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- Written by Silvia G Golan
The President of the Republic of Paraguay, H.E. Mr. Santiago Peña : "excited to receive the Friends of Zion Award, One of the Most Prestigious Awards".
The President of the Republic of Paraguay, H.E. Mr. Santiago Peña received The Friends of Zion Award at the Friends of Zion Heritage Center in Jerusalem. The evening was attended by 250 guests, including the President of Paraguay and his wife, the members of the Paraguay delegation among them Minister of Foreign Affairs of Paraguay, the Speaker of the Parliament of Paraguay, the Paraguayan Ambassador to Israel, the ambassadors of Argentina, Japan, Thailand, Mexico, Brazil, the Speaker of the Knesset Amir Ohana, the Minister of Culture Miki Zohar, Mayor of Jerusalem Moshe Lion, First Chief Rabbi of Israel David Yosef, Deputy Foreign Minister Sharan Haskel, MK Boaz Bismuth, Foreign Ministry officials, CEO of Kol Israel David Borowitz Yaari, businessmen and other VIP. The evening was moderated by Fleur Hassan Nahum- special advisor for the ministry of foreign affairs.
The Friends of Zion Heritage Center in Jerusalem in cooperation with Kol Israel hosted an event in honor of the President, His Excellency Santiago Peña Palacios, where he was presented with the Friends of Zion Award for his steadfast support of Israel and in appreciation for the historic relocation of the Paraguayan Embassy to Jerusalem.
The Friends of Zion Award was established by the late Shimon Peres, Israel's 9th President and former International Chairman of FOZ. It has been given to over 23 world leaders, including former US President George Bush, former US President Donald Trump, and former Vice President Mike Pence.
- Sharan Haskel, the vice minister of foreign affairs, CEO of Friends of Zion Museum, Mr. Daniel Voiczek, Kolonel Yossi Peled chairman of the Israeli bord of Friends of Zion and CEO of Kol Israel David Borowitz Yaari presented President of the Republic of Paraguay, H.E. Mr. Santiago Peña with the prestigious Friends of Zion Award for his activities to strengthen ties between Israel and Paraguay and in appreciation for the historic relocation of the Paraguayan Embassy to Jerusalem.
H.E. Mr Santiago Peña received The Friends of Zion Award and expressed his deep gratitude to the Friends of Zion and said: " I am honored and excited to receive the Friends of Zion Award, One of the Most Prestigious Awards and to join the people who are truly Friends of Zion. I will cherish and treasure this award. My support for Israel is total. This is a difficult time for the state of Israel, and I am here to tell you that all the people of Paraguay stands with Israel and will continue to act and assist Israel".
Dr. Mike Evans, Founder of FOZ commented, "It is my privilege to present the President of the Republic of Paraguay, H.E. Santiago Peña Palacios, with this award as I had the honor to present this award to President Donald Trump in the Oval Office."
CEO of Friends of Zion Museum, Mr. Daniel Voiczek: "In a time when leadership often calls for difficult choices, President Santiago Peña has exemplified unwavering conviction and integrity. His bold decision to move Paraguay's embassy to Jerusalem was not merely a diplomatic gesture but a profound statement of friendship, solidarity, and respect. This act of bravery affirms Paraguay's recognition of Jerusalem as the eternal capital of the Jewish people, a truth deeply rooted in history and faith. Tonight we honor you not just as a head of state but as a true friend of Zion. Your unwavering support has strengthened the bonds between Paraguay and Israel, reflecting a shared commitment to the values of freedom, peace, and mutual respect".
Mayor of Jerusalem, Moshe Lion : “To move the embassy to Jerusalem testifies to the deep friendship between Paraguay and Israel - a friendship built on shared values, mutual respect, and a shared determination against hatred and terrorism. Our two countries understand the cost of defending freedom and dignity. The bond between Paraguay and Israel is strong, and it is anchored in our shared appreciation for Jerusalem. We are deeply inspired by The Paraguayan nation commitment to this city and our friends“
David Yaari, Chairman of the Kol Israel party in the World Zionist Organization says, "We salute the President and People of Paraguay for their steadfast support of Israel and recognize the passionate and engage Jewish community in Paraguay. Kol Israel was instrumental in creating, for the first time in history, a Zionist Federation in Paraguay. We are delighted that they are able to celebrate with us the moving of Paraguayan Embassy to Jerusalem, the eternal capital of the Jewish people."
The Friends of Zion Heritage Center was established in 2015, in the center of Israel’s capital Jerusalem, by founder Dr. Mike Evans, a number one best-selling author, and a Nobel Peace Prize nominee for a lifetime of combating antisemitism.
The Friends of Zion Heritage center is a Zionist platform dedicated to the fight against anti-Semitism and BDS and concerns itself with bolstering awareness for the historical support of the Christian friends of Israel. Their advanced Media Center holds dozens of events, activities, and press conferences in line with the FOZ museum's vision
Kol Israel is a leading party in the World Zionist Organization and is the proud flagbearer of modern General Zionism. The party advances the aspirations of global Jewry in its relationship with Israel, serving as a unifying home for all Jews and Zionists who wish to connect to Israel without labels or divisions. As an a-political and non-denominational faction, Kol Israel brings together Jews from all walks of life with a mission to educate, inspire and invest in the next generation of Jewish leaders and activists and restore innovation to the Zionist movement, ensuring the continuity of the Jewish people’s enduring connection to Israel.
www.diplomacy.co.il congratulates the government of the Paraguay Republic and the Embassy and expresses its deep appreciation for their loyal and unswerving friendship
Photos credit Yossi Zamir
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Grapevine - A suitable match By GREER GAY CASHMAN
NO MINISTER could have been more suitable to represent the Israel government at the reception hosted by Thailand’s Ambassador Pannabha Chandraramya in celebration of her country’s national day than Agriculture Minister Avi Dichter, given that the overwhelming majority of Thai workers in Israel work in agriculture.
