On Thursday, 5 February 2026, at the Dan Hotel Tel Aviv, a reception in honour of the 33rd anniversary of the "Day of Establishment" was hosted by H.E. Ms Barbara Mestonova, Ambassador of the Slovak Republic to the State of Israel.
Master of Ceremonies, Mr. Peter Princ, the Ambassador's P.A., warmly welcomed everyone present, introducing the Ambassador and Ms. Simona Halperin, Deputy Director General of the Foreign Ministry's Department for Europe representing the State of Israel.
The Ambassador of the Slovak Republic to Israel, H.E. Ms. Barbara Mestanova stated in her succinct and palpable address that all guests present mean a great deal and their presence is highly valued. Slovakia and Israel's relations are based on trust and are especially dynamic in the fields of education, defence and culture. A great deal of cooperation and synergy is found in the relationship between Slovakia's Defence establishment and Israel's Aerospace Industry. A couple of days ago the last Israeli hostage was returned and at last we can breathe relief. I have watched your relief and all of you I consider to be heroes. She valiantly concluded her speech by "Long Life to Slovakia and Long Life to Israel".
Ms. Simona Halperin who delivered the "welcome remarks" on behalf of Minister, Mr Zeev Elkin, who was scheduled to attend but delayed due to a cabinet meeting. She said that the 1st of January represents the birth of a sovereign modern state. Slovakia and Israel are nations of an extraordinarily large spirit sharing resilient democracies, thriving economies deeply anchored in each respective heritage, representing tradition and innovation, revering ancestral roots and standing at the vanguard of a modern age. Prior to World War 11, Slovakia was home to 130 000 Jews. Slovakia has demonstrated moral leadership in its approach to historical memory. The Slovak Republic's establishment of a Holocaust museum in Sered, the adoption of the IHRA definition of antisemitism, the governmental apology for the Jewish codex as well as holocaust education of future Slovak generations is a testament to your country's commitment. The Synergy between Israel's technological ingenuity and Slovakia's industrial prowess in the automotive and high tech sectors provides a rewarding foundation for our shared future. The vitality of our bond is best seen in the "human glue", namely in tourism and cultural exchange. With the expansion of direct flights, our citizens are discovering each other's landscapes, mirroring the highest diplomatic level. Our President, Isaac Herzog's state visit, preceded by his Father in 1991, President Chaim Herzog, symbolizes these achievements. Jerusalem hosts the Slovak Institute providing a home for Slovak culture and diplomacy. To the Slovak Republic - Happy Independence Day!
A toast was taken by the Ambassador and Ms. Halperin against a backdrop of a poster of the Bratislava castle and Jerusalem's iconic "Mosque of the Golden Dome", accompanied by an arrangement of flowers in the Sovak national colours of blue, white and red.
After the speeches a sumptuous buffet of Slovak pierogi,tortellini, chicken breast, grilled fish, roast beef, a selection of salads, and scrumptious desserts including blinches with strawberry coulis were served.
Ambassadors, diplomats, military attaches, state and defense force officials, Slovak expatriates, H.E. Dr. Alexander Ben Zvi (retired), a former Israeli ambassador to the Slovak Republic as well as Dr. Eva Gross from Nove Zamky ; Dr. Eva Kellner from Galanta and Ms. Ayala Meitav, Senior Project Manager of International Relations for Tel Aviv's Municipality were present.
Diplomacy.co.il congratulates H.E. Ms Barbara Mestanova and the staff embassy on her country's 33rd anniversary of independence and many thanks for a memorable evening of Slovak hospitality.
Photos Silvia G. Golan
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