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- Written by Silvia G. Golan & Stephen Abrahams
Photo H.E. Mr. Maciej Hunia with Mr Yoav Kisch, Minister of Education
On Monday, 25 November 2024 the Charge d' Affaires a.i. of the Republic of Poland to the State of Israel, H.E. Mr. Maciej Hunia and Mrs. Bozena Hunia together with the Defense, Military, Naval and Air Attache of the Republic of Poland, Colonel Adam Godlewski and Mrs. Dorota Godlewski hosted a reception in honor of Poland's National Independence Day and Polish Armed Forces Day at the Dan Hotel, Tel Aviv. .
H.E. Mr. Maciej Hunia started his speech by welcoming everyone present. On 11 November 1918, Poland regained its freedom after 123 years of partition by Russia, Prussia and Austria. This victory wasn' t just Polish - it was shared by many, including Jewish citizens. Among 30 000 soldiers of Piludski's Legions, the second largest ethnic group were Jews. For Poland, just like Israel, security is our top priority, the most important matter. In 2024, we celebrate 25 years of Poland's membership in Nato. For us, Nato is more than a military alliance, it is a guarantee of freedom which transformed Poland. We have had active troops in the Balkans and in Afghanistan. It reflects our awareness of the threats we face, especially from Russia's aggression against Ukraine. Since 7 October 2023, Israel has endured unprecedented threats, while Israeli society has been suffering an unparalleled sacrifice. Numerous families live in the shadow of tragedy, with loved ones still held hostage in Gaza. Among them was Alex Dancyg, a dear friend of Poland, tragically murdered. Oded Lifshitz, an 83 year old Israeli Polish citizen is still in captivity. The families of Alex and Oded are here with us today. Hope lies in our youth. It is our responsibility to invest in the next generation, enabling them to meet, exchange ideas and build understanding. This is the aim of the Polish - Israeli agreement on youth study visits. The Ambassador concluded by thanking guests for joining in the celebration.
Representing the State of Israel was Mr Yoav Kisch, Minister of Education who spoke. As we gather today to commemorate Polish Independence Day, I am honoured to extend heartfelt greetings on behalf of the Israeli government. This day marks a pivotal moment in Poland's history - a day when the spirit of resilience, unity and hope triumphed leading to the restoration of national sovereignty in 1918. It is a testament to the strength of the Polish people that they have continually demonstrated their dedication to preserving their identity and culture. At this moment we must also acknowledge the current war we face in Israel, as we confront the ongoing threat posed by terrorism and the brutal actions of Hamas and Hezbollah. Just as Poland fought for its independence and the safety of its people, we too are dedicated to defending our nation against those who chose terror and violence trying to destroy our country. The 7th of October was the most terrible day since the Holocaust. Among the kidnapped were 14 Israeli - Polish citizens. Let us celebrate this day of Polish independence with joy and pride reflecting on the achievements of the past while looking forward to a future filled with promise.May the bonds of friendship between Poland and Israel continue to grow stronger fostering peace, understanding and shared success for all of us.
Before the two speeches both anthems were sung i.e. the Polish anthem, "Mazurek Dąbrowskiego" and Israel's "Hatikva".
A ballad of the "First Brigade of the Polish Legion" (1914 - 1917) was sung, this was the official anthem of the Polish Army.
A sumptuous buffet dinner accompanied by wines of extraordinary repute was served in the adjoining hall including scrumptious desserts.
Among the guests were: Mr. Gil Haskel, Chief of State Protocol at the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs ;Mr. Yossi Levy - a former Israeli Ambassador to Lithuania who currently serves as the Foreign Ministry's Special Envoy for the Restitution of Holocaust Assets ; Mr. Mordechai Palzur - a former Chairman of the World Jewish Congress's Institute for Research and Policy and Israel's first Ambassador to Poland in 1991 who is also a recipient of the Polish merit of order for cementing Israeli - Polish bilateral relations; Brig. General (R) Ephraim Sneh, M.D. - former Minister of Health and Minister of Transport and Deputy Minister of Defence; Dr. Lea Ganor - a social historian who is a senior scholar at Bar Ilan University Holocaust Research Institute, Head of the Poland Forum, and Director of the "Mashmaut" Centre (Heritage Holocaust Tradition Values and Rebirth) who also proudly wore her order of merit awarded to her in 2020 by the Republic of Poland for her contribution in the field of education between Israel and Poland ; Mr. Gabriel Hayon - Chairman of the Diplomatic Institute ; Mr. Emmanuel Shapira Rabbanian - Director of Delegations for Dan Hotels and many distinguished ambassadors and military attaches,
Diplomacy.co.il warmly congratulates the Republic of Poland on its National Independence Day and Polish Armed Forces Day.
