On the auspicious occasion of Uruguay's 200th anniversary of independence, the Ambassador of Uruguay to the State of Israel, H.E. Mr. Manuel Etchevarren , and his wife Mrs. Ana Solivellas hosted a reception at the Benjamin Hotel in Herzliya Pituach.
The hall was decorated with the national flags of Uruguay and Israel, a poster of Uruguay's most iconic musician, Ruben Rada, a celebratory poster decorated with the Uruguayan flag and the date of independence and Uruguay's most notable musical instrument, the Tamboriles which is a skin headed barrel drum.
Both national anthems were played and sung with gusto as a result of the words of each anthem appearing on a screen.
The Ambassador's speech was lucid, articulate and appreciated by everyone especially for its good vibes. He started his speech by welcoming everyone present including Israeli Foreign Ministry's representatives, Member of Knesset Moshe Saada, accredited diplomats in Israel and compatriots. He stated that today Uruguay is celebrating 200 years of independence. Two years ago Uruguay commemorated 75 years of bilateral relations with Israel almost coinciding with 75 years of the establishment of the State of Israel. In reality, bilateral relations between the two countries go back further than three quarters of a century due to the fact that Uruguay played an important role in the movement that led to the creation of Israel, namely the decisive vote in the United Nations General Assembly leading to its independence. He also mentioned that we could not imagine the hardships that would follow after the 7th of October 2023 bringing misfortune. Currently 50 hostages are held both dead and alive after 689 days of captivity. On a more philosophical note, "to defend joy" he quoted the Uruguayan author, journalist and poet, Mario Benedetti "that is why we are now". He concluded his speech by acknowledging the dedication and effort of the Embassy staff including his dynamic P.A. Tamara, as well as Andrea and Alicia, Uruguay's two Honorary Consuls in Israel, the importers of Garzon wines making Uruguayan wine available to the Israeli public and to the representatives of Castel Pujol, a family of Uruguayan winemakers who introduced the idea of the Tannat cultivar to create a unique style of red wines.
After his speech a video made available by Uruguay' Foreign Ministry to all Uruguayan embassies worldwide celebrating the bicentennial anniversary of independence of Ruben Rada, the country's most iconic musician and a household name in Latin American music, performed Candombe, a musical genre which originated from liberated African slaves. In 2009 Unesco inscribed Candombe in the official Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity .
Sumptuous cocktails and food of traditional Latin American cuisine by Catering Mabel Haiat included Sandwiches de miga, canapes and empanados and copious amounts of Uruguayan wine.
Among the many illustrious guests present was H.E. Mr. Gil Haskel, Israel's Chief of State Protocol, Ms. Liliane Haim, Director of the Foreign Ministry's Protocol Department, Mr. Udi Avivi from the Foreign Ministry's Latin American, Caribbean and Africa Economic Division, Uruguay's Honorary Consuls, Mr. Abraham Maman and Mr. Julio Lieberman, Ms. Miri Berger, Executive Director of the Israel - Latin American Chamber of Commerce Mr. Gabriel Hayon, Chaiman of the Diplomatic Institute, Mr. Doron Afik of Afik Law Firm, Mr. Aiderson Gonzales, Afik Law Firm's Business Development Manager for Latin America, Amichai Benderski, internationally renowned Uruguayan graphic artist now living and working in Israel, Mr. Inbar Stein Barber, CEO of Isralat , Dr. Julio Liebermann, a Uruguayan surgeon who lives here, Mr.Tony Raichler, head of International Affairs for Latin America in the Knesset and Mrs.Georgina Litvak, the Benjamin Hotel's Corporate Sales Manager. .
Diplomacy.co.il warmly congratulates the Ambassador and is grateful to the Embassy staff for their gracious hospitality and for a memorable evening.
Photos Silvia G. Golan
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