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- Written by Gil Zohar
A temporary exhibit on the brutalist architecture of Bratislava during the city’s Communist era (1945-1990) opened August 18 at Jerusalem’s Slovak Institute. Called “A City Within A City: Bratislava Architectural Heritage of the Iron Curtain”, the exhibit of models and photographs examines the monumental Soviet-inspired concrete structures in the Slovak capital as opportunities for strategic transformation rather than demolition. It proposes reimagining these historical spaces for architectural reconciliation, spatial freedom, and renewed civic expression.
A City Within A City is a collaboration curated by Zamir Peres with the Bezalel Academy’s School of Architecture in Jerusalem and Alex Krantz of the Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava.
Today the capital of independent Slovakia, Bratislava – a historic Danube River port midway between Vienna to the west and Budapest to the east – has been the scene of a series of seismic political, urban and demographic changes in the last two centuries. The name "Bratislava" originates from the Slavic personal name "Braslav," meaning “glorious defense” or “city of defense.” The modern name was officially adopted in 1919 after the establishment of Czechoslovakia, as part of a movement to revive the Slavic city’s heritage.
During the Austro-Hungarian Empire, the cosmopolitan and polyglot city was called Pressburg in German and Yiddish, whence Prešporok in Slovak and Prešpurk in Czech, and Pozsony in Hungarian. It was a glittering rival to Prague. Following WWI and the collapse of the Habsburg empire, Bratislava became part of nascent Czechoslovakia. During the Nazi period, it was the capital of Jozef Tiso's vassal fascist state before falling under Josef Stalin’s boot in 1945. In 1993, following the peaceful dissolution of the Czech and Slovak federation, Bratislava became the capital of newly independent Slovakia.
While all those periods together have left a rich historic and architectural fabric, many consider the Communist era buildings as ugly Socialist relics and a foreign intrusion in the city, said Peres. In particular, the concrete structures in and near the historic Old Town are especially glaring and ill-conceived, he noted.
The Hotel Kyjev, located on the Kamenné Námestie in the former Jewish neighborhood in the capital’s heart, fails to integrate with its older surroundings. Comparing the half-abandoned tower to Tel Aviv’s cavernous and under-utilized Central Bus Station, Peres called it a “mausoleum”.
Built in 1973, it was inspired by Danish architect Arne Jacobsen’s SAS Royal Hotel in Copenhagen. Both buildings have been criticized for their lack of urban context. The SAS Hotel has been compared to a pack of cigarettes. Critics have been no kinder in describing the Hotel Kyjev. Both buildings replaced historical landmarks with striking brutalist structures, raw concrete facades, and rigid geometrical if functionalist design. Standing 65 meters and soaring 15 floors, the Hotel Kyjev is among the tallest – and arguably ugliest – buildings in Bratislava. Its interiors were originally decorated in a retro-futuristic 1970s aesthetic that has aged badly.
Equally anachronistic is the OD Prior shopping center which opened in 1968. Designed by Ivan Matúšik, it was the first indoor mall in the former Czechoslovakia and had the country’s first escalators.
Another obsolete brutalist monstrosity stands nearby on Medená Street, a few steps from Kamenné Námestie and the nearby Comenius University. The residential building erected in 1974 consists of terraces with supporting columns. Today its striking if faded yellow decoration has been defaced with graffiti. Its architects Ján Hauskrecht and Štefan Svetko saw the 1960s and early 1970s as years of loosening Bratislava’s conservative social atmosphere. They envisioned their post-modern apartment bloc as part of a brave new world turning its back on Bratislava’s architectural and political legacy.
Of special interest for this author is the Most SNP, (Bridge of the Slovak National Uprising"), commonly referred to as the UFO Bridge for its futuristic design. Built between 1967 and 1972 by architect J. Lacko and engineer A. Tesár, the bridge required the demolition of the neo-Moorish Neolog Synagogue which was built in 1893 and designed by Dezso Milch. Symbolizing fin-de-siecle modernity and equality in the dying Austro-Hungarian Empire, the synagogue with its two octagonal onion dome towers was constructed on Fish Square adjacent to St. Martin's Cathedral. It was replaced by an 85-meter-high tower with an observation deck and restaurant which many people have compared to a flying saucer.
