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In a major diplomatic milestone, the Republic of Colombia officially inaugurated its embassy in Jerusalem on Wednesday, October 14, becoming the tenth country to establish an embassy in Israel’s capital. The move simultaneously highlighted strengthening diplomatic ties between Colombia and Israel, and a global shift towards Jerusalem, with the number of foreign embassies in the city doubling in the last two years.
The inauguration ceremony at the Embassy was attended by Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar and Colombian Foreign Minister Omar Bula Escobar. On Wednesday evening an official reception marking the occasion was hosted at Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, attended by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion, along with senior diplomats and distinguished guests from both countries.
During the evening reception, Colombian Foreign Minister Omar Bula Escobar announced that Colombia has officially submitted a request to withdraw from "The Hague Group" of countries that have pursued legal measures against Israel, with the minister stating: “Today, Colombia officially requested to withdraw from 'The Hague Group'—a group created to isolate and attack Israel. We reject this approach.” Noting the emphasis of the new Colombian government on combatting antisemitism, Escobar stressed that “The government of President Abelardo de la Espriella, this Foreign Ministry, and this Foreign Minister will not remain silent...We will not allow it."
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar noted in his speech that the embassy move had been an important objective for President of Colombia Abelardo de la Espriella , with the president promising Sa’ar in November 2025 'If I am elected President of the Republic, I will immediately move the Embassy of Colombia to Jerusalem,' and delivering on his promise almost immediately.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also addressed the audience on this momentous occasion, placing the embassy opening in the context of the vibrant and growing friendship between Israel and Latin American countries, with four of the countries that have already opened embassies in Jerusalem coming from the region. Netanyahu noted many shared interests: “We want to seize the future together with security, with agriculture, with water, with AI, with everything, with everything. We want to make it grow, not only the crops, the people, the children. Give hope.” Netanyahu also said that Jerusalem was the ideal place to celebrate Israeli-Colombian friendship, as “the pulsating heart of the Jewish people for three millennia…our past, it's our future, it's our hope, it's our faith.”
Diplomacy.co.il and www.diariojudio.com extends its congratulations the nation of Colombia on opening its new embassy and success for the continued growth of bilateral relations between Israel and Colombia.
Photo credit : Rafi Ben Hakoon/ GPO
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Embassy of Austria's National Day Reception - Austrian Ambassador's Residence, Herzliya Pituach
On Wednesday evening, the 14th of October 2026, the Ambassador of the Republic of Austria to the State of Israel, Dr. Arad and Mrs. Petra Benko hosted a reception at their residence in Herzliya Pituach in honour of Austria's national day.
In 1955, the Austrian parliament passed the constitutional law on permanent neutrality, a deeply ingrained element of Austrian identity ever since.
Miniature Austrian and Israeli flags decorated the tables and waiters offered colourfully decorated canopies to guests while conversing in the residence's garden as a jazz quartet on the upper balcony entertained guests with lively mainstream melodies.
The official ceremony proceeded with the Emcee Ms. Lara Stock, First Secretary and Director of the Austrian Cultural Forum warmly welcoming all and sundry. The Ambassador, Dr. Arad Benko is a returning diplomat, who was from 2006 till 2009 the Embassy's spokesman and Director of the Austrian Cultural Forum. At least 50% of diplomats based at the Embassy in Tel Aviv are diplomats who have worked in Israel previously. This occasion marks the anniversary of 70 years of bilateral relations between Austria and Israel.
The national anthems of Israel, Austria and the European Union (Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy ) followed.
H.E. Dr. Arad Benko commenced his speech by welcoming everyone present saying that the last Austrian national day reception was held in 2022. This year marks the anniversary of 70 years of bilateral relations between Austria and Israel. The pain that followed the 7th of October 2023 still resonates deeply. Austria endeavours to raise awareness of the Holocaust through rigorous educational programmes and through remembrance and actions especially now with the exponential rise of antisemitism. Quoting Austria's Foreign Minister. The Honourable Ms. Beate Meinl - Reisenger, "We stand by Israel's side". More than 50% of people who have obtained Austrian citizenship through acquisition by descent, live in Israel. We very much indeed would like Austrian and Israeli youth to interact and earlier this year two classes from Jerusalem visited Austria, we intend to do this annually. Another emphasis is "regional and town" cooperation as Austria is a federal country with States having great powers. In the near future, a large delegation from Linz in Styria will visit Israel. Tourism is another important factor that brings us closer, not forgetting science and technology and of course cultural cooperation especially music namely the Eurovision! My thanks and gratitude to the Embassy staff for having actualized this event. He concluded his speech by an extract from the Austrian Jewish writer and satirist, Friedrich Torberg from his poem "Die Tante Jolesch" quoting an extract from her deathbed as she whispered in her final confession "I did not make enough".
