-
Home
- Diplomatic Events
Diplomatic Events
- Details
- Written by Silvia G. Golan & Stephen Abrahams
A warm and celebratory farewell reception for the Ambassador of El Salvador, H.E. Mr. Eduardo Umana was hosted on 15th October, by the Honorary Consul of Belize, Mr. Yoram Noar, in collaboration with The Ambassadors Club and the Israel - Latin American Chamber of Commerce in Herzliya Pituach. The event was organised by the aforementioned societies honouring H..E. Mr Umana for his extraordinary contribution in intensifying bilateral relations between El Salvador and Israel.
The Ambassadors Club regularly arranges and hosts receptions recognizing the efforts, sacrifice and importance of foreign ambassadors.
On the 19th of September H.E. Mr Eduardo and Mrs. Cecilia Umana, were the only Central American ambassadorial couple who hosted a reception to honour their country's 203rd anniversary independence , due to the situation in Israel . Annually, in the past, all Central American embassies namely, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Honduras and Guatemala in Israel have jointly hosted their national day receptions as the date falls concurrently on the 19th of September.
In 1948 these countries played a leading role in the creation of the State of Israel by voting for its creation. Since the tragedy that befell Israel on the 7th of October 2023, El Salvador has been the only Central American country to vocally support Israel and show unwavering support.
At the national day reception the issuing and delivery (Immediate Delivery System) of El Salvadoran passports was launched as well as awards of merit to persons for services rendered to El Salvador. I was also honoured with an award of merit for my contribution to which I am most thankful to H.E. Mr. Eduardo and Mrs. Cecilia Umana.
This year marks the auspicious 76th anniversary of bilateral relations between El Salvador, Honduras, Costa Rica,Guatemala and Israel which was immediately established after the creation of the State of Israel in 1948.
The seeds of El Salvador and Israel's relationship was planted by the valorous El Salvador's Consul General in Geneva, H.E. Mr. Arturo Castellanos saved 40 000 Jews by issuing them with El Salvadorian identity documents.
At the national day reception on the 19th of September a pre recorded audio visual message of El Salvador's Deputy Minister of Diasporian Affairs and Human Mobility, H.E. Ms. Cindy Mariella Portal was screened where she elucidated about El Salvador's innovative issuing and delivery of passports.
At the farewell, H.E. Mr Uduardo and Mrs. Cecilia Umana were honoured by many prominent figures including ambassadors, diplomats, high ranking state officials, businessmen who were present acknowledging the Umanas formidable contribution in fostering bilateral relations, trade and cultural exchanges.
To mention a few of the many prominent guests present were Ambassador of Paraguay, H.E. Mr. Alejandro Rubin Cymerman, H.E. Mr. Manuel Etchevarren -Ambassador of Uruguay to Israel, Mr. Mattanya Cohen - Head of the Department of Latin American and the Caribbean at the Foreign Ministry, H.E. Mr. Javier Martin Sánchez Checa Salazar, Ambassador of Peru, H.E. Mr. Ezra Cohen, Ambassador of Panama, H.E. Mr. Mauricio Escanero Figueroa Ambassador of Mexico, Mr. Pablo Hartstein, Deputy Head of Mission of the Embassy of Argentina, Dr. Menache Rosenfeld - El Salvador's Honorary Consul, Ms. Ruth Amit Fogel - Honorary Consul of Paraguay, Ms. Marcela Santana Guerrero - Counselor and Head of Consular Affairs at the Embassy of the Dominican Republic, Mr. David Freeman - Representative of World Bahai in Israel, Honorary Consul of Costa Rica Mr. Natan Allalouf , Mr. Patricio Cifuentes, Chargé d'Affaires of the Embassy of Chile • Mr. Nelson Torres, Minister of the Embassy of Ecuador
• Mr. Jai Fernando Morales Allan, Minister Counselor and Chargé d'Affaires of the Guatemalan Embassy, CEO of Port2Port, Roy Roznek Honorary Consul of Kosovo ;Mr. Nicolas Levy - CFA and First Vice President of Edmond De Rothschild Private Banking and Mrs. Alona Kastel - ORT's Head of International Business Development and Marketing, Mrs. Maya Karmely Sommer, Director of the Department of Mexico and Central America MFA, Mr. Shai Pascal, Ministry of Economy, in charge of commercial attachés in Latin America. Amit Titelman CEO Israel Latin America Chamber of Commerce.