Photos credit Silvia Golan
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- Written by Antoanet (Tony) Levy Silvia G. Golan & Stephen Abrahams
On Wednesday, 20 November, 2024, the Ambassador of Bulgaria to the State of Israel, H.E. Ms. Slavena Gergova, hosted a commemorative ceremony in honour of "130th Anniversary of the Birth of Dimitar Peshev, Vice President of the 25thNational Assembly of Bulgaria, Righteous Among the Nations" at the Museum of the Jewish People – ANU in Tel Aviv.
Dimitar Peshev was Minister of Justice (1935 - 1936) and Deputy Speaker of the 25th National Assembly of Bulgaria (1940 - 1943). He rebelled against the intentions of the government to deport Bulgarian Jews to the Nazi extermination camps and in his capacity as Deputy Speaker of the Parliament wrote a protest letter to the then Prime Minister, Bogdan Filov, which was also signed by 42 other deputies. On 17 March 1943, the letter, submitted by Dimitar Peshev, institutionalized the disagreement of Bulgarian society with German imposed Antisemitism.
This act had a sobering effect and the secretly planned deportation was cancelled. More than 48 000 Bulgarian Jews were saved. On 25 March 1943, Dimitar Peshev was removed from his post in the National Assembly.
After the communist coup d'etat on 9 September 1944, he was sentenced by the People's Court to 15 years of solitary confinement in prison. In December 1945 he was released butdeprived of the opportunity to practice his profession. The communist authorities confiscated his property and from 1965 till his death in 1973 he received money and letters of gratitude from rescued Bulgarian Jews living in Israel.
In 1973 Yad Vashem awarded Dimiter Peshev the title of "Righteous Among the Nations" for his role in saving Bulgaria's Jews at considerable risk to himself. He died a few months later and has since then been recognized as having performed a great service to humanity.
The Master of Ceremonies, Mr. Yulian Yakimov, Minister Plenipotentiary and Deputy Head of Mission of the Embassy of Bulgaria, spoke and introduced the Ambassador who followed suit in welcoming everyone present and mentioning how important it is to host the evening despite the difficult period Israel finds itself in. She expressed special gratitude to the panel of guests who participated in the panel discussion. Mentioning "Whatever is said about Peshev, is not enough as he was a high ranking state official who used all means at his disposal in order to achieve his goal in saving Bulgaria's Jews". Although close to 50 000 Bulgarian Jews were saved, unfortunately Bulgaria was unable to prevent the deportation of 11 343 Jews from the region of Thrace in northern Greece and parts of former Yugoslavia. She concluded her speech stating that there is no Antisemitism in Bulgaria and when such incidents occur, they are handled with the rigor of the law.
A 20 minute documentary produced by the Bulgarian Academy of Science was shown followed by a panel discussion which included Assoc. Prof. Angel Dzhonev, from the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences and author of the permanent exhibition of the House Museum "Dimitar Peshev" who flew from Sofia specially for the event, Dr. Angel Chorapchiev, head of the archival acquisitions in the Balkans and Central Europe at the Yad Vashem Archives in Jerusalemand Ms.Ruth Cohen-Dar
, Director of the Department for Combating Antisemitism and Holocaust Remembrance at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Israel. She emphasized the need for governments to invest in Holocaust education.
After the panel discussion guests were invited to ask questionsand make comments. The Head of the EU Delegation to Israel, Mr. Dimiter Tzantchev who also served formerly as Bulgaria's Ambassador to Israel and speaks Hebrew and Arabic said that the European Union bequeathed Yad Vashem with 10 million euro for projects in the field of Holocaust remembrance and combatting Antisemitism.
