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On Tuesday June 6th, 2023, on a lovely spring evening, diplomats, military personnel, Israeli government officials, Israelis of Swedish descent and key figures in the tech industry were hosted by Ambassador of Sweden, Mr. Erik Ullenhag and his wife Maria Velasco in their beautiful residence in Herzliya to celebrate Sweden's 500 years of independence. The National Day of Sweden celebrates the birth of modern Sweden with the election of King Gustav Vasa in the 16th century, which set the stage for Sweden to emerge as an independent modern nation out of the Danish-dominated Kalmar Union. 

 

Upon entering, guests were welcomed by the Ambassador and his wife, who were accompanied by Ukrainian officials in an act of solidarity with the people of Ukraine. Inside the house, guests encountered a modern demonstration of Israeli-Swedish friendship and mutual innovation – a robotic arm, manufactured by the Swedish ABB corporation in Israel, lifting up the flag of Sweden on one side and the flag of Israel on the other. The celebration was a delightfully Swedish affair – With ABBA music playing in the background throughout the evening by a band that was located on the roof, meatballs and Swedish cider served front and center, and flowers bearing the colors of the Swedish flag dotting the courtyard and parlor. 

 

The ceremonial part of the evening began with the Swedish national anthem, followed by the anthem of Israel, and concluded with the anthem of the European Union, performed by the talented Keren Eilenberg accompanied by Doron Mizrahi on guitar. Following the anthems, Ambassador Ullenhag gave his remarks and welcomed all guests to his residency for the national day celebrations and the golden jubilee of King Carl XVI Gustaf. Ullenhag mentioned the sincere friendship between Sweden and Israel, emphasized Sweden's deep commitment to Israel's security, and condemned the recent missile attacks, noting that he witnessed their impacts while visiting youth being treated for post-trauma by animal therapy methods. 

 

The Ambassador called for a two- state solution living peacefully side by side. He thanked those who are involved in the work of promoting peace, gender equality, human rights, and women's rights in particular, as a true feminist who strives for a better, more equal society. Ambassador Ullenhag also expressed his gratitude for the people dedicating their lives for the remembrance of the holocaust, as the worst crime against humanity in history, and in the fight against anti-Semitism. He continued thanking those who are strengthening Swedish-Israeli ties in the academic and the technological fields, ties that go back to Israel's early years, when Sweden sent the largest number of volunteers, approximately 50,000, to join the Kibuzzim movement to help build the country. Ullenhag concluded his speech by thanking all of the Israelis who enjoy Swedish goods such as IKEA, Spotify, Abba music, Astrazeneca and more. 

 

Ambassador Ullenhag’s speech was followed by a speech by the honorary guest May Golan, a minister without a portfolio at the Prime Minister office, who spoke on behalf of the Israeli government. In her speech, Ms. Golan stressed the similarities amongst the two nations as they are both vivid democracies with many shared values as demonstrated, for example, by the recent visits of the two countries' Ministers of Foreign Affairs in Israel and Sweden respectively. Minister Golan also emphasized the Kibbutz Tech program, which aims to bring Swedish youth for internships at Israeli high-tech companies in order for them to be impressed by the Israeli innovation environment. Mrs. Golan concluded her speech by expressing Israel's appreciation for Sweden's contribution, as the president of the EU, to the improvement in the stance of Israel over the past few years. Golan also expressed gratitude for Sweden's activities with regard to the preservation of the memory of the Holocaust and the struggle against anti-Semitism, as well as its successful presidency of the IHRA – the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance. On behalf of the Israeli government, Minister Golan wished the Kingdom of Sweden continued prosperity and success, and the strengthening of friendship between our two countries. 

 

Guests mingled inside and outside the elegant residence, enjoying a delicious buffet and a selection of beverages. Among the distinguished guests in attendance were Ambassador Gil Haskel, Chief of State Protocol at the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Ariel Goldstein (Senior Counsel of MK Benjamin Netanyahu); Tali Eshkoli, Eurovision Israel producer; Roneh Aharon, CEO of ABB technologies (Israel Branch) and others members of the company, who were responsible for the aforementioned robotic arm, Attorney Shashi Gaz and Angela Scharf and Doris Sperer from the "Women Wage Peace Organization" .

The event was sponsored by CEVT, IKEA, Vinnova, ABB, Surgical Science, SKF, SOL, SAS, Volvo, Kopparberg, and H&M. 

