Letter from Prof. Amnon Rubinstein - Minister of Education and Culture to the Second International Festival of Jewish Art Music T am happy to welcome the participants of the Second abm International Festival of Jewish Art Music in Odessa. This is an important cultural event, part of the revival of the Jewish culture in those countries where, until recenty, many efforts were made to suppress it. The Festival takes place within the framework of the bi- centennial celebrations of the city of Odessa. We are all aware of the special nature of this city and of the particular role it played in the history of our people and its culture. The name of the city is linked in our mind with the tradition of freedom, pluralism, openness and blessed reciprocal influences between the different cultures. May this spirit prevail over this Festival and the revival of the Jewish culture in the Ukraine and in neighbouring countries. I wish you all a very successful Festival. Amnon Rubinstein Minister of Education and Culture Prof. Vytautas Landsbergis, pianist and musicologist, former President of the State of Lithuania gave his patronage to the First International Festival of Jewish art Music (April 26-May 6, 1992). In his letter to President Chaim Herzog he said: g ■ Alongside the past is the present. In the present it is necessary to build a bridge of life and understanding between nations. Culture could be the first bridge." Prof. Vytautas Landsbergis 10