Empowering Development: Ambassador's Insights on Israeli Cooperation in Georgia

In this insightful interview, we have the privilege of speaking with the Ambassador of Israel to Georgia Hadas Meitzad, who sheds light on the deepening bilateral relations and development cooperation between the two nations. We also delve into the Israeli Development Cooperation’s structure and activities in Georgia, focusing on agricultural knowledge exchange and technology initiatives. The Ambassador shares valuable perspectives on the priorities, achievements, and future directions that shape the enduring bond between Israel and Georgia.

It's been more than a year that you are an ambassador of Israel in Georgia. Let's go back to the point when you found out that you would become an ambassador of Israel in Georgia. What was your impression about Georgia before you arrived? Have you been to this country before, or was it your first time? How did your impressions match up with the reality during this period?

When I found out that I would become the next Ambassador of Israel in Georgia, I was thrilled. Prior to that, my knowledge about Georgia was quite general. I had some understanding of the culture and general references, but I didn't have an in-depth knowledge of Georgian history or nuances. However, over the last year and a half, I have thoroughly enjoyed learning more about Georgia. As a diplomat, it is crucial for me to understand Georgia deeply in order to work for the interests of both Georgia and Israel. So, overall, my impressions of Georgia have been met with fascination and interest, and I have appreciated the opportunity to live in such a beautiful country.

Were there any surprises for you during your time in Georgia? Did any aspects of the country or its culture surprise you?

When I first arrived in Tbilisi, I was pleasantly surprised. The city had a combination of the Old City charm and modern areas that reminded me of cool neighborhoods like Williamsburg in New York. I continue to love the fact that Tbilisi offers a diverse range of experiences, from historical sites to trendy areas. While this may not be a surprise to many, it was a pleasant discovery for me.

You mentioned that you have traveled to several regions in Georgia. Could you tell us which regions you have visited, and which one stood out as the most beautiful?

I have had the opportunity to visit several regions in Georgia, although I still have some regions on my list to explore. So far, I have been to Mtskheta-Mtianeti, Kakheti, Imereti, Guria, Adjara and Kvemo Kartli. Each region has its unique beauty and attractions, making it difficult to choose one as the most beautiful. However, I must mention that my visit to Kakheti last autumn was particularly stunning. The natural landscapes and views were breathtaking. I still have many more regions to explore, and I hope to visit places like Racha and Batumi this summer.

During your visits to these regions, did you see any potential for development or opportunities for implementing successful practices from Israel? Can you draw any parallels between regions in Israel and Georgia in terms of development?

Drawing direct parallels between regions in Israel and Georgia can be challenging due to the different climates and contexts. However, I would like to highlight that Israel has experienced significant development and transformation over the past 75 years. We have successfully built a highly developed country with a strong focus on agriculture, knowledge, and technology. Our approach has been to share our knowledge and experiences with other nations, including Georgia.

In Georgia, our embassy has been actively involved in capacity building and development cooperation for the past 30 years. We provide various training courses in Israel for Georgian participants, covering fields such as agriculture, education, health, gender, social issues, as well as Innovations and tech industries that foster economic development in the region & the country. Our goal is to contribute to Georgia's development by sharing practical knowledge and experiences, which we mainly do with the Israel’s International Development Cooperation Agency - MASHAV. Moreover, we have established a network of MASHAV alumni, known as the Shalom Clubs, the local NGOs in different regions of Georgia, who actively disseminate the knowledge they gained in Israel within their respective fields.

Can you tell us about the structure of the Israeli Development Cooperation and its activities in Georgia?

MASHAV (Israel’s International Development Cooperation Agency) operates through various layers of engagement. The first layer involves training courses held in Israel, with approximately 30 courses offered every year. These courses attract participants from Georgia, with over 1,600 Georgian professionals attending training sessions in Israel over the past 30 years. The training provided is highly practical, focusing on fields such as agriculture and education, delivering concrete and applicable knowledge rather than purely academic content.

Following their training in Israel, the Georgian participants become part of a network known as the Shalom Club. This network serves as a platform for sharing the knowledge and skills gained in Israel with fellow farmers, teachers, and professionals in relevant fields. One example is the Shalom Club in Guria, managed by Zaur Osepaishvili. This club acts as a greenhouse of Israeli technology, offering continuous training to agriculture experts in the region. It has also expanded into educational activities and collaboration in areas such as speech therapy for children.

