Diplomatic Events

The Center for Jewish Impact held a diplomatic salon event in conjunction with the Embassy of Panama on Tuesday June 9th at the Brain Embassy hub in Tel Aviv. The event, highlighting the importance of global connectivity, communications, and maritime trade resilience, was titled “Strategic Connectors in a Fragmenting World: How Panama and Israel Navigate Global Trade, Resilience and Responsibility.” 

The event was opened by Mr. Robert Singer, Chairman of the Center for Jewish Impact, who noted that during periods of global pressure, connections becoming increasingly important, and comparatively small countries who can serve as bridges between markets and nations take on larger roles. 

H.E. Mr. Ezra Cohen, Ambassador of Panama to Israel, remarked on the strong ties between Israel and Panama, including last month’s visit by Israeli President Herzog to Panama City. Ambassador Cohen noted that Israeli entrepreneurship and economic resilience is built on a blueprint of finding ingenious solutions to challenges, and then finding ways to market those solutions to global customers. Providing an introduction to the key role of Panama in global shipping, the ambassador noted that 5-6% of global maritime trade comes through the Panama Canal each year, connecting over 170 nations. The ambassador noted the importance of the “Colon Free Zone”, with tariff free shipping, as well as Panama’s ability to incorporate technological and infrastructure adaptations to ensure continued growth and meet the evolving needs of suppliers and consumers. 

 

After the opening remarks, Ms. Miri Berger, Executive Director of the Israeli-Latin American Chamber of Commerce welcomed three panelists to the stage for a roundtable discussion centered around the theme of the future of maritime trade in an uncertain global climate. The panelists:  Mr. Pinchas Tsruya, CEO of the Israel Ports Company; Mr. Shaul Schneider, Chairman of the Ashdod Port, and Rear Admiral (ret.) Mr. Yuval Eylon, senior researcher at the INSS think tank, brought collectively decades of experience in private, public, civil and military maritime experience, leading to a rich and engaging discussion.

Ms. Berger set the stage for the panelists by framing the underlying question “How do nations navigate uncertainty?” The first speaker, Mr. Tsruya, explained that over 90% of Israel’s goods come via the sea, making maritime trade an irreplaceable core of the Israeli economy. Looking to the future, he discussed the importance of redundancies of ports and ensuring operational continuity, for example Israel’s ability to redirect more traffic to ports in the north or south during times of war. Mr. Schneider added to these remarks by noting that over 80% of global goods are shipped, making a truly worldwide phenomenon. Overseeing Israel’s busiest port, he sees the need for constant adaptation, including configuring piers to fit the growing size of cargo ships, and increasing automation and technology to improve efficiency. Mr. Eylon pointed out that the last few years have seen the dual impact of both global conflict in the Red Sea and Hormuz Strait areas along with climate change, leading to shipping delays and rising costs. He warned of the need to proactively protect both maritime supply chain links and communication, with underwater cables a vital part of global communications.

Looking forward, Mr. Tsruya spoke highly of the IMEC (India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor) project to reduce Iranian influence on global trade and provide a land-sea network that would only further increase the importance of Israeli ports. He noted that this would require a significant investment in infrastructure by the Israeli government, with even greater opportunities for prosperity and strategic value. Mr. Schneider raised concerns about foreign government influence and ability to impact Israel’s maritime links via ports owned or managed by foreign-controlled companies, reliance on a crane market dominated by a limited number of foreign suppliers, and cybersecurity in an age of ever-growing dependency on AI-run operations. Mr. Eylon then discussed the importance of innovation in finding solutions, giving as an example the willingness to explore new port venues, such as offshore ports on natural or artificial islands, or building ports deep underwater, where costs can be lowered and the high energy output of AI-systems can be mitigated by natural water cooling systems.

After taking questions from the audience, the panel concluded with a networking session, allowing the diplomats, business leaders and others in attendance to continue sharing ideas and contacts–a central theme of the evening, and a core part of the ethos of the diplomatic salon series.

 

Steven Aiello  Director, Debate for Peace

On Tuesday evening, the 2nd of June 2026, the Ambassador of the Republic of Italy to the State of Israel, H.E. Mr. Luca and Mrs. Mariachiara Ferrari hosted a lavish reception at the Dan Hotel, Tel Aviv, in honour of Italy's 80th anniversary of being a Republic.

 

Italy officially became a republic on the 2nd of June 1946, following a historic constitutional referendum where the Italian people voted to abolish the monarchy. 

 

Outside Tel Aviv's iconic Dan Hotel on a red carpet, guests were mesmerized by two of Alfa Romeo's latest models that were on display.

 

Members of the Carabinieri were ceremonially dressed in their striking uniforms dating back to the Napoleonic era in dark coloured palettes and hats with feathers. The Carabinieri are one of Italy's principal national law enforcement agencies, functioning as both a civilian police force and a branch of the Italian Armed Forces.      

