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- Written by Hagit Farber ַ& Silvia Golan
Vive La France! Bastille Day
On July 13th' early evening, at the beautiful residence of H.E the ambassador of France in Israel, Mr. Patrick Maisonnave, the traditional Bastille Day was celebrated with approximately 500 distinguished guests from France, Israel and around the world.
It was indeed a festive event with fine French decor, all "Blue White Red" flags, balloons, lighting effects, and a magnificent Eiffel tower cake…
At the entrance to the ambassador's residency, an old replica of "The Marseillaise" was placed, and an honorary French delegation welcomed the guests.
Throughout the beautiful house and garden, the honorable guests mingled, while drinking fine Israeli kosher wine from "Barkan" wineries, and world famous "Evian" water to cool the hot summer evening.
Among the distinguished guests were noticeable with their elegant white uniform the crew and soldiers of the French marine ship Bismuth that is now harboring in Haifas' harbor, alongside Israeli soldiers all dressed in the marines' white uniform.
Among the versatile guests also noticeable Israeli artists, Clergy people, military personnel and many representatives from the Israeli government and the top business sector.
At 19:30 h/e the French ambassador Patrick Maisonnave opened his speech by welcoming the honorable guests, touching upon the glorious story of the Bastille and the great French revolution, then perused to ensure the long and lasting strong allies between the Republic of France and the State of Israel, emphasizing the bonds and friendship between the two nations and peoples, the commitment of France to the security of the state of Israel, from the times of the Embargo, through the wars that the brave state Israel had to endure in its pursuit of legitimateexistence in the Middle East ,and its strive for peace with the Arab world.
The ambassador ensured that France continues to stand by Israel in the fight against world terror, and mentioned with great sorrow the Charlie Hebdo and the kosher market massacres.
The ambassador Patrick Maisonnave talked about the continuous peace initiatives of France, in spite of some criticism, to help reach agreements between Israel and the Palestinians.
The ambassador expressed his appreciation to the 150000 French residents living in Israel, who love and admire Israel.
The ambassador then thanked the Israeli Minister of Environmental Protection Mr Avi Gabbay for the cooperation in the fields of agriculture and the contribution to global ecology.
Mr Avi Gabbay, representing the state of Israel, talked about the true and deep friendship between the two nations that "is not just nostalgic ties", Mr. Gabbay continued to talk about the concept and the meaning of "Liberty ,Equality ,Fraternity " that the two nations share, and the importance of democracy.
He talked about Zionism and how France stood by Israel at the declaration of the independence of Israel by the UN, and is continuing to stand by Israel against Irans' nuclear threats and world terror.
Mr. Avi Gabbay then concluded with the warmest congratulations on behalf of the state of Israel to the French' national day.
The guest of honor, Mr. Shimon Peres, the former president of Israel then addressed his speech.
His honorary Mr. Peres moved everyone in the vast crowd with his calm, soothing manner of speech, expressing his personal love and appreciation to France, its leaders and the French people, who stood by Israel in its most vulnerable times of need.
Mr. Peres talked about the beginning of Zionism in the Alfred Dreyfus trial, the fact that the Jews are deppendant on the world so they needed to change that by creating Zionism, he praised Emil Zola and his historic "J'accuse".
Mr. Peres talked about the 4 Jewish head of state in France and the fact that after world war 2 France stood by Israel in spite of its allies and the embargo against Israel.
Mr. Peres recalled sitting with Prime Minister Ben Gurion at the evening of the declaration of the state of Israel by the UN, who then told him that "today we are joyous but tomorrow there will be bloodshed…"
Mr. Peres stressed the fact that only France gave us weapons, allowed ships to harbor in France and allowed to bring Jews to Israel.
He talked about his admiration to the former prime minister Charles De Gaulle, one of the great friends of Israel, then continued to praise the support of France in the "Kaddesh Operation", the "Six Days War" with weapon supply of French fight planes, tanks etc'. Mr. Peres concluded his speech by appreciating and thanking the ongoing collaboration between the two nations.
