Diplomatic Events

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Written by Hagit Farber ַ& Silvia Golan

Published: 02 November 2015

The 97th anniversary of the establishment of the independent Czechoslovak State on October 28, in 1918, which declared independence from the Hapsburg Empire at the end of World War I and the Day of the Armed Forces of the Czech Republic, were celebrated in Israel at the Ambassador of the Czech Republic H. E. Ivo Schwarz and his wife Eva in their Hertzliya Pituach residency , together with Mr Pave Petrásek Military and Air Attaché to Israel,LTC and wife Andrea

The Orchestra that came especially from the Czech Republic for the event played a pleasant classical and favorite Czech tunes.

The Honorary guests were the Israeli Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Uri Ariel, and a delegation of ministers and business representatives who came specially from the Czech Republic : The Czech Minister of culture Daniel Herman, The Czech Minister of Regional Development Mrs Karla Šlechtová, the Minister of Labor and Social Affairs, Mrs.Michaela Marksova, Michael Zantovsky former ambassador of Czech Republic in Israel, among the israeli guests were present : David Hercky Honorary Consul of the Czech Republic , Ambassador Shlomo Morgan from the Israeli Foreign Ministry and Dan Propper.

The ceremony started with the orchestra playing the Czech National Anthem, followed by the Israeli National Anthem "Hatikva".

The Ambassador addressed the guests and thanked them for joining  the celebrations of the Czech National Day. He then briefed about the recent Czech history, on October 28, 1918, when the first independent Czechoslovak state was founded, one of the few European states with successful multi-party parliamentary democracy, democratic government and Jewish friendly policy.

Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk, Czech president at that time, was a keen supporter of  the Zionist movement and the first head of state who visited the Jewish communities in Palestine in 1927. The post-war Czechoslovakia recognized Israel immediately after its proclamation of independence, and supplied it with military equipment when Israel found itself at war with its Arab neighbors. He said: "I mention it because with the celebration of Czechoslovakia's independence we celebrate also the Czech-Israeli friendship".

The ambassador then specified that this year´s celebration is a special one. "At the same time we are commemorating also 25 years of the re-establishment of our diplomatic relations, interrupted by the communist regime in 1967. It was a great merit of our first Democratic President after 1989, Mr. Václav Havel, who renewed the tradition of a strategic friendship between the two countries, and I am happy that this year has been also dedicated to him." The Ambassador went on explaining that this is the reason why so many representatives from the Czech Republic are attending the event - the minister of culture, Mr. Daniel Herman, the minister of regional development, Mrs. Karla Šlechtová, the minister of labor and social affairs, Mrs. Michaela Marksová, and the director of the Václav Havel Library and former ambassador in Israel Mr. Michael Žantovský. All of them participated on a number of events during the Václav Havel Week, which ends today with this reception.

The Ambassador mentioned the fact that during this year several public places in Israel were named after Václav Havel, who was the first head of state for the former communist bloc who visited Israel – similarly to Masaryk in the 1920s. Many streets and squares in this country bear the name of Masaryk, and I am very glad that more and more Israeli municipalities are deciding to honor in this way also Václav Havel. He concluded by saying: "I am looking in a positive way to the future. I strongly hope that our relations will develop in the same way towards a better future for all of us. Therefore, I am happy to see you here to support us in our effort, and celebrate the independence day of a state on the spiritual foundation of which the Czech Republic was established. "

Then, the Czech Minister of culture Daniel Herman addressed a warm and friendly speech about the event .

On behalf of the government and the people of Israel, Uri Ariel, Israel's Minister of Agriculture & Rural Development, congratulated the Czech Republic on the occasion of its National Day: "It is a great honor to address the residents of a country that is a close, loyal and devoted friend of Israel. I would like to take this opportunity to express how deeply we appreciate and value the close relationship between our countries and our people".

