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- Written by Bat-Zion Susskind-Sacks
Celebrating 66 National Day of the People’s Republic of China
The National Day of China is officially commemorated on October 1st. On that day, many large-scaled activities are held nationwide. These include Military Review & Parade at Tiananmen Square. Other activities include flag-raising ceremonies, dance and song shows and fireworks displays.
In Israel, commemorating the event took place at the Tel Aviv Hilton Hotel on September 24th.
At the reception area, the invitees were offered a selection of complementary books and DVD covering a variety of topics. These included Chinese history, Culture, and diplomacy.
The host of Chinese dignitaries that welcome the guests in one of the spacious halls at the hotel included, the Chinese Ambassador to Israel, His Excellency Zhan Yongxin, First Secretary Dr. Li Zhongzhou and others.
At the entrance to the event hall, the invitees could enjoy an exhibition of paintings depicting various themes related to the founding of the People’s Republic of China and their victory in WWII.
Traditional Chinese decorations mostly in red were visible all over the hall which was quickly filling up with many guest, many of whom were high ranking officials in the Israeli political echelons. In attendance were Former Foreign Minister Avigdor Liberman, Ran Cohen President of Israel Asia Chamber of Commerce and former Minister of Industry and Trade. Also seen was Yariv Levin Minister of Tourism, Former Minister of Justice, MK Tzipi Livni , Tal Brody, Goodwill Ambassador and former Captain of Maccabi Tel Aviv Basketball Team and his wife Tirzah, from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs : Ambassador Shlomo Morgan from the Protocol Department and ambassador Raphael Gamzou Deputy Director General Head of the Division for Cultural and Scientific Affairs . The guest of honor was President Reuven Ruvi Rivlin.
The official program commenced with the playing of the National Anthem of China and Hatikvah, respectively.
Following that, the Chinese Ambassador delivered his speech.
He shared China’s strategic vision of comprehensively building a moderately prosperous society, comprehensively deepening reform, promoting the rule of law and enforcing strict party discipline. He went on to state that in order to realize that dream China will carry on reform and opening up. It will continue to secure progress while maintaining stability and keep the economy develop at a reasonable range.
On the diplomatic level, he added, “China will adhere to the diplomatic doctrines of Peace development and cooperation maintain the opening up strategy of mutual benefit and win-win cooperation and strive for a harmonious world of lasting Peace and prosperity.
The Ambassador also stressed the sound and steady relationship between China and Israel, the strengthening of political mutual trust and the expanding economic and trade links.”
A short movie featuring members of the Chinese Jewish community who arrived there as refugees from Germany, their contributions and the close relations with members of the Chinese society was presented.
President Rivlin spoke next. He thanked the Ambassador for his warm welcome and likewise stressed the close friendship between the two countries, a friendship reflected in mutual understanding, one that honors and respects the oldest of traditions but produces the modern technology and economic development. “I am especially proud,” the President added, “of the cooperation between our two governments and our peoples on issues such as environment, agriculture, and energy. We will work together for a better and more prosperous future for all our children, for the whole world.”
Both presidents raised a toast to the Jewish New Year and to a promising future of joined efforts of the two countries.
The performance program that followed included a few dances, a Chinese Martial art show and a Tea Show.
A traditional dinner of delectable Chinese dishes was served and brought the evening to an end.
The executive director and staff of www.diplomacy.co.il join in congratulating the government and the people of China on their national day celebrations.
Photos Silvia G Golan
Photo Dancers by Tal Brody
Photo Dancers by Tal Brody
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- Written by KKL
Celebrating Independence, Celebrating Friendship Honduras , Guatemala and El Salvador, celebrated the Central American Independence Day
KKL-JNF, together with the Honduras and Guatemalan ambassadors to Israel and the Charge d'Affairs of El Salvador, celebrated the Central American Independence Day in Herzliya on September 15, in a gesture of friendship with Central America. Honored guests included representatives from the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Israeli Minister for Tourism Yariv Levin.
