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On the eve of Thursday, 10 September 2026, the Ambassadors of the Republic of the Central American Republics, H.E. Mr. Antonio Lopez Escarre, Ambassador of the Republic of Costa Rica, H.E. Ms. Ava Atzum Arevalo de Moscoso, Ambassador of the Republic of Guatemala and H.E. Mr. Jose Luis Nunez Bennett, Ambassador of the Republic of Honduras hosted a reception in the lobby of Tower Building, Malha, Jerusalem, the location of the Guatemalan Embassy.
The excitement was palpable as guests were in a festive mood being the evening preceding the Jewish New Year.
There was a movie about Central America's mesmerizing geographical beauty.
Gabriel Hayon, Director of the Diplomatic Institute was the Emcee.
The President of Israel and the First Lady, H.E. Mr. Isaac and Mrs. Michal Herzog were the guests of honour.
The anthems of the Central American Republics were played followed by the enthusiastic singing of Hatikvah.
During the singing of Hatikvah, the First Lady, Ms. Michal Herzog used sign language (ISL) in solidarity with Israel's hard of hearing and deaf community.
The President commenced his speech saying that he was elated to be present at the 205th anniversary reception of Central American independence after having earlier arrived from a state visit to Cyprus. When nations build bridges, meaningful change and goodwill prevails.
Today. I shared my vision with the President of Cyprus, H.E. Mr. Nikos Christodoulides that my dream is that someday soon, nations in the region will stand together including Lebanon. Israel's heart is open to alliances with peace seeking nations. There are many expressions of friendship between Israel and Central America. Honduras recently opened an Embassy in Jerusalem and Costa Rica will soon be opening a Trade and Investment Office too. I have had the experience of visiting Costa Rica where I attended President Laura Fernandez Delago's inauguration. I have also had the honour of meeting the President of Guatemala, H.E. Mr. Bernardo Arevalo and Honduras's President, H.E. Mr. Nasry Asfura with whom we hope to expand our relations. Relations between Israel, Chile and Colombia have been renewed and this is what happens when a spirit of solidarity and friendship is sincere. Our friendship with Guatemala dates back to prior to the establishment of Israel as bilateral relations are concomitant to our interests. The Central American Republics and Israel, which are small nations, are geographically separated by great distances however the intensity of our friendship is deep. Regarding sanctions of goods made in Judea and Samaria, Israel is greatly disappointed by the recent actions of certain European countries, this decision corrodes trust. Sadly many Palestinian livelihoods depending on jobs will severely be affected. A return to constructive dialogue will result in a more meaningful and productive outcome. We welcome a year filled with bountiful friendship and cooperation.
On behalf of the three Ambassadors, H.E. Mr. Jose Nunez Bennett, Ambassador of the Republic of Honduras, addressed the audience warmly welcoming the President saying that the three sister nations that once were part of the former United Provinces of Central America which was later known as the Federal Republic of Central America welcome you. We share deep roots, a common history and values that have accompanied the building of our nations. At the same time each country has followed its own path and thus built a unique relationship with Israel.
Costa Rica has a historic friendship with Israel built over decades of diplomatic exchanges, cooperation and exchanges developing collaboration in agriculture, education, technology, innovation and development. The decision to establish a Procomer Innovation, Trade and Investment Office in Jerusalem is an important step.
On the 15th of May 1948, Guatemala became the second country to recognize the nascent State of Israel. Seventy years later, Guatemala became the second country to relocate its Embassy to Jerusalem. Ties have grown in agriculture, technology, innovation education, security, trade and development. Recently Guatemala unveiled a plaque at David's City as an expression of the historical, cultural and friendly ties between our peoples.