 

www.diplomacy.co.il & @debateforpeace congratulates the government, people, and Embassy of Sweden winning EUROVISION and on the occasion of their National Day 

 

Steven Aiello Founder--DebateforPeace https://debateforpeace.org 

Photo credits:  Silvia Graciela Golan 

More Pics at Facebook  Diplomacy Israel / Israel Diplo / Silvia G. Golan

 

 

 
 

 

 

The Embassy of Azerbaijan hosted an Independence Day celebration at the David Intercontinental Hotel in Tel Aviv on May 24th. The event was particularly historic as it marked the first Independence Day celebration since the opening of Azerbaijan’s first embassy in Israel, and the arrival of the ambassador, in a bolstering of Israel-Azerbaijan ties.

 

The evening opened with the anthems of Azerbaijan and Israel, followed by speeches. H.E. Ambassador Mukhtar Mammadov, the first resident ambassador of Azerbaijan to Israel, welcomed the guests to this historic gathering, and spoke about the importance and vitality of the bilateral relationship between the two countries. 

 

Ambassador Mammadov noted that the evening commemorated the founding of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic in 1918, the first democracy in a Muslim country in the world, bringing the values of “equality, multiculturalism and peaceful coexistence” to the region. The ambassador emphasized that the opening of the embassy in Israel signified another milestone in a Jewish-Azerbaijani relationship which dates back thousands of years, including the health minister in the 1918 government being of Jewish heritage.

 

The Ambassador remarked on the warmth and friendship that he and his staff have experienced since arriving to open the embassy, and expressed gratitude for all of the hospitality and support. Ambassador Mammadov highlighted his country’s commitment to a strong relationship with Israel, by stating that he is proud to represent a country in which anti-semitism “has not existed before, does not exist today, and will not exist in the future.”

 

Minister of Intelligence Gil Gamliel spoke on behalf of the Israeli government. Minister Gamliel congratulated the ambassador and thanked President Ilham Aliyev for the historic decision to advance bilateral relations by opening the embassy of Azerbaijan in Israel. The minister mentioned shared values of religious freedom, tolerance and respect for diversity as a bedrock for the strong bilateral relationship. Minister Gamliel also cited common threats, such as from Iran, suspected of being behind an attempted assassination of an Azerbaijani parliamentarian, and with a recent deadly attack on the embassy of Azerbaijan in Tehran.

 

Looking to the future, Minister Gamliel foresaw the nations of Azerbaijan and Israel working together to promote peace and stability. The minister concluded her remarks by a blessing of best wishes and for continued flourishing of bilateral relations.

 

Deputy Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan Fariz Rzayev expressed thanks for the support and confidence of Israeli colleagues in helping advance the bilateral relations between Azerbaijan and Israel. Deputy Minister Rzayev highlighted the Azerbaijani founding values of secularism, tolerance, and respect for all cultures and religions as the driving force for the country. The deputy minister noted that the past 30 years of bilateral relations, since Azerbaijan’s independence, paved the path for the opening of the embassy this year. Deputy Minister Rzayev stated that for Azerbaijan and Israel, “the sky is no longer the limit”, setting expectations for the future trajectory of the Azerbaijan-Israel relationship across fields ranging from education to commerce to tourism to security. 

 

At the conclusion of the speeches, a toast was raised to the best wishes of the two nations. Guests then enjoyed a lavish dinner. Among the distinguished guests in attendance: Azerbaijan Deputy Foreign Minister Fariz Rzayev; Ambassador Gil Haskel, head of protocol and former director of Mashav; Liliane Haim, Director of the Protocol Department at the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs; numerous Knesset members, including Boaz Bismuth, Avigdor Liberman, Yoel Razvozov and Vladimir Beliak; Michael Sutovsky, Deputy Mayor of Holon; Advocate Eli Nacht, Deputy Mayor of Ashdod; Michal Hershkovitz Director, Central Asia and Caucasus Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Israel; Simona Halperin Deputy Director General, Head of the Euro - Asia Division at Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Journalist Victoria Dolinsky from the Kan network, and a member of the Aziz Friendship organization led by Adam Amilov to promote Azerbaijani-Israel relations; Adam Schalimtzek, Head of International Relations Division at the Israel Ministry of Environmental Protection; Holon Institute of Technology (HIT) President Professor Eduard Yakubov; HIT CEO Mr. Shmuel Goldberg; Mrs. Antoaneta  (Tony) Levy, HIT External Relations Innovation Support EuroAsia and Balkan Countries manager; Adam Amilov, Deputy Mayor of Kiryat Yam; Nokia CX Europe Manager Tagi Tagidze; and Professor of Architecture and Construction Elishan Kourban.