Of the more than 15,000 Jews living in Bratislava in 1939, 3,500 survived World War II. Having outlasted the Nazi onslaught and the Holocaust, the city’s landmark synagogue was demolished to make room for a structure some saw as extolling the USSR and its cosmonauts.
Rather than tearing down the city’s Soviet-era city center towers, Peres called for the buildings to be stripped down to their steel core allowing them to be repurposed and reused.
The exhibit will be on display until September 15, Monday to Thursday from 10:00 until 14:00, at Jerusalem’s Slovak Institute, 19 King David Street,
Photos credit Zamir Peres
Gil Zohar
www.GilZohar.ca
www.GilZohar.ca
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- Written by Silvia Golan
The 80th Independence Day of India was celebrated by the Embassy of India in Israel on August 15, 2026, with great gaiety and fervour, in the presence of members of the Indian Jewish community, the Indian diaspora and friends of India. 
For the first time, the National Song, Vande Mataram, was also sung during the occasion, marking 150 years since its composition.
The programme commenced with the flag-hoisting by H.E. Mr. J. P. Singh, Ambassador of India to Israel, followed by the singing of the National Anthem. Ambassador Singh also read the Hon’ble President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu’s Independence Day Address to the Nation.
In her address, President Murmu highlighted India’s growing stature on the global stage and its vision for a strong, developed and self-reliant nation. She emphasised India’s commitment to playing a leading role in the world, noting that “our country has grown in stature on the global stage” and reaffirming India’s belief in “a rules based international order.”
Highlighting India’s remarkable progress in science, technology and digital innovation, the President noted that “India has developed the world's largest and best digital infrastructure”, with more than half of the world’s real-time digital transactions taking place in India. She said that India and its people have “presented an example of digital revolution to the global community.”
The President also underlined the important role of India’s young generation in shaping the country’s technological future, noting that “a new phase of space exploration has been ushered in through the recent successful rocket launch by a young team with an average age of just 28 years.” She further highlighted the growing global recognition of Indian youth and their talent, dedication and leadership.
The guests were very enthusiastic about the traditional and super delicious catering by Chef Rina Pushkarna of the "Tandori" restaurant chain.
The celebrations also featured the felicitation of the winners of the ‘Bharat Ko Janiye Quiz’ and ‘India Through My Lens’ Photography Competition, with certificates and special prizes presented to the winners. Students of the Indian Cultural Centre added to the festivities with a stellar dance performance, showcasing the vibrant colours and rich cultural heritage of India.
The Embassy of India in Israel wishes all Indians in Israel and across the world a very Happy 80th Independence Day!
Diplomacy.co.il and www.diariojudio.com wish the Ambassador, the Embassy staff, our friend Ms. Rina Pushkarna and all Indians in Israel and around the world a happy 80th Independence Day.
Photos Silvia G. Golan
More pics at Facebook: Israel Diplo / Diplomacy Israel / Silvia G.Golan & Instagram SilviaGolan
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- Written by Silvia Golan & Stephen Abrahams
On Monday evening, the Ambassador of El Salvador to the State of Israel, H.E. Mr. Hector Enrique Celarie Landaverde, in collaboration with Herzliya's Municipal Tourism Development Corporation, hosted an event entitled "Surf Experience El Salvador: The Perfect Waves" at the Sailing Club, located at Herzliya Pituach's Marina.
The event was aimed at the Israeli public with the intention of showcasing the country as a world - class surfing destination featuring two renowned Israeli surfers, Gabi Wolovick and Lior Benisty, who shared their experiences in El Salvador and explained why the country has become one of the world's premier surfing destinations due to the quality of its waves, tourism infrastructure and the warm hospitality of its people. Last year, tourism in El Salvador grew exponentially, at more than 4%, almost 4.5 million people visited El Salvador in 2025.
The evening highlighted El Salvadaor's role as a host of major international surfing events which included the World Surf League (WSL), the ISA World Surfing Games, the ISA World Junior Championship, the ISA World Longboard Championship and the Alas Pro Tour which strengthened El Salvador's position as a leading destination for sports tourism. Thanks to the initiatives and policies driven by the incumbent President, the Honorable Mr. Nayib Bukele, El Salvador has become one of the world's safest countries to visit.
The event coordinator was Ms. Iris Jimenez, in charge of Public Diplomacy at the Embassy.
