Shalom from Warsaw!

Just three months after its launch in Poland, Polskie Radio's Hebrew-language program Kol Polin (The Voice of Poland) is entering the FM airwaves in Israel. The 30-minute program, which offers news from Poland six times a week, is produced in close cooperation with the Israeli embassy in Poland. In Israel, radio station Shalom will be airing the program six days a week, while it is available exclusively via satellite radio or the internet.

"The need for such a program is tremendous - there are lots of people in Israel who are connected with Poland," says Michael Hermon, head of Polskie Radio's Hebrew language section. According to Hermon, the main goal of the program is to serve both Poles and Israelis as a bridge between the countries, providing political, business, cultural and society news. Hermon stresses the fact that, despite increasing interest, Israelis still don't have much information on contemporary Poland, its Jewish heritage and the life of the Jewish community.

Another important goal for the program is the improvement of Poland's image in Israel. "We report on the excellent political, economic and cultural relations between Poland and Israel and we want our Israeli listeners to be part of that vibrant exchange," says Miriam Gonczarska, Kol Polin's editor.

The Hebrew section hopes to expand its program to a one-hour format soon, which would allow it to better respond to the needs of its audience. Since its official launch the program has been getting very positive feedback from listeners, who are opening their minds to the idea of a modern Poland.

According to Hermon, increasing the audience will also turn the program into a useful tool for attracting Israeli investors to Poland. In line with its development strategy, Kol Polin plans to put a stronger emphasis on the business aspect of the program.