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*Historic delegation of 500 African American and African Christian leaders to visit Israel: “Continuing the vision of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.”*
Today (Wednesday, November 4), a press conference was held ahead of the arrival in Israel of a historic delegation organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs under the name *Unfinished Business Pilgrimage*, comprising approximately 500 African American and African pastors and Christian leaders. Led by the Black Christian Leadership Council on Israel Relations, the delegation seeks to fulfill a historic vision: *the visit to Israel by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., which was planned for 1967 but never took place following his assassination*. The delegation will be joined by *75 Christian leaders from ten African countries*, *a group of American rabbis arriving to mark the Jewish-Christian partnership*, and *religious influencers with millions of followers*.
At the press conference, the delegation's leaders, Pastors Dumisani Washington and Dr. Michael A. Stevens, spoke about the importance they attach to visiting Israel at this particular time. They explained that the delegation seeks to express its support for Israel, gain firsthand familiarity with the reality on the ground, and share the stories of the October 7 events, the war, and life in Israel with their communities in the United States and Africa.
Pastor Washington emphasized that the current delegation is the first step in a long-term process, noting that *the goal is to bring approximately 5,000 pastors next year*, with the aim of deepening and expanding ties between Israel and the African American Christian community.
During the press conference, three certificates of recognition were presented to Israelis whose personal stories reflect the events of the war and their consequences: *Hila Abir, whose brother, Lotan, was murdered at the Nova music festival*; *Elkana Bohbot, who survived 738 days in Hamas captivity;* and *Daniel Lischinsky, the father of Yaron Lischinsky, who was murdered in the terrorist attack in Washington alongside his partner, Sarah Milgrim*, Both worked at the Israeli Embassy in Washington. Alongside the certificates of recognition, the three received commemorative pomegranates containing videos documenting the stories of Lotan, Yaron, and Elkana.
*On Monday, a special event will be held in honor of the delegation, during which Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar will deliver remarks*. Delegation members will also take part in *special events as part of the Jerusalem celebrations of the Sigd holiday*. In addition, a *group photograph of the delegation members is planned to take place on Martin Luther King Street in Jerusalem*, as a tribute to his vision and legacy.
Ambassador Tammy Ben-Haim welcomed the delegation members on behalf of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and emphasized the longstanding relationship with members of the Council, as well as the importance Israel attaches to fulfilling the dream of bringing such a large delegation of African American religious leaders to Israel, in a first-of-its-kind visit.
Photo credit Silvia G Golan
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Photo: President Herzog with Ambassador of Austria to Israel, H.E. Mr. Arad Benkö
On October 26, 2026, President Isaac Herzog received the diplomatic credentials of the new Ambassadors to Israel of the Netherlands, Stella Ronner-Grubačić; France, Christophe Parisot; Austria, Arad Benkö; Rwanda, Maj. Gen. Emmanuel Bayingana; and Ghana, Evelyn Korantemaa Ofosu-Amable, in formal ceremonies at the President’s Residence in Jerusalem.
Photo: President Herzog with Ambassador of Netherlands to Israel, H.E. Mrs.Stella Ronner-Grubačić
Upon receiving the diplomatic credentials of the new Ambassador of the Netherlands Mrs. Stella Ronner-Grubačić, President Herzog stated: “These are trying times in the relations between Israel and the Netherlands. We are worried about what we see and hear from public opinion and from the government in the Netherlands. There is an onslaught on Israel without understanding our role in defending Europe and the fact that Israel is a vibrant democracy.”
President Herzog added: “I had the pleasure of meeting with His Majesty King Willem-Alexander a few years ago, and he has expressed throughout a clear moral voice against antisemitism and anti-Israel sentiments.” Ambassador Ronner-Grubačić conveyed the King’s personal greetings to President Herzog during their meeting after the ceremony.
