Diplomatic Events

 

The Master of Ceremonies, Evelina, represented the Embassy of Lithuania, warmly welcoming everyone present. The ceremony commenced with the playing of both national anthems .

 

The Ambassador's keynote address was introduced in impressive Hebrew. He stated that it is a good feeling to be back at the Anu Museum of the Jewish People. I feel at home here as a great deal of Jewish History comes from Lithuania. The Yivo Institute of Jewish Research was established in Berlin and subsequently moved to New York. The Institute is dedicated to fostering knowledge of the history and culture of East European Jewry and houses a world renowned library and research facilities. On Wednesday, 12 March at the Tel Aviv Museum of Art the Embassy of Lithuania will participate in a symposium, film screening and exhibition entitled "Vilnius,Then and Now" about the Great Synagogue of Vilna which was excavated for 6 years. This event is dedicated to the Yivo Jewish Research Institute's centennial anniversary. Peace, both in Europe and the Middle East has been threatened, Israel has not been the same since the 7th of October 2023 and the perpetrators must be brought to justice. Peace in Ukraine remains elusive and the Ukranians have been abandoned and left alone. The world is in a situation where people can no longer identify the villain as well the victim. My people fully support Ukraine. I also see encouraging signs of things normalizing in Israel. The Ambassador welcomed Mr. Simon Davidson, Deputy Speaker of the Knesset. In conclusion, the Ambassador mentioned that the Embassy will arrange a series of events honoring the 150th anniversary of Lithuania's most prominent artist who was also a composer , Mikalojus Konstantinas Ciurlionis who died young in 1911. He already then advocated for and envisaged a free and independent Lithuanian state. His art is depicted by themes of fantasy and virtual reality films of his colourful and tranquil work that have been created for the purpose of relaxation and therapy.

 

 

 

 

The Government of the State of Israel was represented by Rabbi Uri Maklev, Deputy Minister of Transport and Road Safety. He began his speech by stating that over the years the two countries have established a solid and open relationship of friendship based on shared values and cooperation as well as Lithuania's support for Israel in various international forums. Cooperation exists in innovation, cyber security, global climate change, education, culture, economics and health. Israel is struggling with the heart breaking tasks of burying our dead, rehabilitating the hostages after suffering more than 500 days of abuse and starvation and reconstructing decimated towns, villages and communities and working towards the release of the remaining hostages. I would like to express my support to the Lithuanian government with regards to the threat from Iran and for designating the Revolutionary Guards as a terrorist organization. As antisemitism is on the rise we commend the Government of Lithuania for its approach and battle against this iniquitous ideology. He ended by asking the Ambassador to convey the warm wishes of the Government and people of Israel to the Government and people of Lithuania.

 

 

 

 

Mr. Simon Davidson, Deputy Speaker of the Knesset and Chairman of the Israel Lithuanian Friendship Group immigrated from Vilnius in 1972 spoke, mentioning that a week ago he visited Lithuania together with a Knesset parliamentary delegation in order to strengthen the relationship between the Knesset and the Seimas, Lithuania's parliament. He attended an official memorial ceremony at Ponar Forest where many of 94% of Lithuanian Jewry were slaughtered. We returned home with confidence and knowledge knowing that relations will intensify for the good. We have to do everything within our power to secure the release of the 59 remaining hostages held in Gaza's tunnels. 

 

There was a  raffle of three prizes, third and second prize was a food hamper and first prize was sponsored by Mr. Pini Kleiner of Overseas Travel which included flights and a stay for two people at Lithuania's premium health spa, Birstonas.

 

The entrance and stage was decorated by flowers in Lithuania's national colors i.e. red, green and yellow and the Ambassador's spouse as well as two representatives of the Embassy were dressed in colourful national costume. 

 

A lavish diary buffet was served consisting of a selection of cheese, quiches, salads and deserts as well as wine and nonalcoholic beverages.  

 

Guests of importance included many Ambassadors, diplomats, state officials, business people and Lithuanian expatriates. Present was Mr. Gil Haskel, Chief of State Protocol at the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Mr. Shai Schnitzer, Lithuania's Honorary Consul and President of S.Schnitzer Diamonds with offices in Ramat Gan, New York and Hong Kong, Dr. Laurance Weinbaum, Director General of the Israel Council on Foreign Relations and Chief Editor of the Israel Journal of Foreign Affairs, Mrs. Mickey Kantor, Director of Beit Vilna - The  Association of Jews from Vilna and Vicinity in Israel, Brigadier - General (Res) Amir Avivi of IDSF (Israel Defence Security Force), Mr. Daniel Ivanov, Director of Ourcrowd which is Israel's largest venture capital fund, Mrs Collete Avital, Chairperson of the Centre Organization of Holocaust Survivors in Israel, Secretary General of the World Jewish Restitution Organization and Vice President of the Conference of Material Claims Against Germany, Dr. Rachel Fund, a retired Pediatrician born and educated in Vilnius who immigrated 52 years ago to Israel, Mr. Asher Salmon, Head of the Ministry of Health's  International Affairs Division and Mr. David Kaplan, born in Vilnius who immigrated to Israel and worked as an engineer at Israel Aircraft Industry.