Representing the State of Israel was the Foreign Ministry's Deputy Director General and Chief of State Protocol, Ambassador H.E. Mr. Gil Haskel who spoke shortly and without notes saying that he was moved by the Ambassador's invitation to make the address on behalf of the State of Israel, thus wishing the incumbent Ambassador success in his new appointment. The last reception held was in 20222 and I was elated that this traditional annual event has been renewed. He said that Austria is perceived to be a close ally and friend of Israel. My Father was born in Austria and before World War 11 was sent by my grandparents to live in England. The fact that Israel and Austria's relationship is initially ensconced by the tragic past namely the Second World War, we admire the fact that Austria has taken responsibility for their actions. Many Israelis have taken Austrian citizenship showing the closeness between our countries.
After the speeches, a toast was taken by Ambassadors Benko and Haskel.
A healthy and lavish buffet which included a sweet potato salad, a classic boiled potato salad, traditional Austrian noodles, waldorf salad, spinach bourekas, cauliflower and pomegranate salad, lettuce salad, olives, tsadziki, sandwich canopies, sabich and a selection of cheese. Deserts included apfelstrudel and sachertorte made by the Austrian Hospice in Jerusalem and a large fresh fruit platter. Drinks included Austria's premier beer, Gosser and wines from Domaine 1196, a prominent winery in Gamlitz, South Styria.
A raffle for two return tickets from Tel Aviv to Vienna was sponsored by Austrian Airlines, now part of the Lufthansa Group.
Guests included many Ambassadors, diplomats, military attaches, businessmen, heads of N.G.O. 's, think tanks as well as members of the Austrian community residing in Israel not forgetting young Austrian volunteers working at the Austrian Hospice in Jerusalem, H.E. Mr. Mordechai Rodgold, the Foreign Ministry's Head of Digital Diplomacy and a former Israeli Ambassador to Austria, Ms. Nurit Tinari, the Foreign Ministry's Head of Cultural Diplomacy Bureau, Mrs. Advocate Susie Ozsinay Aranya, Jerusalem Municipality's International Communications and Foreign Media Spokesperson, Father Franz Xaver Brandmayr, Rector of the Austrian Hospice in Jerusalem, Mr. Wadie Abunasser, Spain's Honorary Consul in Haifa and Director of the International Centre for Consultations, Mr. Stephan Linhart, Lufthansa Senior Director of Sales in Eastern Europe, Israel and Turkey, Ms. Osnat Bukofzer, The Israel Cinema Project's Director of International Affairs and Co- Production, Ms. Carmen Dereser, a Volunteer at the Austrian Hospice in Jerusalem from Franconia in northern Bavaria, Ms. Catherin Shalev, an expert in German Speaking Countries (Germany, Austria, Switzerland) regarding education, immigration, citizenship, Ms. Ayala Meitav, Tel Aviv - Jaffa Municipality's Senior Project Manager, Mr. and Mrs. Dotan Smith, the Population and Immigration Authority's Head of the Assisted Voluntary Return Division and last but not least Ms. Katerina Petrenko, an Executive at a Human Resource Company for Foreign Workers in the Construction Industry.
Diplomacy.co.il warmly congratulates H.E. Dr. Arad and Mrs. Petra Benko on their country's national day and for their kind, gracious and generous hospitality as well as to all the staff of the Austrian Embassy staff for organizing a memorable reception.
Photos by Silvia G. Golan
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ICEJ Brings Joy to Jerusalem During Sukkot with Tours, Feasts and Celebrations for Pilgrims from Around the Globe
The International Christian Embassy Jerusalem hosted its annual Sukkot events this week with a schedule of activities spanning the map of Israel and linking thousands of religious pilgrims from dozens of nations and diverse backgrounds. Coming at a time when the Israeli tourism industry is still struggling to recover and many are still hesitant to travel to Israel only highlights the achievement and underscores the deep friendship and support of the ICEJ.