Photo: President Herzog with Ambassador of France to Israel, H.E. Mr Christophe Parisot
In his meeting with France’s new Ambassador to Israel, Mr. Christophe Parisot, President Herzog highlighted the significant historical ties between Israel and France. The President affirmed the importance of overcoming the challenges in these relations, reinvigorating bilateral ties across a range of fields, and building a new path forward.
Upon welcoming Ambassador Arad Benkö of Austria, President Herzog expressed his appreciation for the warm friendship between Israel and Austria and their close cooperation in innovation, science, technology, trade, tourism, and security. The President also commended Austria’s ongoing commitment to the fight against antisemitism and Holocaust remembrance.
Photo: President Herzog with Ambassador of Rwanda to Israel, H.E. Maj. Gen. Emmanuel Bayingana
Greeting Rwanda’s new Ambassador, Maj. Gen. Emmanuel Bayingana, the President highlighted the warm friendship and growing cooperation between Israel and Rwanda in many fields, including innovation, agriculture, development, and education.
Photo: President Herzog with Ambassador of Ghana to Israel, H.E. Ms. Evelyn Korantemaa Ofosu-Amable
Upon receiving the diplomatic credentials of the new Ambassador of Ghana to Israel, Mrs. Evelyn Korantemaa Ofosu-Amable, President Herzog highlighted the potential to deepen ties between Israel and Ghana, including in the fields of agriculture, technology, healthcare, and water management, as well as the importance of deepening Israel’s relations with countries across Africa.
Upon the ambassadors' arrival, the anthems of their respective countries were played by the IDF Orchestra, after which the ambassadors inspected the honor guard in the ceremony hall. Following the presentation of their letters of credence, a private meeting was held with each ambassador, and finally, the ambassadors signed the President’s Residence guestbook.
Photo credits: Hilel Ben-Or
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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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On Tuesday evening, the 20th of October 2026, at the Tel Aviv Hilton, the Ambassador of the Republic of Cyprus to the State of Israel, H.E. Mr. and Mrs. Kornelios Korneliou hosted a large and extravagant reception in honour of 66 years of Cypriot independence.
On the 16th of August 1960 the Republic of Cyprus was born, ending 82 years of British administration.
In the banquet hall, there was a photographic exhibition under the auspices of the Cypriot Press and Information Office, entitled, "52 Years Is Far To Long" about numerous events following the tragic Turkish invasion in 1975 which included the women's anti - occupation movement, "Women Walk Home" which held its first march before the completion of the first year of Turkey's invasion, 1000's of Cypriot women carried out the "March Towards Ammochostos". Another powerful photograph was that of relatives of missing persons holding photos of their loved ones in protests in Lefkosia.
The two Master of Ceremonies were Mr. Stavros Nikolaou, the Embassy of Cyprus's Deputy Head of Mission and Mrs. Ilana Arar, the Ambassador's P. A. stating that the evening's celebration is a festival of democracy. Mrs. Arar warmly welcomed all and sundry and stated that within a week after the forthcoming election, Israel will also celebrate democracy. Her only request was to enjoy the evening.
The national anthem of Cyprus followed by that of Israel was played.
Behind the stage, there were three giant screens, one with the globe with Cyprus almost at the centre, another screen displayed an artistic map of Cyprus and the third displaying the names of the evening's sponsors.
A heartfelt recorded message by Israel's President, the H.E. Isaac Herzog was shown. He congratulated Cyprus on their 66th anniversary of independence saying that Israel and Cyprus enjoy a steadfast relationship afterwards quoting his Father's journey and his own recent official visit on the 10th of September 2026. Among the factors concerning national importance and strategic partnership for both countries, was national security and national emergency response. Israelis love Cyprus. I believe that within the foreseeable future the three countries of the Eastern Mediterranean namely Israel, Cyprus and Lebanon will sit together. Best wishes and good luck to Ambassador Shuli Davidowitz, Israel's Ambassador to Cyprus who assumed her duties five days ago, on the 13th of October.
