ISRAEL'S DIRECTOR OF BALKAN STATES
MAYIM MAGAZINE
14
Dan took the initiative in the Israeli Foreign Ministry to launch an exceptional project called People of the World Inscribe the Bible. The MFA assisted in promoting the project at book fairs and with special partners. People were invited to write one verse of the Bible using their own handwriting in their own language. After writing the verse, they were given a certificate that mentioned which verse they chose, explaining that the verse, in their language, would be presented at the Bible Museum. By writing the Bible verse, these individuals became part of the global community who were also writing verses. This strengthened their connection to the Holy Land, and people could send the next generation to see the verse they had written.
At the Jerusalem book fair, Peres wrote his verse at a special event that included famous writers from throughout the world. During the past 10 years, these unique books have culminated in Bible verses from more than 40 countries.
According to Dan, “We already have around 20 finished books. Just a month ago, I received a book in Swahili from Kenya. We have a book in Spanish, where the Pope wrote the first verse at the book fair in Guadalajara. We left the last verse open for him to finish the book. The whole book in Spanish is waiting for his last verse.”
As is the case for most diplomats, Dan finished his time in that position, and was sent abroad again. His next assignment was in Copenhagen, in 2008, where he became Israeli Vice Ambassador to Denmark. He had many responsibilities that involved not only cultural activities, but public diplomacy as well. He spoke with parliamentarians; became acquainted with government ministers; appeared in television broadcasts; and, did everything possible to strengthen relations between Denmark and Israel. There were also special projects like a photography exhibition featuring those who volunteered in Denmark and Israel. During the 1960’s and 1970’s about 40,000 Danes spent time on Israeli kibbutz’s.