The week of festivities began with a celebratory at the Kfar HaNokdim oasis in the Negev desert in southern Israel on Friday evening, the first day of Sukkot, and continued at the International Conference Center (ICC) in downtown Jerusalem with Saturday’s Roll Call of Nations, Sunday seminars, prayers, VIP reception and Israeli Guest Night, and the annual march up Gan Sacher followed by public prayer in the Wohl Rose Garden on Monday. The celebration continues Tuesday with prayer services at the ICC before culminating with a special Communion Service at the Garden Tomb on Wednesday morning.
ICEJ President Dr. Jürgen Bühler noted at the VIP reception that in what has been a challenging time for Israel internationally, the ICEJ and its members steadfastly support Israel and Israelis, with over 1,500 guests attending the Sunday evening Israeli Guest Night, despite travel warnings, economic hardships and other hurdles, and this year’s program promoting pilgrimage to Judea and Samaria businesses and historical sites, along with rehabilitation projects at the southern border communities in the Gaza Envelope region. The Embassy recently unveiled its tenth recovery initiative with a project to support the restoration of Kibbutz Nir Oz. Dr. Bühler also highlighted the miraculous vitality of the Israeli economy which continues to thrive in the face of all adversity.
Knesset Member Tatiana Mazarsky spoke next, stressing that “only true friends” of Israel would visit under such difficult circumstances, and expressed appreciation for the thousands of such true friends who continued to stand by Israelis through the Embassy. MK Mazarsky noted the symbolism of visiting during Sukkot, when historically 70 sacrifices were brought in the Temple in Jerusalem to represent 70 nations of the world. In concluding her remarks she thanked the organizers and guests and blessed them.
Participants themselves made the pilgrimage from all corners of the world, with many wearing traditional clothing, national pins or flags highlighting the diversity within unity of this special event. Their presence bears testimony to the bonds of friendship and religious solidarity that supersede any national, geographical or linguistic boundaries.
Israel’s President Isaac Herzog gave a special video greeting to Feast pilgrims, welcoming them to Israel and the Feast and recognising the Christian Embassy’s long record of friendship and practical support for Israel.
“I congratulate all of you as the head of State and president of the State of Israel for coming here and showing solidarity, support, affection and love, and praying for the well-being of the State of Israel and Jerusalem,” said President Herzog. “I want to thank all of you, especially I want to thank the office and leadership of ICEJ. You are doing incredible work, and we find you all over.”
The message continued a theme from last year, when he described the ICEJ as a global expression of Christian friendship, solidarity and action for Israel.
Diplomacy.co.il and https://diariojudio.com/ offers holiday greetings to the ICEJ and all of its members during the festival of Sukkot.
Steven Aiello
Director, Debate for Peace
972-528194878
Website: http://debateforpeace.org/
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Yesterday (Tuesday, October 13), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs hosted the opening event of the Mare MED IV TLV conference in Jerusalem. The event was attended by a high-level delegation of government officials and business leaders from Greece and Cyprus, alongside Israeli representatives.
Held for the fourth time with the support and cooperation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs—and initiated and led by Benny Moran—the conference aims to strengthen the strategic and economic partnership between the nations. It seeks to foster cooperation in sectors such as security, energy, shipping, agriculture, water technologies, and innovation, while also promoting the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) initiative.
Israel, Greece, and Cyprus face similar challenges, share deep common interests, and maintain a long-standing friendship. Ambassador Yael Ravia-Zadok, Deputy Director General for Economic Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs:
"Economic cooperation between Israel, Greece, and Cyprus goes far beyond a mere regional partnership; it is a strategic engine for growth, innovation, and strengthened economic resilience. It connects three nations sharing a common vision and transforms the Eastern Mediterranean into a region of opportunity, prosperity, and stability. The annual trade volume between Israel, Greece, and Cyprus—exceeding two billion dollars—demonstrates the strength of these economic ties and the immense potential for deepening and expanding them in the years ahead."