Even the hazy weather due to an unseasonable sand storm did not stop Central American diplomats and their invited guests from jointly celebrating the 194th independence day of their countries at the seaside Daniel Hotel in Herzliya.
Hosting the congenial event held in cooperation with KKL-JNF were the Ambassador of Honduras Jose Barahona, the Ambassador of Guatemala Alfredo Vasquez, and Charge d'Affairs of El Salvador Irma Vallecillo.
More : http://www.kkl.org.il/eng/about-kkl-jnf/green-israel-news/september-2015/cent-amrca-indce/
Photo by KKL JNF
Ambassador of Honduras Jose Barahona, Israeli Minister of Tourism Yariv Levin , Charge d'Affairs of El Salvador Irma Vallecillo ,Ambassador of Guatemala Alfredo Vasquez, KKL-JNF Board member Nisan Cialic
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- Written by Jonathan Danilowitz
Uzbekistan Celebrates 24years of Independence
On Wednesday evening the cream of Uzbek society in Israel gathered in the ballroom of Tel Aviv’s Dan Panorama Hotel, together with the diplomatic community and other invited Israeli VIPs and guests. The occasion: to celebrate the 24th National Independence Day of the republic of Uzbekistan. Hosting the evening was His Excellency Oybek Eshonov, Ambassador of the Republic of Uzbekistan to the State of Israel, together with his charming wife, Mrs. Mohira Eshinova. The foyer to the ballroom was decorated with motifs and cultural icons of the country, so that the proper atmosphere for an ethnic evening began right away.
The ethnic motive continued with Uzbek music and an interesting giant video showing scenes of the country. The generous buffet dinner and drinks carried through, with typical foods and tastes to remind us of the Uzbek people. Some of it remarkably similar to Israeli dishes – a reminder of the large numbers of the Jewish community in Uzbekistan who have settled in Israel, and brought and shared their heritage.
Among the guests were members of cultural and artistic circles, Diplomats, business leaders, society members, the media and more. Guests included Mr. Amnon Cohen, who was born in Uzbekistan - former Israeli Cabinet Minister (five times) representing the SHAS political party - and today the Chairman of the Israel-Uzbekistan Parliamentary Friendship Association; delegates of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs included MM.Zvi Bar-Ner, Deputy Director General for Euro-Asia, Mrs Ofra Farhi, Head of the Economic Department in charge of Euro asia , Ambassador Shlomo Morgan from the Protocol Department who translated Minister David Azoulay's speech in English , Oren Anolik and Oded Josef.
Ambassador Eshonov was introduced by the Deputy Chief of the Mission, Mr. Murod Gulyamov. His Excellency began his address to the guests by welcoming the assembly and thanking them all for helping to celebrate the auspicious event. “It has been 24 years since Uzbekistan has proclaimed its sovereignty and entered into the new phase of historic development. Within a short period of time, our country has gone through a difficult but glorious journey.
Today we are rightfully proud of our achievements in all spheres of our society. The proof of this progress can easily be seen in the enormous changes in each family, large-scale transformation in our towns, villages and the country as a whole. … Over the last 10 years the economic growth of our country consistently exceeded 8%. Uzbekistan is ranked number five among the countries with accelerated economic development.”
The Ambassador mentioned that Israel had been one of the first countries to recognize the new Republic. He spoke of the centuries old friendship, brotherhood and harmony with the Jewish people, and added: “I would like to use this opportunity to express my deep appreciation to the Government of the Israel for ongoing policy in strengthening bilateral cooperation. Our countries continuously keep active political dialogue and put a special importance into strengthening trade and economic relations. In the near future Tashkent will host the next round of policy planning consultations between the Foreign Ministries of our two countries. I also look forward to the support of our initiative to organize the first session of intergovernmental commissions in the capital of Uzbekistan taking place before the first half of next year.”
His Excellency ended his address with warm greetings: “On the eve of Israeli New Year, I would like to wish good health and great success to you, and peace and prosperity to all people of Israel. Let "Rosh Hashanah" bring much joy and happiness to each family and each house in Israel.”