The Master of Ceremonies and Deputy Head of Mission, Mr. Raphael Castro's address was in Hebrew.
Afterwards the Ambassador who also spoke in Hebrew, welcomed all and sundry mentioning that El Salvador has become one of the world's most sought after surfing tourist destinations world wide. The country is located on the Pacific ocean and provides constant waves perennially as well as warm waters. Recently our government launched a campaign to make our coastal area into a tourism destination. El Salvador hosts the most prestigious surf competitions. Our country's breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural diversity and warmth of our inhabitants is a valid reason to visit. Next month, on the 26th of September, UN Tourism Day will be hosted in El Salvador focusing on artificial intelligence and digital transformation.
A short and colourful movie about Surf City in El Salvador was shown.
A panel discussion in Hebrew with the Ambassador and two of Israel's most known surfers, Gabi Wolovick and Lior Benisty sharing their El Salvadorian experiences took place on a raised dais against a backdrop of photographs of El Salvador's impressive coast line and pristine beaches. Both surfers mentioned the safety and calm atmosphere prevailing in El Salvador as well as the love El Salvadorians have for Israel. Logistically it is also convenient to visit El Salvador as the surf locations are a mere 40 minute drive from the airport. Hiking, rafting, a rich cuisine and extraordinary nature including forests and rivers are another reason to visit this MesoAmerican country. After the panel discussion the Ambassador presented Gabi Wolovick and Lior Belinsky with an award of appreciation inscribed on glass in honour of their efforts to promote El Salvador as a premier surfing tourist destination.
Fresh fruit, savories, pastries, cake, soft drinks and an El Salvadorian delicacy, pupusa, a pancake consisting of corn served either with cheese or black beans accompanied by a coleslaw salad and tomato sauce was also served.
There was a table manned by the El Salvadorian Consul, Ms. Alexandra Molina, who wore a traditional El Salvadorian costume of blue and white, complimentary promotional caps, tshirts, arms bands and water bottles advertising Surf City were given to guests upon request.
Among members of the surfing community in Israel, tourism stakeholders, media representatives and guests interested in learning more about El Salvador's Surf City was El Salvador's Honorary Consul in Israel, Mr. Yossi Abadi, Mr. Roy Roznek, Kosovo's Honorary Consul in Israel, H.E. Mr. Yosef Livne, previously Israel;'s Ambassador to El Salvador, Ms. Dana Oren Yanai, Herzliya's Deputy Mayor, Ms. Miri Berger, Executive Director of the Israel - Latin America Chamber of Commerce, Ms. Ronit Ovadia, CEO Managing Director of Herzliya Municipal Tourism Development Company, Mr. Dov Kalmann, Chairperson of Kalmann and Co Ltd, Founder of Terranova Tourism Marketing Ltd, Chairman of Neuland GSA Tourism and Hospitality Ltd and Publisher of "Israel Tourism Community" magazine and Ms. Rosetta Rebecca Pardo, CEO of Sal Global Ltd.
Diplomacy.co.il and www.diariojudio.com extend its appreciation and gratitude to the Ambassador of El Salvador, H.E. Mr. Hector Enrique Celaraie Landaverde and the Embassy staff for an exotic evening of joy and conviviality.
Photos Silvia G. Golan
More pics at Facebook: Israel Diplo / Diplomacy Israel / Silvia G.Golan & Instagram SilviaGolan
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- Written by Silvia Golan & Lior Sattarov
A distinguished diplomatic gathering hosted by the Embassy of Kazakhstan in Israel brought together diplomats, scholars, and journalists to review the nation’s historic constitutional reform adopted via nationwide referendum on March 15, 2026 and celebrate the rapid expansion of Kazakhstan-Israel relations.
His Excellency the Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Mr. Daulet Yemberdiyev, presented the foundational changes aimed at modernizing public administration and strengthening democratic accountability. Central to this overhaul is the transition to the unicameral Kurultai, a streamlined 145 member single chamber parliament replacing the previous two-chamber system. With parliamentary elections scheduled for August 23, 2026, the constitutional framework introduces key new institutions, including a Vice President to ensure executive continuity, and the People’s Council (Halyq Qengesi)-a consultative body representing civil society with direct legislative initiative. Together, these reforms establish a rebalanced system of checks and balances by enhancing parliamentary oversight while maintaining an effective presidential governance model.