 

The stage and tables in the banquet room were decorated with flowers denoting Italy's national colours. 

 

In the hotel's lobby there were two exhibitions, one exhibition of photos and logos by Alfa Romeo and the other exhibition by Stream Yachts who have 11 models of yachts available in Israel (with branches in Athens, Corfu, Gibraltar and Antibes).  Dr. Yafit Bitton, a Marine Geomorphologist, is their representative in Israel acting on behalf of Mangusta. 

 

Master of Ceremonies, Mr. Federico Castelli, the Embassy's Chief of Staff warmly welcomed everyone present which was followed by the enthusiastic singing of Italy's national anthem, Fratelli d'Italia (Brothers of Italy) and Israel's Hatikva. 

 

The Ambassador of Italy address was eloquent. The Italian Republic turns 80, what President Mattarella described as a watershed moment in our national history. Under the Republic, Italy has thrived becoming a robust democracy, a prosperous economy, the second manufacturing member of the E.U.and the fifth worldwide, a member of NATO, the G7 and the G20. In 1957 with the Treaty of Rome, Italy together with France, Germany and Benelux founded the European Union. Eighty years ago, today, women went to the polls for the first time and with that vote proudly took their place in Italy's democratic life. In 1948, that vote paved the way for the adoption of the Italian constitution which is founded on democracy, human dignity, freedom, social justice and the rule of law. The Italian Republic and the State of Israel are two young nations, almost equal in age and heirs to ancient civilizations, grounded in common Judeo - Christian roots. Due to this bond Italy has underdstood the historical vocation of the State of Israel to be the national home of the Jewish people where they could live and prosper in safety after centuries of persecutions culminating in the Holocaust. Since its establishment, Israel has lived under the constant threat posed by its enemies. Hamas' genocidal massacare on the 7th of October and the wars with Iran and Hezbollah testify that today after 78 years, Isael continues to face threats to its very existence. Italy has always and unequivocally stood by Israel and its security needs. Nonetheless, we cannot disregard that war, violence and death have shaken consequences causing immeasurable sorrow and led to question the validity of certain ethical convictions. Cardinal Pizzaballa recently remarked, that we must resist falling into the spiral of hatred normalizing brutality, it poisons the public debate, legitimizes cruelty and dehumaizes society. Extremetism is never the proper answer to extreme violence. Values that define our democracies, founded, as expressed in 1689, by the philosopher John Locke on liberalism and the rule of law not the rule by law. The Italian Republic will never tolerate antisemitsm and any form of hatred, discrimination and violence against Jewish communities, never again. The Ambassdor expressed the aforemmentioned statement in Italian. I would like to conclude with a message of hope. Last year on this occassion I called for the immediate release of all the hostages and today the hostages are back, our prayers were not in vain. Thank you for your presnce here tonight, thanks to our sponsors as without their support we could not have organized today's reception. My gratitude to all my staff under the guidance of First Secretary, Federico Castelli for organizing such an extraordinary event.              

 

A visual message, on screen was shown where Israel's 11th President, Issac Herzog expressed his blessings and congratulations, stating that today two democracies with close ties,  celebrate Italy's 80th anniversary as a Republic. Recalling his previous visits to Rome and his interaction with Rome's historic Jewish community dating back to 2 200 years, 200 years before Jesus Christ. The drastic rise of antisemitism in Italy is worrying. Italy's President Sergio Mattarella and Prime Minister Georgia Meloni are good friends of mine and I believe that Italy and Israel can work concomitantly together towards creating greater tolerance and in combating the anti semitic sentiment that has deeply penetrated Italy. 

 

The State of Israel was represented by Deputy Foreign Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ms. Sharren Haskel The connection between Israel and Italy is more than diplomatic, it is a profound alliance rooted in shared history, ancient culture and a deep mutual affection between our peoples. We remember with gratitude the heroic volunteers of the Jewish brigade who fought alongside Italian partisans to liberate Italy from Nazi - Fascist rule. In January 1949, a newborn Italy became one of the first nations to recognize the fledgling State of Israel. Our nations have built a thriving partnership across commerce, science and culture. The Israeli public holds a deep and genuine love for Italy - its rich history, its beautiful language and its warm people. The deep bond is anchored in 77 years of formal diplomacy and a robust government to government framework from our doctors working hand in hand during the Covid pandemic to Italian firefighting aircraft helping us combat the devastating fires in the Jerusalem hills last year. Following the atrocities of the 7th of October, Italy stood by Israel. As we navigate these challenging times, we look to Italy to continue standing firmly with us. Israel is fighting a war forced on us by threats of global terror that seek to tear down the liberal values and democratic ideals that form the bedrock of Israeli and Italian society. We must look ahead and work tirelessly to restore our exceptional bilateral relations to their full historic strength across political, economic and cultural spheres, particularly in the vital areas of security and technological innovation. We have watched with great concern a rising tide of anti - Israel incidents that threaten to chip away at the close bond between our societies. More alarming is the global surge in antisemitism, an ancient hatred that has not spared Italy or its historic Jewish communities. We appreciate Italy's ongoing efforts to combat this scourge. Thank you for hosting this beautiful evening and for your dedicated leadership in fighting in strengthening the bridge between Rome and Jerusalem. May our deep friendship continue to grow from strength to strength, anchored in truth, resilience and our shared democratic future. 

