Diplomatic Events

On Tuesday evening, 4 February 2025 at the Carlton in Tel Aviv, the Honorary Consuls of El Salvador in Israel, Mr. Yossi Abadi and Dr. Menashe Rosenfeld hosted a cocktail reception welcoming El Salvador's newly appointed Ambassador to the State of Israel, H.E. Mr. Hector Enrique Celarie Landaverde.

The evening's Master of Ceremonies, Mr. Raphael Escoboza welcomed everyone present and began by stating that it is an honour to gather here tonight in this beautiful venue to welcome His Excellency, the new El Salvadoran Ambassador to Israel, H.E. Mr. Celarie Landaverde. This evening celebrated friendship, diplomacy and the strong ties between our nations. Under the leadership of President Nayib Bukele, El Salvador has undergone a remarkable transformation, strengthening its economy, enhancing security and embracing innovation. His forward thinking governance has positioned the country as a rising global power establishing partnerships with key actors in the international agenda.

Dr. Menashe Rosenfeld, Honorary Consul of El Salvador in Israel was the first speaker of the evening. His address was brief, saying that El Salvador has become safe, innovative, has many business opportunities and concluded by stating that he strongly hopes that Israel will soon reopen an Embassy in El Salvador.

He was followed by El Salvador's second Honorary Consul in Israel, Mr. Yossi Abadi who "paralyzed" the guests with his eloquence and finesse by saying that it is truly wonderful to see all of you here this evening and expressing the fact that the event is symbolic of the deep friendship between two nations - small in size but immense in heart. He warmly welcomed H.E. Mr. Celarie Landaverde "home" who will elevate El Salvador and Israel's diplomatic relationship to new heights. The strength of a nation is no longer defined by the size of its army but a country's greatness is defined by its ideas, values and technological advancements in which Israel and El Salvador have much in common. El Salvador experienced one of its most historic transformations in years from being the most violent country by having the murder capital of the world to becoming the safest country in the Western Hemisphere. El Salvador captured global attention a few years ago by electing a young president in jeans and a baseball cap. It then shocked the world by becoming the first nation to adopt Bitcoin. Today it has become an example of how to build functional institutions, hospitals, and libraries that are a source of national pride. Within two years President Bukele arrested 80 000 terrorists and criminals transforming El Salvador. It took him twelve months to build the largest and most advanced prison in Latin America. He recently offered President Trump the opportunity to outsource part of the U.S. prison system. In the last elections he won with more than 85% of the vote and his party won 54 out of 60 seats in the National Congress without silencing opposition and imprisoning a single journalist. On the El Salvadorian flag the emblem includes three words i.e. God, Union and Liberty being the key to Israel's success as they are to El Salvador's transformation. The country has also recently become a global leader in surf tourism and in 2025 a predicted 4.3 million visitors are due to arrive. It also has become a tax haven and foreign investment has exponentially increased. In the past year I have donated almost 1000 food and supply packages to communities affected by natural disasters as well as dozens of tablets to the National Library and provided scholarships to university students. He concluded by thanking the Ambassador for "keeping the Embassy strong in Israel" and welcoming him back to the Holy Land.

A short movie about El Salvador was shown "wetting the appetites" of everyone present as it exposed the beauty of El Salvador inspiring all to visit.

H.E. Mr. Hector Enrique Celarie Landaverde who served previously as Ambassdor in Israel as well as in Trinidad and Tobago, New York and in The Netherlands started his remards by extending warm greetings on behalf of President Bukele, Foreign Minister Alexandra Hill T. and the Salvadorian people inclding his wife Rosaline. Over the decades our two nations have worked together on many fronts inclusing technology, agriculture, education and cultural exchange which have strengthened not only diplomatic ties but also the development of our respective societies. I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the two Honorary Consuls of El Salvador in Israel for organzining this welcoming event in my honour. El Salvador has embarked on a remarkable journey of transformation under the leadership of Presidntb Bukele especially in the areas of security, law and order, economic growth and modernization. The implementation of robust security policies have led to a dramatic decrease in crime rates, restoring peace to communities. After five years we are a completely different country of short distances, perfect waves for surfing, memorable sunsets on the beach or in the mountains with a vast cultural heriatge, the warmth of our people and our gastronomy. By embracing cutting - edge technologies such as blockchain, El Salvador is positioning itself as a global pioneer in finacial inclusion and economic diversification. We look forward to Israel as a key partner in accelarating our progress and aspire to deepen our collaboration in technology transfer, water management and sustainable agriculture. We envision a future where our partnership not only benefits both nations but also serves as a model of international cooperation for sustainable growth. in conclusion he thanked all for their presence and to the Honorary Consuls for organizing this special event.

Mr. Yoram Ray Naor, Consul General of Belize, a senior member of the Ambassdors Club and the Latin American - Israel Chamber of Commerce together with Mr. Ami H. Orkaby, Honorary Consul of Korea and Dean of the Consular Corps presented the Ambassador and his wife with an impressive bouqet of flowers and mentioned a few words of praise.

The event was graced by the presence of Ms. Maya Karmely Sommer, Director of the Mexico and Central America department Israel MFA, Ms.Ruth Amit - Fogel, Honorary Consul of Paraguay, Mr. Stanley Morais, El Al's Dircetor of International Affairs, Ms. Miri Berger, Executive Director of the Israel - Latin American Chamber of Commerce Mr. Gabriel Hayon, Chaiman of the Diplomatic Institute, Mr. Orel Levy, a surfboard artist who includes Jewish themes in his art and works both in Israel and in California, Mr. Yaron Bob, an artist who lives on the border with Gaza, transforming rockets of terror into expressions of peace, beauty and hope for the future and Dr. Beatriz Katz, Director of Gordon Academic College Iberian American Department.

 Diplomacy.co.il expresses its thanks and gratitude to the the Ambassador of El Salvador, H.E. Mr. Hector and Mrs.Rosaline Celarie Landaverde, the two El Salvadorian Honorary Consuls, Dr. Menashe Rosenfeld and Mr. Yossi Abadi for an extraordinary evening of Salvadoran hospitality.

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