Ambassador Yemberdiyev reaffirmed Kazakhstan’s secular, multi-vector foreign policy and its positive engagement with the Abraham Accords framework. Highlighting unprecedented momentum in bilateral ties, the Ambassador noted recent high-level Israeli delegations to Kazakhstan including Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana, Ministers David Amsalem and Gideon Sa'ar, and President Isaac Herzog. A major milestone announced at the briefing is the finalization of a mutual 90-day visa-free regime, alongside ongoing progress on double taxation avoidance and direct flight routes.
The panel discussion provided rich academic, historical, and geopolitical insights into the partnership. Prof. Eduard Yakubov, President of the Holon Institute of Technology (HIT), underscored Kazakhstan’s strategic position as a bridge between East and West, paying moving tribute to the historical shelter Central Asian nations provided to hundreds of thousands of Jewish refugees during World War II who later helped build Israel. Emphasizing higher tech education as the core engine of national growth for Kazakhstan's young demographic, Prof. Yakubov detailed HIT's active collaboration with ten Kazakhstani universities and announced an upcoming delegation in October to establish a joint Technological Innovation Center focusing on AI, cybersecurity, digital health, and student exchange programs.
Complementing these academic perspectives, Mordechai Kimyogarov, Representative for Foreign Relations and International Cooperation of the World Congress of Bukharian Jews (honored within the community as its "Minister of Foreign Relations and Friendship of Peoples"), delivered a moving tribute to the historic and modern alliance between the Jewish people and Kazakhstan. Drawing on a 2,600 year history of peaceful coexistence in Central Asia dating back to the destruction of the First Temple, Kimyogarov highlighted the shared traditions, cultural bonds, and deep brotherhood between the two nations. He paid emotional homage to the Kazakh people's heroism during World War II both on the battlefronts and through their extraordinary humanitarianism in sheltering over one million refugees, including 200,000 European Jews, an act of generosity he stressed global Jewry must never forget. Turning to contemporary relations, Kimyogarov lauded Kazakhstan’s global leadership in interfaith dialogue-recalling his privilege of moderating a major interfaith congress in Jerusalem-as well as the flourishing bilateral cooperation spanning advanced medical training, defense technology, and trade. He praised Kazakhstan’s ongoing constitutional modernization and vibrant, educated youth, expressing full confidence in the nation's bright future under Ambassador Daulet Yemberdiyev's dedicated diplomatic leadership.
Adding a strategic analytical dimension to the panel, renowned political analyst and Central Asia expert Arkady Y. Dubnov offered a profound perspective based on 35 years of observing the post-Soviet landscape - an era now spanning half the lifetime of the USSR. Describing Kazakhstan as an extraordinary multi-ethnic state, Dubnov highlighted how Astana’s political trajectory actively challenges conventional, cynical views of diplomacy by reintroducing a rare moral dimension, decency, and ethical responsibility into international relations. Fully embodying its role as a constructive "middle power," Kazakhstan's foreign policy - exemplified by its open-minded engagement with initiatives like the Abraham Accords - demonstrates that principled, process-driven statecraft can serve as a beacon of optimism and a hub for a "new morality" in global politics.
Special appreciation is extended to Ambassador H.E. Mr. Daulet Yemberdiyev, Counsellor Assen Kashkenov, and the Embassy staff for their exceptional organization and gracious hosting of this diplomatic briefing.
Photos: Silvia G. Golan
More pictures available on Facebook (Israel Diplo / Diplomacy Israel / Silvia G. Golan) & Instagram (@SilviaGolan)
Lior Sattarov is a member of Debate for Peace. https://debateforpeace.org/
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- Written by President’s Spokesperson
Photo: President Herzog with Ambassador of Chile to Israel, H.E. Mr. Gabriel Alejandro Zaliasnik Schilkurt
President Isaac Herzog Receives Diplomatic Credentials of New Ambassadors to Israel, as Chile and Honduras Return Ambassadors for the First Time Since October 7th
President Herzog on the steps taken by the Board of Peace on Gaza: “This is a very positive step, with the clear caveat and undertaking that Hamas must be disarmed fully. This is clearly the basis of moving forward to the next phase by bringing in the government of technocrats”
On August 3, 2026, President Isaac Herzog received the diplomatic credentials of six new Ambassadors to Israel, including from Chile and Honduras, whose countries returned Ambassadors to Israel for the first time since October 7th. In formal ceremonies held at the President’s Residence in Jerusalem, the new Ambassadors of Germany, Alexander Graf Lambsdorff; Chile, Gabriel Alejandro Zaliasnik Schilkurt; Honduras, Jose Luis Nunez Bennet; Nigeria, Nkechi Linda Ufochukwu; Georgia, Beka Dvali; and Sri Lanka, Saman Kumar Chandrasiri, all presented their diplomatic credentials.