 

A performance by the Israeli Opera's two sopranos, Primadonnas Yael Levita and Veronica Odintsov accompanied by pianist Rafael Skorka, sang an aria by Donizetti and another two arias by Puccini which included an aria from La Boheme. 

 

After the performance, guests were invited to partake of a lavish and overwhelmingly large buffet which consisted of 5 stations Roast beef entrecote and mashed potatoes, roast brisket, chicken breast accompanied by baby potatoes, ravioli with a red wine and artichoke sauce, baked fish fillet accompanied by zucchini, beans and broccoli, spaghetti with Arrabiata sauce and a large table of antipasti including anchovies, salads, canopies filled with chopped liver and jam, baked pumpkin and melanzani. Desserts were sumptuous and scrumptious with a large choice of chocolate, coffee, pear and chocolate and raspberry mousse, malabiye, tiramisu, apricot pie, tapioca pudding, black forest cake and a seperate station serving creme ouzo, Japanese lime, strawberry coulis, sweet cake crumbs and mint sauce. 

 

Ambassadors, Diplomats, members of the Italian Jewish community living in Israel, members of the business community, academics, representatives from various cultural organizations; Mr. Gil Haskell, Israel's Chief of State Protocol, Mr. Amit Zarouk, an advisor to the President of Israel, Ms.Keren Cohen - Gat, Foreign Affairs Advisor Deputy MFA; Dr. Cinzia Klein, Delegate of the Accademia Italiana della Cucina in Israel, Ms. Emanuela Di Capna from the Italian Trade Agency in Tel Aviv;  Dr. Roberto Della Rocca, Israel - Italy Chamber of Commerce's   Bishop Giancinto- Boulos Marcuzzo, the Latin Patriarchate Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus of Jerusalem, the Governor General of the Bank of Israel, Prof. Amir Yaron, Mr. Ehud Olmert, a former Prime Minister of Israel, Prof. Dafne Guetta,a Professor of Physics and Head of Ariel University's International Unit Department, Mr. Renato Eran and Mrs. Sharon Jarach, CEO of JYA & C Accounting Firm,  Dr. Cinzia Klein, Ms. Sabrina G. Fadlun, Delegate and Vice Delegate of the Italian Academy of Cuisine in Israel; Ms. Emanuela Di Capna from the Italian Trade Agency in Tel Aviv, Mr. Carlo Gross, Italy's Honorary Consul for Haifa and the North of Israel, Prof. Emanuele Dalla Torre, Professor of Non - Equilibrium Many - Body Physics at Bar-Ilan University, Ms. Shira Martin, a Senior Bureaucrat in Israeli Tax Authority Indirect Taxes Diplomatic Unit's Collection and Enforcement Department, Mr.Nathan Allalouf, Allalouf Group President.( Shipping ), Mr. Emanuel Shapira Rabbanian, Dan Hotels LTD Director of Delegations, Mr. Yehuda Haviv, Israel Tax Authority's Indirect Taxes Sr. Director, Diplomatic Unit's Collection and Enforcement Department, Mr. Dotan Smith, the population and Immigration Authority's Head of the Assisted Voluntary Return Division, Mr.Claudio Coldebella, General Manager Maccabi Tel AvivBasketballClub , Mr. Nadav Tamir, the Peres Centre for Peace and Innovation's Head of International Relations, Mrs. Anat Sar, an Israeli fashion designer and proprietor of Kiki Dress to Dress, Mr. Ariel Goldstein, Senior Advisor to the Chief of Staff of the Prime Minister of Israel ; Mr. Maor Ifrah, an Advisor to the Foreign Ministry's Director Generaland more...        

 

A board acknowledging the evening's sponsors was displayed namely Intimissimi, Samelet, Sparke, ELNET (European Leadership Network), Stream Yachts, Ferrero, Illy, ERCO and Zanetti.

 

Upon departure guests were treated to a generous gift package, they had a choice of two packages i.e. a bag of chocolates sponsored by Ferrero which included Tic Tac, Raffaello, Ferrero Rocher, Nutella and Kinder or a bag containing Illy Coffee.   

 

Diplomacy.co.il and www.diariojudio.com   express its sincere appreciation to H.E. Mr. Luca and Mariachiara Ferrari and the Embassy staff for an exceptional evening of celebration and joy and warmly congratulate the government and people of Italy on its auspicious occasion of celebrating 80 years of Italy as a republic.