China's ambassador to Israel launched the country's fourth annual dragon boat race last weekend, bringing the ancient Chinese tradition to the modern-day Middle East. Seven hundred competitors paddled it out on the Sea of Galilee.
The ritual rice ceremony, performed by China's ambassador to Israel, opened the country's annual dragon boat race.
"The exchange between people to people is one part of our relations so I like to see more and more the Chinese people and Israel people join some event," said Zhang Yongxin, Chinese Ambassador to Israel.
Dragon boat racing is a 2,000-year-old Chinese tradition symbolizing patriotism and unity. According to legend, the dragon rids the skies of clouds and commands the wind, mist and rain.
Dragon boat races are about competition, endurance and skill. But in the traditional Chinese way, they are more about harmony and teamwork.
Among the 700 competitors, is a mixed national team made up of Chinese natives and Israelis.
Jing Jing and Tomer met in Beijing during his university studies. She was his Mandarin tutor. They moved to Israel two years ago. He is an investment banker; she is the editor of Israel's first Chinese language news site.
"It's very cool because I've never done this even in China—a dragon boat race as a Chinese. For a dragon boat race, it's nice to have some Chinese faces and I'm really proud," Jing Jing said.
