Missions have been bringing Winnipeg Jewish community leaders to Israel for more than 20 years, but in mid-October a who’s who of high-profile Manitobans will touch down in the Holy Land.
Joining the usual contingent of community leaders and major donors will be Premier Greg Selinger, Minister of Water Stewardship Christine Melnick, Minister of Innovation, Energy and Mines Dave Chomiak, as well as the acclaimed Royal Winnipeg Ballet (RWB).
For the ballet, which is celebrating its 70th anniversary this year, the trip will mark its first visit to Israel since 1975. At the time, it was the first Canadian ballet company to perform in the Jewish state.
The upcoming mission, sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Winnipeg, will see the premier make his first visit to Israel, while this will be Melnick’s fourth trip.
Over the years, Manitobans have developed “a special relationship with Israel,” Melnick said in a telephone interview from Winnipeg.
As minister in charge of water stewardship, she has been instrumental in bringing together Manitoba’s and Israel’s top experts for symposiums on water-related issues, the first in August 2008, the second in January 2010. Melnick hinted there may be announcements in Israel of further joint projects, but she would not elaborate.
If this trip bothers you, send Mr. Selinger an email. More info at http://paulsgraham.ca/index.php/2010/10/07/an-open-letter-to-manitoba-premier-greg-selinger-concerning-his-plan-to-do-business-with-israel/
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