Israel’s Minister of Religious Services, Mr. David Azoulai, responded on behalf of the government and the people of Israel, in Hebrew, followed by a translation into English.. He thanked the hosts and the host country and extended warm congratulations on behalf of the State of Israel. “Israel was one of the first countries to recognize the independence of Uzbekistan, and since the establishment of diplomatic relations 23 years ago, we have enjoyed a friendly relationship in all fields. This friendship between Israel and Uzbekistan is based on mutual respect, shared values and a similar view of the strategic challenges we face. For this reason, we have developed cooperation in numerous areas – close political ties, economic cooperation as well as cooperation in the fields of culture and education. The two countries are partners in the fight against religious extremism and work to promote tolerance among peoples and religions.”
Mr. Azoulai added: “We cannot speak of Israel-Uzbekistan relations without mentioning the magnificent Jewish community that lived and flourished in Uzbekistan. Israel has a moral debt to the leadership of Uzbekistan for the warmth and tolerance it has shown and continues to show to the Jewish community. This is true both for the ancient Bukharan community, whose presence in Uzbekistan dates to the destruction of the First Temple, and for the Jews who fled the horrors of Nazi Germany and took refuge in Uzbekistan during WWII … and the important role the Uzbek leadership and people played in rescuing the Jews who decided to flee to Tashkent.”
The Minister concluded: “Please allow me to conclude by thanking you personally for your work to promote the relations between our countries. Please convey the respect and gratitude of the People of Israel has for the Uzbek people and leadership to President Karimov. Allow me to send the most sincere congratulations from Israel on your 24th anniversary of independence. We look forward to continued cooperation and courageous friendship between Israel and Uzbekistan”.
The two speakers welcomed Ms. Yulia Masti Moroz, also Uzbek-born and now resident in Israel, who sang the national anthems of both countries.
After dinner and the formal part of the evening, guests were entertained by a charmed performance of Uzbekistan music and dance, by a quartet of musicians and a magnificent dancer, all brought out to Israel especially for this event.
Congratulations Uzbekistan, may the country go from strength to strength.
Photos Silvia G Golan
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- Written by Bat-Zion Susskind-Sacks
September 1st is the Slovak Republic Constitution Day. In Slovak, this holiday is called 'Deň Ústavy Slovenskej republic. It commemorates the adoption of the Slovak constitution on September 1st, 1992.
This holiday is marked by traditional customs such as folk dancing and traditional singing. The parliament and Bratislava Castle are opened up to the public. In the evening, Bratislava Castle is lit up to mark the occasion.
In Israel, the event was celebrated at the home of the Slovak Republic Ambassador in Herzeliya on Monday, September 7th .
It was hosted by the Ambassador designateת His Excellency Peter Hulenyi and his wife Tatiana Hulenyi Ova. The atmosphere was pleasant and cordial. The delectable Slovakian food prepared by “Little Prague was delectable and the guests also enjoyed the traditional Czech beer, Staropramen that was served.
Among the distinguished guests were Colonel Lubos Klima, Slovakia’s military attaché to Israel and his wife Yonca, Mr, Amikam Muller, Haifa Branch Manager of Flying Carpet, wholesale Travel Service. His late brother,Yaron Miller, was the Honorary Consul of Slovakia in Israel and other Ambassadors and Members of the Diplomatic Missions in Israel.
Following the address by the ambassador H.E Peter Hulenyi :
" Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen! Gvirotaj ve Rabotaj!
It is a great pleasure and honor to welcome you all at the celebration of a Slovak Constitution Day. Tarsu li leareach otchem be admat Slovakia. And although the ground is literary speaking Slovak, the temperature here is still a little bit more Mediterranean.
Allow me to share with you four brief points:
First: I have to underline that relations between Slovakia and Israel are traditional excellent. Nevertheless as we usually say, there is always a potential to develop. Exploring and using this potential, that is a goal of the Slovak Embassy in Israel and my personal mission as well.
For the second: As we are aware, the common history of Slovaks and Jews goes throughout centuries. Therefore I am delight to see its continuation in Israel thanks a vivid and active community of expatriates from Slovakia. I would like to use this occasion and express my gratitude for this.