One significant achievement of the Development Corporation's efforts in Georgia involved addressing a drinking water issue. A UNICEF report highlighted specific bacteria affecting the drinking water quality in Guria. Through the collaboration with the Shalom Club in Guria and a company called NUF, a portable water filtering unit was introduced. This innovative unit, similar to a dialysis machine, successfully filtered and purified drinking water. As a result, around 100 units were installed in over 60 schools, 40 kindergartens, and three health facilities, benefiting more than 10,000 children.

Can you provide an example of a recent initiative in Israel that showcases the exchange of agricultural knowledge and technology?

Certainly! Let me share an example of a recent initiative that highlights the exchange of agricultural knowledge and technology between Israel and other regions. Just two weeks ago, we concluded a training course that took place in Israel. The initiative was initiated by a Shalom club in Samegrelo, led by Maya Mikava. Maya approached us with a request to bring agricultural technology experts from Samegrelo and Abkhazia to Israel for advanced training in agriculture methodologies and technologies.

The one-week training program was successfully conducted, and the participants recently returned to their region. I am delighted about this opportunity as it not only provided them with exposure to new technologies and methodologies that they can now implement in their region but also contributed to the concept of Confidence Building Measures between the regions. This initiative serves not only agricultural needs but also serves national interests.

This is just one example of the many ongoing activities at MASHAV and the Israeli Embassy to Georgia. We also have MASHAV grant program in place where participants can apply for grants of up to $10,000 upon their return to Georgia. These grants support projects or research related to what they studied in Israel. For instance, one participant, Professor Nino Mikava, conducted research on a telemedicine device developed in Israel. Her study aimed to explore how this device could assist isolated elderly individuals in remote regions who lack access to advanced medical care. Through her research, she hopes to find the right partner in Georgia to implement this technology and improve healthcare accessibility.

In addition to such initiatives, we have significant projects planned. For instance, in August, we will be opening a hydroponic greenhouse in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and the Center for Scientific Research. This greenhouse will serve as a demonstration site, where farmers, agricultural experts, and extension workers will receive training in hydroponic agriculture. The knowledge gained will then be disseminated throughout the region, fostering sustainable development.

Another example is the development of smart irrigation techniques. In many countries, including Georgia, meteorological units collect data on soil moisture levels and weather conditions. We aim to bring a technology from Israel that utilizes this data to create an app for farmers. This app, accessible on their smartphones, will provide real-time information about humidity levels and recommend precise irrigation amounts, thereby improving crop yield and resource efficiency.

To summarize, the majority of our activities through Mashav, our organization, take place in the regions, accounting for approximately 85% of our work. These initiatives foster knowledge exchange, capacity building, and sustainable development. We strive to create lasting networks and collaborations that benefit both Israel and its partner regions.

What are your thoughts on Israel's transformation from a state in resistance to one of the most successful countries today? What do you think is the secret behind this achievement and how was it managed?

Israel's transformation from a state in resistance to one of the most successful countries today is truly remarkable. There are several key factors that have contributed to this achievement. First and foremost, Israel has a strong sense of national resilience and determination. Despite facing numerous challenges, the Israeli people have shown an unwavering spirit and commitment to building a prosperous nation.

Another crucial aspect is Israel's emphasis on innovation and technological advancement. The country has invested heavily in research and development, fostering a culture of entrepreneurship and creativity. Israeli startups and companies have made groundbreaking advancements in various fields, including technology, healthcare, agriculture, and cybersecurity. This focus on innovation has helped Israel become a global leader in many cutting-edge industries.

Furthermore, Israel's commitment to education and investment in human capital has played a significant role in its success. The country has prioritized developing a highly skilled workforce through quality education and vocational training programs. This has helped nurture a talented pool of individuals who contribute to Israel's economic growth and technological advancements.

Collaboration and knowledge-sharing have been instrumental in driving Israel's progress. Partnership with private sector and academia has further fueled its growth.

It is important to note that Israel's success has not come without its challenges and sacrifices. The nation has faced security threats and geopolitical complexities throughout its history. However, through resilience, innovation, investment in human capital, and collaborations, Israel has managed to overcome these challenges and emerge as a prosperous and technologically advanced country.