H.E. Mr. Kornelios Korneliou, the Ambassador of Cyprus address began by him welcoming the Honourable Minister for Diaspora and Combating Antisemitism, Mr. Amichai Chikli, Your Beatitude, Patriarch Theofilos the Third, Chief Rabbi Pinchas Goldschmidt, dignitaries and all guests. He mentioned a special welcome to many Cypriot friends who arrived for the 8th Cyprus Israel Business and Investment Summit which was held earlier during the day at the Hilton. Today we celebrate the establishment of the Republic of Cyprus in 1960. Today we remember the struggles of the Cypriot people on the road to freedom and their efforts in safeguarding and strengthening the Republic of Cyprus. We mark this anniversary while one third of our country remains under Turkish occupation as a result of the illegal invasion in 1974 and the continuing occupation. Cyprus is too small to remain divided however sufficiently large for Greek-Cypriots as well as Turkish-Cypriots to live in peace. Most recently a rare coin of Cypriot origin was discovered off the coast of Ashdod. This finds offers intangible evidence of the maritime and commercial connections between our lands some 2 500 years ago. Between 1946 - 1949 more than 53 000 Jewish refugees seeking a new beginning in the Holy Land passed through Cyprus serving as a transit point on their journey. During that period 2 253 children were born in Cyprus to Holocaust survivors. Some of those children honour us with their presence this evening. Cyprus remains steadfast in combating Anti- Semitism. This year Cyprus became a member of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance. President Herzog's 3rd historic visit to Cyprus in September this year was a strong reaffirmation of our ever growing relations which manifests itself in emergency response, energy, healthcare, defence, trade, investments, technology, innovation and tourism. Last week Hadassa's opened a Medical Centre in Limassol. The frequency of flights - 225 in one week at the peak of summer including a new Haifa route is another testament to the close ties between our people. We welcome the growing Israeli community in Cyprus, enriching and strengthening the bonds between our peoples. Our bi-lateral relationship is reinforced by trilateral cooperation between Cyprus, Greece and Israel. In December 2025, the 10th summit of the leaders of the three countries took place in Jerusalem. This trilateral mechanism with initiatives in energy, connectivity, civil protection, health, and cybersecurity is important for regional stability and security. Initiatives such as the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) offers new strategic prospects for connectivity, trade and shared prosperity.
The horrific attacks of the 7th of October left a profound and lasting trauma on Israeli society. Terrorism and bararity can never be excused. From the outset, Cyprus extended its solidarity to Israel condemning Hamas's atrocities, and supported the unconditional release of all hostages as well as emphasizing Israel's right to self defence in accordance with international law. Simultaneously, Cyprus contributed to humanitarian efforts in Gaza. The implementation of a marine corridor for the transfer of humanitarian aid proved what our countries could accomplish. Cyprus also serves as a hub for safe repatriation and evacuation helping Israelis return home and enabling thousands of third country nationals to return home. We are reminded that the true strength of a country lies not only in its history, institutions and its achievements but in its people.
We are truly grateful to our Cypriot and Israeli event sponsors namely Eurobank, Super - pharm, Energean, Israir, Air Haifa, Arkia, Dor Group and NewMed Energy. I would like to warmly thank our Honorary Consul, Mr. Leon Koffer for his generosity as this event would not have been able to take place without his support. Last but not least, I would like to thank the outstanding team at the Embassy for their contribution in actualizing this event. This is the Cyprus we celebrate tonight: proud of its past, confident in its identity, and hopeful for the future.In conclusion, since my arrival in Israel in July 2023, it has not always been easy and at times challenging but at the same time rewarding. During my time here I have witnessed the resilience of Israeli society, the importance of friendship and solidarity and the enduring value of the relationship between our countries. It is indeed a great honour for me to serve as the Ambassador of the Republic of Cyprus to the State of Israel and to contribute to strengthening our friendship.
