They gave him no alternative -- either take the position as Cultural Attaché, or leave the Foreign Ministry. So, Dan decided to give it a try. He enrolled in a quick class in Israeli culture and loved it.
He was delighted, “There was so much to offer. There was so much to share and be a part of. I found amazing possibilities of cooperation.”
Soon after, in 1999, Dan arrived in Moscow with a knowledge of the Russian language and an understanding of the culture. He spent five years in his position as Israeli Cultural Attaché.
During that time, Dan arranged film and jazz festivals, bringing in Israeli producers and performers who worked together with their Russian counterparts. Israeli films and documentaries were shown on television, and the Jerusalem Film School presented their work in Moscow. He also brought in Israeli writers who were able to publish their works, arranging book tours for them. The Jerusalem Quartet, the Israeli philharmonic, the Batsheva dance troupe, and the Gesher Israeli theater company also performed in Russia.
Dan shares: “Russia at the time was hungry and thirsty to get Israeli culture -- as it is today, as well.”
While on diplomatic assignment in Moscow, Dan planned his cultural events around the special visits of Israeli government officials. He gave many interviews to the media, which enhanced the cultural work of the Foreign Ministry.
“When we had former President Shimon Peres come, we arranged visits for him with important writers from Russia; or, a tour to relevant cultural places. During the visit of Israel’s Habima Theater, we had the Israeli Ministry of Culture coming to the big event. We also included Israeli officials at exhibitions in special venues. We tried to make the connection between culture and politics.”
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ISRAEL'S DIRECTOR OF BALKAN STATES
MAYIM MAGAZINE