President Klaus Iohannis signed on Tuesday the decree awarding the Cultural Merit Order to several Israeli artists for their contribution to the development of bilateral relations.

According to the Presidential Administration, the said personalities were conferred the Cultural Merit Order in the rank of Officer, category D, „as a sign of appreciation for their role in promoting Romanian culture in the State of Israel, thus contributing to the development of Romania – Israel bilateral relations.”

The recipients of the distinction are:

* Rami Be’er – founder, choreographer and artistic director of the Kibbutz Contemporary Dance Company;

* Ohad Naharin – artistic director and house choreographer of the Batsheva Contemporary Dance Company;

* Noam Semel – director of the Habima National Theatre;

* Yair Vardi – choreographer and dancer, former director of the Suzanne Dellal Dance and Theater National Center;

* Noa Wertheim – founder, choreographer and artistic director of the Vertigo Dance Company.

Also, „in sign of appreciation for the professionalism and dedication whereby the generations of musicians have won the admiration of music lovers from all over the world, as well as for the long-term cooperation with Romanian cultural institutions and artists, thus contributing to the deepening of Romanian-Israeli bilateral relations,” President Klaus Iohannis awarded the Cultural Merit Order in the rank of Officer, category B – „Music”, to the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra.

AGERPRES