Honduras shares a long history with Israel. On the 11th of July 1947, the Exodus, registered under a Hondurian flag, departed from France carrying more than 4500 Holocaust survivors bound for Israel. The British Navy intercepted the ship and it was forced to return to Europe. This event generated international condemnation and accelerated the process that less than a year later that led to the creation of the State of Israel. Today that Honduran flag forms part of the collection of the Naval Museum in Haifa. In 2021 Honduras officially relocated its Embassy to Jerusalem and was the second Latin American country to do so. Under President Asfura, we are witnessing a renewal of rapprochement and intensification consolidating the bonds of friendship between Honduras and Israel. On the 16th of August 2026, the Hondurian and Israeli Ministers of Defence signed a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at deepening cooperation in the field of defence.
The Central American Republics have our own history, identity and unique relationship with Israel. Commemorating 205 years of independence means remembering where we come from and honouring those valiant men and women who built our nation's while simultaneously looking ahead and how we can build a better future for generations to follow. Regarding Israel, we share the same aspirations for growth and the continued creation of new opportunities for cooperation, development, friendship and understanding among our people.
The President, accompanied by the three Ambassadors on stage, where a toast was taken followed by the blowing of the shofar in honour of the forthcoming Jewish New Year.
Present were Ambassadors, diplomats, military attaches, Honorary Consuls, state officials not to forget mentioning Mr. Gil Haskel, Foreign Ministry's Chief of State Protocol, Mr. Amir Ofek, Foreign Affairs Deputy Director of Latin America and the Caribbean, Mr. Amit Zarouk, Senior Policy Advisor in the Office of the President of the State of Israel, Mr. Yinam Cohen, the Foreign Ministry Director of Latin America and the Caribbean, Mr.Tony Reichler, the Knesset's Head of International Relations, Mr. Maor Ifrah, advisor to the Foreign Ministry's Director General, Mr. Nathan Allalouf, Costa Rica's Honorary Consul and president of the Allalouf Group, Mr. Alejandro Fernandez, Honorary Consul of the Republic of Honduras for Haifa and Northern Israel, Mr. Daniel Voiczek, CEO of the Friends of Zion Museum in Jerusalem, Luis Har who recently completed an autobiographical account about his experience in Hamas captivity with his wife Clara,. Leo Glaser, Businessman, Mr. Fernando Bisker, Ambassador of Shalva, the Israel Association for the Care and Inclusion of Persons With Disabilities, Mr. Claiborne Gayden, the United States Embassy's Political Officer, Mr. Hernan Feldman, Guatemala Honorary Consul and Hameshakem's Chairman of the Board of Directors, Mr. Issac Ajzen, Editor en Chief of www.diariojudio.com, Ms. Georgina Litvak, Hotel Benjamin in Herzliya Pituach's Corporate Sales Manager, and Mr. Amir Sade , Special Advisor to Grert Berr
Diplomacy.co.il and www.diariojudio.com extend its congratulations to the three Central American Ambassadors in honour of this auspicious occasion of independence as well its sincere appreciation, gratitude and thanks to all Embassy staff involved in making the evening memorable. .
Photos Silvia G. Golan
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On the eve of Tuesday, 8 September 2026, the Ambassador of the United States to the State of Israel, H.E. Mr. Mike and Mrs. Janet Huckabee hosted an festive and mamoth reception marking America's 250th Birthday. The reception was held at Jerusalem's Museum of Tolerance. The semiquincentennial celebration is when the United States adopted the Declaration of Independence on the 4th of July in 1776.
The Museum of Tolerance with its golden - hued facade and soaring glass walls span 180 000 metres over four floors and is located between modern western Jerusalem and the Old City.
In the museum's Tikun Olam Garden, there is a permanent exhibition honouring Jewish Nobel Laureates and great Teachers and Sages of Israel, dating to Yehuda Hanassi, all of whom contributed to mankind.
During the reception a number of guided tours of a powerful photographic exhibition entitled 62:29 were available. This exhibition documents the atrocities, heartbreak and heroism of the October 7th attacks in 2023, conveying a clear message that even in the deepest darkness there were points of light. These moments of courage and humanity are what sustain us, reminding us that our greatest strength lies in our unity.
