Την Κυριακή 02 Σεπτεμβρίου 2018, ο Αρχηγός του Γενικού Επιτελείου Στρατού, Αντιστράτηγος Αλκιβιάδης Στεφανής, συμμετείχε, εκπροσωπώντας και τον Αρχηγό ΓΕΕΘΑ στις εργασίες του Διεθνούς Συνεδρίου που συνδιοργανώνουν ο Δήμος Σπάρτης, η διεθνής οργάνωση B’nai B’rith και το Ινστιτούτο Ελληνο-Ισραηλινής Συνεργασίας, στη Σπάρτη, με θέμα “Sparta-Israel Conference – Renewing an Ancient Friendship”.
The Sparta-Israel Conference consists of the following five parts:
(a) Archaeological findings in the area of Sparta that reflect the productive presence of Jewish people.
(b) Dedication to the life and works of Donald Kagan, the prominent scholar of Jewish descent, who is internationally recognized for his accomplishments in the area of Classical Hellenic Culture. Prof Kagan spent several decades as a Professor of Ancient Greek Letters at Yale University. Among his favorite topics of research were the history and culture of Sparta.
(c) An analysis of the historical and cultural aspects of the ancient friendship between the Spartan Kings and the High Priests of Israel. Particular mention will be made of the personality of King Areus, who conceived of the initiative to send a special diplomatic mission to Israel and wrote the historical letter to the High Priests.
(d) Presentations and roundtable discussions on the prospects of renewing ancient friendship in the sense of promoting future cooperation between Greece and Israel on development, tourism and cultural issues.
(e) A display of cooperation and investment opportunities within Sparta and Laconia. To this end, we will work with the Municipality of Sparta, various professional chambers, and other relevant local institutions.
The event is expected to be attended by high-profile personalities from the US, Israel and Greece.