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American Embassy Tel Aviv – Press Section
Deputy Chief of Mission Gene Cretz at the
Inauguration of the American Corner Yaffo
February 21, 2006
It is my pleasure to be here today for the opening of the American Corner Yaffo. We are honored that the Arab-Jewish Community Center has partnered with the United States Embassy to establish this facility.
The Arab-Jewish Community Center Yaffo is a unique center serving three communities and three cultures: Jewish, Christian, and Muslim. We hope this American Corner will help continue the long tradition of friendship, cooperation and understanding between Israel and the U.S. by serving as a resource for people who live in and around Tel Aviv-Yaffo to learn more about our country.
The staffs at the Embassy and the Community Center have been working diligently for the past few months to establish this American Corner. I congratulate you on what you have accomplished.
The United States has a longstanding commitment to spreading the ideas and values of American democracy and civil society to foreign audiences, and to engaging and maintaining an open dialogue with people throughout the world. The goal of American Corners is to bring the true story of the United States to the people – building bridges of understanding.
What is this American Corner? At its heart, it is a resource center. It offers a book collection in four languages, (Hebrew, Russian, Arabic, and English), covering topics as diverse as English teaching, student advising, fiction, business, and government. The American Corner also offers CD-ROMS, DVDs, videos and guided internet access, all providing vast and diverse information on the United States.
An American Corner is also a meeting place. The American Corner Yaffo can serve as a natural focal point for graduates of American universities and U.S. exchange program alumni to stay in touch with each other and their colleagues and friends in America. Over 200 American Corners have been opened around the world in the past five years. Each day, thousands of young people come to these Corners to pick up a magazine, read a book about life in the U.S., apply to a U.S. college, or watch a video about the history of American jazz music. The American Corner can also be the site for public programs featuring experts brought in from the U.S., English Teaching Assistants, Fulbright scholars teaching in Israel, Embassy representatives, and others.
The American Corner serves as a site for virtual discussions. It has the capability to conduct digital videoconferences. This exciting technology allows users of the American Corner to interact with counterparts and experts throughout Israel, the United States, and the world.
I am confident that this American Corner will be a fun, friendly, and lively place that promotes dialogue and mutual understanding between Israelis and Americans. The U.S. Embassy is committed to supporting activities at this Corner, and to working together with the community to strengthen Israeli-American relations through the programs here. This American Corner belongs to all of you. It is yours to build and grow. Ultimately, its success will depend on your own initiative.
B’Hatzlacha!
Mr. Ron Huldai, Mayor of Tel Aviv-Yaffo, addresses the audience at the opening of the American Corner Yaffo |
Deputy Chief of Mission, Mr. Gene Cretz, addresses the audience at the opening of the American Corner Yaffo |
Deputy Chief of Mission, Gene Cretz (in the background, the "Sounds of Yaffo" Arab-Jewish ensemble) |
Deputy Chief of Mission, Gene Cretz, and Mayor of Tel Aviv-Yaffo, Ron Huldai, cut the ribbon at the American Corner Yaffo |
(From right to left) Mr. Ibrahim Abu-Shindi, Director of the Arab-Jewish Community Center, Mayor of Tel Aviv-Yaffo, Ron Huldai, Deputy Chief of Mission, Gene Cretz, and CAO Efraim Cohen |
(From left to right) Mayor of Tel Aviv-Yaffo, Ron Huldai, DCM Gene Cretz, Ibrahim Abu-Shindi, Director of the Arab-Jewish Community Center. In the background, PAO Helena K. Finn |
The crowd enjoys the American Corner Yaffo's collection. In the front of the picture, ACY Director Ms. Arpi Shotigian speaks with invitees. |
Invitees enjoying the American Corner Yaffo |
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