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- Written by Jonathan Danilowitz
Angola Celebrates 40 years of Independence.
Independence for any country is the diamond in the crown. Angola gained independence after 500 years of colonial occupation, followed by 14 years of civil war. The relief, the incentive, the independence are a fabulous reward.
Last Sunday evening the Angolan Ambassador to Israel, his Excellency Feliciano Antonio dos Santos and his wife hosted a charming celebration of the 40 years of Angolan independence, at Tel Aviv’s Dan Panorama Hotel ballroom. Ambassadors and Diplomats graced the event, together with the cream of Israel’s business and social community. Among the Ambassadors who honored Angola with their presence were their excellences from The Philippines, South Africa, Japan, Ghana, Zambia, in addition to His Excellency Raphael Singer, Israel’s Ambassador to Angola, who came to be here for the event, and more.
A delicious and generous dinner preceded the formal events, which began with a rendition of the national anthems of Angola and Israel. Then His Excellency Ambassador dos Santos addressed the gathering, welcoming the guests and thanking them for attending. He pointed out that: “The Angolan people, led by President José Eduardo dos Santos, are building a new Angola. It is this Angola that you can see in the photographs displayed here and the video being screened at this event.” Angola is the second major oil producer on the African continent and the fifth largest producer of diamonds in the world, so the current drop in oil prices has not done Angola any good, to say the least.
His Excellency continued: “The spectacular socio-economic growth of Angola, the most visible aspect of which is the construction of thousands of kilometers of roads, railways, new airports, new cities, hospitals and schools, accompanied by a promising national plan of executive training programs, has obviously had the participation of companies and businessmen from friendly countries, such as Israel. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Israeli companies and businessmen who operate projects in Angola, some of whom are present here with us today.” He mentioned the importance of cooperation by investors and added: “Your Excellency, Mrs. Gila Gamliel [representing the State of Israel at the event], allow me to stress my country's satisfaction with the excellent state of our bilateral cooperation and to express my wish to see it strengthened even further.”
The Ambassador stressed his country’s contribution to the United Nations, and its standpoint regarding peace negotiations between Israel and the Palestinian Authority, leading to a: “…peaceful and lasting solution based on two states, living side by side in peace and security.” He ended his address by reaffirming Angola’s commitment to see the process of peace negotiations resumed between the government of the State of Israel and the Palestinian National Authority.
Knesset Member Gila Gamliel responded on behalf of the State of Israel and its people. She warmly congratulated the Government and the people of Angola on the occasion of the country’s 40th anniversary. She added that the two countries have had a firm relationship for over 20 years, including diplomatic ties and cooperation in business, agriculture, water and energy. “We also see Angola as a partner in culture, the arts and education, with the goal of enhancing our people-to-people relations.” Ms. Gamliel noted the importance that Israel attaches to Angola’s UN positions, and expressed the hope that Angola would use its influence to help Israel regain its status as an Observer State in the African Union.
But she also spared no words when mentioning the radical Islamic terror that had recently raised its ugly head, not only in Israel, but now in Paris too. Her harsh criticism of the way some nations have responded to terror against Israel reflected the embodiment of Israel’s disappointment.
MK Gamliel ended her address by asking the Ambassador to convey “hearty warm wishes of the Government and people of Israel to the Government and people of Angola. We wish Angola peace, stability and prosperity … and good relations and friendship between the State of Israel and the Republic of Angola”.
A beautiful cake with the Angolan flag was cut by the two dignitaries, after sharing a glass of champagne and drinking to one another’s health.
Photos att Angola Embassy
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Photo President Rivlin welcoming H.E Mr.Nestor Alejandro Rosa Navarro , Ambassador of Uruguay to Israel.
President Rivlin to Russian Ambassador: “Without security, we will never be able to move the process forward.”
President Reuven Rivlin received, during a ceremony this morning (Monday) at his residence, the diplomatic credentials of the new ambassadors to Israel from Uruguay, Russia, Slovenia, El Salvador, and Albania.
First to present his credentials was new Ambassador of Uruguay, H.E. Mr. Nestor Alejandro Rosa Navarro. The President welcomed him and said, “The relationship between Uruguay and the Zionist movement goes back over 100 years. And we appreciate that Uruguay was one of the first countries to recognize the State of Israel.” He added, “We also appreciate greatly the firm stand Uruguay has taken against the violence and incitement against Israel.”
Ambassador Navarro responded by thanking the President and said, “The warm relationship between our two people has a long history, and we are committed to working to deepen the good relations between us through economic and cultural cooperation.”
Photo President Rivlin welcoming H.E Mr.Alexander Petrovich Shein , Ambassador of Russia to Israel.
The Ambassador of Russia H.E. Mr. Alexander Petrovich Shein was next to present his diplomatic credentials to the President. President Rivlin began, “I want to express my deepest sympathies to the families of those who perished in the plane disaster in the Sinai. Our thoughts with their families and all the Russian people at this time.” He went on to add, “We live in a small world, where an event in one region can affect the world. We understand Russia’s strategic concerns, while we need to be aware of all that is going on around us. The name of the game is security - without security, we will never be able to move the process forward.”
Russian Ambassador Shein thanked the President for his welcome and noted, “President Putin sees Israel as a very important partner in the Middle East, and Russia is keen to widen our bilateral relations with Israel – there is much potential for cooperation in the areas of hi-tech, culture, agriculture, and more.”
Photo President Rivlin welcoming H.E Mrs.Barbara Susnik , Ambassador of Slovenia to Israel.
Following, Ambassador of Slovenia H.E. MS. Barbara Susnik presented her diplomatic credentials to the President, who congratulated her on her appointment and said, “We greatly appreciate the good relations between our countries, and we are proud to have been among the first nations to recognize Slovenia’s independence.”
Ambassador Susnik expressed her condolences over the passing of Fifth President of Israel Yitzhak Navon, and spoke with the President about the historic and significant friendship between Israel and Slovenia.
Photo President Rivlin welcoming H.E Mr. Werner Matias Romero Guerra, Ambassador of El Salvador to Israel.
Next, Ambassador of El Salvador H.E. MR. Werner Matias Romero Guerra, presented his diplomatic credentials, and said, “Throughout the years, Israel has been by our side, through good and bad times. It is a great honor for me to represent my country in Israel, and work to strengthen our bilateral ties in many fields.”
Photo President Rivlin welcoming H.E DR. Bardhyl Canaj , Ambassador of Albania to Israel.
Finally, Ambassador of Albania, H.E. DR. Bardhyl Canaj presented his diplomatic credentials to the President and invited the him to visit Albania, noting that the President was “well known in Albania and the media followed his activities and statements closely.” The President thanked him for the invitation, and wished him much success in his new role.
Photo Kobi Gideon /GPO
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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 Hagit Farber ַ& Silvia Golan
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
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