He then continued by saying that "Israel will never the forget the difficult years in which Czechoslovakia stood firmly by our side when the State of Israel was first established, nor will we forget the supply of Czech ammunition that we received and the training for our pilots when Arab forces invaded our land in order to destroy the newly-born Jewish State".

"The close friendship between our two countries is not a thing of the past. It persists to this very day, and, as time passes, it becomes increasingly strong"; and reaffirmed by stating that: "The Czech and Israeli governments have a long-standing tradition of joint meetings, known as G2G, in which corresponding government ministers meet and discuss plans for collaboration. We hope to convene for the fourth meeting in this series in 2016".

"The relationship between Israel and the Czech Republic has several unique expressions, including parallel university chairs established with government funding in both the IDC in Herzliya and the Masaryk University in Brno, and the Czech-Israel Forum that has already convened several times. We intend to continue to develop other unique elements of this bilateral relationship". 

"We attach highest importance to promoting relations between the younger generation of Israeli and Czech citizens. Therefore, we are in the process of promoting a working holiday agreement that will allow young adults from both countries to
reside in the other country for an extended period of time, and combine temporary jobs with a holiday, thus having the opportunity to get to know one another."

He concluded by conveying sincere wishes to the Czech Republic to continue enjoying peace and prosperity, and strengthening the ties of friendship and cooperation between the Czech Republic and Israel in the years ahead.

The celebration continued happily in the drizzling weather, while the guests enjoy each other, the fine bar and excellent buffet, with typical food. Separately, kosher food was served that included some specialties prepared for the event.

The beautiful and friendly atmosphere continued with the orchestra, which played Mr. Václav Havel"s favorite tune, Lou Reed song "It'ss just a perfect day I want to spend it with you".

Happy Czech National Day from www.diplomacy.co.il   Staff   !!!!!

 Photos Silvia Golan

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Written by Silvia Golan & Jonathan Danilowitz

Published: 14 October 2015

Germany - Israel: a Unique Relationship

There cannot be many countries with which the Federal Republic of Germany does not have diplomatic ties. Bigger, smaller, further, nearer, richer, poorer – all are important. But the bilateral diplomatic relations between Germany and Israel are surely unique.

It was in 1965, some 20 years after WW2 ended, and about 17 years after the establishment of the modern State of Israel, that the two countries agreed to exchange ambassadors. Now, 50 years later, and 25 years since the Berlin Wall crashed down and Germany was reunited, the German Embassy in Israel decided to celebrate these events with a grand soiree, held at the Tel Aviv Museum of Art. And what a celebration it was.

The stain of Germany’s Nazi past is not easily forgotten. There was heated objection by many Israelis, and others, to German-Israel ties. There had also been violent objections to accepting German reparations (“blood money”, some said) when the reparations agreements were signed in 1952. Germany’s first Ambassador to the State of Israel had been career officer in the Wehrmacht, and subsequently also Germany’s military attaché in Turkey – facts that in the eyes of many did not make him particularly suited, to put it mildly, to serving as German Ambassador to Jerusalem.

Much water has flown under the bridge in the past 50 years. The beautiful reception, the star-studded guest list, the warmth of the greetings, the VIPs from Germany in Israel especially for the event – none of this could have happened if German-Israel ties were not special and unique. And if the German and Israeli leadership had not worked hard to find forgiveness for the past. Guest included many diplomatic officials, Ambassador Shlomo Morgan from the Israeli Foreign Ministry, former MK Colette Avital, Keith Mines of the U.S. Embassy, Heike Vecchini (personal Assistant to the Berlin Mayor), Volker Pellet (Political Advisor to the Mayor), Israeli artist Yaron Brovinsky, and the entire Deutsche Philharmonie Merck orchestra with conductor Maestro Wolfgang Heinzel. Absent due to last minute political issues was Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked, who was to have brought greetings on behalf of the State of Israel.