Among the many present were : Gilad Shadmon - General in the ministry of Regional Cooperation; Ruth Daar- Director of the department for the fight against anti-Semitism in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ambassadors of the European Union to Israel, Mr. Dimiter Tzantchev, Greece, Albania, Austria, Rwanda and Ireland, representatives of the diplomatic missions in Israel, Bahai International Community representative in Jerusalem, Mr. David Freeman and his wife Tracy, as well as Mr. Moni Bar - Honorary Consul General of Bulgaria in Israel, Mr. Yossi Gevir, Director of Governmental and External Affairs and Senior Advisor to the Chairman at Yad Vashem,Representatives of Kiddush Hashem Archives in Bnei Brak, Mr. David Cohen - a former Israeli Ambassador to Bulgaria, Mr. Itzhak Itzhak - President of the Union of Bulgarian Jews in Israel, representatives of other Bulgarian Jewish organizations , Ms. Antoanet
Levy - External Relations HIT Holon Institute of Technology( president office), Mr. Gilad Shadman - Director General of the Ministry of Regional Cooperation, Ms. Levana Finkelstein - a prominent stage actress and sculptor and others. www.diplomacy.co.il is thankful to the Ambassador of Bulgaria for taking the initiative in hosting an evening of such importance, especially in times where deeply seated antisemitic sentiment is visible and conspicuous more than ever in the international arena. A special mention of thanks to Silvia, the Ambassador's P.A. for inviting and welcoming us so graciously.
https://www.mfa.bg/en/embassies/israel
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President Isaac Herzog on Tuesday, 1 October 2024, received the diplomatic credentials of new ambassadors to Israel: Mr. Stefaan Thijs, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Belgium; Ms. Barbara Mestanova, Ambassador of the Slovak Republic; Mr. Simon Geissbuhler, Ambassador of Switzerland; Ms. Alexandra Rydmark, Ambassador of Sweden; and Mr. Henry Mokono, Ambassador of Papua New Guinea, who was taking office as his nation’s first permanent ambassador to Israel with their embassy in Jerusalem.
In his remarks to the ambassadors, President Herzog said, “These are not ordinary days. We are being challenged by an empire of evil emanating from Tehran, and therefore we are fighting. We are marking one year to the most horrific massacre of Israelis and Jews since the Holocaust down south. That's why we went to war in Gaza in order to change the entire situation and enable a better future for the Israelis and the Palestinians. And now we are fighting in Lebanon, fighting Hezbollah, to do the same in order to change the equation and enable a better life, first of all, for Israeli citizens on the border, to enable them to come back home. And secondly, of course, I think that there offers an opportunity to the people of Lebanon to have a better future without the oppression of Hezbollah. And most importantly, it calls for the international community to be extremely proactive in blocking the aspirations of Iran to derail the region and enable a better future for our region. We don't have war with the people of Iran.”
He added, “Switzerland has been always involved in humanitarian pursuits of bringing hostages back home in so many ways. We have 101 hostages out there for a year already in the dungeons and caves of Gaza, in the tunnels of Gaza, going through Hell. And we urge the international community now, actually now, following the crisis that's going on in Lebanon and the Israeli attacks against Hezbollah, which can bring a huge strategic change, to use this opportunity both to bring calm to our border with Lebanon, to enable our citizens to go back home, to bring a better future for the people of Lebanon, and bring our hostages back home. And this is our call to the international community.”
Photo Credit Maayan Toaf / GPO
Photo credits Ma'ayan Toaf (GPO)
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- Written by Silvia G. Golan & Stephen Abrahams
A warm and celebratory farewell reception for the Ambassador of El Salvador, H.E. Mr. Eduardo Umana was hosted on 15th October, by the Honorary Consul of Belize, Mr. Yoram Noar, in collaboration with The Ambassadors Club and the Israel - Latin American Chamber of Commerce in Herzliya Pituach. The event was organised by the aforementioned societies honouring H..E. Mr Umana for his extraordinary contribution in intensifying bilateral relations between El Salvador and Israel.