• Mr. Jai Fernando Morales Allan, Minister Counselor and Chargé d'Affaires of the Guatemalan Embassy, CEO of Port2Port, Roy Roznek Honorary Consul of Kosovo ;Mr. Nicolas Levy - CFA and First Vice President of Edmond De Rothschild Private Banking and Mrs. Alona Kastel - ORT's Head of International Business Development and Marketing, Mrs. Maya Karmely Sommer, Director of the Department of Mexico and Central America MFA, Mr. Shai Pascal, Ministry of Economy, in charge of commercial attachés in Latin America. Amit Titelman CEO Israel Latin America Chamber of Commerce.
In words, www. DIPLOMACY.CO.IL cannot sufficiently express its thanks and gratitude to Mr Eduardo and Mrs Cecilia Umana for their generosity of spirit and recognition of their achievements in Israel.We wish them success,peace and much satisfaction in their forthcoming posting in Doha, Qatar.
Photos by Silvia G. Golan
More Pics at Facebook Diplomacy Israel , Israel Diplo and Silvia G Golan
More Pics at Facebook Diplomacy Israel , Israel Diplo and Silvia G Golan
- Details
- Written by Spokesperson of the President's Office
.
President Isaac Herzog on Tuesday, 1 October 2024, received the diplomatic credentials of new ambassadors to Israel: Mr. Stefaan Thijs, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Belgium; Ms. Barbara Mestanova, Ambassador of the Slovak Republic; Mr. Simon Geissbuhler, Ambassador of Switzerland; Ms. Alexandra Rydmark, Ambassador of Sweden; and Mr. Henry Mokono, Ambassador of Papua New Guinea, who was taking office as his nation’s first permanent ambassador to Israel with their embassy in Jerusalem.
In his remarks to the ambassadors, President Herzog said, “These are not ordinary days. We are being challenged by an empire of evil emanating from Tehran, and therefore we are fighting. We are marking one year to the most horrific massacre of Israelis and Jews since the Holocaust down south. That's why we went to war in Gaza in order to change the entire situation and enable a better future for the Israelis and the Palestinians. And now we are fighting in Lebanon, fighting Hezbollah, to do the same in order to change the equation and enable a better life, first of all, for Israeli citizens on the border, to enable them to come back home. And secondly, of course, I think that there offers an opportunity to the people of Lebanon to have a better future without the oppression of Hezbollah. And most importantly, it calls for the international community to be extremely proactive in blocking the aspirations of Iran to derail the region and enable a better future for our region. We don't have war with the people of Iran.”
He added, “Switzerland has been always involved in humanitarian pursuits of bringing hostages back home in so many ways. We have 101 hostages out there for a year already in the dungeons and caves of Gaza, in the tunnels of Gaza, going through Hell. And we urge the international community now, actually now, following the crisis that's going on in Lebanon and the Israeli attacks against Hezbollah, which can bring a huge strategic change, to use this opportunity both to bring calm to our border with Lebanon, to enable our citizens to go back home, to bring a better future for the people of Lebanon, and bring our hostages back home. And this is our call to the international community.”
Photo Credit Maayan Toaf / GPO
Photo credits Ma'ayan Toaf (GPO)
- Details
- Written by Silvia G. Golan & G N
On September 30th, 2024, the Union of Boucharian Jews , hosted a historical gala with the Boucharian Jews Community in Israel and all over the world, to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the first Bukhari Aliyah to Israel. The event, called “From the Silk Road to Jerusalem”, took place at ICC Jerusalem- Binyanei Hauma.
