Prime Minister Netanyahu just visited Buenos Aires, Argentina where he gave an important speech. The importance of the Prime Minister’s visit cannot be overstated as this was the first visit by a sitting Israeli Prime Minister to South America and as such it carries much weight. His every word will be over analyzed by the media and we will leave that to those who hang on every syllable seeking a single note on which to pounce. So let them have their joys. Meanwhile, Israeli companies and investors could and should follow-up on the Prime Minister’s comments and introductions. Still, at this point we are obliged to quote a few of his words which we will allow the privilege of standing on their own. Prime Minister Netanyahu, after the exchanging of pleasantries, stated, “The future belongs to those who innovate. Israel is an innovation nation. The power of innovation is endless. New industries are created from thin air literally. They create wealth very rapidly.” The Prime Minister then made what we feel was the main point of his visit and all he said presenting an invitation and request all in one breathe with this pondering, “This meeting, this event today marks this change in our ability to cooperate, so I want to make it clear that we welcome all Argentinian companies to come to Israel with the Deputy President and subsequently later on in the second half of the year with the President. We welcome all Israeli companies to come to Argentina and share the ability to produce value.”
The remainder of Prime Minister Netanyahu’s speech could have been an introduction of a university professor speaking of the course syllabus for an economics class. But this introduction and invitation for an exchange of companies to mutual development was also extended to Paraguayan President Horacio Cartes when he and the Israeli Prime Minister met in Buenos Aires during the trip. There has been must interest in South America and in working to initiate relationships of mutual value as well as assistance with development when necessary and possible. Israel’s hopes to have a positive effect in South America where welcomed as has been done in numerous African nations where Israel has assisted in medical developments and treatments as well as introducing methods of agriculture, water purification, irrigation and other technologies where they are useful and assisting development. The needs and interests in South America are of a different nature and of a greater technological nature. Still, just as in Africa, water purification including desalinization and clean energy are valuable technologies as well as communications and other areas where Israel has developed advanced systems. Exchanges of ideas and production can only benefit all nations. For a small introduction to the Israeli hi-tech industries and their global connections one can read this article for some insight.
Africa and Israel and South America
This also gives Israel an opportunity to display the real Israel to this area of the world and that could be the beginning of an effort to dispel the radicalized view which has infected much of the world through efforts such as the BDS movement and other anti-Israeli efforts which have spread throughout the world. Through the Israeli people having direct dealings and contact with others throughout the world and showing their best side, these lies can be defeated. The best answer to the propagandas spread about Israel will be the Israeli people, the Jews, Bahá’í, Bedouins, Christians, Druze, Arabs and Muslims, yes, Arab Muslims who live, work, play, relax, swim, worship and every other right given to Jews is shared by every other citizen of Israel. Through interaction with people in other nations, such truths become known and through the truth Israel will be exonerated in the eyes and minds of the world. There are rewards to be had by every nation, every person, every company and for Israel too from sharing and showing the truth to all. That is the opportunity that Prime Minister Netanyahu has spoken for and is the opportunity for Israel to better her image and for the world to benefit from these efforts and the gifts and knowledge Israel can and has willingly shared with others and is now being offered to the nations of South America willing to have an honest exchange.
The good news is trade and exchange with Israel will benefit the nations of South America as well as Israel. Prime Minister Netanyahu was correct when he said, “The power of innovation is endless. New industries are created from thin air literally.” He was also quite correct, though slightly immodest, when he prefaced that with, “The future belongs to those who innovate. Israel is an innovation nation.” This is the atmosphere which people breathe in Israel which is what brings with it success. What helps other nations is they bring that excitement, that innovation and that attitude with them and share these wonders wherever they wander. This brings with it great opportunities and often great successes. Apart from the added inputs, innovations and perspectives Israelis gain working with people from other nations, Israel gains by showing the truth of what makes up Israel, what Israel offers, who Israelis are and every aspect and truth which is Israel. This gives others the opportunity to know some of the truths which are Israel and Israelis and what is so precious to Israelis about Israel itself. This is as important as are the other opportunities and advantages of trade for Israel and those with whom Israel trades. It is that it is a trade which is of mutual advantage and that serves all parties, and that is another truth which will be born out. We hope that the nations, especially the democratic and free nations, of South America will take full advantage of the invitation and the opportunity offered and that all parties have the greatest experience and gains possible. Prime Minister Netanyahu has tried to open these doors and now we just have to see who decides to take that first step.
Beyond the Cusp
Beyond the Cusp 