China_(Waxwing & Peace Dove)Symbols of Peace - Joint Issue Israel China

2012 marks the 20th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Israel and China, relations that have become stronger and more diverse with the passing years. During the course of these 20 years, trade between the two countries has developed rapidly and the number of Israeli companies in China and joint ventures continues to rise. The majority of this trade is in the realm of information and telecom technologies, agro-technology, water and ecology.

FDC

A white dove bearing an olive branch is one of the most recognized symbols of peace. This symbol stems from the biblical story of Noah and the Ark featured in the book of Genesis, when Noah sends the dove to find land after the flood. The dove, which returned to the ark bearing an olive branch, symbolized that the flood was over and that peace had come to the world.

                                                   Commemorative postmark

Legend has it that in ancient times a crow rescued the Chinese emperor. As a token of his gratitude for restoring his safety and saving his life, the emperor turned the crow into the “bird of peace”, now known as the “waxwing”. This bird represents the Chinese people as a people who strive for peace, hope, serenity and prosperity.

Both the Chinese and Jewish peoples stem from ancient cultures which have much in common.

Archeological remnants from the 8th century CE and earlier attest to the existence of trade between the Jews and the Chinese.

The Jewish community in Kaifeng, originally established around the 12th century, enjoyed equal rights and its members were never discriminated against or plagued by Anti-Semitism.

During World War II China issued over 30,000 visas to Jewish refugees from Europe, allowing them entry to the city of Shanghai. This gesture strengthened and deepened the friendship between the two peoples and it shall never be forgotten.

The histories of both the Chinese and Jewish peoples are long and rife with suffering but their quest for peace and happiness has never ceased.

Israel and China marked the 20th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries by unveiling a set of commemorative stamps at a ceremony on Wednesday at the Jerusalem Music Hall.

The two commemorative stamps were created by Chinese designer Chen Shaohua.

According to the designer, the two birds have been chosen for the stamps because the waxwing is a symbol of peace and auspiciousness, while the dove can represent peace, friendship and holiness. The two birds on the stamp symbolize the two countries strong desire for loving peace.

Meanwhile, the first-day envelopes, designed to mark the establishment of diplomatic relations, were also issued.

Israeli pianist Arie Vardi also gave a splendid performance at the ceremony.

Zhou Tienong, the vice chairman of the Standing Committee of China’s National People’s Congress, and other Chinese and Israeli officials were on hand for the commemorative ceremony.