-
Home
- Diplomatic Events
Diplomatic Events
- Details
- Written by Silvia Golan & Nimrod Paperni
Shalva Prize for Social Equality and Inclusion - H.E. Iván Duque Márquez Fundación In recognition of your steadfast leadership and commitment to social inclusion and human dignity.
The book launch event and the awarding of the Shalva Prize yesterday at the Shalva Center in Jerusalem, with the presence of the former President of the Republic of Colombia and founder of the Innovation for Development Foundation, Mr. Iván Duque Márquez, was not just another diplomatic gathering. Whether because of the presence of Shalva – the Israeli Association for the Care and Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities – or due to the current events unfolding in Argentina, the event was unique and deeply moving.
Distinguished ambassadors present included: representatives of the Republic of Panamá, Paraguay, Guatemala, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Perú, Argentina, and Kosovo; Taiwan, Ghana, Kenya, North Macedonia; the Kingdom of Spain, the Republic of Angola, Ecuador, Austria, and the Republic of the Philippines.
Also attending were additional members of diplomatic missions, esteemed representatives of the Government of Israel, entrepreneurs from the Innovation for Development Foundation, members of the Shalva staff, Latin leaders, journalists, Olami Latino youth, and friends of Shalva. Among the distinguished guests were Rabbi Yosef Garmon, Dan Orian – Israel’s Ambassador for Public Diplomacy, Roni Kaplan – IDF Spokesperson in Spanish, Moti Levin, and Mrs. Moran Shmueloff – an expert in public relations, networking and communication productions in the social and political arena.
Shalva was established 35 years ago with the mission of caring for individuals with disabilities while promoting their optimal inclusion in society. Since its founding, the scope of services provided to children and their families has expanded dramatically. Today, the organization, which has become a national center located in Jerusalem, offers a wide variety of services to thousands of children and adults every week.
The Shalva National Center hosts unique and innovative programs that include the best in complementary therapies: sport, art, and music therapy, life skills acquisition, leisure activities for children and their families, vocational training and preparation for the workforce, support and empowerment of adults with disabilities through independent living, volunteering in the IDF and national service, and much more.
The award ceremony was hosted by Chaya Bisker – a mother of seven children, including Rafael and Gabriel who accompanied her at the event. She shared her moving story as a mother of a daughter with Down Syndrome, thanks to whom she became part of the Shalva family, alongside Mr. Kalman Samuels, the founder and president of Shalva.
“ During the event, the former president also launched his book “ Fuerza y Verdad
The president also addressed the tragedy of October 7th, saying: “What happened on October 7th was the embodiment of barbaric acts. A person willing to kill and to kidnap another represents barbarism and inhumanity. In 2006, I wrote a memo when Hamas became a political party, but for me, they have always been a terrorist organization. Hamas seeks to bring about the end of the State of Israel and of the Jewish people – they are the enemy of any chance for peace. They use their civilians as human shields and attempt to manipulate public opinion. What Hamas sought to achieve on October 7th can be summarized in three areas: First, to provoke a brutal reaction in order to isolate Israel and demonize it in the international arena – even as Israel continues to build alliances with other nations. Second, to increase incidents of antisemitism worldwide. And at this point, it is clear to everyone that peace can only be achieved when Hamas is no longer in power.”
He further added: “Third, the international community must understand that Israel is approaching its 80th year, yet it does not live in a comfortable region and has endured many wars. What happened on October 7th is not only terrorism but also a profound challenge to Israeli society – not only terrorism, but an existential threat to Israel itself. A response that is too soft from Israel could lead to a future in which, one hundred years from now, the Jewish state no longer exists. Therefore, in order to achieve peace, Hamas must not remain in power. In conclusion, I want to express my empathy for Israel. On the last day I met with many people, including families of the hostages. The world must know what happened on October 7th, and this can only be achieved through direct encounters between people.”
Following his speech, the former president received a special pomegranate sculpture, which contains testimonies of the October 7th massacre. The creator of the pomegranate, Mr. Igor, explained: “After hearing a few years ago about Jewish communities that were destroyed in the Holocaust in a single day – without any memorial – we came up with the idea of creating a symbolic commemoration. We designed a pomegranate sculpture which, when scanned with a phone, displays a video commemorating the massacre of the Holocaust. After October 7th, we created pomegranates to memorialize this massacre as well.”
Towards the conclusion of the event, it is worth noting that the Embassy of Colombia in Israel shared on its social media that former President Iván Duque, founder of the Innovation for Development Foundation, arrived in Israel accompanied by a delegation of young Colombian entrepreneurs. This mission seeks to strengthen the ties between Colombia and Israel by engaging with the innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem of the Startup Nation. The young dreamers and creators in this delegation did not only come to be inspired by Israel’s innovative spirit, but also to share their own projects and the positive impact they generate in their communities. Together with Iván Duque, they are building strategic connections aimed at transforming their regions and opening new opportunities for Colombia.
