Israel earns praise, success at Turin book fair despite boycott
Italian President Giorgio Napolitano praises Israeli literature; president of Israel-Italy Friendship Association says ‘it's a wonderful feeling to see thousands holding bags bearing Israel’s flag'
TURIN – Despite the calls for a boycott by Arab circles and Left-wing organizations, thousands of visitors have gathered around the Israeli booth in Turin’s international book fair.
Israel is the honorary guest of this year’s international book fair in Turin. Since the official opening by Italian President Giorgio Napolitano Thursday, where he praised Israeli literature, the Italian public has bought many copies of the Hebrew translated literature, paying it their unanimous respect.
Angelo Pezzana, an Israeli PR activist in Turin, said that “the enormous success of the Israeli and Jewish culture is the best response not only to those who wanted to boycott the fair, but to those who demanded Israel be invited on condition that Palestinian representation is also present.”
Dario Pierona, president of the Israel-Italy Friendship Association in the city, added that “it is a wonderful feeling to see thousands holding bags bearing Israel’s flag.”
The book fair will be closing Monday.
The Italian political echelon and opposition attended a reception held by the Israeli Embassy in Rome in honor of Israel’s 60th Independence Day. Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi said at the reception that his government will continue its supportive relationship with Israel.