After the speech, all the attendants were invited join in singing the French anthem "The Marseillaise", followed by the Israeli anthem "Hatikva" and right after everyone raised a toast "Vive la france!"
The elegant celebration went on with best French cuisine and fine wine into the beautiful night, overlooking the Yaffa seashore.
Photos Silvia Golan
- Details
- Written by Silvia G Golan & Hagit Farber
Happy 24th National Day To Croatia!
On a perfect June 29TH early evening, at the elegant Dan hotel in Tel Aviv, overlooking the Mediterranean seashore, a most respectful & joyous celebration took place for Croatia's 24th National Day.
As the honorable guests from around the world arrived to the distinguished reception room , they received a heart shaped necklace - one of the Croatia's national symbols.
Mr. Pjer Simunovic, The Ambassador of the Republic Of Croatia to Israel, and Ms Tina Krce, the Minister Counsellor, Deputy Head of Mission of the Embassy of Croatia to Israel, personally greeted each and every guest with a hand shake and a warm welcome .
Among the distinguished guests were ambassadors and representatives from top Israeli society and commerce , the four Honorary's Consul of Croatia Shmuel Schlesinger, Aron Frenkel, Ran Fuchs and Yossi Landesman, the Israeli Businessman Gad Propper, Aviv Shir-On deputy Director General European Affairs of the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Mrs Miriam Aviezer Writer and author of the book "Righteous Among the Nation-Croats" and Nikola Vujčić a retired Croatian professional basketball player, as of 2013 a team manager Maccabi Tel Aviv .
Mr Dan Oryan, Ambassador of Israel to Macedonia told "Diplomacy"'s journalists about the important collaboration between "Habima" and "HaCameri" - Israel's National Theatres & Croatia's National Theatre.
At the reception, the guests comfortably mingled, exchanged views & business contacts, while also enjoying the generous buffet that included a delicious assortment of fine Croatian cheeses, pastas, fresh and roasted vegetables, innovative chef salads and of course the traditional delicacies from both countries: The delicious Croatian national pastry "fritules" Burek ,and among the delightful desserts, Israel's most beloved summer fruit - the red sweet water lemon!
The welcome address to the gathering opened with Croatia's national anthem
"Lijepa naša domovino" (Our Beloved Nation) followed by the Israeli national anthem "Hatikva".
The honorable Ambassador toof Croatia to Israel, Mr. Pjer Simunovic greeted the distinguished invitees in and expressed his thanks to the government of Israel in Hebrew!
Back in English he thanked the staff of the embassy for their efforts at making the reception such a success.
The Ambassador expressed his deep respect and appreciation to the state of Israel , emphasizing the strong bonds & commitments between the two nations and the importance of the economic ties between Croatia& Israel. The Ambassador praised the commercial companies that provided generous support to the Croatian embassy: Teva, Maccabi Tel Aviv, Elbit Systems, Ashdod Bonded and proceeded to provide a short brief of Croatia's history, his nation's attributes and the significance of Croatia's independence day.
Responding on behalf of the State of Israel , The Minister of Environmental Protection, Avi Gabai congratulated the ambassador of Croatia on the occasion of it's National Day, and also congratulated Croatia on its success in every aspect of growth and progress.
The Israeli representative made mention of the excellent economic ties between the two countries, and of Croatia’s popularity in Israel "Diplomatic relations between Croatia and Israel were first established in 1997" ( Israeli embassy opened in Zagreb in 2005) . " Israel strives to share its global accomplishements in advanced fields with Croatia : our technology start - up professionals attend Croatian conferences, and young Croatians participate in events organized in Israel.
He conclude with congratulations to the ambassador , to the Government of Israel and to the Croatian People the on occasion of the National Day
Was a delightful event hosted by the Ambassador and the embassy of Croatia, Thank you and Here's a toast LE'HAIM to the brave nation Croatia!!!