The event opened with a moving performance by two musicians: violinist Ariel Hadad and Ori Averbuch, who played an instrumental rendition of Jerusalem of Gold followed by Leonard Cohen’s timeless song Hallelujah
Diplomacy.co.il congratulates Shalva, H.E. Iván Duque Márquez Fundación, and all of the organizers and participants of this important event.
Nimrod Paperni is a member of https://debateforpeace.org
Photos Silvia G. Golan
More pics at Facebook: Israel Diplo / Diplomacy Israel / Silvia G.Golan
- Details
- Written by Silvia Golan & Stephen Abrahams
On the auspicious occasion of Uruguay's 200th anniversary of independence, the Ambassador of Uruguay to the State of Israel, H.E. Mr. Manuel Etchevarren , and his wife Mrs. Ana Solivellas hosted a reception at the Benjamin Hotel in Herzliya Pituach.
The hall was decorated with the national flags of Uruguay and Israel, a poster of Uruguay's most iconic musician, Ruben Rada, a celebratory poster decorated with the Uruguayan flag and the date of independence and Uruguay's most notable musical instrument, the Tamboriles which is a skin headed barrel drum.
Both national anthems were played and sung with gusto as a result of the words of each anthem appearing on a screen.
The Ambassador's speech was lucid, articulate and appreciated by everyone especially for its good vibes. He started his speech by welcoming everyone present including Israeli Foreign Ministry's representatives, Member of Knesset Moshe Saada, accredited diplomats in Israel and compatriots. He stated that today Uruguay is celebrating 200 years of independence. Two years ago Uruguay commemorated 75 years of bilateral relations with Israel almost coinciding with 75 years of the establishment of the State of Israel. In reality, bilateral relations between the two countries go back further than three quarters of a century due to the fact that Uruguay played an important role in the movement that led to the creation of Israel, namely the decisive vote in the United Nations General Assembly leading to its independence. He also mentioned that we could not imagine the hardships that would follow after the 7th of October 2023 bringing misfortune. Currently 50 hostages are held both dead and alive after 689 days of captivity. On a more philosophical note, "to defend joy" he quoted the Uruguayan author, journalist and poet, Mario Benedetti "that is why we are now". He concluded his speech by acknowledging the dedication and effort of the Embassy staff including his dynamic P.A. Tamara, as well as Andrea and Alicia, Uruguay's two Honorary Consuls in Israel, the importers of Garzon wines making Uruguayan wine available to the Israeli public and to the representatives of Castel Pujol, a family of Uruguayan winemakers who introduced the idea of the Tannat cultivar to create a unique style of red wines.
After his speech a video made available by Uruguay' Foreign Ministry to all Uruguayan embassies worldwide celebrating the bicentennial anniversary of independence of Ruben Rada, the country's most iconic musician and a household name in Latin American music, performed Candombe, a musical genre which originated from liberated African slaves. In 2009 Unesco inscribed Candombe in the official Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity .
Sumptuous cocktails and food of traditional Latin American cuisine by Catering Mabel Haiat included Sandwiches de miga, canapes and empanados and copious amounts of Uruguayan wine.
Among the many illustrious guests present was H.E. Mr. Gil Haskel, Israel's Chief of State Protocol, Ms. Liliane Haim, Director of the Foreign Ministry's Protocol Department, Mr. Udi Avivi from the Foreign Ministry's Latin American, Caribbean and Africa Economic Division, Uruguay's Honorary Consuls, Mr. Abraham Maman and Mr. Julio Lieberman, Ms. Miri Berger, Executive Director of the Israel - Latin American Chamber of Commerce Mr. Gabriel Hayon, Chaiman of the Diplomatic Institute, Mr. Doron Afik of Afik Law Firm, Mr. Aiderson Gonzales, Afik Law Firm's Business Development Manager for Latin America, Amichai Benderski, internationally renowned Uruguayan graphic artist now living and working in Israel, Mr. Inbar Stein Barber, CEO of Isralat , Dr. Julio Liebermann, a Uruguayan surgeon who lives here, Mr.Tony Raichler, head of International Affairs for Latin America in the Knesset and Mrs.Georgina Litvak, the Benjamin Hotel's Corporate Sales Manager. .
Diplomacy.co.il warmly congratulates the Ambassador and is grateful to the Embassy staff for their gracious hospitality and for a memorable evening.
