The embassies of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras held an historic celebration online in honor of the bicentennial of Central American independence--marking 200 years since the act of independence of Central America in 1821.
The Zoom celebration began with the national anthems of the Central American nations, as well as of Israel. The ambassador of Honduras in Israel, H.E. Mr. Mario Castillo, then presented remarks on behalf of the host countries. The ambassador spoke about the common threads tying together the people and nations of central america--not just a shared history, but also a deep regional cooperation that has benefitted all the nations of Central America, as well as a common policy of collaboration with other nations.
The ambassador thanked the people of Israel for the strong friendship over the years. In particular, he cited the extremely successful Mashav program for training thousands of Central Americans, humanitarian assistance during natural disasters, as well as the recent “Brothers in Arms” campaign to provide assistance in securing vaccination. Ambassador Castillo also thanked the Jewish National Fund-Keren Kayemet Le’Israel for helping organize the virtual bicentennial celebration, and closed by wishing prosperity for both nations, and expressing hope that circumstances would allow Israeli government representatives to visit Central America in the near future.
Mr. Hernan Feldman spoke on behalf of the Jewish National Fund-Keren Kayemet Le’Israel (JNF-KKL). Offering his remarks in Spanish, Mr. Feldman said that he was honored to be representing the JNF, and wished congratulations to all of the countries celebrating. The Ambassador of Guatemala, Mrs. Julissa Anzueto, then presented an award of appreciation to Mr. Feldman, in gratitude for his work connecting the Central American nations with Israel.
A video was then shown highlighting the work done by JNF-KKL in Central America. Following the highlight film, there was a stirring musical interlude, with Israeli musician playing a special Central American instrument in a medley that delighted the audience.
Finally, the President of Israel, Mr. Isaac Herzog, spoke, on behalf of the government and people of Israel. President Herzog praised the warm friendship between Israel and the Central American states, noting the beauty of the region and its appeal for Israeli tourists. On this important bicentennial, the president offered best wishes for continued success and growth in bilateral relations and cooperation going forward.
Participants included : Ambassador Gil Haskel, Chief of State Protocol of Israel; Ambassador Jonathan Peled, Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Hernán Feldman, Vice President of KKL; Ambassador of Zambia Martin Mwanambale, Dean of the of the Ambassadors Corps accredited Israel; Ambassador of Honduras Mario Castillo ; Ambassador of Guatemala Julissa Ansueto, Ambassador of El Salvador Hector Celarie, and Charge of Affaire a.i. from Costa Rica, Mr. Javier Rojas; Minister Miguel Muñoz, Head of Cooperation of the Embassy of Honduras ; Members of the Knesset, Israeli government officials, ambassadors and diplomatic representatives, accredited to the State of Israel; Honorary Consuls, Military Attache from Honduras Gral. Macoto Vásquez, friends from Central America and more...
Diplomacy.co.il congratulates the Central American nations on the historic bicentennial celebration.
Photos credit Alex Kolomoisky
