In the podcast, Ninaroze Maoz interviews Roni Smolar, a Finnish author, journalist and former Head of the Jewish Community in Helsinki. Smolar has been through his career privileged to follow closely the relations and cooperation between Finland and Israel. The podcast takes listeners for a historical trip, starting from Rony's childhood memories through the state visits, historic events and developments from the 1950s to the present day.

The restrictions in gathering are still in place in Israel. Cultural and entertainment as well as tourism services remain mainly closed. Public services are open with certain restrictions. Essential services and some shops are open. Restaurants and cafés are closed to customers, but open for food delivery and takeout. Educational institutes are operating partly online. Gatherings are restricted up to 10 persons indoors and up to 20 persons outdoors. Public transport is running. It is mandatory to wear face mask in public. Rules and regulations might change in short notice.

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to influence the entry permit services of the Finnish diplomatic missions abroad. All missions are not able to provide these services in the same way and to the same extent as in normal circumstances before the pandemic. In this fall, the missions have been reopening their services as far as possible, and currently entry services are provided in most countries at least to a limited extent.

This year marks the 70th anniversary of the diplomatic relations between Finland and Israel. To celebrate this special occasion, we are calling singers to join a Virtual Choir to perform together the Finnish and Israeli national anthems.