Diplomatic Events

The European Union delegation to Israel celebrated Europe Day with a cultural performance in Tel Aviv’s Hayarkon Park on Tuesday evening, May 9th. The celebration this year, marking 73 years since the 1950 Schuman Declaration, featured an EU trivia competition and arcade games with EU branded prizes, refreshments, and a cultural program including a live musical performance of Eurovision songs, with the highlight of the evening featuring world renowned mentalist Lior Suchard. 

Exceptionally, this year’s diplomatic reception was canceled to preempt a speech by Minister of National Security Ben Gvir, with the EU spokesperson’s office noting that “we do not want to offer a platform to someone whose views contradict the values the European Union stands for. However, the Europe Day cultural event for the Israeli public will be maintained to celebrate with our friends and partners in Israel the strong and constructive bilateral relationship.” In that vein, tickets to the cultural performance were distributed for free to Israelis who signed up in advance.

Guests arriving at the celebration were greeted with roses and a declaration of the commitment to democracy by the “Brothers in Arms” groups. Booths offered photos with the EU backdrop and magnets to take home, along with a range of arcade style games. There was also a stand selling handmade merchandise to raise funds for Ukrainian refugees, and an opportunity for guests to leave handwritten notes of support for Ukraine.

The cultural performance opened with a brief welcome by H.E. Ambassador Dimiter Tzantchev, the ambassador of the EU mission in Israel. Ambassador Tzantchev began his remarks in fluent Hebrew, reciting the traditional Jewish blessing for celebrating holidays and special occasions. The ambassador pointed out that Robert Schuman’s vision in 1950 of a Europe playing a positive role on the global stage remains true today. He noted the impact of the EU in leading global efforts to address climate change, achieve gender equality, and provide development assistance and aid. Ambassador Tzantchev received a round of applause when pointing out the support of the EU for Ukraine’s defense against Russian aggression, providing 50 billion euros, including 13 billion in military support.

The Ambassador highlighted the commitment of the European Union to combating antisemitism, with the first EU wide strategy plan unveiled 18 months ago, and more than half of the 95 EU actions already set in motion. Noting the recently celebrated 75 year anniversary of Israel’s founding, Ambassador Tzantchev congratulated Israel, and emphasized the strong bilateral relations and commitment of the EU to its relationship with Israel, with the EU constituting Israel’s largest trading partner. The ambassador noted many important trips 

The ambassador stated that the bedrock of Israel-EU relations are the shared values, such as democratic principles like human rights and independent judiciary and expressed the EU’s hopes that an inclusive resolution to the current judicial reform crisis will be achieved through dialogue. The ambassador also noted the ongoing violence with Gaza, and emphasized the commitment of the EU to Israel’s security, while noting the need for deescalation and taking steps towards peace.

The European Union anthem was then performed, with a recording of Jerusalem Orchestra East-West, led by Maestro Tom Cohen. Following the masterful performance, guests enjoyed a concert with live music and various Eurovision favorites, before being astounded by Israel top mentalist, Lior Suchard.

Diplomacy.co.il congratulates the EU mission and all European Union members of Europe Day!