Officials say the world's first Israeli cultural institute will be opening in Budapest this week. Israeli cellist Hillel Zori is due to perform at the institute on Saturday with Hungarian Roma pianists to celebrate the launch of the center.
Director Gabor Balazs says the aim of the institute opening to the public Friday is to show the diversity of Israel's mosaic-like culture, including works and performances by Jews, Christians, Arabs and other writers and artists. According to the Jewish Agency, the center will offer Hebrew lessons and lectures, concerts, theater and art exhibits. The institute will also contain a cafe for socializing.
Natan Sharansky of the Jewish Agency says the institute was set up in Hungary partly because of the country's large Jewish community, estimated at 100,000. Local Jewish businessmen and entrepreneurs have also partnered with the Jewish Agency to help establish the center.