 

Diplomacy.co.il offers congratulations to the Government, Embassy and people of the Republic of Azerbaijan on this important occasion. 

 

 Steven Aiello Founder--DebateforPeace https://debateforpeace.org

 Photos by Silvia Graciela Golan More Pics at Facebook  Diplomacy Israel / Israel Diplo / Silvia G. Golan
 

 

 

The European Union delegation to Israel celebrated Europe Day with a cultural performance in Tel Aviv’s Hayarkon Park on Tuesday evening, May 9th. The celebration this year, marking 73 years since the 1950 Schuman Declaration, featured an EU trivia competition and arcade games with EU branded prizes, refreshments, and a cultural program including a live musical performance of Eurovision songs, with the highlight of the evening featuring world renowned mentalist Lior Suchard. 


Exceptionally, this year’s diplomatic reception was canceled to preempt a speech by Minister of National Security Ben Gvir, with the EU spokesperson’s office noting that “we do not want to offer a platform to someone whose views contradict the values the European Union stands for. However, the Europe Day cultural event for the Israeli public will be maintained to celebrate with our friends and partners in Israel the strong and constructive bilateral relationship.” In that vein, tickets to the cultural performance were distributed for free to Israelis who signed up in advance.


Guests arriving at the celebration were greeted with roses and a declaration of the commitment to democracy by the “Brothers in Arms” groups. Booths offered photos with the EU backdrop and magnets to take home, along with a range of arcade style games. There was also a stand selling handmade merchandise to raise funds for Ukrainian refugees, and an opportunity for guests to leave handwritten notes of support for Ukraine.


The cultural performance opened with a brief welcome by H.E. Ambassador Dimiter Tzantchev, the ambassador of the EU mission in Israel. Ambassador Tzantchev began his remarks in fluent Hebrew, reciting the traditional Jewish blessing for celebrating holidays and special occasions. The ambassador pointed out that Robert Schuman’s vision in 1950 of a Europe playing a positive role on the global stage remains true today. He noted the impact of the EU in leading global efforts to address climate change, achieve gender equality, and provide development assistance and aid. Ambassador Tzantchev received a round of applause when pointing out the support of the EU for Ukraine’s defense against Russian aggression, providing 50 billion euros, including 13 billion in military support.


The Ambassador highlighted the commitment of the European Union to combating antisemitism, with the first EU wide strategy plan unveiled 18 months ago, and more than half of the 95 EU actions already set in motion. Noting the recently celebrated 75 year anniversary of Israel’s founding, Ambassador Tzantchev congratulated Israel, and emphasized the strong bilateral relations and commitment of the EU to its relationship with Israel, with the EU constituting Israel’s largest trading partner. The ambassador noted many important trips 


The ambassador stated that the bedrock of Israel-EU relations are the shared values, such as democratic principles like human rights and independent judiciary and expressed the EU’s hopes that an inclusive resolution to the current judicial reform crisis will be achieved through dialogue. The ambassador also noted the ongoing violence with Gaza, and emphasized the commitment of the EU to Israel’s security, while noting the need for deescalation and taking steps towards peace.


The European Union anthem was then performed, with a recording of Jerusalem Orchestra East-West, led by Maestro Tom Cohen. Following the masterful performance, guests enjoyed a concert with live music and various Eurovision favorites, before being astounded by Israel top mentalist, Lior Suchard.


Diplomacy.co.il congratulates the EU mission and all European Union members of Europe Day!

  
 Steven Aiello

Founder--DebateforPeace

 https://debateforpeace.wordpress.com/

https://debateforpeace.org/

 Photos Silvia Golan 

More Pics at Facebook Diplomacy Israel and Israel Diplo  /  Silvia G Golan 

 
 
 
 
 
 

 

  Photo: President Herzog with Ambassador of  the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka. H.E. Menik Hitihamy Mudiyanselage Nimal Bandara

 

President Isaac Herzog received the credentials today of the new ambassadors of Sri Lanka, Ecuador, Guatemala, Ethiopia, Uruguay and Portugal, in a series of official ceremonies at the President’s Residence in Jerusalem.

The incoming ambassadors were welcomed by the IDF Orchestra playing their respective national anthems and they inspected an IDF honor guard in the Ceremonial Plaza, after which they presented their letters of credence to the President in the Great Hall. The President held an audience with each ambassador, after which each ambassador signed the guest book. At the end of each ceremony, the Israeli national anthem was played.