His Excellency Ambassador Dr. Clemens Von Goetze, together with his wife Dr. Sonja Von Goetze, hosted the glittering reception in the Museum’s grand lobby. The cream of the diplomatic corps mingled with Israel’s cultural, social and business world and the guests from Germany. Fine wines and beverages, German beer (of course!) and a beautiful buffet made for a very convivial gathering. (Guests with kosher requirements were not forgotten.) And it would be a failing not to make special mention of the décor, especially the giant flower arrangements everywhere, that added to the sparkle.

The formal part of the proceedings began with an orchestrated concert rendition by the Deutsche Philharmonie Merck of Israel’s national anthem, followed by that of Germany. His Excellency Dr. Von Goetze then addressed the gathering. His warm opening remarks of welcome included regrets that Israeli President Reuven Rivlin, who was to have graced the event, was unable to attend, but had instead sent a pre-recorded video message.

After his charming welcoming remarks, Dr. Von Goetze made unabashed reference to the “monstrous crimes” that his country had committed against the Jewish people in that dark bygone era, and thanked early Israeli leadership for nevertheless reaching out a hand of friendship to the perpetrators, who had assumed responsibility, resulting in the bilateral ties. He expressed his gratitude to Israel for the trust it places in its German diplomatic partner. The Ambassador spoke not only of the friendship between the governments and between the peoples, but of the broad range of ties: cultural, scientific, political and educational, among others.

And he did not fail to note the trying times at present in the Middle East, and particularly in Israel, with terror raising its ugly head again. “I sincerely hope that calm will return and that the incitement and violence will be contained”. Germany and its European Union partners are still seeking to bring peace, for two peoples living in harmony in two states. His gracious thanks to the guests for their presence were warmly applauded.

The video message from President Rivlin was screened. The President spoke sincerely of the long road of 50 years of close ties, making special mention of the heartfelt welcome he had received, especially from Chancellor Angela Merkel, during his recent state visit to Germany, and of the shared values of freedom and democracy between the two countries. “Chancellor Merkel will visit Jerusalem in December and we are looking forward to welcoming her and her party”. The President ended by congratulating Germany and expressing his sincere regrets at not being there.

His Honor the Mayor of Tel Aviv-Jaffa, Ron Huldai was invited to the podium to address the gathering. “It is no coincidence that this special event is taking place at the Tel Aviv Museum of Art. The only Jewish-German encounter that was possible after the horrors of the Holocaust was the human encounter between people; and one of the few areas where that encounter was sustained – was in the field of art”. In his learned comments, the Mayor paid special tribute to the contribution that German immigrants, the “yekkes”, had made to Israel in general and to Tel Aviv in particular. “Lawyers, architects, doctors, scientists, artists, industrialists and merchants. Their arrival made a vital contribution to the development of the first Hebrew city of Tel Aviv”.

Mr. Huldai also noted the close ties between Berlin and Tel Aviv-Jaffa, and that the Mayor of Berlin, Mr. Michael Muller, was in the audience, having traveled to Israel especially to be present at this auspicious event. “When I met with Mayor Muller earlier today, we discussed … the ties between our cities – through art and culture, technology and entrepreneurship, tourism and academic exchange. I believe that these ties are the best expression of the blossoming relations between Germany and Israel.” He noted too that Tel Aviv-Jaffa has sister-city ties with several other German cities.

Mr. Muller’s address was also very special. His charisma came through clearly, even though he spoke in German, a language many of the guests could not understand (the address was translated into Hebrew, again leaving many foreign guests in the dark). His Honor mentioned the popularity Berlin enjoys with Israeli tourists, and of the close ties between Tel Aviv and his city. A new cooperative project has just been launched: “Tel Aviv Startup City and the Place To Be Berlin are both cities known for their startup friendly surroundings and infrastructure. It comes naturally that the next step is to enhance the already existing cooperation. Both cities, hosted by ‘Berlin Partner for Business and Technology’ and ‘Tel Aviv Global’, are excited to launch a new collaboration: a startup exchange program.