The 150th-anniversary gala celebrating the Boucharian Jews Community in Israel and all over the world ,community’s Aliyah to Israel was a vibrant and culturally rich event that honors the history and heritage of this unique Jewish community which has the tremendous contribution to the Jews history and Israeli as well as. Hailing from Central Asia (today's Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan), where they resided for over 1500 years, the Bukharan Jews form a distinctive, tight-knit community with rich linguistic, musical, and culinary traditions”
Upon arrival, guests were welcomed in for a beautiful reception, which included traditional music, arts, folklore, crafts and greasing from regions of Uzbekistan, with performances that highlight the community’s rich cultural heritage. Guests were treated to classical instrumental performances using traditional instruments like the Doyra”-The doyra musical instrument is considered one of the oldest percussion instruments and is used in ritual ceremonies by the Uzbek people. The doyra musical instrument belongs to the group of percussion instruments, along with Shashmaqam singing, a musical genre native to Central Asia. The round table was decorated with flowers, dry fruits, and Challah that covered almost half of that table. As a little-known country, Uzbekistan’s Food and Eating Etiquette can be somehow different from the traditional Food Rules of other places. Below you are going to find some most popular “rules & traditions of eating culture in Uzbekistan”. Uzbek food is the most varied and colorful in Central Asia. Being located on the crossroads of the Silk Road, the food of Uzbekistan has been strongly influenced by the traditional meals of various countries. Unlike Chinese or Indian food, Uzbek cuisine is never too spicy but the moderate use of spices makes it very flavorful. The bread is sacred in Uzbek culture and it is the king of Uzbekistan's food. Due to traditional serve the sweets was on the tables from the beginning of the evening together with the salads, together with traditional bakhsh, plot the traditional dish , Sansa and , dolma. The atmosphere which transfer guests at the deep Uzbekistan culture.
Following the reception, guests entered the main hall, where the gala dinner was served. Live music was played in the background, and folklore stories were told by the brothers Ronen and Chai Davidoff, Etti Jun, Yitzchak Elazarov, and Shimon Fultov. A video presentation was displayed on the large screens around the hall, tracing the evolution of the community over 150 years in Israel.The gala offered an authentic Bukhari dining experience. Dishes like Plov (rice pilaf with meat and spices), Burekas, fish, salads, spreadings, carpaccio, various types of kebabs, and beef stew were served, reflecting the community’s traditional Central Asian roots. Wine selection included red and white wine, and other cold beverages were offered too.
The ceremonial part was narrated by N12 journalist Mr. Elad Simchayoff, who delivered opening remarks as a member of the Bukhari community . The Honorable President of the State of Israel, Mr. Itzhak Hertzog, delivered his speech on video, recognizing the contribution of the Union of Boucharian Jews , the establishment, and the development of Israel in all aspects of society. The President Herzog also mentioned in his speech that living on the silk-route, Central Asia’s Bukharan Jews oscillated between periods of contact with the wider Jewish world and periods when their political situation prevented travel and trade. In modern history Bukharan Jews left Uzbekistan and Tajikistan in very large numbers when the borders reopened in 1989 and the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991. Locals suffered instability due to economic chaos and weaknesses in the changing state welfare systems, including social security and health insurance. As an ethnic minority, most of whom were not highly proficient in the Uzbek language, Jews were also largely excluded from the project of nation building; they were not admitted to universities, and many were let go from their state-sponsored places of employment. As non-Muslims, Jews were further marked and stigmatized as outsiders. In neighboring Tajikistan, which was experiencing a long-standing civil war, the situation of Bukharan Jews was even more precarious. By 1993, approximately half of the region’s 50,000 Jews had left; most for Israel or the United States, and some for Austria, Germany and Canada.
While no solid statistics are available, community leaders and the press report that 125,000 Bukharan Jews live in Israel and 75,000 in the United States; among them many are the children and grandchildren of immigrants from Central Asia.
Another keynote speaker was Mr. Yaakov Hagoel, Chairman of the Executive of the World Zionist Organization. In his speech, Haguel emphasized the pivotal role that the Bukhari Aliyah has played throughout the long history of Aliyah to Israel. He mentioned that the Bukhari Aliyah should be recognized as a role model for the fulfillment of Jewish values and the Zionist movement.
