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- Written by Silvia G. Golan & Steven Aiello
The Baha’i International Community held its annual New Year celebration on Wednesday, March 22, in the presence of guests from all over the world, representing the diversity of the Baha’i community, and the many faiths in Israel.
Nowruz--the ancient Persian New Year which marks the onset of Spring, is marked by hundreds of millions of people around the world, including 8 million Baha’i. This year’s celebration was notable in that Nowruz also coincided with the onset of the Muslim month of Ramadan, and the beginning of the Jewish month of Nissan. The Baha’i international Secretariat, headquartered in Israel, gathered together at the David Citadel hotel in Jerusalem for a celebration highlighting hope, optimism, and unity. A giant photo of the world-renowned Baha’i gardens in Haifa, with two exquisite arrays of plants and flowers flanking the photo, gave the guests a taste of the stunning beauty of the gardens, and added the vibrant colors of spring to the celebration.
The evening was opened by Mrs.Tjeriya Tjitendero, Head of Programming, and master of ceremony, followed by a presentation of the Baha'i International Secretariat, Dr. David Rutstein, introducing the Baha’i representatives from all over the world. A similarly diverse musical group composed of Baha’i members performed uplifting songs in English and Spanish.
The keynote speaker was Professor Meir Ben Asher, the chair of the department of Baha’i Studies at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Professor Ben Asher noted that Nowruz means “new day” alluding to the beginning of a new year. He recalled his own journey into studying the richness and depth of Baha’i religious texts, and his evolving perspective as he got to know this religion through its founding leaders. Professor Ben Asher also expressed appreciation for the Baha’i community for its support of Baha’i studies, and listed the academic projects being advanced, including translations of key texts, and scholarships for research positions.
A short video was then shown highlighting an important global project that the Baha’i community has conducted over the last year--holding a series of meetings with participants all over the world, to discuss important topics both local and global. Following the video, guests were invited to enjoy a lavish dinner.
Diplomacy.co.il congratulates the Baha’i International Community on this wonderful celebration, and wishes a happy Now-Ruz to all the Community
Steven Aiello
Founder--DebateforPeace
Photos credit Silvia G. Golan
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- Written by Silvia G. Golan & Steven Aiello
The Embassy of Lithuania in Israel held its Independence Day celebration on Thursday at the Sheraton hotel in Tel Aviv, in the presence of diplomats, expats and friends of Lithuania.
March 11 marks the restoration of an independent government for Lithuania, after 50 years of control by German or Soviet powers. On March 11, 1990, the Supreme Council of Lithuania held votes to form a new governing council and elected a President. Although it took until July 1991, nearly a year and a half later, to gain international recognition, March 11 is a day of recognition and celebration given its important role in re-establishing Lithuania as a sovereign state.
The celebration opened with the anthems of both Lithuania and Israel performed by singer Helena Gaon. Following that, H.E. Ambassador Lina Antanavičienė, dressed in traditional Lithuanian clothing, began her remarks.
Ambassador Antanavičienė recalled the fateful decisions of March 11, 1990, and pointed out that although the courageous men and women then did not know what the future might bring, they found strength in a united vision of freedom. That vision of building a better future had motivated Lithuanians for decades, and fueled its “David and Goliath” level faceoff with a dangerous occupier.
The ambassador paid tribute to another European country fighting for its freedom–Ukraine and its war for sovereignty against an invading Russia. Ambassador Antanavičienė said that Ukrainian fighters defending their land are actually battling “for all of us”, for the future “of all Europe.” Unity among the civilized world is vital for Ukraine’s survival and ultimate victory.
Turning to Lithuanian-Jewish ties, the ambassador noted a rich and interconnected history. She observed that Lithuanian Jews were leaders who contributed to forming the modern state of Lithuania, as well as some of the pioneers of the modern state of Israel. The ambassador also spoke of the darkness of the Holocaust for Lithuanian Jews. In concluding, Ambassador Antanavičienė once again looked to the future, offering her hope for a thriving Lithuania-Israel relationship, and a bright future for both nations.
Minister Ofir Akunis, Minister of Science and Technology, spoke on behalf of the state of Israel. Minister Akunis congratulated the people of Lithuania on their independence, and on marking 700 years for the capital city of Vilna. The minister noted that Lithuania stands for freedom and democratic values.
Pivoting to the Israeli-Lithuanian relationship, the minister noted that bilateral ties were established soon after Lithuanian independence, with the two countries celebrating thirty years of diplomatic relations. Forged on shared values, the minister mentioned areas of cooperation including economics, education, culture and science. Minister Akunis highlighted the recent visit by the foreign minister of Lithuania to Israel as playing an important role in bolstering that relationship. Minister Akunis also applauded Lithuania for its responsible approach to Holocaust education as well as in combating antisemitism.
