On Sunday morning, we checked out of Jerusalem. First we visited the Foreign Ministry where we had an opportunity to meet with the Director of the Legal Department of International Affairs, who gave us the inside track in understanding what the department does in terms of Israel's international relations, for example at the United Nations.
We also met the Former Ambassador to the United Kingdom Daniel Taub, a fine Orthodox Jew who was involved in several peace treaties that Israel had tried to negotiate. Taub is a consummate diplomat, with a very clear understanding of how the UN works, international law, how the world tries to exploit it while Israel works hard to make changes. It was a very impressive and powerful discussion.
We then split into two different groups. One group visited three law firms that are listed among the top 20 law firms in the country. These are forward-thinking and very successful firms. At one of the law firms, they met with the prosecutor from the famous case of the soldier in Hebron. It was fascinating to hear firsthand how everything played out in court. They also heard about the work Israel is doing on an international level, particularly in hi-tech. They discussed deals that have happened and deals that are ongoing with Asia and North America.
The other group got the opportunity to see Israel as a startup nation. They saw Israel's ingenuity, particularly in relation to digital health. Israel is transforming the world through innovative companies, even though it is a tiny country, and it leads the entire world in many areas of hi-tech, particularly innovation and bringing ideas to fruition..
We then had a beautiful networking dinner with several of the aforementioned law firms. We got to know each other and compare notes. We met colleagues who live their life in Israel. I found it remarkable how proud the Israelis were of us Canadians, and vice versa.
It was lovely evening. The entire day was amazing. A group traveled to Masada and the Dead Sea to feel Israel and experience some of the country's most famous sites.
A great time was had by all.