Photos Silvia Golan
- Details
- Written by Panama Embassy
Cultural farewell to New Israeli Ambassador to Panama
Tel Aviv, July 2, 2015: The Embassy of Panama in Israel gave a cultural reception to bid farewell to the new Israeli ambassador in Panamá, Gil Artzyeli and his wife Viviana.
Ambassador Artzyeli be traveling in the next few weeks to lead the Israeli diplomatic mission in Panama, and told the audience that he and his family are enthusiastic and found a choir of compatriots who have described a wonderful country a "Gan Eden" (Garden of Eden) for its natural beauty, but also an extremely interesting economic dynamics and especially its population.
Ambassador of Panama in Israel, Adis Urieta, said that both countries have served as geographical bridges for immigration and cultures, despite the distance between them, they are very similar.
Ambassador Urieta, including embassy staff, Marcelino Aviles, Second Secretary and Darnelys Vega, Attaché, and administrative officials as well as members of the Panamanian community in Israel, wished him successes Ambassador Artzyeli.
Among the members and friends of the Panamanian community in Israel, writers, architects, biologists, retirees, college students who have come to Israel, some temporarily and others to have taken root in this country were.
Photo Silvia Golan
- Details
- Written by Marina Smolyanov
THE NATIONAL DAY OF REPUBLIC OF SLOVENIA 2015
Many distinguished guests and members of the diplomátic community in Israel, gathered on June 30th at the sunset in the Slovenian ambassador residence in Hertzliya in honor of Slovenian 24th national day. Live Jazz and colorful mosaic of people contributed to the special ambience at the event.
The ambassador of the Republic of Slovenia to Israel her excellency Alenka Suhadolnik, welcomed the guests with great eloquence, humor and charm. She highlighted the beauty in the relationship between Israel and Slovenia which she was surprised to reveal during her 4 years of service. She expresessed her hope for the ties of friendship between Israel and Slovenia to continue growing even stronger in the coming years. "The potential is enormous, and we are committed to developing the relations between the countries".
The Deputy Director General for Europe at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Aviv Shir-On, congratulated the Republic of Slovenia on the occasion of its National Day. "Slovenia has made great strides since declaring its independence and seceding from Yugoslavia in 1991. Israel was among the first countries to recognize Slovenia as an independent country and provided assistance in the Slovenian War of Independence,while the whole world stood indifferent".
He emphasized that Slovenia is a country known for its natural beauty, making it a highly attractive destination for tourists, including even medical tourism. Israelis have discovered Slovenia and so far thousands visited there each year.
Moreover, Mr Shir-On stated, that our countries enjoy growing economic relations, as is reflected in numerous areas, and especially in innovation. Additionally, the Israel-Slovenia Chamber of Commerce and Industry, based both in Tel Aviv and Ljubljana does important work to promote bilateral trade. In April this year, the CEO of the Israel Export and International Cooperation Institute visited Slovenia to further advance trade relations between our two countries. He also mentioned that the port of Koper serves as an important gateway for the distribution of Israeli merchandise to Central Europe.
The guests were inspired to learn that Ljubljana has demonstrated its commitment to commemorating the memories of its Jewish community that perished in the Holocaust while trying to return the property of the victims and survivors to their families.
At the political level, Israel looks forward to strengthening the positive trend of mutual visits and to promote the excellent professional relations between our Foreign Ministries. In fact, at the begining of July, the political director of the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Alon Ushpiz, will be visiting Slovenia.
Israel and Slovenia also have a strong program of cultural exchanges in the fields of music, literature and the arts. There are growing numbers of books by Israeli authors that have been translated into Slovenian in recent years. Even the book Start-Up Nation, has been translated into Slovenian. Furthermore, an anthology of Israeli poetry will soon be published in Slovenia.
Towards the end of the event the ambassador awarded three finalists for the photography competition. The prize of a flight ticket to Ljubljana was sponsored by Josef Weiss, the owner of Adria Airways.