Following the speeches, Ambassador Antanavičienė and Minister Akunis raised a toast to the future and wellbeing of both nations. Guests then enjoyed refreshments and dinner, including traditional Lithuanian latkes.
Lithuania plays an important role in Jewish history and culture. Prior to World War II Jews made up 7% of the population of Lithuania, with many important scholars and centers of study. Unfortunately much of the Jewish population in Lithuania were murdered during the Holocaust, but the influence of Lithuanian Jewish remains strong to this day, with Lithuanian Jews constituting one of the major groups among Ashkenazi Jews in Israel today.
Diplomacy.co.il congratulates the embassy of Lithuania on this commemoration of independence, and wishes prosperity and success for Lithuania and its relations with Israel.
Steven Aiello
Founder--DebateforPeace
https://debateforpeace.wordpress.com/
Photos Silvia Golan
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- Written by Romanian Cultural Institute in Tel Aviv
The Romanian Cultural Institute (RCI) in Tel Aviv marked the National Culture Day with the symphonic concert "Enescu inspirational", organized in collaboration with the Israeli Conservatory in Tel Aviv, in whose Auditorium the event took place.
The "Quint-L" String Ensemble from Jerusalem, with the participation of soprano Mirela Grădinaru, offered an excellent opportunity to familiarize the Israeli public with the work of the composer George Enescu.
"We hope that 2023 will be a more peaceful year, during which we will be able to savor art and culture. It's a year in which we celebrate 20 years since the establishment of the Romanian Cultural Institute, the main institution for promoting Romanian culture abroad" – emphasized the RCI Tel Aviv director, in his opening speech. Martin Salamon added that the event is part of the series of events dedicated to the national project Timișoara - European Capital of Culture 2023. At the same time, he welcomed the presence of H.E. Ambassador Radu Ioanid, whom he thanked for the support given to RCI activities, as well as Attila Weinberger, the vice-president of the Romanian Cultural Institute in Bucharest. The director of RCI Tel Aviv extended special thanks to the director of the Tel Aviv Conservatory, Costin Canelis, for his support and collaboration.
In turn, Attila Weinberger addressed the audience, comprising members of the Romanian Jewish community, partners and collaborators of RCI Tel Aviv from institutes and cultural centers, as well as representatives of the diplomatic corps accredited in Israel. Attila Weinberger underlined that 2023 marks 75 years of uninterrupted diplomatic relations between Romania and Israel and consequently, the Romanian Cultural Institute in Tel Aviv will include, in its calendar of cultural activities for the year 2023, events dedicated to this important anniversary. The vice-president of RCI expressed his wish that the events organized on this occasion would bring the Israeli public even closer to Romanian culture and civilization.
The program of the concert included:
- George Enescu,”7 Chansons by Clément Marot, Op. 15 for Soprano and Piano”, performed by Mirela Grădinaru (soprano) and Bella Steinbuk (piano);
- George Enescu,”Serenade Lointain for flute, cello and piano”, performed by Rotem Bartan (flute), Isaac Andrade (cello) and Diana Lifshitz (piano);
- George Enescu,”Cantabile et Presto for flute and piano”, performed by Rotem Bartan (flute) and Diana Lifshitz (piano);
- Violeta Dinescu,”Satiya”, arranged by Vlad Baciu for violin and piano, performed by Elina Yanovitsky (violin) and Bella Steinbuk (piano);
- George Enescu, ”Prelude and Adagio from Suite in old style arranged for harp”, performed by Marina Fredin (harp);
- George Enescu, „Menetrier” from ”Impressions d'enfance for violin solo”, performed by Elina Yanovitsky (violin);
- George Enescu, ”Impromptu concertant for violin and piano”, performed by Elina Yanovitsky (violin) and Diana Lifshitz (piano);
- George Enescu, ”Aubade for violin, viola and cello”, performed by Elina Yanovitsky (violin), Alexander Shohat (viola) and Isaac Andrade (cello).
The Israeli musical ensemble ”Quint-L” String Ensemble includes musicians who are part of the prestigious Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra. They have a rich musical career, both as solo performers and as members of the string ensemble.