The two countries will be offering start-ups free co-working spaces in both cities, advice on visas, regulations and legal issues around starting up companies in both Israel and Germany will also be made available, as well as one-on-one mentoring assistance for any startup who is interested”.

The Berlin Mayor thanked his Tel Aviv hosts for their warm welcome and congratulated Germany and Israel on the close friendship and warm ties.

His Excellency Ambassador Von Goetze then invited guests to take their seats in the Museum’s Recanati Auditorium for the special concert: Symphony #3 in A minor, “The Scottish” Op. 56 (Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy), followed by Symphony #8 in F minor, Op. 93 (Ludwig von Beethoven). The concert, by the Deutsche Philharmonie Merck orchestra conducted by Wolfgang Heinzel, was a glorious finale to a splendid evening.

This will be a hard act to follow for the diplomatic constellation.

 Photos by Silvia G Golan

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Written by President’s Spokesperson

Published: 02 November 2015

 Photo President Rivlin welcoming H.E Mr.Peter Hulenyi , Ambassador of Slovakia to Israel.

President Rivlin receives diplomatic credentials of new ambassadors to Israel

President Reuven Rivlin received, during a ceremony this morning (Monday 2 November 2015) at his residence, the diplomatic credentials of the new ambassadors to Israel from Slovakia, Sri Lanka, Norway, Ireland, and Sierra Leone.

Ambassador of Slovakia, H.E Mr. Peter Hulenyi, presented his credentials to the President who welcomed him and said, "Slovakia is one of Israel’s closest allies in Europe. On my visit to Bratislava as Speaker of the Knesset, I was greatly impressed by the strong connection between the Jewish community and the Jewish people, to Slovakia. I appreciate greatly your support in the international arena and especially your efforts to prevent Palestinian unilateral moves." The President concluded, "I hope you and your wife will feel at home here in Israel."

Ambassador Hulenyi thanked the President, and began in Hebrew to note, "It is a great honor for me to be here today." He continued, "Today is the 2nd November, both as the anniversary of the Balfour Declaration, and the day on which I present my credentials – is one of the most important days of my life. It is quite incredible to see what your country has achieved in such a short time."

He spoke of the cooperation and bilateral relations between the countries and said, "I see great potential in our economic cooperation. While we are both small countries, we are powers - you of innovation, and we of production in many fields."

The President responded by saying, "The great achievements of Slovakia in the last two decades are testament to the potential of our cooperation."

President Rivlin welcoming H.E Mr. Periyasamy Pillai Selvaraj, Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Israel.

Ambassador of Sri Lanka, H.E Mr. Periyasamy Pillai Selvaraj presented his credentials to the President who congratulated him on his appointment and said, "There are great similarities between the way our countries are made up of many communities. We know very well how hard you have worked, and what you have achieved for the sake of your people and your nation, and we would be pleased to see the ties between us strengthen, and through cooperation, reach achievements of which we will both be proud."

Ambassador Selvaraj thanked the President and said, "From the moment I arrived in Israel, I felt at home. The connection between our peoples is very important, and we wish to widen our cooperation especially in the fields of tourism, agriculture, and industry. I wish to take this opportunity to thank you for the good relations between our peoples, and the express my hope that they will go from strength to strength in the future."

Photo President Rivlin welcoming H.E Mr. Jon Hanssen-Bauer, Ambassador of Norway to Israel.

Ambassador of Norway, H.E Mr. Jon Hanssen-Bauer presented his credentials to the President. President Rivlin welcomed him and said, "I know that you have much experience and understanding of this region, and the need to ensure the security of the citizens of Israel in order to bring an end to the conflict with the Palestinians. We want to live in peace, not just with a peace treaty."

The President went on to speak about the relations between the two countries, and said, "There is much potential for cooperation between our countries, especially in the fields of innovation and energy – where we can work to find solutions to benefit the whole world."