A few important blessings were prayed; Varda Ben-Baruch, the grandmother of Idan Alexander, an IDF soldier who got kidnapped to Gaza on Oct. 7th, prayed for the return of all hostages back home; “Flowers of Jerusalem” youth band sang a prayer for the well-being of the IDF soldiers. The main artistic pieces were given by the Raanana Symphony, conducted by Mr. Gil Shochat, with the beautiful singing of the Kolana Yerucham choir, Ms. Liraz Charchi, and the main performer, the distinguished singer Mr. David Dauer.
The ceremony also gave a stage to honor the notable Bukhari individuals and families who have made significant contributions to Israeli society, whether in business, politics, culture, or community service. One outstanding individual is Mr. Joseph Bar Natan, the existing President of the Union of Boukharian Jews, who delivered his final remarks as President. His remarks, which depicted decades of unprecedented work and contribution, were followed by passing the torch to the new President of the Union, Mr. Moti Kozahinof, who gave his inaugural speech.
Another notable individual who joined the formers on stage was Prof. Eduard Yakubov, the President of the Holon Institute of Technology (HIT) in Israel. Under his leadership, HIT has become a prominent academic institution specializing in science, technology, and design. Prof. Yakubov is a renowned mathematician with extensive research in the fields of mathematical models, applied mathematics, and cybernetics. HIT Holon Institute of Technology President Professor Eduard Yakubov in his speech pay attention of the Boucharian community mailstons: tolerance and education . “ Today, Central Asia is an "island of stability" in an unstable world. Friendship and peace exist there among people from different backgrounds.
Life is filled with unexpected events and astonishing developments in every corner of our planet. On one side, we are witnessing the relentless rise of artificial intelligence, which promises to unlock unprecedented opportunities, liberating us from mundane tasks and enriching our lives. Yet, on the other side, the world teeters on the brink of widespread conflict, with local wars drawing us perilously close to global confrontation. It is a sobering reality just 25 years into the 21st century—a century once heralded as the dawn of innovation, prosperity, and peace for all. Regrettably, these hopes have yet to materialize.
As I reflect on the causes of these conflicts, I see that they are deeply rooted in historical mindsets shaped by centuries of cultural and national differences. I was born and raised in Uzbekistan, a land steeped in history as a vital crossroads along the "Great Silk Road," where East meets West. For centuries, this region has been a melting pot of cultures where people of diverse nationalities, religions, and languages coexist harmoniously. Understanding and appreciating this cultural diversity is crucial, as it is the key to the region's historical significance. Despite the region's turbulent history—marked by changing rulers and shifting empires—the bonds of mutual respect and cooperation have remained steadfast, allowing us to weather even the most challenging times.
Prof. Yakubov was awarded in 2022 from President of the Republic of Uzbekistan with the medal for his relentless efforts to promote and develop the ties between both countries and for developing ongoing collaborations in various fields. In 2023 and 2024 100 Uzbekistan students finished BSc Applied Mathematics and Computer science at HIT Holon Institute of Technology . HIT Holon Institute of Technology ,has been working for years to develop and promote academic, social and industrial cooperation with Uzbekistan such as exchange students program which allows Uzbek students to complete their studies towards a degree in Applied Mathematics and Computer sciences at HIT. These students return to Uzbekistan upon graduation and can enrich their country with knowledge that can promote and benefit the industry and the technology worlds of their country.
As I reflect on the causes of these conflicts, I see that they are deeply rooted in historical mindsets shaped by centuries of cultural and national differences. I was born and raised in Uzbekistan, a land steeped in history as a vital crossroads along the "Great Silk Road," where East meets West. For centuries, this region has been a melting pot of cultures where people of diverse nationalities, religions, and languages coexist harmoniously. Understanding and appreciating this cultural diversity is crucial, as it is the key to the region's historical significance. Despite the region's turbulent history—marked by changing rulers and shifting empires—the bonds of mutual respect and cooperation have remained steadfast, allowing us to weather even the most challenging times.