Romanian Cultural Institute in Tel Aviv
Website: www.icr.ro/tel-aviv
Photo credit :
Marina Fredin
Elina Y. and Bella Steinbuk
Elina Yanovitsky, Alexander Shohat and Isaac Andrade
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- Written by Silvia G. Golan & Tony Levi
A very special concert and cocktail was held on March 5, 2023, devoted to the celebration of the 145th National Day of Bulgaria and the 80th anniversary of the salvation of the Bulgarian Jews. The Festive occasion was held by the Embassy of Bulgaria in Israel under the patronage of Ambassador Rumiana Bachvarova at Enav Cultural Center in Tel Aviv.
The event started with Celebration of Bulgarian worldwide known cuisine by indulging in some of its traditional refreshments. The favorites include: banitsa that in Israel is well known as “burecas” (ladino translation), shopska traditional salat, lovely Bulgarian cheese-asorti , lyutenista , etc. delicious . The glory was a fantastic Bulgarian wine gift from Winery "TODOROFF”, located in the heart of the Thrace Region (red and white)
The wines are watered with great success due to their style, finesse and aroma.
The ceremony was initiated with the National Anthems of both countries : Bulgaria and Israel
Ambassador Rumiana Bachvarova opened the 145th anniversary of Independence of Bulgaria and 80th anniversary of rescue of Bulgarian Jews, with deeply touching words in Hebrew, Bulgarian and English. "Bulgaria is one of Europe's oldest countries, founded in the seventh century (681 AD). Ambassador Bachvarova explained the importance of choosing March 3, as Independence Day of Bulgaria, where Bulgarian all over the world celebrate the 145th anniversary of its liberation from Ottoman rule. For Bulgarians the memories for the dark Ottoman era of 500 years of genocide are painful and traumatic.
Ambassador Bachvarova expressed deep respect and gratitude to distinguished audience: the Israeli Foreign Ministry's Chief of Protocol Ambassador Gil Haskel Ambassadors and Embassies staff representatives of EU delegation to Israel H.E Dimiter Tzantchev, a native of Bulgaria, European Union's Ambassador to Israel, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Romania Dr. Radu Ioanid, Ambassador of Rwanda Mr. James Gatera, Ambassador of Georgia Mr. Lasha Zhvania, Ambassador of Croatia to Israel Vesela Mrden Korac, Deputy Ambassadors of Israel in Bulgaria Mr. Shaul Kamisa and Mr. David Cohen ( who also serves as chairman of “Salvador”) ,Professor Dan Shechtman, Nobel laureate in Chemistry and Chairman of Yehud Olei Bulgaria in Israel Mr. Itzhak Itzhak , Knesset, business, culture and academy representatives as Prof. Michael Bar Zohar (former MK) sand Ms. Antoaneta Levy also with Bulgarian roots, Yad VaShem holocaust museum representative Mr. Angel Chorapchiev and many others distinguished guests as well, “for being with at such an important, historic day where before 145 years was born "new and modern Bulgaria, the III Bulgarian state".
"The friendship ties from Bulgaria and Israel stay stronger than ever" said Ambassador Bachvarova, with mutual fruitful cooperation in areas of tourism, health, culture, etc. The Large business Israeli-Bulgarian forum will be held these days in Israel.
Members of the National Assembly, church and Bulgarian people wrote the bravest story keeping Bulgarians Jews alive in IIWW. Today we also marked the 80th anniversary of the salvation of the Bulgarian Jews.
Ms. Bachvarova continued - "This is the lesson we learned. Thank you for the hard work to keep the memories. Thank you for this how here in Israel we learn of the heroic Bulgarian people save their Jews, the fact labeled with the flag of higher democratic values. We Bulgarians are proud to save our Jews brothers and sisters, we also keep the memory of those terrible acts that Jews from North Macedonia, Saloniki, Yugoslavia were sent to Treblinka.
Under the leadership of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church, and other noteworthy individuals who resisted a deal between the Bulgarian government and the Nazi regime, nearly 50,000 Jews living in Bulgaria were saved from certain death.
We remember the wonderful actions of the Bulgarian people, which in my opinion is just as wonderful if not more so in certain aspects. True, 11,000 Jews were not saved in Macedonia and other areas, but more than 50,000—and from what you’ve told me, perhaps many more—were saved in an astonishing act, when waves of people came and blocked the train tracks with their bodies. No one blocked the train tracks in other places in Europe, not any other place, but in Bulgaria they blocked the tracks with their bodies—teachers, priests, writers, farmers, all prevented the destruction with their bodies.
