Painting 'Love Across Borders' donated to Israeli consulate-general

Nadav Cohen, consul general of the Consulate General of Israel in Guangzhou, Guangdong province, is presented a certificate by Wang Qijun in recognition of his contribution to the friendship between China and Israel. [Photo/Provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Professor Wang Qijun of the Central Academy of Fine Arts in Beijing donated one of his oil paintings to the Consulate General of Israel in Guangzhou, Guangdong province, on Thursday.

The painting was inspired by the story of two Israeli doctors coming to the Guangzhou Hospital of Women and Children last year. Dressed as clowns, they amused sick children and made them so happy they forget their fear of medical procedures.

Reflecting on the friendship between the Chinese and Israeli people, Wang was touched so deeply that he created this painting.

"I am Canadian-Chinese. Norman Bethune was a Canadian doctor who is known to every Chinese person, even to children. He helped Chinese people fight against Japanese aggression and gave his life in China," Wang said.

“During the Second World War, Chinese people tried to help Jewish people in distress to escape from persecution. Therefore, love has no boundaries. So I gave the title, Love Across Borders', to this painting," Wang said at the donation ceremony.

This year is the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Israel. Nadav Cohen, consul general of the Consulate General of Israel in Guangzhou, awarded a certificate to Wang in recognition of his contribution to the friendship between the countries.

"I wish that the friendship between China and Israel remains evergreen, likewise between China and Canada, and between China and people all over the world," Wang said at the ceremony.

A well-known artist, Wang was one of 60 famous painters in the 60-episode documentary “Classic and Immortality”, co-sponsored by China Film Association and National Art Museum of China.

A public-spirited person, he donated a portrait of Cai Yuanpei, the late president of Peking University, to the university at the opening ceremony of the 13th International Cultural Festival of Peking University last year.

It was also last year that he donated 200,000 yuan ($29,051) to maintain ancient buildings in Taining county, Fujian province.

The oil painting Love Across Borders. [Photo/provided to chinadaily.com.cn]