Prof. Yakubov was awarded in 2022 from President of the Republic of Uzbekistan with the medal for his relentless efforts to promote and develop the ties between both countries and for developing ongoing collaborations in various fields. In 2023 and 2024 100 Uzbekistan students finished BSc Applied Mathematics and Computer science at HIT Holon Institute of Technology . HIT Holon Institute of Technology ,has been working for years to develop and promote academic, social and industrial cooperation with Uzbekistan such as exchange students program which allows Uzbek students to complete their studies towards a degree in Applied Mathematics and Computer sciences at HIT. These students return to Uzbekistan upon graduation and can enrich their country with knowledge that can promote and benefit the industry and the technology worlds of their country.
HIT served and continued to play the unique role of the building the strong bridge and ties between Israel and Uzbekistan under the leadership of the President Prof.Eduard Yakubov and Ms. Antoanet ( Tony) Levy responsible of the Central Asia countries at the presidential office.
www.diplomacy.co.il
Photos by Silvia G. Golan
More Pics at Facebook Diplomacy Israel , Israel Diplo and Silvia G Golan
- Details
- Written by Silvia G. Golan & Stephen Abrahams
On Thursday, 10 October 2024, Ms. Abby Ya- Ping Lee, Representative of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Tel Aviv, the de facto Embassy of Taiwan to Israel hosted a memorable and elegant reception at the King David ballroom in honor of her country's 113th anniversary of independence.
Upon arrival guests were served wine, mineral water and canopies followed by the official ceremony where the Israeli anthem preceded the Taiwnese.
Guest of honour, Mayor of Jerusalem, Mr. Moshe Lion started his speech by acknowledging everyone present, saying that this is the first time that Taiwan decided to host its national day reception in Jerusalem. Shared values between Taiwan and Israel in the fields of youth development, education, culture, etc. displays the closeness and intensity between the two countries. He called for the international community to stand united and resilient in the face of terror and concluded by calling for the return of all surviving hostages in Gaza and the repatriation of residents to their homes in the north and south, many of whom have been hosted in hotels in Jerusalem for over a year.
Mr. Mikey Levy, former Jerusalem Chief of Police and Speaker of the Knesset mentioned the close relations that coexist between the two countries, palpably manifested by Taiwan after the atrocities of 7th October 2024 as well as intense collaboration in the fields of innovation, technology, science and democracy.
Taiwan's de facto ambassador, Ms. Abby Ya - Ping Lee mentioned that now is a special time to honour the two countries' shared values and strengthen the existing friendship between the two countries. She elaborated upon Taiwan's actions and support of Israel after the aftermath of October 7th attacks and mentioned important projects that co-exist in the fields of innovation, technology, agriculture, health. In conclusion she called for the release of the remaining 101 hostages held by Hamas in Gaza.
In 2024 Taiwan was voted the 10th most democratic country worldwide. It is also the largest manufacturer of semiconductors. The dream of the incumbent President is to transform Taiwan into an island and model of AI.
Following the 7th of October, Taipei's iconic "101" skyscraper was lit up in blue and white as a gesture of solidarity with Israel. President Tsai Ing-Wen, Taiwan's former President, was amongst the first to condemn Hamas and voice his support for Israel.
The Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Tel Aviv, Taiwan's de facto Embassy to the State of Israel donated $70 000 to Pitchon - Lev, a NGO's, whose aim is to alleviate poverty in Israel. In addition a further $500 000 was bequeathed to the Israeli government with the expressed purpose of procuring medical supplies. Volunteer efforts on behalf of Ms. Abby Ya-Ping Lee in agriculture and working with farmers adversely affected by the war have also been forthcoming.
Among the auspicious guests of 300 invitees were Mr. Moshe Lion, the Mayor of Jerusalem, MK Mickey Levy, the former Speaker of the Knesset, and his wife Nurit. MK Matan Cahana, MK Boaz Bismuth, Knesset Member Ram Ben Barak, MK Matti Sarfati Harcavi, MK Vladimir Beliak, Ambassador Peleg Lewi - Israel Ministry of Tourism, Honorable Judge Yaron Levi, former Minister Mr. Nachman Shai, former Minister Eitan Ginzburg, former Ambassador to Japan Ms. Ruth Kahanoff, Yad Vashem Chairman Dani Dayan, Mr. Gabriel Hayon, President of the Diplomatic Institute, Mrs. Patty Lin, Director of Taitra (Taiwan Trade & Innovation Center, Tel-Aviv), Eli Assoolin, CEO & Founder of Newsight Imaging, Yoseph Haddad, journalist and advocacy activist for Israel, Eylon Levy, former spokesman for the State of Israel, and ambassadors, diplomats, military, business and civil society leaders.