We mark the Bulgarian people's heroism today, because on March 10, 1943, thousands of Jews who had been rounded up for deportation were freed from concentration centers. In the face of widespread protests, the government had rescinded its deportation order the day before. That same month, however, Bulgarian authorities deported 11,343 Jews from parts of Greece and Yugoslavia, occupied by the Bulgarian Army. While we celebrate the rescue of Bulgaria’s Jews, we mourn and commemorate those whom Bulgaria sent to their death in Treblinka. Delegation from Bulgarian Jewish community in Israel will attend an annual memorial service on 10 March at the Monument of Gratitude in Sofia Bulgaria to marked the 80th years of the deportation of 11,343 of Jews living in Bulgarian-administered lands (Serbia, North Macedonia and Thessaloniki) to
Members of the National Assembly, church and Bulgarian people wrote the bravest story keeping Bulgarians Jews alive in IIWW. Today we also marked the 80th anniversary of the salvation of the Bulgarian Jews.
Ms. Bachvarova continued - "This is the lesson we learned. Thank you for the hard work to keep the memories. Thank you for this how here in Israel we learn of the heroic Bulgarian people save their Jews, the fact labeled with the flag of higher democratic values. We Bulgarians are proud to save our Jews brothers and sisters, we also keep the memory of those terrible acts that Jews from North Macedonia, Saloniki, Yugoslavia were sent to Treblinka.
Under the leadership of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church, and other noteworthy individuals who resisted a deal between the Bulgarian government and the Nazi regime, nearly 50,000 Jews living in Bulgaria were saved from certain death.
We remember the wonderful actions of the Bulgarian people, which in my opinion is just as wonderful if not more so in certain aspects. True, 11,000 Jews were not saved in Macedonia and other areas, but more than 50,000—and from what you’ve told me, perhaps many more—were saved in an astonishing act, when waves of people came and blocked the train tracks with their bodies. No one blocked the train tracks in other places in Europe, not any other place, but in Bulgaria they blocked the tracks with their bodies—teachers, priests, writers, farmers, all prevented the destruction with their bodies.
We mark the Bulgarian people's heroism today, because on March 10, 1943, thousands of Jews who had been rounded up for deportation were freed from concentration centers. In the face of widespread protests, the government had rescinded its deportation order the day before. That same month, however, Bulgarian authorities deported 11,343 Jews from parts of Greece and Yugoslavia, occupied by the Bulgarian Army. While we celebrate the rescue of Bulgaria’s Jews, we mourn and commemorate those whom Bulgaria sent to their death in Treblinka. Delegation from Bulgarian Jewish community in Israel will attend an annual memorial service on 10 March at the Monument of Gratitude in Sofia Bulgaria to marked the 80th years of the deportation of 11,343 of Jews living in Bulgarian-administered lands (Serbia, North Macedonia and Thessaloniki) to
Treblinka"
.
"We will never forget", said Honorary Consul to Bulgaria, Mr. Moni Bar: "that brave Bulgarian people saved us, their Jews brothers and sisters. This is unique example for all nations how can live together, in one multi
culture peaceful and friendship atmosphere. The heroic actions of Bulgarians 80" years ago show the power of standing up and standing together".
“Bulgaria and Bulgarians is a great attach with history bonds with Israel” said in his speech Mr. Gil Haskel, Chief of State Protocol, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, The State of Israel. “The sky is a limited between us: in Economy, security, water, tourism, etc. areas of mutual interest and a good will from both and will help us to achieve many of our goals. As a husband of Israeli Jew with Bulgarian roots, I can declarate that “you can
never appreciate enough of the brave Bulgarian people save their Jews lives. If more countries had acted like Bulgaria and the example of its heroic people, our history would have been written in a different way”.
Ms. Bachvarova presented a gift to the listeners with a wonderful selection of great works of famous Bulgarian composer with Jews roots Pancho Vladigerov. Vladigerov is arguably the most influential Bulgarian
composer of all time. He was one of the first to successfully combine idioms of Bulgarian folk music and classical music. Part of the so-called Second Generation Bulgarian Composers, he was among the founding members of the Bulgarian Contemporary Music Society (1933), which later became the Union of Bulgarian Composers. His mother Dr. Eliza Pasternak was a Russian Jew. His father Dr. Haralan Vladigerov was a Bulgarian lawyer and a politician. Pancho's maternal grandfather, Leon Pasternak, a Russian Jew who left Odessa and settled in Zurich a few years before Pancho's birth, was a very influential figure in Pancho's musical development and later success. Vladigerov composed in 1951 his great symphony, the "Jewish Poem", Opus 47. with which was opened the concert. This symphony received in 1952 the highest honor given by the Bulgarian Government to an artist, the Dimitrov Prize, and earned him the admiration of his fellow musicians: "A work like this is written only once in a hundred years", Dmitri Shostakovich exclaimed.