Photos Silvia G. Golan
More pics at Facebook: Israel Diplo / Diplomacy Israel / Silvia G.Golan
- Details
- Written by Silvia Golan & Stephen Abrahams
On Thursday evening, 24 July the Ambassador of the P.R. of China to the State of Israel, H.E. Mr. Xiao Junzheng and Defence Attache of the P.R. of China to Israel, Senior Colonel Xu Xiaogang hosted an exclusive reception for a 150 guests, celebrating the 98th anniversary of the founding of the People's Liberation Army of China at the David Inter Continental, Tel Aviv.
In China, 1st August is celebrated as Army Day, also known as P.L.A. Day, commemorating the founding of the People's Liberation Army in 1927. It is a professional military and state holiday to recognize China's armed forces. The People's Liberation Army was established during the Nanchang Uprising marking the start of the Chinese Communist Party's armed struggle and in 1933, 1 August was officially designated as Army Day.
The official ceremony started by the playing and singing of China and Israel's national anthems.
In his speech, Ambassador of China to the State of Israel, H.E..Mr. Xiao Junzheng emphasized that in the context of unprecedented changes unseen in a century and compounded risks, China's President Xi Jinping has proposed the Global Security Initiative and advocated a security outlook characterized by common comprehensive cooperative and sustainable security, providing direction for solving global security challenges. The Chinese President has put forward a four point proposal regarding the current situation in the Middle East providing a Chinese solution for achieving regional peace and stability. The relevant parties should make every effort to achieve a ceasefire and end hostilities, ensure the safety of civilians, initiate dialogue and negotiations while the international community should support mediation and efforts for peace. The Ambassador stated that this year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese aggression and the world Anti-Fascist war. A Jewish soldier and medical doctor, Dr. Jacob Rosenfeld, contributed valiantly for 10 years fighting for China. China is willing to work with countries to jointly safeguard the hard - won achievements of World War 11, to uphold and promote hard earned peace, universal security, common prosperity, openness, inclusiveness and a green and beautiful new world.
Senior Colonel Xu Xiaogang stated that over 98 years ago since its founding , the People's Liberation Army has gone through a glorious course of struggle, making outstanding contributions to winning national independence, safeguarding national sovereignty and world peace. As the P.L.A. is embarking on a new journey in a new era, it adheres to the guidance of president Xi Jinping's thought on Socialism with Chinese characteristics for the future as well as implementing his ideas on strengthening the military. The P.L.A. thoroughly implements President Xi's vision of a "Community of a Shared Future For Mankind" and "Three Global Initiatives" conducting peacekeeping military operations, humanitarian medical assistance, friendly exchanges and communications demonstrating the P.L.A. 's responsibility in safeguarding peace and security. The People's Liberation Army calls for a ceasefire in the Palestinian - Israeli conflict, the prevention of further hostilities between Israel and Iran and the peaceful coexistence of all ethnicities so that peace and development may once again prevail in the Middle East. Senior Colonel Xu Xiaogang concluded his speech by making a toast.
Present among many dignitaries were Major General (ret) Matan Vilnai, a former Knesset member, Minister and Israel's Ambassador to China in 2012 who is currently the President of the Israel - Asia Chamber of Commerce, Brigadier General Avigdor Kahalani (ret), former Deputy Mayor of Tel Aviv and Minister of Internal Security, Mr. Ehud Olmert, former Prime Minister of Israel and Mayor of Jerusalem, Vice Admiral (ret) Eliezer Marom, former Commander of the Israeli Navy, Brigadier General (ret) Yitzhak Segev, Israel's former Military Governor in Gaza in the early 1980's, Dr. Menashe Rosenfeld, El Salvador's Honorary Consul in Israel, Major General Patrick Gauchet, the United Nations Truce Supervision Organization Head of Mission and Chief of Staff, Mr. Gabriel Hayon, Chairman of the Diplomatic Institute, Dr. Khaled Khalifa, Chairman of the Arab Council of Foreign Relations, Colonel (ret) Sasa Greenberg, former External Relations Department of the I.D.F. and last but most certainly not least, Ms. Ariela Schmida Doron, the Jerusalem Gold Hotel's General Manager.
Diplomacy.co.il warmly congratulates the Ambassador of China to Israel and the Defence Attache of China to Israel on the 98th anniversary of China's People's Liberation Army Day and for a memorable reception.
Photos Silvia G. Golan
More pics at Facebook: Israel Diplo / Diplomacy Israel / Silvia G.Golan
- Details
- Written by Antoanet (Tony) levy , Silvia Golan & Stephen Abrahams
On Tuesday, 29 July 2025, a farewell reception in honour of Israel's newly appointed Ambassador to Panama, H.E. Mr. Mattanya ( Matty ) Cohen was hosted by the Israel - Latin American Chamber of Commerce and by Honorary Consul of Belize and Vice President of the Ambassadors Club executive committee, Mr. Yoram Ray Naor in Herzliya Pituach. Many Latin American Ambassadors to Israel, high ranking government officials and members of Israel's international community attended the event.