The Ambassadors Club regularly arranges and hosts receptions recognizing the efforts, sacrifice and importance of foreign ambassadors.
On the 19th of September H.E. Mr Eduardo and Mrs. Cecilia Umana, were the only Central American ambassadorial couple who hosted a reception to honour their country's 203rd anniversary independence , due to the situation in Israel . Annually, in the past, all Central American embassies namely, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Honduras and Guatemala in Israel have jointly hosted their national day receptions as the date falls concurrently on the 19th of September.
In 1948 these countries played a leading role in the creation of the State of Israel by voting for its creation. Since the tragedy that befell Israel on the 7th of October 2023, El Salvador has been the only Central American country to vocally support Israel and show unwavering support.
At the national day reception the issuing and delivery (Immediate Delivery System) of El Salvadoran passports was launched as well as awards of merit to persons for services rendered to El Salvador. I was also honoured with an award of merit for my contribution to which I am most thankful to H.E. Mr. Eduardo and Mrs. Cecilia Umana.
This year marks the auspicious 76th anniversary of bilateral relations between El Salvador, Honduras, Costa Rica,Guatemala and Israel which was immediately established after the creation of the State of Israel in 1948.
The seeds of El Salvador and Israel's relationship was planted by the valorous El Salvador's Consul General in Geneva, H.E. Mr. Arturo Castellanos saved 40 000 Jews by issuing them with El Salvadorian identity documents.
At the national day reception on the 19th of September a pre recorded audio visual message of El Salvador's Deputy Minister of Diasporian Affairs and Human Mobility, H.E. Ms. Cindy Mariella Portal was screened where she elucidated about El Salvador's innovative issuing and delivery of passports.
At the farewell, H.E. Mr Uduardo and Mrs. Cecilia Umana were honoured by many prominent figures including ambassadors, diplomats, high ranking state officials, businessmen who were present acknowledging the Umanas formidable contribution in fostering bilateral relations, trade and cultural exchanges.
To mention a few of the many prominent guests present were Ambassador of Paraguay, H.E. Mr. Alejandro Rubin Cymerman, H.E. Mr. Manuel Etchevarren -Ambassador of Uruguay to Israel, Mr. Mattanya Cohen - Head of the Department of Latin American and the Caribbean at the Foreign Ministry, H.E. Mr. Javier Martin Sánchez Checa Salazar, Ambassador of Peru, H.E. Mr. Ezra Cohen, Ambassador of Panama, H.E. Mr. Mauricio Escanero Figueroa Ambassador of Mexico, Mr. Pablo Hartstein, Deputy Head of Mission of the Embassy of Argentina, Dr. Menache Rosenfeld - El Salvador's Honorary Consul, Ms. Ruth Amit Fogel - Honorary Consul of Paraguay, Ms. Marcela Santana Guerrero - Counselor and Head of Consular Affairs at the Embassy of the Dominican Republic, Mr. David Freeman - Representative of World Bahai in Israel, Honorary Consul of Costa Rica Mr. Natan Allalouf , Mr. Patricio Cifuentes, Chargé d'Affaires of the Embassy of Chile • Mr. Nelson Torres, Minister of the Embassy of Ecuador
• Mr. Jai Fernando Morales Allan, Minister Counselor and Chargé d'Affaires of the Guatemalan Embassy, CEO of Port2Port, Roy Roznek Honorary Consul of Kosovo ;Mr. Nicolas Levy - CFA and First Vice President of Edmond De Rothschild Private Banking and Mrs. Alona Kastel - ORT's Head of International Business Development and Marketing, Mrs. Maya Karmely Sommer, Director of the Department of Mexico and Central America MFA, Mr. Shai Pascal, Ministry of Economy, in charge of commercial attachés in Latin America. Amit Titelman CEO Israel Latin America Chamber of Commerce.
• Mr. Jai Fernando Morales Allan, Minister Counselor and Chargé d'Affaires of the Guatemalan Embassy, CEO of Port2Port, Roy Roznek Honorary Consul of Kosovo ;Mr. Nicolas Levy - CFA and First Vice President of Edmond De Rothschild Private Banking and Mrs. Alona Kastel - ORT's Head of International Business Development and Marketing, Mrs. Maya Karmely Sommer, Director of the Department of Mexico and Central America MFA, Mr. Shai Pascal, Ministry of Economy, in charge of commercial attachés in Latin America. Amit Titelman CEO Israel Latin America Chamber of Commerce.