Third: I am firmly convinced that the tragedy of Slovak Jews during the Second World War should not be forgotten. We have to remember and recall the murder of more than 70 thousand Slovak citizens. In this respect I am glad I could announce that a first Holocaust museum will be open in Slovakia next year. The inauguration will take place on January 26, 2016 in Sered, the city where a concentration and labor camp was located during the WW II.
At the same time I would like to highlight that Slovakia has a highest number of Righteous among Nations per capita and we are very proud on that.
Finally: Let me go back to the potential of future cooperation mentioned in my first point. Israelis are known in Slovakia as a Start-up Nation and Slovakia is a country of automotive industry with the highest number of cars per capita produced in the world. Both countries are good examples of a success story and could benefit from mutual cooperation. Common activities should be focus on start ups, cyber security, information technologies as well as agriculture, pharmacy and tourism. At the same time a people to people relation in culture, education and R&D should get an adequate attention as well.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen! Gvirotaj ve Rabotaj!
Allow me to thank you again for accepting our invitation and enjoy the evening.
Na zdravie, Lechaim,
Shana Tova."
Aviv Shiron, Deputy Director General for Europe was the guest speaker.
He talked about the twenty two years of good and friendly relationship between Israel and Slovakia.
These are reflected not only in the trade between two nations which currently stands at $200 million, but also in the high-level official and political visits. These include visits by The Speaker of the National Council of the Slovak Republic Pavol Paška, together with the former Minister of Health Zuzana Zvolenská in the summer of 2014, Foreign Minister Miroslav Lajčák’s visit in November 2014, and the visit by Deputy Minister of Defense Milan Koterec in June 2015.
Likewise, official Israeli trips to Slovakia included visits by the then Minister of Defense Ehud Barak, Foreign Minister Avigdor Liberman in 2012. This coming October, Speaker of the Knesset Edelstein will be visiting Bratislava.
Mr. Shiron took the opportunity to thank the outgoing Ambassador, Radoslav Javorcik for his efforts and contribution to the good relationship between Israel and the Slovak Republic and wished the Ambassador-Designate Peter Hulényi much success in his new post.
Photo Silvia Golan
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- Written by MFA Spokesperson's Bureau
Official opening of Embassy of Zambia in Israel
Israel and Zambia are interested in deepening bilateral relations, with emphasis on water, green energy and agriculture. Zambia is in the process of incorporating advanced technologies and sees Israel as a natural partner in its endeavors.
The dedication ceremony for the Embassy of Zambia in Israel took place on Monday (8 September) in the presence of Zambian Foreign Minister Harry Kalaba and the Director General of Israel's Foreign Ministry, Dr. Dore Gold.
During his visit in Israel (6-10 September), FM Kalaba is conducting meetings with Israel's Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Minister of National Infrastructure, Energy and Water, the Minister for Social Equality, and the Deputy Foreign Minister. He will also meet with Israeli companies in the fields of agriculture, solar energy and technology, with the aim of promoting cooperation.
Zambia and Israel enjoy friendly relations. Diplomatic ties between the two countries were renewed in 1991. The previous president of Zambia, Michael Sata, worked during his term of office to open an embassy in Israel. Both countries are very interested in deepening bilateral relations, with an emphasis on promoting cooperation in the fields of water, green energy and agriculture. Zambia is in the process of incorporating advanced technologies and sees Israel as a natural partner in its endeavors.
At its peak, the Jewish community in Zambia numbered 1000; today, only 30 Jews remain. Recently a museum on the history of Zambian Jewry opened in the city of Livingston. The Jewish community maintains the three Jewish cemeteries in Zambia.
In the past year, three African states have opened embassies in Israel: South Sudan, Rwanda and Zambia. These states join the 11 African states already represented in Israel, a fact that demonstrates the importance of relations between Israel and Africa and the enhanced cooperation between the states.
Photo
Zambian Foreign Minister Harry Kalaba with MFA Director-General Gold at opening of Zambian Embassy in Tel Aviv
Copyright: Israel MFA