H.E. Mr Mattanya Cohen was the Foreign Ministry's Head of the Latin American and Caribbean Division prior to his new appointment as Ambassador to Panama.
Israel's Chief of State Protocol, H.E. Mr. Gil Haskel congratulated Israel's new Ambassador to Panama praising his tireless efforts, many years of devoted service and visionary leadership which have intensified Israel's multilateral relations with Latin and MesoAmerican countries.
H.E. Mr. Mattanya Cohen responded by expressing his gratitude and thanks to his colleagues, partners and friends for their unwavering support throughout his career. He acknowledged and warmly mentioned his wife, Shira and their son, also present at the event.
H.E. Mr. Yitzhak Eldan, President of the Ambassadors Club, also Israel's former Chief of State Protocol and Ambassador to UNESCO offered a touching tribute, "We could not be prouder of you dear Matty, your steady leadership and reasoned voice are exactly what the world and Israel need presently".
Present at the reception were Mrs. Maya Sherman, Senior Innovation Officer at India's Ministry of the Exterior, H.E. Mr. Ofek Amir, the Foreign Ministry's Head of the Latin American Division, Dr. Ronit Almog, Ichilov Hospital Head of the International Humanitarian Programme, Ambassadors of Paraguay, Uruguay, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Vietnam, Dominican Republic, Mr. Natan Allalouf, Honorary Consul of Costa Rica, Mr. David Ben Basat, Vice President of ACI and Honorary Consul of Nauru, Mr. Roberto Spindel, President of the Israel - Latin American Chamber of Commerce, Mrs. Sara Allalouf, Honorary Consul of Latvia, Dr. Menashe Rosenfeld, Honorary Consul of El Salvador, Mr. Maor Ifrah, an advisor in Israel's Foreign Ministry, Mr. Lior Haiat, the Foreign Ministry's North American Division's Director and Mr. Marian Cohen, President of C Mer Industries and more.
The evening was filled with warmth, admiration, and best wishes as guests celebrated Ambassador Cohen's contributions and looked forward with great confidence to his new role in Panama.
Diplomacy.co.il & www.diariojudio.com wish H.E. Mr Mattanya Cohen and his family have an abundance of success and Heavenly Aid as Israel's Ambassador to Panama.
Antoanet (Tony) levy
External Relations & Innovation President's Office,
HIT Holon Institute of Technology
Photos credit Silvia G. Golan
More Pics at Facebook Diplomacy Israel / Israel Diplo
- Details
- Written by President's Spokesperson
Monday, 22 July 2025 / 25 Tammuz 5785
President Isaac Herzog welcomes new Ambassadors to Israel from Poland and Malta
Confirmation of Poland’s Ambassador marks country’s first ambassador to Israel in four years
President Isaac Herzog today, Monday, received the diplomatic credentials of new ambassadors to Israel from Poland and Malta. The confirmation of Poland’s ambassador marks the first time in four years Poland has had a full-time resident Ambassador in Israel.
Welcoming first Ambassador of Poland, Maciej Hunia, President Herzog said: “We are very happy that you are here, and especially happy that after four years, there is a full-fledged ambassador on behalf of Poland in the State of Israel.”
He added, “Poland is a great friend, and also has special meaning for many of us here in Israel, from the good days to the dark days. And I hope that during your time here we will greatly deepen and expand the cooperation between our nations.”
Ambassador Hunia said: “Thank you very much Mr. President. It is a great honor to serve my country in Israel. Our countries share a common history, as you mentioned, dark chapters and also bright chapters. We know what happened in Poland during the Second World War, but also we are aware that Jewish people contributed a lot to Polish culture, and Poland contributed also to the Israeli society.”
He noted the terrible tragedy inflicted by the war, and added, “I was twice in Kibbutz Nir Oz. I saw the brutality brought by Hamas, and stressed, “We demand the hostages to be released as soon as possible — this is crucial to future stability. We are with you.”
President Herzog then welcomed new Ambassador of Malta, Claude Bonello.
President Herzog said: “Israel is a small country just like yours. We are both Mediterranean countries and we have much to share. As we mark 60 years of our diplomatic relations it is a good opportunity to invest in building understanding and cooperation in many fields.”
Ambassador Bonello thanked the President and said: “First and foremost we are friends, I come here with a message of friendship”, and noted his hope to expand the cooperation between the two countries.
In welcoming the ambassadors, the President stressed the supreme importance of returning the hostages held in Gaza, and noted this remained the key to progress in the region.
Video of the Diplomatic Credentials Ceremony - Poland and Malta: https://mab.to/t/2f45ieCBH6s/
Video credit: Roi Avraham / GPO
Sound credit: Nir Sharf / GPO
Photo credit: Maayan Toaf / GPO
.
