The Chinese Embassay kicked off a series of cultural events in Israel on Monday to mark the 60th anniversary of Chinese independence and the 17th anniversary of Sino-Israeli ties.

The events, to be held under the banner "Experience China in Israel," will include a performance by 55 dancers from the China Disabled People's Art Troupe, called My Dream, at Tel Aviv's Opera House on October 17 and 18, and the screening of several prominent Chinese films at the Cinematheque centers of Tel Aviv, Haifa and Jerusalem in October.

Channel One will screen a Chinese documentary as part of the program.

Meanwhile, Jaffa's Museum of Antiquities will put on an exhibit entitled "A close look at China," which will include photographs of daily lives of members of China's 56 ethnic groups.

During a ceremony held to mark the start of the events at the residence of the Chinese Ambassador to Israel, Zhao Jun, in Kfar Shmaryahu, Deputy
Ambassador Zhan Xiaoan said, "This is the biggest series ever held in Israel since the establishment of diplomatic relations. Most Israelis think China is very backward, so we will show Israel both ancient and modern China."

She added, "This is a response to the Israeli people who would like to know more about China.