On the 25th of April, I was honoured to be asked to speak at the British-Israel Chamber of Commerce first in-person BICC North West event since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

For someone who has spent a unique five years of my life living with my family in China (my kids were born there), this event provided an opportunity to share some of the knowledge and experience I acquired during my time both as Consul General in Shanghai and in the private sector.

I spoke mainly of the difference in business practices between Chinese and Westerners at large that I had encountered. I described the mindset that Chinese people display when getting into business with us and also their genuine love for Israel and the Jewish people.

I have spent my working life in the service to Israel, first as head of Prime Minister Ariel Sharon’s media division, then as Consul General in Shanghai, and now as the Executive Director for Sales and Operations (Europe and Latin America) for the Israel Bonds Organisation. Seldom, have I witnessed the kind of high esteem in which the Chinese people hold the Jews and Israelis. There is a deep and genuine respect for our people. I look forward to coming up to Manchester, Liverpool and Leeds more often, and having the opportunity to work with organisations such as BICC NW, to talk about Israel and its relationship with the Diaspora.