The Delegation of the European Union's to the State of Israel Europe Day Reception - 11 May 2026
In honour of Europe Day, celebrated on the 9th of May, H.E. Mr. Michael Anthony and Mrs. Mann, Ambassador and Head of Delegation of the European Union to the State of Israel, hosted an elegant reception at his residence.
The European Union (E.U.) was established post World War 11 to foster economic cooperation and prevent future conflict, primarily initiated by French Foreign Minister Robert Schuman and Jean Monnet.
The Master of Ceremonies warmly welcomed everyone present, stating that the evening's celebration is in honour of the 75th anniversary of the establishment of the European Union which inaugurated a period of peace and prosperity in Europe. This was the first time as Ambassador in Israel, that H.E. Mr. Mann hosted a Europe Day reception.
The Anthem of Israel and of Europe was played. Europe's anthem is a piece of instrumental music adapted from the prelude of the final movement of Beethoven's 9th symphony composed in 1823, originally set to words adapted from Friedrich Schiller's 1785 poem, "Ode to Joy".
The Ambassador's address commenced by stating that it is a great pleasure to welcome everyone and that he was truly honoured. On 9 May 1950, Robert Schuman, France's Foreign Minister, declared a united Europe. Today the European Union includes 27 nations, being an inspiration not only in Europe but beyond. On Europe Day we celebrate not only what we do but also to promote a fairer world.
Bilateral relations between the European Union and Israel can be traced back to 1957 when Shimon Peres, Director General of Israel's Foreign Ministry had meetings with Jean Monnet, a major proponent of European integration. The European Union and Israel collaboration includes the Erasmus+ which is the EU's programme to support education, training, youth and sport. The E..The U. E. is Israel's largest trading partner.
The European Union condemns Hamas's pogrom and has designated Hamas as a terrorist group. We also believe that Iran should not be given nuclear status. During the war I visited underground hospitals and blood banks where I donated blood. My sympathies to the 21 Israelis killed in the recent war and also to all people who were injured. During this period of rising antisemitism, we intensify strategies within the E.U. and work with Israel in order to combat rising antisemitsm. We also oppose the death penalty and settler violence and believe in a two state solution. We support the Palestinian National Authority and Palestinian civil society organizations.
Today, the inclusion of countries within the European Union that once caused mutual destruction now collaborate concomitantly. We believe that even in Israel, despite all odds , reconciliation is possible. Clearly, this does not make us popular as sadly we hear claims that the E.U. is anti Israel. On the 14th of June 2022 upon receiving an honorary doctorate at Ben Gurion University in Beer Sheva, the E.U. 's President, Dr. Ursula von der Leyen, stated that Israel and the European Union are bound to be friends.
Moet & Chandon champagne and a selection of wine as well as nonalcoholic beverages were served. A sumptuous buffet consisting of a wide array of canopies and a selection of cheese, savory biscuits and fresh fruit were elegantly presented.
Present among the many Ambassadors not only from the European block but also from Asia, Latin America and Africa were a few military attaches, diplomats, academics, representatives from civil society organizations and high ranking state bureaucrats. Notable guests included H.E. Mr. Gil Haskel, Chief of State Protocol, Prof. Yossi Beilin a former Minister in the Prime Minister's Office as well as of Economics, Justice and Religious Affairs, Mr. Dan Kaidar, Head of International Relations for the Knesset, Dr. Khaled and Mrs. Rim Khalifa, Chairman of the Arab Council of Foreign Relations, Mr. Laurence Weinbaum, Director General of the Israel Council of Foreign Relations and Chief Editor of the Israel Journal of Foreign Affairs and last but certainly not least Lt. Col (Res) Avital Leibovich, Director of the American Jewish Committee (A.J.C.) in Jerusalem.
Congratulations to the Delegation of the E..U. to Israel on Europe's Day's 75th anniversary. www.diplomacy.co.il/ and /diariojudio.com/ extend their deepest gratitude to H..E. Mr. Michael Anthony Mann and Mrs. Mann and Embassy Staff for their gracious hospitality and for a memorable evening.
Photos Silvia G. Golan
More pics at Facebook: Israel Diplo / Diplomacy Israel / Silvia G.Golan & Instagram SilviaGolan
