New Year's wishes from China to 'Post' readers: Shana tova u'metuka!
China Radio International's Hebrew language service released a video Monday sending New Year's greetings to The Jerusalem Post's readers worldwide.
By JERUSALEM POST STAFFUpdated: SEPTEMBER 6, 2018 17:03New Year's wishes from China to Israel
As Rosh Hashana approaches, Jews around the world are sending New Year's wishes for a shana tova u'metuka, a sweet and happy New Year, to friends, family and loved ones near and far .But in Chinese?China Radio International's Hebrew language service released a video sending New Year's greetings to The Jerusalem Post's readers worldwide. A Hebrew-speaking Chinese presenter named Itzik Hasini, meaning "Itzik the Chinese," the nom de plume of CRI journalist Xi Xiaoqi leads Chinese tourists, workers, and Beijing residents in chants of shana tova u'metuka. Filmed at the famous fifteenth-century Temple of Heaven in the Chinese capital, interviewees also expressed their admiration for Israel and the Jewish people, including Jews' "business sense."In the video, Itzik also downs the traditional Rosh Hashana treat of apples dipped in honey, blows the shofar, and makes asides in Hebrew to the camera.China and Israel have pursued growing economic, research, and political ties in recent years, with Chinese companies investing heavily in the Israeli market. Interest in Jews, Jewish history, and Israel has also grown in China, with more and more Chinese reading Jewish books in translation and studying Jewish topics.China Radio International is the state-owned broadcaster of the People's Republic of China. The Hebrew language division of the CRI publishes a website and creates viral content like this New Year's video.