A huge board displayed over 40 sponsors included Lockheed Martin, Watergen, Boeing, Amazon, Oracle, Google, Colgate, In Mobileye, Delta, Coca Cola, J.P. Morgan, Ritz Carlton, Microsoft, CBC Israel, Herzog, Motorola, Pfizer and Applied Materials, to name a few.
Close to 30 food stations including Ben and Jerry which served mostly traditional fare namely mini hamburgers, KFC chicken, lamb kebabs, smoked assado and brisket, Israeli shawarma, fish and chips, a salad bar of fattoush, baby tomato, Asian and ceasar salad and lastly root vegetable curry accompanied with coconut cream
Not forgetting that there was also a well stocked bar of exclusive Kentucky Bourbon and Herzog wine as well as a number of fridges of Watergen bottles which is atmospheric water generated to extract clean, mineral and enriched drinking water from the air.
The official ceremony took place in the Museum's amphitheatre where every seat had a cushion and a small U.S. flag. A large screen at the back of the stage where snaps and a film of previous U.S. 4th of July celebrations and of the United States beautiful landscape was shown.The Israel National Police Orchestra conducted by Maestro Vadim Musikov performed. Speeches were short and the evening's emphasis was on enjoyment.
H.E. Mr. Mike Hucabee opened the evening with a succinct speech expressing that the United States has so many reasons to thank G-d and thankfully we can do so in Jerusalem where the three Monastic faiths' forefathers i.e. Abrahams, Issac and Jacob lived. America's founding fathers based our national values on that of Judeo Chrsitian values. The United States's Declaration of Independence vests its power with the people.
Patricia Heaton, the Emcee,a philanthropist, activist and famous actor as well as a loyal and strong friend of Israel flew in for the occasion.
The Presentation of Colours by the Marine Security Guard Detachment of the United States Embassy in Israel accompanied by the Israeli National Police Band dumbfounded everyone present with their impressive performance.
Paul Kroeger, a U.S. diplomat and former opera singer sang the Star - Spangled Banner followed by Ishay Ribo's rendition of Israel's Hatikva.
The Emcee stated that despite Jerusalem being a complicated city, not only referring to the traffic, it is the intersection of three faiths.
A film was shown about the proposed and newly planned U.S. Embassy campus in Jerusalem.
A message by Israel's President, H.E. Isaach Herzog's brief speech included an anecdote about a Jew, Haim Solomon who came to the United States on the eve of independence tying his fate to the nascent state. The values of America embody and prioritizes faith in possibility and freedom, the latter carrying responsibility as the United States and Israel concomitantly stand against forces of tyranny. I value the Ambassador and his wife Janet's energies, their overwhelming message of positivity of which he speaks of almost daily.
Tri' Corley and his band, the Music City Connection from Tennessee flew in especially for this momentous occasion performing Neil Diamond's "They Coming To America", from the movie, the Jazz Singer. Ambassador Huckabee who started playing guitar at the age of 8 accompanied by Amir Ohana, Israel's Speaker of the Knesset stunned the guests by performing together with the band.
Israel's Prime Minister, H.E. Benjamin Netanyahu's short message on film started that America was not given its freedom but valiantly fought for it. Not the United States nor Israel bows to anyone as we fight for our power knowing that peace comes through strength. Together we stand and together we shall prevail.
Mr. Larry Mizel, the Museum of Tolerance's Chairman who for 25 years worked ceaselessly to realize the dream of actualizing a Museum of this magnitude in Jerusalem presented Ambassador Huckabee with the Torch of Abraham Award, the Museum's most prestigious accolade saying that he could not be a better friend to Israel as displayed in the war against Iran helping to develope the resilience of the Israeli people. His love of Jews and of Israel epitomizes his unbound loyalty. Through dialogue, inclusion and understanding he has brought people together embodying tolerance and mutual responsibility among people who differ.
