Diplomatic Events

On Thursday afternoon, the 28th of May 2026, on the occasion of Paraguay's 215th anniversary of independence, the Ambassador of the Republic of Paraguay to Israel, H.E. Mr Alejandro and Mrs. Tali Cymerman hosted a reception in the foyer of the Embassy's Brosh Tower in Har Hotzvim, Jerusalem.

 

Upon entering the lobby, an impressive exhibition of ballpoint drawings by two Paraguayan artists, Juan Crespo and Richart Peralta welcomed the guests. Each work is born from direct observation portraying the region's fauna and flora namely armadillos, giant anteaters, turtles and deer. The Nivade, the name denoting human beings are one of the largest indigenous peoples of Para - guayan Chaco, having a profound bond with their natural environment. The forest, animals and plants are the axis of their identity and spirituality which is reflected in their art.

 

David Karlsberg dressed in a colourful ethnic Paraguayan shirt entertained guests with his rendition on the Paraguayan harp.

 

Master of Ceremonies, Mr. Anthony Raphael Escoboza, CEO and founder of Escomedia group based in Herzliya and Miami, welcomed all guests and mentioned the men and women who fought and died valiantly for Paraguay's hard earned independence. He stated that the two nations are committed to strengthening friendship and common interests. 

 

The singing of Paraguay and Israel's national anthems followed.

 

The Ambassador of Paraguay, H.E. Mr. Alejandro Rubin Cymerman address began by him highlighting the 215th anniversary of Paraguay's national independence and underscoring the particularly close relationship between Paraguay and Israel. The Ambassador mentioned that Paraguay's independence began on the night of the 14th of May 1811 and was consolidated in the early hours of the 15th of May. This was a decision marking a people's freedom thus taking their destiny into their own hands with the intention to live in dignity as a sovereign nation. Coincidentally, Israel's independence from Britain's mandate in 1948, also came into existence on the same date at midnight, between the 14th and the15th of May. This year, Paraguayan independence coincided with "Jerusalem Day". Paraguay is in Jerusalem, not only because it believes in Israel, but because it honours its word, understanding that true friendship is demonstrated through action alone. The Ambassador noted that over the past year, the relationship between Paraguay and Israel has strengthened significantly with high level visits, ongoing political dialogue, new agreements, concrete cooperation and an increasing bilateral agenda. He expressed his appreciation and gratitude for the decision to name a space in Jerusalem after the Republic of Paraguay, not by simply bestowing a name but leaving a mark of friendship in a city with a long history and memory. He stated that today Paraguay is a country with political and economic stability, abundant energy and productive capacity providing attractive conditions for investment. Israel is beginning to discover Paraguay as a serious,stable and competitive platform for growth. He highlighted the strong growth of Paraguayan beef present in Israel's market recalling that Paraguay exported an average of $110 million worth of beef annually, this figure doubled in 2025. If the current trend continues, exports could exceed $300 million this year. He thanked Israeli importers, distributors, vendors and business people who have placed their trust in his country and helped to improve its products in the Israeli market place. Paraguay is not only about beef, sectors such as food, energy, water, applied technology, logistics, manufacturing, services and investment are available for investors as Paraguay is an open and stable country strategically located in the heart of South America. The Ambassador concluded his address with a message of commitment to freedom and friendship between Paraguay and Israel to be built on a common future based on facts, trust and cooperation.    

 

The State of Israel was represented by Israel's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Gidon Sa'ar who spoke without notes. Guests had the feeling that he was conversing with each one individually. He started by mentioning two members of Israel's Knesset, Mr. Evgeny Sofa, Deputy Speaker of the Knesset and Mr. Boaz Toporovsky, who resigned yesterday, formerly serving as the coalition whip in the incumbent government. The Minister said that Paraguay's decision to move its Embassy to Jerusalem made it easy for him. Last year I visited Paraguay and encouraged investors to think about investing in Paraguay due to its stability which is reflected through its friendship with Israel. Last week I visited the Czech Republic where its stability is reflected through its friendship with Israel. On Saturday night I depart for Fiji, also a stable country reflected in its relationship with Israel. Paraguay was the 6th Embassy to open in Jerusalem and Fiji, being the 7th country. Next month, Somaliland will be the 8th county to open an Embassy in Jerusalem and is important as it is a Musim nation. On the 2nd of December 2025, joy was reflected in Hargeisa, Somaliland's capital, when Israel and Somaliland signed a joint declaration of mutual recognition. It is an important move as it reflects a positive change in a challenging and turbulent time. Despite all odds, Israel continues to open Embassies and representative offices and visa versa. Regarding the forthcoming World Cup Soccer Games opening on the 11th of June 2026, I will continue to support Argentina (my father was born in Argentina) and wish Paraguay great success in their endeavours. Soon Israel and Paraguay will sign a cyber agreement and our intention is not only to fortify relations between governments but also between peoples.

 

 

 

 

A toast in Paraguay and Israel's honour followed enjoyed by the Ambassador and the Foreign Minister.

   

A sumptuous, healthy and colorful buffet consisting of fresh garden salads, a selection of artisanal bread, stuffed vine leaves, bourekas with various fillings, Tuniasian fish canopies and a cheese platter as well as a selection of white and red wine was served.

 

Present among the Meso and South American Ambassadors, Diplomats, State Officials, Businessman, were Mr. Adir Schwarz, Deputy Mayor of Jerusalem, Ms. Ruth Amit - Fogel, Paraguay's Consul Honoraria in Israel , Ms. Monica Mercedes Sartorio Roche, Paraguay's Honorary Consul in Israel, Ms. Miri Berger, Executive Director for the Israel - Latin Chamber of Commerce, Ms. Fine Akosita Ditoka, Head of Diplomacy, Strategic Affairs and Protocol of the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem, Mr. Maor Ifrah, Advisor to the Director General of the Israel's Foreign Ministry, Ms. Annika Briegert, Executive Assistant to the President of the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem, Dr. Mike Evans, Founder of the Friends of Zion Heritage Centre, Mr. Daniel Voiczek, CEO of the Friends of Zion Museum in Jerusalem, Mr. Itai Bartov, the Israeli Foreign Ministry's Chief of Staff for Foreign Policy, Mr. Yinam Cohen, the Foreign Ministry Director of Latin America and the Caribbean, Mr. Amik Ofek, the Foreign Ministry's Deputy Director General and Head of the Department for Latin America and the Caribbean, Mr. Zeev Harel, a former Israeli Ambassador to Paraguay, Mr. Gabriel Berenstein, Elbit Systems Senior Director of Regional Marketing and Business Development, Mr. Jose Aronson, Director of Marketing and Business Development for Israel Aerospace Industries ELTA Group and Mr. Tony Raichler, Head of the Knesset's International Affairs Department for Latin America. 

 

Diplomacy.co.il and www.diariojudio.com congratulates the Ambassador of Paraguay to the State of Israel, H.E. Mr. Alejandro and Mrs. Rubin Cymerman , the Embassy staff  and the people of Paraguay , on Paraguay's 215th anniversary of national independence and expresses its appreciation for a memorable afternoon of joy and conviviality.    

  Photos Silvia G. Golan