The first ambassador to present his letters of credence to the President was the incoming Ambassador of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka. H.E. Menik Hitihamy Mudiyanselage Nimal Bandara. “The first visit of an Israeli president in Sri Lanka was made by my father, who met President Jayewardene in 1986,” said President Herzog. “My parents were very impressed with what they saw in Sri Lanka.”

 

 Photo: President Herzog with Ambassador of the Republic of Ecuador, H.E. Ms. Maria Concepción Barahona Páez.

 

Next to present her credentials was incoming Ambassador of the Republic of Ecuador, H.E. Ms. Maria Concepción Barahona Páez. “We are so happy that you’re here. Ecuador is a close friend of Israel. We hosted President Lasso just last year. It was a great honor for us, and I believe it dramatically strengthened our relations. So, welcome!”

 

Photo: President Herzog with Ambassador of the Republic of Guatemala, H.E. Ava Atzum Arévalo de Moscoso

 

Following, the president received the credentials of Ambassador of the Republic of Guatemala, H.E. Ava Atzum Arévalo de Moscoso, who, in her previous role, served as Deputy Foreign Minister of Guatemala. President Herzog welcomed her and said, “Welcome to Israel, Madam Ambassador. You represent one of the countries historically closest to Israel, from day one.” The incoming ambassador said: “We are celebrating 75 years of our diplomatic relations this year, and five years since our embassy moved to Jerusalem. Everyone in Guatemala loves Israel and it is an enormous privilege for me to represent my country here.”

 

 

Photo: President Herzog with Ambassador of Ethiopia, H.E. Mr. Tesfaye Anteneh

 

Afterward, Ambassador of Ethiopia, H.E. Mr. Tesfaye Anteneh presented his credentials to the president. The two discussed the importance of the relations between Ethiopia and Israel. “Mr. Ambassador, it is a great honor to receive your credentials,” said the president, especially given the close historic and sentimental ties between Israel and your country. We have an incredible Ethiopian community in Israel and are looking forward to strengthening our relationship as much as possible.”

The incoming ambassador added: “Ethiopia and Israel share long historic ties, which began with the Queen of Sheba and King Solomon 3,000 years ago. That is why the connection between our nations is so wonderful. I intend to focus on strengthening the bilateral ties between our nations during my time here. And I further came to study Israeli technology.”

 

 Photo: President Herzog with Ambassador of the Oriental Republic of Uruguay, H.E. Mr. Manuel Etchevarren Aguerre

  

After him, Ambassador of the Oriental Republic of Uruguay, H.E. Mr. Manuel Etchevarren Aguerre presented his credentials to the president, who said: “We are delighted that you are here. We view Uruguay as a very close friend of Israel, and as an incredible country that is always with us.”

The ambassador thanked the president and said: “I think that the ties with Israel are very important. Israel has been a friend of ours from the beginning and to this day.”

 

  Photo: President Herzog with Ambassador of the Portuguese Republic, H.E. Mr. Luís Filipe Ribeiro da Silva Barros

 

Finally, Ambassador of the Portuguese Republic, H.E. Mr. Luís Filipe Ribeiro da Silva Barros presented his credentials. The president opened his remarks by noting that it was a great honor for him to welcome the ambassador. He added: “Your country is a great friend of ours and the relations with Portugal are special to us. Please convey my warmest regards to your president, who is a wonderful person and dear friend. I wish you a meaningful service in Israel.” The ambassador thanked the president for his kind words and for the warm reception.

 

 
Diplomacy.co.il and debateforpeace.org   welcome New Ambassadors to Israel and offer our best wishes for an enjoyable tenure great success in advancing diplomatic ties between the 2 nations at all levels.


 Photo credits: Haim Zach (GPO)
 
 

 

 

 

 

 

*President Isaac Herzog and First Lady Michal Herzog hosted a 75th Independence Day reception for the foreign diplomatic corps stationed in Israel*
 
_Wednesday, 26 April 2023 / 5 Iyar 5783_
 
In honor of Israel’s 75th Independence Day, President Isaac Herzog and First Lady Michal Herzog hosted a festive Independence Day reception for the foreign diplomatic corps at the President’s Residence today.
 
At the official reception in the President's Residence Gardens, the guests were treated to a selection of Israeli boutique wines, artisanal cheeses, fine chocolates, Made-in-Israel whiskeys, and scrumptious ice creams. The diplomats were also treated to musical performances by a 27-member ensemble of the Jerusalem Orchestra East & West, a multicultural orchestra comprising musicians from three religions, from all over the country and from all of Israel’s diverse groups, accompanied by artists Avraham De Carvalho and Israela Asago. 
 