He added, "Today, the world is smaller than ever, and what happens in one region has an impact on the whole world. The situation the Middle East has resulted in hundreds of thousands of refugees, and the world must work together to find a solution to this human tragedy."

Ambassador Hanssen-Bauer thanked the President and said, "I want to convey the deep appreciation of King and Government of Norway. This year we mark 65 years of diplomatic relations between our two countries, of which we are very proud. Our cooperation has grown over the years, and this year alone there has been an increase of 20% in our investment in Israel, which is out of a faith in the strength of the Israeli economy. I see great importance in my role to increase and expand the relations between our countries."

The Ambassador added, "We are proud of the fact that we hosted the Oslo Accords, and are very aware of the difficulties since. We are here in order to assist in the reaching of an agreement which will bring peace and security to Israel. I want to express my deep appreciation for your personal efforts to strengthen Israel as a democratic and Jewish state, and to protect equal rights and opportunities for all the citizens of Israel.

We recognize that the values upon which Israel was built, are the same values upon which Norway was built."

Photo  President Rivlin welcoming H.E Mrs Alison Kelly , Ambassador of Ireland to Israel.

Ambassador of Ireland, H.E Ms. Alison Kelly, presented her credentials to the President who welcomed her warmly and said, "In many ways, Israel and Ireland are so similar. Ireland, like Israel, is a beautiful country, filled with a mix of tradition and faith. I want to express my high regard for the ongoing economic, cultural, and academic cooperation between our countries."

The President noted that the Ambassador had arrived during a very difficult period, and that stressed that Israel was committed to the status-quo on the Temple Mount, and said, "Israel has no war with Islam, and we have no intention to change the status-quo agreement on the Temple Mount – we have not, and will not change one letter of the agreement."

Ambassador Kelly thanked the President for his warm welcome and noted she was deeply honored to be representing Ireland in Israel. She spoke of the expansion in the bilateral relations between the two countries and said, "My team and I will continue to work to strengthen and expand the cooperation between our countries, especially in the fields of technology and medical advances, among others."

Photo President Rivlin welcoming H.E Mr. Osman Keh Kamara , Ambassador of Sierra Leone to Israel.

Lastly, Non-resident Ambassador of Sierra Leone, H.E Mr. Osman Keh Kamara presented his credentials to the President who welcomed him warmly and said, "I want to express my appreciation for the good relations between our countries, which we see expressed in the many citizens of Sierra Leone who participate in the Ministry of Foreign Affair's Mashav program."

Ambassador Kamara said, "Thank you for your warm words about my country. You have helped us immensely in our struggle against Ebola, and in the development of dialysis treatment. I want to express my deepest appreciation for your help. I will do all in my power to ensure that my time as Ambassador to Israel will serve to strengthen and further the ties and cooperation between our countries."

 Photos: GPO/Mark Neiman

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Written by Jonathan Danilowitz

Published: 14 October 2015

Spanish Tel Aviv Celebrates: No Rain in Spain

Well of course it rains in Spain, but on Tuesday evening at the elegant ambassadorial residence of the Spanish Envoy to Israel, His Excellency Ambassador Fernando Carderera and his wife Victoria, the weather was perfect. (In a pleasant courtesy to the guests, small Spanish fans were available.) The garden setting was beautifully decorated. As enormous floral arrangement in the Spanish national colors adorned the overhead balustrade. The swimming pool was graced with a giant flag of Spain, perfectly centered. All the waitstaff wore sashes in Spanish brocade, and on each table, bunches of tiny roses to add to the effect. Even the paper napkins were embossed with the Spanish Crown. The atmosphere was enhanced by background music; melodies from guitarist Noa Drezner, a Spanish-Israeli flamenco musician. A great start to a great event.

