On Wednesday, 19 February 2025, the Head of Mission of the Embassy of Kosovo to the State of Israel, Ms. Ines Demiri hosted a reception in honor of her country's 17th anniversary of independence at the Hilton, Tel Aviv.
Mr. Denis Karlinskiy, the Head of Mission's P.A. was Master of Ceremonies, warmly welcomed all present and said that the significance in Jewish Gematria of Kosovo's 17 years of independence is Good. Kosovo reaffirms its commitment towards an enduring partnership with Israel.
The playing of the two national anthems of Kosovo and Israel was lead by Maestro Kastriot Xhon Marku,a renowned Kosovon violinist who together with his wife, Mrs. Pagarusha Roleil Marku, a soprano and interpreter of traditional Albanian folk songs arrived especially from London for the event.
Head of Mission, Ms. Ines Demiri extended her welcome and stated that Kosovo is a testament of resilience of the people who have shaped it for what it is today. We continue to build a strong democracy striving towards membership of the United Nations, Nato and the European Union. Today Kosovo has become a nation that innovates and contributes towards the world. It has earned gold medals in international sport competitions and presently has a growth rate of 4%. Kosovo is a member of many international organizations and is acknowledged by 117 countries. Four years ago Israel recognized Kosovo's independence and I have been working tirelessly towards reaching and intensifying relations between our two countries. The bond between Kosovo and Israel is deeply symbolic and we stand in full solidarity with Israel in the knowledge that peace will be achieved and the remaining hostages will safely be reunited with their families. She welcomed the two Kosovon musicians from London and expressed her thanks and gratitude to Kosovo's Honorary Consul in Israel, Mr. Roy Roznek.
Representing the government of the State of Israel was H.E. Mr. Ofir Sofer, Minister of Aliya and Integration. He expressed his congratulations on Kosovo's 17 years of independence and 4 years of bilateral relations with Israel, which is the only European country with an Embassy in Jerusalem. Last year we did not celebrate Kosovo's independence due to the war. He also added his appreciation to Kosovo's Prime Minister and other Cabinet Ministers who showed solidarity with Israel after the 7th of October attack. Recently a Visa Waiver agreement between Israel and Kosovo was actualized which will be able to facilitate tourism to and from both countries. A delegation of Kosovan businessmen and investors was hosted by Kosovo's Honorary Consul and in January 2025 the Embassy of Kosovo organized a commemorative ceremony for International Holocaust Remembrance Day.
Mr. Erez Malul, a member of Knesset and Head of the parliamentary Israel Kosovo Friendship Committee spoke enthusiastically about hosting a Kosovan friendship group in the Knesset led by Mr. Abdullah Hoti. During the meetings there was a strong sense of solidarity and closeness and this year in the Knesset a law was promulgated allowing Kosovan citizens to enter Israel without a visa.
The Head of Mission, the Minister and Member of Knesset cut a celebratory cake which was coated in turquoise.
A concert primarily of Albanian folk songs was played by Maestro Marku who was accompanied by his wife, Mrs. Pagarusha Marku. Their music was lively and buoyant and greatly enjoyed by the audience.
A certificate from Keren Kayemet Israel was presented to the Head of Mission by Prof. Yehuda Haimowitz as the Embassy planted 17 trees coinciding with 17 years of independence as well as another tree in the name of Ms. Ines Demiri which is a total of 18 trees, in Gematria the number 18 symbolizes Chai or Life.
A photographic exhibition by Ella Waldman with the themes of Kosovo and Jerusalem was also on display. A lavish buffet of raw fish - sashimi and steamed buns with meat , salads, fresh fruit and deserts was served in an adjoining room.
Guests who were present included distinguished ambassadors, state officials, Ambassador Gil Haskel, Chief of State Protocol, Ambassador Peleg Lewi, Foreign Affairs Advisor to the Israeli Minister of Tourism, Ambassador Dan Oryan, the Foreign Ministry's Director of Civic Diplomacy, Mr. Yuval Fuchs, the Foreign Ministry's Deputy Director General and Head of Eurasia and the Western Balkans Division, Mr. Roy Reznik, Honorary Consul of Kosovo in Israel, Mr. Eric Rubin, Maccabi World Union's Global Ambassador, Mrs. Mika Amram, Director of Global Patient Services at Sheba Tel Hashomer hospital, Mrs. Tamara Hatav, Sheba Tel Hashomer hospital's Director of Global Relations and Partnerships, Mr. Chen Filipowicz who represented the Katowice Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mr. Ilan Pomeranc whose family own a hotel chain in the U.S. called Sixty Collective with operations in New York, Miami and Los Angeles, Prof. Yehuda Haimowitz who is an international consultant and contractor and teaches Management at Haifa University and Ms. Katie Schiff, Corporate Account Manager at the Hilton in Tel Aviv.
Diplomacy.co.il congratulates Kosovo's Head of Mission, Ms. Ines Demiri on Kosovo's 17 years of independence and thanks her and the Embassy staff for a memorable evening.
Photos Silvia G. Golan
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