Israeli, Georgia officials meet on antisemitism, public diplomacy at business chamber anniversary

Israeli and Georgian officials, civic leaders, and business figures gathered at Jerusalem's Begin Center in July to mark 30 years of the Israel-Georgia Business Chamber. The event also recognized 35 years of Itsik Moshe's activity connecting the two countries and 15 years of Israel House, the public-diplomacy initiative he founded. Moshe, head of the chamber, described a strategy grounded in relationships built locally, country by country. He proposed a network of 100 public-diplomacy offices worldwide, alongside a practical program to combat antisemitism. He argued that antisemitism and racism should be framed as a problem for the societies in which they flourish, not simply as an injustice directed at Israel or Jews. He also called for decisions to be enshrined in law and for coordinated work with the Israeli government, Knesset, public organizations, national institutions, the Jewish Agency, and Israeli embassies. Moshe outlined five pillars of activity: 100 public-diplomacy offices, legally grounded anti-antisemitism programs, stronger Israeli business ties abroad, partnerships with students and young leaders, and interfaith and general tourism. He emphasized cultivating non-Jewish student leaders worldwide, noting that young Israelis and Georgians are beginning to work together. Druze Knesset member Akram Hasson of New Hope said the chamber has promoted business and cultural relations with Georgia, a country that Israel respects and appreciates. He invoked Georgia's role in helping Jews from across the former Soviet Union reach Israel in 1990, saying Israel is indebted to them.