Robert Davi, a well known American multi talented performer and jazz singer who as a young man worked with Frank Sinatra came especially for the evening's celebration. With his rich and sonorous voice he enthralled the audience performing three of his Mentor's songs which included "I Did It My Way", "Fly Me To The Moon" and a song written in 1946 against rabid Jew hatred in New York and antisemitism in the U.S.A.
An enormous birthday cake with the U.S.'s tricolours against a backdrop of 4 large sparklers was presented on a tier by 4 Marines. The birthday cake was sliced by Ambassador and Mrs. Huckabee.
The evening spectacular conclusion where Ambassador and Mrs Huckabee appeared on stage while the Knesset Speaker who represented the government of Israel, Mr. Amir Ohana played the guitar to "America the Beautiful" sung by Robert Davi and Paul Kroeger accompanied by the Israel National Police Orchestra conducted by Maestro Musikov.
Upon leaving, guests were presented with two gift packages of souvenirs.
We extends its heartfelt wishes to H.E. Mr. Mike and Mrs. Janet Huckabee and to all Embassy staff involved in preparing a memorable evening of entertainment, splendour, glamour and joy. May the United States and Israel's close relationship strengthen and remain steadfast in times of adversity.
G-d Bless and Long Live America.
Photos Silvia G. Golan
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More than 50 Ambassadors and Senior Diplomatic Representatives Attended Herzliya Municipality New Year Reception
More than 50 Ambassadors and Senior Diplomatic Representatives Attended Herzliya Municipality New Year Reception
Herzliya Mayor, Yariv Fisher, hosted a New Year reception this week at HaMesila in Herzliya, attended by more than 50 ambassadors and senior diplomatic representatives, representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and other distinguished guests.
Also attending the event were senior officials from Reichman University, including the university’s founder, Prof. Uriel Reichman, University CEO Ayelet Ben-Ezer Gelbard, senior representatives of the Herzliya Foundation, and senior municipal officials.
During the event, the Foreign Relations and Strategic Partnerships Unit, led by the Strategy Division of the Herzliya Municipality, was presented. The unit is responsible for promoting and developing international cooperation.
The unit represents a professional and proactive approach to engaging with the city’s diplomatic community, fostering ongoing relations, initiatives, connections, and collaborations with embassies and foreign missions. Its renewed establishment is aimed at creating value for both the city and the State of Israel through international partnerships in the fields of culture, academia, technology, tourism, sports, economics, and society.
Herzliya Mayor Yariv Fisher said at the event:
«“The establishment of the Foreign Relations and Strategic Partnerships Unit strengthens Herzliya’s position as a global city, connecting the municipality, the international community, a leading university, the business sector, culture, tourism, and innovation. Herzliya serves as a ‘Gateway to the World’ and as a model for a global Israeli city that creates connections between people, communities, and institutions, while strengthening Israel’s ties with the international arena.
At the same time, Herzliya is a city that drives innovation and growth, and can share its extensive knowledge and experience with other cities around the world based on the principles of reciprocity, peer learning, and joint projects addressing shared pressing challenges.
At such a challenging time for the State of Israel and for the Jewish people around the world, receiving a diplomatic embrace from more than 50 countries is something that cannot be taken for granted.”»
Among the ambassadors attending the event were representatives of the European Union, Finland, Bahai , Greece, Costa Rica, Chipre, Japan, China, Thailand, Vietnam, South Korea, the Republic of the Congo, Tanzania, Russia, Paraguay, Mexico, and Ukraine.
Photo credit Herzliya Municipality Spokesperson’s Office.
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Embassy of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam's Independence Day Reception - Einav Cultural Center, Tel Aviv
On the evening of Wednesday, September 2nd 2026, the Ambassador of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam to the State of Israel, H.E. Dr. Nguyen Ky-Son and Madam, hosted the 81st Independence Day reception at Tel Aviv Municipality's Einav Center.
