Shalva Prize for Social Equality and Inclusion - H.E. Iván Duque Márquez Fundación In recognition of your steadfast leadership and commitment to social inclusion and human dignity.
The book launch event and the awarding of the Shalva Prize yesterday at the Shalva Center in Jerusalem, with the presence of the former President of the Republic of Colombia and founder of the Innovation for Development Foundation, Mr. Iván Duque Márquez, was not just another diplomatic gathering. Whether because of the presence of Shalva – the Israeli Association for the Care and Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities – or due to the current events unfolding in Argentina, the event was unique and deeply moving.
Distinguished ambassadors present included: representatives of the Republic of Panamá, Paraguay, Guatemala, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Perú, Argentina, and Kosovo; Taiwan, Ghana, Kenya, North Macedonia; the Kingdom of Spain, the Republic of Angola, Ecuador, Austria, and the Republic of the Philippines.
Also attending were additional members of diplomatic missions, esteemed representatives of the Government of Israel, entrepreneurs from the Innovation for Development Foundation, members of the Shalva staff, Latin leaders, journalists, Olami Latino youth, and friends of Shalva. Among the distinguished guests were Rabbi Yosef Garmon, Dan Orian – Israel’s Ambassador for Public Diplomacy, Roni Kaplan – IDF Spokesperson in Spanish, Moti Levin, and Mrs. Moran Shmueloff – an expert in public relations, networking and communication productions in the social and political arena.
Shalva was established 35 years ago with the mission of caring for individuals with disabilities while promoting their optimal inclusion in society. Since its founding, the scope of services provided to children and their families has expanded dramatically. Today, the organization, which has become a national center located in Jerusalem, offers a wide variety of services to thousands of children and adults every week.
The Shalva National Center hosts unique and innovative programs that include the best in complementary therapies: sport, art, and music therapy, life skills acquisition, leisure activities for children and their families, vocational training and preparation for the workforce, support and empowerment of adults with disabilities through independent living, volunteering in the IDF and national service, and much more.
The award ceremony was hosted by Chaya Bisker – a mother of seven children, including Rafael and Gabriel who accompanied her at the event. She shared her moving story as a mother of a daughter with Down Syndrome, thanks to whom she became part of the Shalva family, alongside Mr. Kalman Samuels, the founder and president of Shalva.
“ During the event, the former president also launched his book “ Fuerza y Verdad
The president also addressed the tragedy of October 7th, saying: “What happened on October 7th was the embodiment of barbaric acts. A person willing to kill and to kidnap another represents barbarism and inhumanity. In 2006, I wrote a memo when Hamas became a political party, but for me, they have always been a terrorist organization. Hamas seeks to bring about the end of the State of Israel and of the Jewish people – they are the enemy of any chance for peace. They use their civilians as human shields and attempt to manipulate public opinion. What Hamas sought to achieve on October 7th can be summarized in three areas: First, to provoke a brutal reaction in order to isolate Israel and demonize it in the international arena – even as Israel continues to build alliances with other nations. Second, to increase incidents of antisemitism worldwide. And at this point, it is clear to everyone that peace can only be achieved when Hamas is no longer in power.”
He further added: “Third, the international community must understand that Israel is approaching its 80th year, yet it does not live in a comfortable region and has endured many wars. What happened on October 7th is not only terrorism but also a profound challenge to Israeli society – not only terrorism, but an existential threat to Israel itself. A response that is too soft from Israel could lead to a future in which, one hundred years from now, the Jewish state no longer exists. Therefore, in order to achieve peace, Hamas must not remain in power. In conclusion, I want to express my empathy for Israel. On the last day I met with many people, including families of the hostages. The world must know what happened on October 7th, and this can only be achieved through direct encounters between people.”
Following his speech, the former president received a special pomegranate sculpture, which contains testimonies of the October 7th massacre. The creator of the pomegranate, Mr. Igor, explained: “After hearing a few years ago about Jewish communities that were destroyed in the Holocaust in a single day – without any memorial – we came up with the idea of creating a symbolic commemoration. We designed a pomegranate sculpture which, when scanned with a phone, displays a video commemorating the massacre of the Holocaust. After October 7th, we created pomegranates to memorialize this massacre as well.”
Towards the conclusion of the event, it is worth noting that the Embassy of Colombia in Israel shared on its social media that former President Iván Duque, founder of the Innovation for Development Foundation, arrived in Israel accompanied by a delegation of young Colombian entrepreneurs. This mission seeks to strengthen the ties between Colombia and Israel by engaging with the innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem of the Startup Nation. The young dreamers and creators in this delegation did not only come to be inspired by Israel’s innovative spirit, but also to share their own projects and the positive impact they generate in their communities. Together with Iván Duque, they are building strategic connections aimed at transforming their regions and opening new opportunities for Colombia.
The event opened with a moving performance by two musicians: violinist Ariel Hadad and Ori Averbuch, who played an instrumental rendition of Jerusalem of Gold followed by Leonard Cohen’s timeless song Hallelujah
Diplomacy.co.il congratulates Shalva, H.E. Iván Duque Márquez Fundación, and all of the organizers and participants of this important event.
Nimrod Paperni is a member of https://debateforpeace.org
Photos Silvia G. Golan
More pics at Facebook: Israel Diplo / Diplomacy Israel / Silvia G.Golan