Guests mingled happily as Spanish “tapas” were served, together with sparkling wine (the famous “Freixenet”), St. Miguel beer and a choice of regular wines and soft drinks. Israel is apparently an important enough market, because two sales directors from Freixenet came from Spain to be at the party. Other guests included members of the diplomatic corps, socialites, educators and the cream of the Spanish and Israeli business community. Among the guests: Prof. Aviva Doron

Professor of Literature and head of the Research Unit for the Cultures of Spain at University of Haifa, Spanish-born Prof. Alfred Tovias of the Department of International Relations at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Micha Harish and Moshé Shoham, respectively President and Director the Israel-Spain Chamber of Commerce, Gideon Thaler of TAL Aviation (representing Air Europa in Israel), Israeli Chief of Protocol Meron Reuben, Evgeny Piskunov of the Russian Embassy, and many others.

The traditional tapas included tortilla, chorizo, “Jamon Iberico” (specially flown in for the occasion), churros, cheeses and more. Guests observing “kashrut” were catered for in a special section, a reflection on the importance the Spanish Embassy places on the Judaism rooted in Spain.

In fact, in his very brief welcoming remarks, after first expressing “ … our heartfelt condolences and solidarity to the families of the victims of the recent terrorist attacks”, His Excellency Ambassador Carderera then mentioned: “ … an important event: the new Law granting Spanish Nationality to the Sephardim, became effective a few days ago. There is an extraordinary tale behind the Sephardim. It’s a tale about people that were expelled from Spain in the XV Century. They left Spain, but kept Spain with them. They lived in Turkey, or in Morocco, or in Latin America, and yet every mother and every father, for five hundred years, would teach their kids the Ladino language, the songs, the recipes. And the kids would tell their kids, for generations. Today, 523 years later, the Sephardim stay true to their Spanish origin.

With this law, Spain gives back [to] the sons and daughters of Sepharad their right to be full Spanish citizens. This law opens the door that was closed a long time ago and welcomes them back. We are seeing a lot of interest in Israel, and we hope many will benefit from it. … The Government of Spain has just announced that all applications that were submitted before this law have been resolved … more than 4,300 Sephardim have just been granted Spanish nationality. We will be very happy to receive many of them at the Embassy and to give them their Spanish passports”.

The Ambassador also added a few words in Hebrew, much to the delight of the assembled guests. He ended with: “I now have the pleasure to invite you to join Minister [Avi Gabai] and myself in a toast to the long life and wellbeing of our Heads of State, His Excellency President Reuven Rivlin and His Majesty King Felipe the Sixth of Spain, as well as to our mutual friendship”.

Israel’s Minister for Environmental Protection responded on behalf of the Government and the people of Israel. The Minister noted that Spain and Israel share many aspects in common and that “ … in January 2016, the two countries will mark 30 years of diplomatic relations ... In this period our diplomatic relations have become more and more intense”. He noted too the business sector cooperation, including in mobile and communications, energy, cyber security and water. “Israel is particularly proud of its long standing participation in the annual media exhibition in Barcelona. About 100 Israeli companies took part in the event this year”.

He added: “As the minister of Environmental Protection I can say that this partnership and cooperation is especially important in the field of environmental protection. Spain and Israel are both Mediterranean countries. And as such we all know how important role the Mediterranean coastal areas play as strategic fields for the harmonic and sustainable development of territories and people of the Mediterranean area. Based on our shared past, our common characteristics as two western but also Mediterranean countries and above all our deep commitment to future cooperation, I am confident that the relations between our two nations will continue to flourish and grow. I wish you all happy Festa Naçional d' España.”

The national anthems of Spain and Israel were played, and guests went on to enjoy a “Tablao Flamenco”. Dancing, singing, music. A tablao (colloquial term for the Spanish "tablado", or floorboard) is a place where flamenco shows are performed. Developed during the 1960s throughout Spain, replacing the "cafés cantantes" (cabarets).

Viva España.

 Photos by Silvia G Golan