The hall was decorated with Vietnamese flags, and many Vietnamese attendants were dressed in exquisite traditional clothes. On the stage, a table with celebratory cake was prepared for the ceremonial cutting.
Traditional Vietnamese food ( delicious Chicken spring rolls, Vietnamese beef stew Stir fried moodles ) and fresh fruit platters, nuts and sweets were served and a bar offering wine and soft beverages.
The official ceremony started by the playing and singing of Israel and Viet Nam's national anthems.and enthusiastically sung
H.E. Dr. Nguyen Ky-Son, in his speech, welcomed the dignitaries in attendance. He described the arduous but triumphant path of the country from the liberation of the North in 1954 and the unification with the South in 1975.
The ambassador then continued to describe the immense progress Viet Nam made in diplomatic recognition by numerous countries; Viet Nam has emerged as a dynamic upper-middle-income country, deeply integrated into the global market, now a safe and friendly country.
He stated the goal of becoming a developed, high-income country by 2045. This will be achieved by the on-going streamlining the government, optimizing the business environment to increase efficiency. He indicated that the new growth model is driven by science and technology, innovation, and digital transformation.
The Ambassador stated that Israel and Viet Nam have established relations in 1993, and mentioned the historic meetings between President Ho Chi Minh and David Ben-Gurion in Paris in 1946, later inspiring a warm friendship between the two countries.
This friendship has transformed into a partnership that continues to deepen, broaden, and deliver tangible results. Two years since the FTA entered into force, bilateral trade rapidly approaches the four-billion-milestone. A growing wave of Israeli enterprises is exploring new investment and forging strategic partnerships in Viet Nam. Meanwhile, through party-to-party ties and people-to-people exchanges, the political and social foundations of the two countries bilateral relations are increasingly consolidated.
Economic ties are now greatly enhanced through high-level free trade agreements and various other agreements, facilitating commerce and technology exchange. Tourism and academic and cultural exchanges enhance the ties between the two countries, with Israel’s technological prowess, innovative spirit, and capacity to turn cutting-edge ideas into practical solutions. The Ambassador pointed out that with a population exceeding 102 million people; Viet Nam possesses advanced manufacturing capabilities, and an expansive trade network of 17 FTAs, and that the two combined could unlock new and strategic ventures.
The Ambassador concluded his speech with thanking the Israeli authorities for enabling these productive ties and warm friendship between Viet Nam and Israel, and then he wished all a happy new Jewish year with peace, prosperity, and happiness to shine upon the two peoples and across the respective regions.
After the speech, the ceremonial cutting of the cake took place, with the sound of the Shofar (ritual horn).
Distinguished guests included Ambassador Aviv Ezra Deputy Director General for Asia and the Pacific at the Israeli ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr.Yaron Meir former Ambassador of Israel to Viet Nam, Dr. Asher Salman Israeli Ministry of health- International Relations, Mr. Yoram Naor Hi-Tech Israel-Viet Nam promoter , Mr. Uri Dali Chairman of the Israel-Angola Chamber of Commerce, Gabriel Hayon, Chairman of The Diplomatic Institute, Ron Doron V.P. of Israel-Asia,Chamber of Commerce , Mrs. Yona Bartal, representative of the Peres Center for Peace and Innovation , Steve Linde Journalist for JNS, Mrs .Ariela Rosental International department of City of Ashdod, Miriam Berger Executive Director of the Israel - Latin America Chamber of Commerce,, Moshe Betito Alta & IFM Company, Ariel Goldshtein Senior Advisor to the Chief of Staff of the Prime Minister's Office , Mrs .Ayala Meitav Tel Aviv city International Relations, many Ambassadors and business leaders,
Diplomacy.co.il congratulates the Embassy , Government and People of Viet Nam on the National Day, and offers best wishes for the continued success and growth of the ties between Viet Nam and Israel.
Photos Silvia G. Golan
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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
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