Diplomatic Events

On the occasion of the Argentine Republic's "May Revolution Day", the Ambassador of the Argentine Republic to the State of Israel, H.E. Rabbi Axel Shimon Wahnish, hosted a reception at the National Library of Israel., Jerusalem.

 

The 25th of May in Argentina is often called "Dia de la Patria" (Homeland Day), being the most important holiday commemorating the May Revolution of 1810 that established the country's first independent government.

 

Guests gathered in the National Library's impressive and modernist foyer where a circular glass panel overlooks the reading rooms below. Red wine from Mendoza, Argentina's premier wine region, nestled in the eastern foothills of the Andes and imported Alfajores, an iconic Argentinian cookie ( Alfajores ) filled with caramel sauce  ( Dulce de Leche ), were plentiful.   

 

The official ceremony took place in the National Library's auditorium, the national anthems of Argentina and Israel were sung accompanied by a trio of musicians from the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra. 

 

Representing the State of Israel, H.E. Mr. Amichai Chikli, Minister of Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism, started his address by stating that if someone had mentioned Argentina to him years ago, he would have thought of a country struggling with economic hardship, political instability and corruption under a shadow of terror and antisemitism. Today Argentina represents the opposite, under the leadership of President Javaier Milei, epitomizing liberty, moral clarity and economic success. Argentina stands proudly as Israel's closest and most trusted ally and friend in South America, rooted in democracy, freedom and in the unwavering belief that free societies must stand united against evil and terror. Two years ago I had the honour of visiting Argentina and participating in the commemoration marking 30 years since the devastating terror attack by Iran against the AMIA building, killing 85 people. We value Argentina's pursuit of justice for the victims against the Israeli Embassy in Buenos Aires in 1992 and the AMIA community centre in 1994. We are grateful for President Milei's announcement recognizing Jerusalem as the eternal capital of the State of Israel and for his commitment to relocate the Argentine Embassy to Jerusalem. Argentina's Ambassador Axiel's role is not merely an official and political appointment, but his connection to Israel and Judaism is deeply ideological, spiritual and personal. President Milei's state visit last month marked a significant milestone in the partnership between our nations. The launch of forthcoming direct flights between Tel Aviv and Buenos Aires is another important step in bringing our societies closer. Argentina's presidency of the IHRA, the first ever held by a Latin American country, designates its leadership in the fight combating antisemitism. 

 

The musical ensemble played "Jerusalem of Gold" which was enthusiastically received by the audience followed by a Bach suite, Mozart's Divertimento and Manuel de Falla's Danza del Fuego. 

 

Lord Mayor of Jerusalem. Mr. Moshe Lion stated that Argentina's support and friendship was highlighted last month by President Milei when he lit a torch at Israel's Independence Day celebration in Jerusalem. Jerusalem has a square called Argentina square and soon an Embassy will be opened. May everyone experience peace, G-d bless both the people of Argentina and Israel. 

 

The Ambassador of the Argentine Republic to the State of Israel, Rabbi Axel Shimon Wahnish address was in Spanish, warmly welcoming everyone to the celebration of Argentina's national day, commemorating the birth of a nation founded on the ideals of liberty and the aspiration to build a free and sovereign country. Under the leadership of President Milei, Argentina firmly stands on the right side of history defending the ideals of freedom, democracy and life - principles that deeply unite us with the State of Israel and continue to strengthen the bonds between our peoples. May this evening of music and culture be a celebration of our heritage and a bridge that brings our peoples together. We are honoured by your presence and sincerely thank you for joining us on this special occasion.

 

A video recording featuring Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu extending his congratulations and hailing President Milei as a "Champion of Truth" was screened.   

 

A musical selection by the Israel Philharmonic.Orchestra's trio enthralled guests, the programme included Argentina's most renowned composer, Astor Piazzolla's Libertango, Oblivion, Fuga y Misterio and Adios Nonino as well as Carlos Gardel's Por una Cabeza. 

 

Concluding the evening's event was a raffle entitling the winner two tickets on El Al's new non stop "maiden flight" to be inaugurated in November 2026, from Tel Aviv to Buenos Aires. The tickets were presented by El Al's Director International Affairs. Mr. Stanley Morais mentioned that the forthcoming connection is not merely a flight but reflects the deep friendship between our countries.

 

Present were Ambassadors, diplomats and military attaches specially from Central and South America, state officials, many Argentinian nationals and expatriates living in Israel,  Mr. Oren Weinberg, CEO of the National Library of Israel, H.E. Mr. Gil Haskel, Chief of State Protocol, H.E. Mr. Yinam Cohen, the Foreign Ministry's Director for Latin America and the Caribbean, Mr. Amit Zaruk, an advisor from the State President's Office, Dr. Ana B. Heller, Astrophysicist and Nano-satellite expert ;Mr and Mrs. Leo Glaser, an Argentinian Israeli businessman, Mr. Tony Reichler, Head of the Knesset Internationals Relations Section, Mr. Roni Kaplan, the IDF's Spanish spokesperson, Mr. Jonathan Meta, a journalist for Kan Media (Spanish), Six Rescued Argentinian hostages held in captive by Hamas, Ms. Miri Berger, Executive Director of the Israel - Latin America Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Dotan Smith, Population and Immigration Authority's Head of the Assisted Voluntary Return Division, Mr. Yehuda Haviv, Israel Tax Authority's Senior Director of the Diplomatic Unit's Collection and Enforcement Department, Ms. Shira Martin, a Senior Bureaucrat in the Israel Tax Authority Diplomatic Unit's Collection and Enforcement Department and last but not least Sister (Maria) Ana Dibora Carrizo from the Servants of the Lord Mission in Bethlehem as well as Sisters Pia, Roncesvalles, Resurreccion and Praedilecta who work tirelessly and serve in an Institute for handicapped children in Bethlehem.

 

Diplomacy.co.il and   https://diariojudio.com  congratulate H.E. Rabbi Axel Shimon Wahnish on the Argentine Republic 216th anniversary of independence and is most grateful to the Embassy staff for a memorable evening of conviviality and friendship.                               

 

 Photos Silvia G. Golan