The conference will continue in Tel Aviv, featuring business meetings, professional sessions, and tours across the industrial, defense, and technology sectors. It is being held in collaboration with government and business entities from Israel, Greece, and Cyprus, as part of an effort to deepen relations and strengthen regional cooperation in the Eastern Mediterranean.
www.diplomacy.co.il/ congratulates the MFA and the Embassy of Greece for this important historical event advancing Israeli- Greece and Cyprus Economic and Strategic Cooperation
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The Mayor of Jerusalem's 2026 Diplomatic Sukkah Reception - Jerusalem Municipality, Safra Square
On Sunday afternoon, 27 September 2026, the Mayor of Jerusalem, Mr. Moshe and Mrs. Stavit Lion hosted an exclusive, small and elegant reception in the world's largest Sukkah located in Safra square, the location of Jerusalem's Municipality.
A Sukkah is a temporary outdoor booth or hut built and used during the week long Jewish harvest festival of Sukkot, serving as a reminder of the Jews 40 year exodus, spent wandering in the desert after escaping slavery in Egypt.
The Succah was elaborately decorated and a cocktail buffet consisting of savoury canopies and a selection of salads, sashimi, petit fours and fresh fruit as well as sparkling wine and soft drinks was served.
The Emcee, Advocate Susie Ozsinay Aranya, Jerusalem Municipality's International Communications and Foreign Media Spokesperson, warmly welcomed all guests, commencing her short address by stating that the Sukkah is the paradigm of peace, faith and dialogue.
A song by Leonard Cohen entitled "Hallelujah" was sung by David D'or.
Thereafter a short film was shown about Jerusalem's rich history, different religions and the revolutionary spirit that has overtaken the city, reflecting innovation, green landscapes, urban renewal and environmental equity as well as proposed future educational programmes.
Mayor of Jerusalem, Mr. Moshe Lion speech was dynamic and succinct, saying that on the Festival of Sukkot Jews leave their homes residing in the Sukkah, being a temporary dwelling. In the Sukkah, Ushpizin (an Aramaic word meaning guests) are welcomed. For the seven days of Sukkot, a different Ushpiz is welcomed every night, namely Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, Aaron, Joseph and David. This custom goes back 1000's of years to the First Temple period, built by King Solomon, where multitudes of visitors ascended to Jerusalem for the pilgrimage festival. As we all know, there is no city like Jerusalem where King David established his capital. As we approach the 60th anniversary of the unification of Jerusalem in 2027, nine Embassies are based here with Colombia soon to open an Embassy. The Sukkah with a roof made of palm branches and where the sky is visible, is a metaphor for the diversity of different faiths in our city, being synonymous to a spirit of openness and inclusiveness.
H.E. Mr. Mike Huchabee, Ambassador of the United States of America to the State of Israel, originally a Baptist pastor and formerly Governor of Arkansas where his daughter is currently Governor, addressed the audience stating that it was an immense honour for him to speak on behalf of the diplomatic corps. He Reiterated the fact that the Municipality of Jerusalem's Sukkah is the world's largest being masterfully decorated. Jerusalem's landscape is a reflection of the dynamic leadership of Mayor Moshe Lion with 300 cranes dotting the sky. His vision is that of looking to the future which reflects one of life and vibrancy. President Trump's bold decision to relocate the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem was one of foresight. Today we are gathered in this Sukkah expressing our thanks and gratitude to the multitude of faiths present in the Sukkah. While driving, using the windshield and rear mirror, the last mentioned to look back while the aforementioned for looking ahead, namely to the future, Sukkat is a reminder that G-d's protection is all pervading in the Holy City of Jerusalem. Recently, the United States of America consummated its friendship by establishing a new ground breaking Embassy campus in Jerusalem, reflecting our commitment to Israel.
David D'or's solemn singing of Israel's national anthem and a group photograph of Ambassadors followed by one of all guests ended the festivity.
Present among the many dignitaries were Ambassadors, C.E.O. of governmental agencies , businessmen and Christian groups as far as Korea who arrived for Jerusalem's annual Feast of Tabernacles.
Diplomacy.co.il and www.diariojudio.com wish the Mayor of Jerusalem, Mr. Moshe and Mrs Stavit Lion, and Municipality staff ,Modim L'simcha and a Chag Sukkot Sameach.
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