Representing the State of Israel was Israel's Minister of Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitsm, Mr. Amichai Chikli who started his speech by saying that since the 7th of October 2026 Israel has been fighting to defend itself against the axis of evil - Hamas, Hezbollah and the Iranian regime. Cyprus understands the importance of national independence and the heavy price paid when sovereignty is challenged by totalitarian imperialism. Israel and Cyprus are neighbours determined by geography and allies by choice. Our partnership includes energy, technology, tourism, healthcare, emergency response and defence. I have had the privilege of visiting Cyprus both officially and personally with my wife and three children. During official visits I met with the local Jewish community, visited internment camps where thousands of Jewish immigrants were detained by the British authorities while seeking to reach the Land of Israel. Today strategic clarity requires us to speak plainly about a shared threat facing us and our region. Turkey under President Erdogan, who combines the radical ideology of the Muslim Brotherhood with his concomitant vision of restoring the Ottoman Empire. Cyprus continues to face the consequences of Turkey's military presence and the division of its territory. Our countries face different realities but the underlying challenge is connected, an Ankara that seeks greater regional dominance at the expense of its neighbours security and sovereignty. We seek stability and not confrontation. Peace cannot be built on appeasement and sovereignty cannot be defended by wishful thinking. I recommend Erdogen learns the historic lessons never to underestimate the power of free nations as we intend to build a future together with a region that is defined by cooperation, prosperity and peace. May our strategic partnership reach new heights continuing to work together for security, prosperity and peace in the Eastern Mediterranean. Happy Independence Day to the Republic of Cyprus!
Ambassadors, Diplomats, Military Attaches, CEOs of companies, high ranking state officials, heads of NGOs including the Foreign Ministry's Chief of State Protocol, Ambassador Gil Haskel, His Excellency the Archbishop of Constantina Aristarchos from the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem, Ms. Louisa Varaclas, Director of the Cyprus Tourism Organization in Tel Aviv, Mr. Konstantinos and Mrs. Maria Zinovios, Greece's Consul in Haifa, Major General (Ret) Amos Gilead, Executive Director of the Institute for Policy and Strategy and Chairman of Reichman University's annual Herzliya Conference Series, Nathan Allalouf, Costa Rica's Honorary Consul and President and Chairman of the Allalouf Group,;Daniel Allalouf, The Allalouf Group's Business Development Manager ; Mr. Essam Rashed, President of the Rotary Club of Nazareth ; Mr. Gabi Buganim, CEO of Dorsel Real Estate Projects ; Steven Aiello, Director of Debate for Peace and the United Nations Model in Israel, Ms. Sabine Segal from the Israel Export Institute, Gabriel Hayon, Chairman of the Diplomatic Institute, Mr. Carlo Gross, Italy's Honorary Consul in Haifa, Professor Louis Shenkman, formerly the University of Tel Aviv's Dean of Medicine and a specialist in Internal Medicine, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Ms. Yona Bartal, representative of the Peres Center for Peace and Innovation, Dr. Khaled and Mrs. Reem Khalifa, Chairman of the Arab Council for Foreign Relations, Mr. Daniel Voiczek, General Manager of the Friends of Zion Museum in Jerusalem, Ms. Ayala Meitav, Tel-Aviv - Yafo Municipality's Senior Project Manager for International Relations, Ms. Miriam Berger - Director General of the Latin - American Chamber of Commerce; Ms. Daphna Adam from Maman Aviation, Maor Ifrah, an advisor in Foreign Ministry's Director General's Office, Boaz Baxman, Manager of Ofir Tours; Eyal Kashdan, CEO of Flying Carpet and the famous Israeli Chef Shaul Ben Aderet .
www.diplomacy.co.il/ extends its congratulations to the Ambassador of Cyprus, H.E. Mr. and Mrs. Kornelios Korneliou on their county's 66th anniversary of independence and its appreciation to the Embassy staff for organizing an inimitable and unforgettable evening of celebration.
Photos Silvia G. Golan
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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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