protected]
🔹The Embassy of Finland in Tel Aviv is closed due to the Shavuot holiday on Wednesday June 12. In a consular emergency you can contact the Ministry's 24/7 service tel. +358 9 1605 5555 or e-mail [email protected]