To conclude, Mr. Aviv Shir-Or expressed his gratitude, on behalf of the State of Israel, to the warm hospitality this evening. "Please convey our congratulations to your government and to the Slovenian People on the occasion of your National Day. May Slovenia enjoy growing prosperity, success, and peace".
Photos Silvia Golan
- Details
- Written by Jonathan Danilowitz
117th Anniversary of Philippine Independence
The sparkle of the reception room at Tel Aviv’s Sheraton Hotel, normally outstanding, faded into insignificance besides the ladies and gentlemen in national regalia and costumes of the host country. The elegance of the fabrics, the designs, the embroidery and the colors were breathtaking. The “star”, modest as she is, was no doubt Ms. Octavia Leeman Imperial, the charming wife of his Excellency Nathaniel G. Imperial, Ambassador of the Republic of the Philippines to the State of Israel, the host of the glamorous event.
The invitees included many distinguished Ambassadors, Consuls and other members of the Diplomatic Corps in Israel, including, to name just two, Ambassador Branco Kesic of Bosnia-Herzegovina and Ambassador Sisa Ngombane of South Africa. Many Military Attachés graced the room in their own smart elegance, adding to the dazzle, including Captain Sophia Baranes of the Foreign Relations Section of the Israel Defense Forces, a rose among the “thorns”. Travel personalities included Boaz Waksman, Chairman of Ophir Tours, and David Hojman, CEO of Maman Aviation (which also represents Philippine Airlines in Israel). The who’s who of Israeli society mingled easily with the many diplomats and members of Filipino society in Israel.
A presentation of the national anthems of both countries signaled the start of the formal part of the evening. Philippine-Israel relations have always been warm and this was reiterated by the Ambassador in his welcome address to the guests. He remarked on the fine bilateral relations between his country and Israel stretching back to 1957, and made special mention of the large numbers of Filipino care-givers working in Israel and the almost universally good conditions under which they work “… the best working conditions in the Middle East”, as well as the number of Filipino students benefitting from their agricultural studies through the Granot AgroStudies Program in Israel. The Ambassador also quoted figures and statistics about the Philippine Republic’s economic stability and its importance in the Far East and as a member of ASEAN, and of APEC.
His Excellency touched on the growth in bi-lateral tourism between the two countries, and the importance of high-level visits by leaders of each country, to the other. He concluded by raising a toast to the good health of Israel’s Prime Minister and President, and to the continuing vibrant good Philippine-Israel relations.
In response, and representing the State of Israel, Mark Sofer, Deputy Director General and Head of the Asia & Pacific Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs thanked the Ambassador and read out a letter of greetings and congratulations from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to H.E. Mr. Benigno Simeon Aquino III, President of the Republic of the Philippines. The Prime Minister’s letter made grateful mention of the fateful decision of the Philippine government to provide safe haven to thousands of Jews fleeing the Nazi atrocities in WW2, and also of the favorable Philippine vote at the United Nations in 1947, when Israel’s re-establishment was in question.
Mr. Sofer related how his own experiences in Manila confirmed just how open, warm and welcoming Filipinos are, so much so that when he mentioned to some of them the welcome that the distressed Jewish refugees had received, the locals were surprised that it could even have been any other way. Ambassador Imperial and Mr. Sofer then jointly cut into a beautiful cake bearing the flags of both countries as a fitting end to the introductions.
Perhaps the highlight of the evening was the really amazing performance presented by the “Sindaw Philippines Performing Arts Group”. The group is in Israel thanks to cooperation between the Embassy and the Philippine National Commission for Culture and the Arts. They will also be performing at the Philippines Tourism & Country Fair at the Castra Mall in Haifa on 17-18 June, a joint project of the Mall and Haifa Municipality.
The dancers were breathtaking in their elegance and style. Brilliant costumes, stamp-your-feet-tempo music, exquisite singing and unusual exhibits of timing, balance and joie-de-vivre.
Congratulations Philippines, and may the next 117 years take you to even higher plains of success and peaceful advancement.
Photos Silvia Golan
