"Columbus Day" is celebrated on October 12 in Spain and all South American countries. The name of this national holiday, "Columbus Day", commemorates the landfall day in the "New World" (America) for the sailor Rodrigo de Triana in 1492 and the famous voyages of Christopher Columbus.
Spain's new ambassador to Israel, Mr. Fernando Carderera and his charming wife Victoria hosted a reception to celebrate this important date at their Herzlia Pituach residence.
The gracious hosts, led by Mrs. Carderera, paid close attention to every detail, treating their guests to a rich choice of typical Spanish delicacies such as the inevitable "tortilla de papas", cheeses, Spanish tapas, and an excellent ham. Beverages included champagne and wines brought from Spain especially for the occasion. Of course there was also a table of kosher dishes. The honored guests included members of the diplomatic corps, the foreign ministry, business leaders and Spain-related arts and culture personalities.
His Excellency the ambassador began his speech in excellent Hebrew, for which the guest of honor, Israel's Minister of Culture and Sport Ms. Limor Livnat, expressed her admiration: "Mr. Ambassador, I salute your Hebrew, it is really amazing."
The Ambassador said that his main goal is to achieve a better mutual understanding between Spain and Israel, and to ensure stronger ties between the two countries, to promote an increased exchange of visits of dignitaries in both directions, beginning later this year with a visit to Israel by the Spanish Minister of Public Works and the Ministers of Interior and Education.
Spain continues with her international efforts to achieve peace in the Middle East, and seeks to further develop bilateral relations with Israel. He added that Spain will continue to fully support effective security guarantees for Israel. The Ambassador: "We are also committed to a two-state solution through direct negotiations, including the creation of a viable Palestinian state that will recognize Israel ".
The Ambassador noted that "Spain supports the efforts of the international community to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons and hopes that the international sanctions that have been imposed on Iran will produce the expected results. In this regard, I would also remind you that Spain has made an important effort in supporting these sanctions and has relinquished all oil imports from Iran, which until recently accounted for 14% of our total oil imports.
"It should be emphasized that in the midst of the euro crisis, the economy of Spain is that of a strong and modern state that will overcome temporary difficulties.
"Spain ranks second in the world in life expectancy and third in the quality of public health services. It also ranks fourth in production of wind and solar energy, and second in the world in the number of kilometers of high-speed rail lines.
"Spain has the best private bank in the world and a company that is number one in the world as a producer of renewable energy. One third of all flights in the world are controlled flight and navigation systems manufactured in Spain and 40% of the planet's infrastructure are made by private Spanish companies.
"There is a growing presence of Spanish companies in Israel, some of which are currently developing significant projects here, such as the construction of a new desalination plant in Ashdod, which will be able to provide safe drinking water to more than a million and a half Israelis.
"Spain is world cultural power in a language that ranks as the second in the world of communication and culture, with great variety and splendor.
"Our "Sfarad" legacy is considered to be the golden age of Jewish culture. One just has to think of people such as Gvirol Ben Solomon, Yehuda Halevi, Moshe Ben Maimon or Maimonides ... all from Sfarad. A network exists that links 23 Spanish cities with medieval Jewish neighborhoods and one of the world's most beautiful synagogues, the Traffic Synagogue, which is a must-see in Toledo, near Madrid.
"In promoting this common heritage, we shall bringing works of some of the most renowned contemporary artists to Israel. In a few months we will open an exhibition of works by Miró at the Israel Museum in Jerusalem, while next year the Tel Aviv Cinematheque will screen the complete works of Luis Buñuel.
"I would also like to highlight the increasing role of the Sfarad-Israel Center in Madrid, a Spanish public institution that plays an important role in the Spanish government's efforts to combat anti-Semitism and increase understanding of Jewish culture and heritage among Spanish audiences.
Spain is also very interested in the development of our relations in the field of public education, science and new technologies.
"Noting the presence of the Minister of Culture and Sports of Israel I also happily recall the many recent successes of Spanish professional athletes and teams, some of which have a large following in Israel."
The Ambassador ended his speech with a toast in Hebrew.
In response, Minister Limor Livnat conveyed her congratulations to His Majesty Juan Carlos 1, the Spanish Government and the people of Spain on their National Day, and wished the Ambassador success in his new post as Ambassador of Spain to Israel.
"Spain and Israel have several important issues in common. We both have an impressive heritage along the Mediterranean coast. We both have stable and dynamic democratic political systems that respect the rights of individuals. The two countries also share a common interest in the relentless battle against terrorism.
"Israel appreciates the extent of Spain's participation in the construction processes in our region and the willingness of Spain to dedicate resources to them: Firstly, we thank Spain for her participation in the UNIFIL forces in Lebanon. We appreciate the important contribution they are making to stability along our northern border.
"Spanish culture holds a place of honor for Israel. Many Israelis visit Spain every year. Many speak Spanish and show great interest in Spanish culture. Israelis are fans of Spanish football teams, Israeli women learn flamenco, Spanish-language books are translated into Hebrew and are sold here, and of course, the activities of the Cervantes Institute in Israel are highly regarded. We hope that the people of Spain know of and appreciate the wealth of Israeli culture, and we are working hard in pursuit of that goal through Casa Sfarad in Madrid, and by other means.
"Mr. Ambassador, I wish success to Spain in the face of the economic challenges it faces. Israel is keen to cooperate with Spain in fields which interest Spain, for the benefit of our two peoples, especially in innovative high technology in which Spain and Israel have impressive achievements.
"To conclude, Mr. Ambassador, on behalf of the Government and people of Israel, I once again congratulate Spain. Please convey these wishes to His Majesty King Juan Carlos 1."
The Minister then raised her glass in a warm toast to the Government and people of Spain. "Best wishes to Spain and to the expansion of relations between Spain and Israel. Lechaim!"
Both the Minister and the Ambassador expressed their mutual affection.



Translated from the Spanish by Jonathan Danilowitz
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