The reception was attended by around 400 guests, including ambassadors, consuls-general, and military attachés from around 120 countries and organizations and the leaders of religious communities in Israel. Minister of Foreign Affairs Eli Cohen and his wife Mrs. Anat Cohen, Office of the President Director-General Eyal Shviki, MFA Director-General Ronen Levi, and other dignitaries also participated.
 
*President Isaac Herzog’s full remarks:*
 
It is a great pleasure for my wife Michal and me to welcome all of you to this reception at the President’s Residence in Jerusalem, to celebrate together this historic milestone: Israel’s 75th Independence Day! 
 
The tradition of an Independence Day diplomatic reception began with Israel’s first President, Dr. Chaim Weizmann, who once said: “Miracles sometimes occur, but one has to work terribly hard for them.” Indeed, the modern State of Israel is a true miracle. And it is one that we have had to work terribly hard to achieve. When our founders declared the establishment of the State of Israel on May 14, 1948—a state founded on the prophetic visions of a world of freedom, justice and peace—many believed that the newborn country would not survive. Few would have predicted the course of our improbable story. Today, we are a country on the front lines of the efforts to make it a better world for us all, in the spirit of our founding vision. 
 
We are at the forefront of innovation in medicine, science, technology and sustainability; improving children’s health and access to clean water in developing countries; enhancing food security in arid regions; and helping to combat climate change and cyber threats across the globe, amongst so many other contributions across so many fields. 
 
None of this is a given. The freedom afforded by independence is also an initiation into awesome responsibility. And our work is not over. It is ongoing. Our independence, and the democratic pillars on which it rests, must never be taken for granted and must always be defended. Of course, debate and disagreement in a democracy are not only natural. They are critical. And the fact that, as we mark 75, Israelis are fiercely debating fundamental questions about our system of checks and balances demonstrates that our democratic discourse is vibrant and that our citizens are fully engaged. This, too, is a mark of pride. Even as it demands of us to show up for the difficult work of hearing and listening to each other. And recognizing that there exists a multitude of opinions in our society.
 
As President, I have been working around the clock to facilitate dialogue that can help us reach broad national consensus on these critical questions. I am driven by the firm belief that with goodwill and a willingness to engage in honest dialogue, our democracy can emerge from this reckoning stronger than ever.
 
Born amidst conflict and war, Israel has grown to see remarkable peace spread throughout this region. Beginning with our trailblazing partners, Egypt and Jordan, this voice for peace has continually grown louder.  Normalization has spread throughout our region, with the Abraham Accords with the UAE and Bahrain, Morocco and Sudan, which are driving widening circles of prosperity and progress. This new reality is already improving lives and enhancing prosperity across the region, opening up endless new possibilities in the realms of trade, technology, energy and security. But it has also offered something more essential, at this very critical crossroads for humanity. It has offered a new paradigm of cooperation. It has offered evidence that we can harness the best of what each of us has, to everyone’s benefit. And it has reminded all of us in the Middle East that we share a neighborhood and a future. That we have so much to gain from jointly approaching the challenges we all face. 
 
Therefore, the choice for peace may be one that we are asked to make again and again. And it is upon us to keep making it. Especially when Iran and its proxies in Gaza, Syria, and Lebanon—Hamas, Hezbollah, and Islamic Jihad—have, in recent weeks, sought to capitalize on Israel’s domestic debate, misreading the vitality of our internal democratic discourse as a weakness; as an opening to wreak havoc. Throughout the month of Ramadan, a time of sacredness and compassion for so many, they stained our beautiful landscape with destruction and violence, robbing the lives of innocent Israelis and tourists. We have made clear that we will always take every measure to protect our people. That we will fight to maintain stability while keeping our hand extended in peace to all nations in the region, including to our closest neighbors, the Palestinians. 
 
My friends, I invite all of you to be our partners, in the journey toward a better, safer, kinder Middle East. 
 
I share my personal gratitude with each and every one of you for your relationships with the Office of the President, for the dialogue, for the collaborations with your countries, and for the ongoing work with my staff and me. I especially want to thank my friend, Eli Cohen, our foreign minister, for his leadership, Ronen Levi, Director General of the Foreign Ministry, and all of the wonderful and talented people at Israel’s Foreign Ministry, who are working with us to strengthen Israel’s foreign relations. It is so important that our voice be heard in your capitals. Thank you once again. Happy Independence Day! Yom HaAtzmaut Sameach!
 
Photos Silvia Golan
 
 More Pics at Facebook Diplomacy Israel and Israel Diplo  /  Silvia G Golan