Diplomatic Events

A short Indian classical dance celebrating transcendence and beauty was performed by three dancers against the backdrop of a photograph of the Bahá’í House of Worship in New Delhi which is in the form of a lotus flower.

 Dr. David Rutstein, the Bahá’í Secretary-General warmly welcomed everyone present. He pointed out in the ballroom lobby the representation of the Arizona Garden, beds of succulent flowers that have existed for decades in the Bahá’í Gardens in Haifa and in Acco. He encouraged guests to visit the Bahá’í World Centre which is the permanent spiritual and administrative centre of the Bahá’í Faith. He noted that there is no clergy in the Bahá’í Fatih but that it is led by an international governing council known as the Universal House of Justice, which is composed of nine members who are elected every five years with no nomination or campaigning. He also stated: “There is a diversity of people in the world, yet humanity is one. This is an ideal principle of ours. This is symbolized by the multifaceted colours of flowers in our gardens.” 

“While the Bahá’í World Centre is in Israel’s north, this year is the 40th anniversary of our office in Jerusalem. It has been staffed without interruption for 40 years. It is currently staffed by our, Mr. David Freeman and his wife Mrs. Tracy Freeman, well known by everyone in Israel's diplomatic community.”

 The government of Israel was represented by the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ms. Sharren Haskel, born in Montreal who speaks Hebrew, English and French. She spoke convincingly and passionately mentioning that she was privileged to be present representing the State of Israel. Thereafter she expressed her thanks to Mr. David Freeman, Bahá’í Jerusalem Representative. She stated “The Bahá’í Faith is one of two officially recognized communities in Israel. Israel is based on freedom, justice and peace as espoused by our prophets. Israel guarantees religious freedom where there is no other country in the region that does so. Religious pilgrimage by all faiths is also encouraged and guaranteed. The Bahá’í Faith and its adherents are a great principle and asset for me. In 2008, UNESCO designated the Bahá’í gardens in Haifa as a World Heritage property which has contributed to Israel's cultural landscape. The Bahá’í Faith has tied its faith to ours.”

A short movie produced by the Bahá'í World News Service entitled "Hope Helps You Find Joy" was shown. For the last 18 months Bahá’í spaces have been opened to the public to provide hope and joy. Last month an event near Acco was arranged in honour of "Ayyám-i-Há" or Days of Joy, a four- or five-day celebration between the 18th and 19th calendar month. Naw-Rúz occurs at the end of the 19th month and also marks the beginning of Spring. This event gave participants an opportunity to interact and experience joy.  Readers can view the film at https://news.bahai.org/story/1784

The last event of the evening was a nine voice African choir accompanied by a guitarist from Luxembourg and two percussionists. The choir had singers from Nigeria, Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon, Namibia, Chad and Cameroon. Two songs were performed in Swahili set to the writings of the founder of the Bahá’í faith, the Bahá’u’lláh.    

A lavish buffet fit for a King was served. There was an Italian, Spanish and Vegan corner as well as assado, baked salmon, teriyaki spring chicken, schnitzel, corned beef, vegetable dumplings, tortillas with fillings, chicken fajitas, chili con carne, salads, a selection of bread, and sumptuous desserts with an array of cakes, seasonal fresh fruit, oriental pastries, maraschino cherries as well as hot beverages including tea and coffee. Bahá’í faith prohibits alcohol thus all drinks were non-alcoholic including exotic fruit cocktails.

Upon leaving the banquet hall, guests were given a colourfully designed and decorated envelope containing a poem written by Abdu'l-Bahá, Bahá’u’lláh’s son expressing God's holy dispensation being love.

Present were many Ambassadors, Diplomats, Head of N.G.O. 's, spiritual leaders of the different religious communities in Israel, Mrs. Rebekah Kosinski, formerly from the U.N.D.P. and The Quartet who now works in advocacy in the field of international relations and "remotely" teaches aspiring diplomats in Spain, Mr. Samir Rushdy from Egypt who is a Bahá’í World Centre Western Galilee Officer, Retired Ambassador H.E. Mr. Shlomo Avital who is Chairman-President of the Israel-Africa Friendship Association and last but not least Mr. Aaron Braunstein, a retired U.S. Foreign Service officer who heads Counter Terror Creations LTD. - CTC, an incubator holding company in the war on terror.       

 Diplomacy.co.il wishes the Director General, Dr. and Mrs David Rutstein , Mr. David and Mrs. Tracy Freeman and all adherents of the Baha'i International Faith a "Naw - Ruz Mubarak" and a million thanks to everyone involved who actualized this memorable evening of celebration.