In words, www. DIPLOMACY.CO.IL cannot sufficiently express its thanks and gratitude to Mr Eduardo and Mrs Cecilia Umana for their generosity of spirit and recognition of their achievements in Israel.We wish them success,peace and much satisfaction in their forthcoming posting in Doha, Qatar.
Photos by Silvia G. Golan
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On Thursday, 10 October 2024, Ms. Abby Ya- Ping Lee, Representative of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Tel Aviv, the de facto Embassy of Taiwan to Israel hosted a memorable and elegant reception at the King David ballroom in honor of her country's 113th anniversary of independence.
Upon arrival guests were served wine, mineral water and canopies followed by the official ceremony where the Israeli anthem preceded the Taiwnese.
Guest of honour, Mayor of Jerusalem, Mr. Moshe Lion started his speech by acknowledging everyone present, saying that this is the first time that Taiwan decided to host its national day reception in Jerusalem. Shared values between Taiwan and Israel in the fields of youth development, education, culture, etc. displays the closeness and intensity between the two countries. He called for the international community to stand united and resilient in the face of terror and concluded by calling for the return of all surviving hostages in Gaza and the repatriation of residents to their homes in the north and south, many of whom have been hosted in hotels in Jerusalem for over a year.
Mr. Mikey Levy, former Jerusalem Chief of Police and Speaker of the Knesset mentioned the close relations that coexist between the two countries, palpably manifested by Taiwan after the atrocities of 7th October 2024 as well as intense collaboration in the fields of innovation, technology, science and democracy.
Taiwan's de facto ambassador, Ms. Abby Ya - Ping Lee mentioned that now is a special time to honour the two countries' shared values and strengthen the existing friendship between the two countries. She elaborated upon Taiwan's actions and support of Israel after the aftermath of October 7th attacks and mentioned important projects that co-exist in the fields of innovation, technology, agriculture, health. In conclusion she called for the release of the remaining 101 hostages held by Hamas in Gaza.
In 2024 Taiwan was voted the 10th most democratic country worldwide. It is also the largest manufacturer of semiconductors. The dream of the incumbent President is to transform Taiwan into an island and model of AI.
Following the 7th of October, Taipei's iconic "101" skyscraper was lit up in blue and white as a gesture of solidarity with Israel. President Tsai Ing-Wen, Taiwan's former President, was amongst the first to condemn Hamas and voice his support for Israel.
The Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Tel Aviv, Taiwan's de facto Embassy to the State of Israel donated $70 000 to Pitchon - Lev, a NGO's, whose aim is to alleviate poverty in Israel. In addition a further $500 000 was bequeathed to the Israeli government with the expressed purpose of procuring medical supplies. Volunteer efforts on behalf of Ms. Abby Ya-Ping Lee in agriculture and working with farmers adversely affected by the war have also been forthcoming.
Among the auspicious guests of 300 invitees were Mr. Moshe Lion, the Mayor of Jerusalem, MK Mickey Levy, the former Speaker of the Knesset, and his wife Nurit. MK Matan Cahana, MK Boaz Bismuth, Knesset Member Ram Ben Barak, MK Matti Sarfati Harcavi, MK Vladimir Beliak, Ambassador Peleg Lewi - Israel Ministry of Tourism, Honorable Judge Yaron Levi, former Minister Mr. Nachman Shai, former Minister Eitan Ginzburg, former Ambassador to Japan Ms. Ruth Kahanoff, Yad Vashem Chairman Dani Dayan, Mr. Gabriel Hayon, President of the Diplomatic Institute, Mrs. Patty Lin, Director of Taitra (Taiwan Trade & Innovation Center, Tel-Aviv), Eli Assoolin, CEO & Founder of Newsight Imaging, Yoseph Haddad, journalist and advocacy activist for Israel, Eylon Levy, former spokesman for the State of Israel, and ambassadors, diplomats, military, business and civil society leaders.
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