Upon receiving the diplomatic credentials of the new ambassadors, President Herzog addressed the steps taken on Gaza by the Board of Peace: “I see a lot of positive elements in the efforts of the Board of Peace, under the auspices of President Trump and his leadership. I think his 20-Point Plan, which was adopted by the UN Security Council, and now, moving forward with the guidelines and the agreements that are going to be reached, is a very positive step with the clear caveat and undertaking that Hamas must be disarmed, and I hope Hamas will be disarmed fully. This is clearly the basis of moving forward to the next phase by bringing in the government of technocrats. The efforts of the Americans, the Board of Peace, President Trump, and CEO of the Board of Peace Nickolay Mladenov can bring a certain vision of hope, also to the people of Gaza and to the people of Israel. I sincerely hope and pray that we will find ways to move forward with our Palestinian neighbors on all fronts, to have a dialogue with our Palestinian neighbors.”
Photo: President Herzog with Ambassador of Germany to Israel, H.E. Mr. Alexander Graf Lambsdorff
Welcoming the new Ambassador of Germany to Israel, Alexander Graf Lambsdorff, President Herzog stated: “I welcome Ambassador Lambsdorff to Israel. The special relationship between Israel and Germany is rooted in a painful history, but today stands as a strong and vibrant partnership across so many fields. I wish Ambassador Lambsdorff every success in continuing to strengthen the important ties between our two nations.”
Greeting Ambassador Zaliasnik of Chile, President Herzog said: “During my excellent meeting with President Kast in May, he informed me that he would be shortly returning Chile’s Ambassador to Israel. I am now delighted to welcome Ambassador Zaliasnik here in Israel, who comes with a message on behalf of all Chileans to increase ties with Israel. This is a milestone in our relations, and I wish him every success as we reinvigorate the important ties between Israel and Chile.”
Photo: President Herzog with Ambassador of Honduras to Israel, H.E. Mr. Jose Luis Nunez Bennet
Upon receiving the new Ambassador of Honduras Jose Luis Nunez Bennet , President Herzog remarked: “In my recent meeting with my good friend President Asfura of Honduras, I was delighted to hear that Honduras would soon be returning its Ambassador to Israel. I am now pleased to receive the diplomatic credentials of Ambassador Jose Luis Nunez Bennet, as the relations between Israel and Honduras continue to reach new heights.”
Photo: President Herzog with Ambassador of Nigeria to Israel, H.E. Mrs. Nkechi Linda Ufochukwu
President Herzog received the diplomatic credentials of the new Ambassador of Nigeria to Israel, Nkechi Linda Ufochukwu, and underscored Israel’s great respect for the Nigerian nation and people and Nigeria’s leading role in Africa, as well as the importance of the country’s historic ties with Israel.
Photo: President Herzog with Ambassador of Georgia to Israel, H.E. Mr. Beka Dvali
In his meeting with the Ambassador of Georgia, Beka Dvali, President Herzog highlighted the deep historical ties between Israel and Georgia, with the Georgian Jewish community serving as a bridge between the two nations, and affirmed the importance of strengthening bilateral cooperation.
Photo: President Herzog with Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Israel, H.E. Mr.Saman Kumar Chandrasiri
Welcoming Sri Lanka’s new Ambassador to Israel, Saman Kumar Chandrasiri, President Herzog affirmed the importance of people-to-people exchanges between Israel and Sri Lanka and upgrading bilateral ties in a range of fields.
Video of President Herzog's Remarks on Gaza (in English) and the Diplomatic Credentials Ceremonies
Attached video credit: Gregory Bado (GPO) / Sound credit: Avner Dvir (GPO)
Photo credits: Oz Schechter
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