www.diplomacy.co.il
Photos credit Silvia G. Golan
More Pics at Facebook Diplomacy Israel / Israel Diplo / Silvia G. Golan
- Details
- Written by Stephen Abrahams
On Monday,30 September, the Ambassador of the Czech Republic to the State of Israel, H.E. Ms. Veronika Kuchynova Smiglova, in collaboration with Beit Theresientstadt, hosted a commemorative concert entitled " Spreading Oriya's Light - Kaddish Oriya Terezin" at her residence in Herzliya Pituach.
Dr. Tami Kinberg, Director of Beit Theresienstadt, Martyrs Remembrance Association, which is a museum founded in 1975 located on Kibbutz Givat Haim in Emek Hefer Dr. Tami Kinberg spoke on the commemorative concert with Hannie Ricardo, a mezzo soprano and mother of Oriya,a 26 year old manicurist murderd at the Nova festival while making her escape.
H.E. Ms Veronika Kuchynova Smigolova, the Czech ambassador welcomed everyone present to the event mentioning that it is not a normal national day celebration since the Embassy decided that it was inappropriate to celebrate when Israel is at war."I felt that, close to October 7, we should remember the beautiful people the world lost on that day".Many people that were invited today were not present due to having been mobilized. The axis of evil includes Russia, North Korea, Iran and its proxies Hamas, Hizbollah and the Houthies but there is also another axis of evil that is less easily defined which cuts through people's brains and brings anti Semitism, double standards and the willingness to sacrifice Israel.Evil cannot be appeased or coexisted with and has to be fought and destroyed. The path Israel took after the 7th of October is the right one. If Israel didn't defeat the Evil, the sacrifices of the loved ones of our friends present here and many other great people would be in vain.
The Czech Republic is a friend of Israel, in good times and in bad times. "My Minister of Foreign Affairs was the first foreign leader to visit Israel after the tragic event to express support, soon after that the Prime Minister, President and other high ranking officials also visited Israel". Czech leaders raise our voice in international institutions in support of Israel and we can raise our hands when voting takes place as did our then Minister of Foreign Affairs when he voted in support of the establishment of the State of Israel.
Karin Elfasi, Mother of the massacred 22 year old Czech - Israeli victim,Oran Alfasi, who had dual citizenship, briefly spoke of her son's tragic and untimely death.
Hannie Ricardo,a therapist and Mother of the martyred, Oriya said that in life one has two choices either to live, no matter what, or not to.She opted for the first choice. In her daughter's memory, she composed a song, "Kaddish", in memory of her daughter.Two commemorative concerts are scheduled for October to be performed at the Jerusalem Theatre and at the Tel Aviv Performing Art Centre.
Hannie, who is a talented mezzo, sang four songs accompanied by keyboard. She had a close relationship with Prof. David Bloch, a researcher on the music composed and performed in Theresienstadt concentration camp. She performed a song by Adolf Strauss who was an inmate in Theresienstadt. Another song she sang was sung composed by James Simon, a German Jewish composer from Berlin who performed on Mt. Scopus in 1937 and had a sister living in Palestine.
Among many distinguished guests was Mr. David Hersky, Honorary Consul of the Czech Republic in Israel who is also head of the Israel - Czech Chamber of Commerce and representative of Skoda Transport here.Mr. Haim Koren, former Israeli ambassador to Egypt also graced us with his presence.
A selection of canopies were served and after the official ceremony and concert a scrumptious buffet catered by Cafe Prague,Tel Aviv was served.
www.diplomacy.co.il congratulates the government of the Czech Republic and the Embassy on the forthcoming national day of independence and expresses its deep appreciation for their loyal and unswerving friendship
Photos Lior Sattarov