A concert by the Vladigerov Trio in Tel Aviv was include very precious repertoire dedicated to the 145th anniversary and 80th years of the commemorating the salvation of Bulgarian Jews by the Bulgarian people during World War II. Ekaterina, Alexander and Konstantin Vladigerov also dedicated the concert program to the memory of their grandfather - the famous composer Pancho Vladigerov, on the occasion of the 124th anniversary of his birth - March 13, 1899.
We were honored to hear the grandchildren of the great Bulgarian composer founders of Trio Vladigerov. They gave the audience unforgettable moments with their wonderful bursts in a multi-spectral style in the spirit of compositions skillfully combining Bulgarian folk music with classical, jazz, klezmer, Idish and ladino.
We were honored to hear the grandchildren of the great Bulgarian composer founders of Trio Vladigerov. They gave the audience unforgettable moments with their wonderful bursts in a multi-spectral style in the spirit of compositions skillfully combining Bulgarian folk music with classical, jazz, klezmer, Idish and ladino.
Guests applauded the performers for a long time and did not want to part with their virtuous music
.
Thank you, Ambassador Bachvarova, for unforgettable evening
In adition of the National Day, The Ambassador Rumiana Bachvarova held a few days ago ( on 26-02 ) at the ANU Museum, a very emotive panel " Memories for the Future", event by hearing and telling about the experience of those days, the Rescue of the Bulgarian Jews during the Second World War as an eternal lesson of humanity and courage to pass on to future generations.
The Director and staff of Diplomacy.co.il and Mrs. Tony Levy, External relations ,President Office HIT Holon Institute of Technology, Lecturer Culture HeritageTechnologies share their good wishes to the Ambassador, Embassy Staff and to the people of Bulgaria on this memorable occasion
Photos by Silvia Graciela Golan
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- Written by Spokesperson of the President's Office
Wednesday, 11 January 2023 / 18 Tevet 5783
President Isaac Herzog’s full statement:
“Mr. Ambassador, Şakir Özkan Torunlar, welcome to Israel! İsrai̇l'e hoş geldi̇ni̇z! Today we complete another important step, reaching another milestone in the strengthening of our relations and deepening of the friendship between Türkiye and Israel. As you know, one of the key moments in this relationship was the invitation I received from my friend President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to visit Türkiye, and my historic State Visit to Ankara and Istanbul in March 2022.
“I must tell you, Your Excellency, that I was moved to hear the Israeli national anthem in Ankara, as Israeli flags flew overhead; it symbolized more than anything the tremendous privilege that we, President Erdoğan and I, had in laying new foundations for the important relationship between our countries and our peoples, and in building bridges of good and strong neighborly relations, which are vital for all of us, now and always. I trust that you too, Your Excellency, felt similarly moved when you saw Türkiye’s flag and heard its anthem here, at the President's Residence.
“It is no secret that the State of Israel attaches great importance to our historic relationship with Türkiye, as do I personally. It is a relationship that has known crises in the past but is now, to our delight, on a very encouraging trajectory. Israel and Türkiye can and must cooperate in many fields that will bring progress and growth for both countries and both nations. We must deepen and broaden our collaboration in many diverse fields, including tourism, academia, energy, science, culture, agriculture and so much more, so that they may bring value to our citizens, and no less importantly—to our region.
“President Erdoğan has underscored in the past year, including in conversations with me and publicly, how deeply he recognizes the importance of the partnership between Israel and Türkiye, and I would like to take this opportunity, as President of the State of Israel, to invite President Erdoğan to visit Israel, which I am sure will contribute to deepening the ties and cooperation between our countries.
“I note that Türkiye’s policy and impact is felt, especially in the context of your efforts to solve significant problems relating to the war in Ukraine, exchange of hostages, and the export of wheat to the world.
“Ambassador Torunlar, you are returning to a place that is not foreign to you. A decade after you served your country as its Consul-General in Jerusalem, you are privileged to continue contributing your share to the strengthening of relations and cooperation between our countries. The presentation of your letters of credence a few minutes ago is a direct continuation of an identical occasion in Ankara a few weeks ago, in which Israel’s ambassador to Türkiye, Mrs. Irit Lilian, presented her credentials to President Erdoğan. I am sure that we will all continue strengthening the relations between our countries from a place of mutual respect, hand in hand, for the sake of a better and more promising future for our peoples and our region. My excellent team is at your disposal, for any issue or matter. I wish you success, Your Excellency. Success to us all!”
Photo Haim Zach /GPO