Thai ambassadors usually serve in Israel for two or three years. Chandraramya is a rare exception, in that, when she concludes her term here in February 2024, she will have served just over five years. Part of the reason is that Thai workers were among the victims and hostages of Hamas. Eight are still in Gaza, two of them unfortunately dead. One of the other reasons is her greatly appreciated work in strengthening relations in all spheres between Thailand and Israel where she has developed many friends as seen by the fond attention she received at the reception, held at the Israel Air Force Center in Herzliya.
Thai citizens are extremely patriotic and the ambassador and Embassy staff were all attired in colorful national costumes made from Thai silk – mostly in lilac or bright yellow. In addition, they still revere their late king, Bhumibol Adulyadej, who was committed to the welfare of the Thai people and worked arduously to improve the quality of life of all his citizens. His son, King Maha Vajirlongkorn is following in his footsteps, said the ambassador. Large portraits of both monarchs were featured on stage, with yellow roses beneath each portrait.
Israel and Thailand have had official relations since 1954, which makes 2024 a significant anniversary year. In addition, December 5 is both the national day of the Kingdom of Thailand and the anniversary of the birth of king Bhumibol, in front of whose portrait the ambassador bowed before delivering her speech. It’s also Father’s Day in Thailand, she said.
Speaking of the strong bonds between Thailand and Israel, Chandraramya cited the visit to Thailand by a delegation of Israeli start-ups. Thailand has been the destination of choice for 450,000 Israelis during the past year. There are also ongoing people-to-people contacts through the 30,000 Thai workers in Israel who contribute to the country’s agricultural output and its economy. Chandraramya also underscored that Thailand and Israel have a strong and lasting partnership.
Dichter referred to the 70th anniversary of diplomatic ties in honor of which 70 trees had been planted in the Ben Shemen Forest as a symbol of lasting partnership.
Israel cannot ignore the fact that Thais were among the victims in the Hamas massacre, he noted, emphasizing “We have a responsibility to the 41 Thai citizens brutally murdered.” The tragedy was not confined to Gaza, he said, but was continuing in the North.
To illustrate the strong link between Thailand and Israel, Dichter related that many of the Thai workers had wanted to go home and visit their families after surviving October 7. He had gone to wish them well on the day before they left Israel, and one had asked him whether he could come back in a few months. Dichter had replied in the affirmative and then asked how many others wanted to come back, and all raised their hands.
IS A truce between Russia and Ukraine in the offing? That would certainly be a reason for the good spirits of Russian Ambassador Anatoly Viktorov, warmly greeted by many of the guests attending the Thai National Day reception. For much of the period of the war between Russia and Ukraine, Viktorov has walked around with a stern expression on his face, and some people have taken care to avoid him, whereas previously they had basked in his company. However, it appears that relations are getting back to what they were.
Photos by Nora Davidovitz
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- Written by Antoanet (Tony) Levy Silvia G. Golan & Stephen Abrahams
On Wednesday, 20 November, 2024, the Ambassador of Bulgaria to the State of Israel, H.E. Ms. Slavena Gergova, hosted a commemorative ceremony in honour of "130th Anniversary of the Birth of Dimitar Peshev, Vice President of the 25thNational Assembly of Bulgaria, Righteous Among the Nations" at the Museum of the Jewish People – ANU in Tel Aviv.
Dimitar Peshev was Minister of Justice (1935 - 1936) and Deputy Speaker of the 25th National Assembly of Bulgaria (1940 - 1943). He rebelled against the intentions of the government to deport Bulgarian Jews to the Nazi extermination camps and in his capacity as Deputy Speaker of the Parliament wrote a protest letter to the then Prime Minister, Bogdan Filov, which was also signed by 42 other deputies. On 17 March 1943, the letter, submitted by Dimitar Peshev, institutionalized the disagreement of Bulgarian society with German imposed Antisemitism.
This act had a sobering effect and the secretly planned deportation was cancelled. More than 48 000 Bulgarian Jews were saved. On 25 March 1943, Dimitar Peshev was removed from his post in the National Assembly.
After the communist coup d'etat on 9 September 1944, he was sentenced by the People's Court to 15 years of solitary confinement in prison. In December 1945 he was released butdeprived of the opportunity to practice his profession. The communist authorities confiscated his property and from 1965 till his death in 1973 he received money and letters of gratitude from rescued Bulgarian Jews living in Israel.
In 1973 Yad Vashem awarded Dimiter Peshev the title of "Righteous Among the Nations" for his role in saving Bulgaria's Jews at considerable risk to himself. He died a few months later and has since then been recognized as having performed a great service to humanity.
The Master of Ceremonies, Mr. Yulian Yakimov, Minister Plenipotentiary and Deputy Head of Mission of the Embassy of Bulgaria, spoke and introduced the Ambassador who followed suit in welcoming everyone present and mentioning how important it is to host the evening despite the difficult period Israel finds itself in. She expressed special gratitude to the panel of guests who participated in the panel discussion. Mentioning "Whatever is said about Peshev, is not enough as he was a high ranking state official who used all means at his disposal in order to achieve his goal in saving Bulgaria's Jews". Although close to 50 000 Bulgarian Jews were saved, unfortunately Bulgaria was unable to prevent the deportation of 11 343 Jews from the region of Thrace in northern Greece and parts of former Yugoslavia. She concluded her speech stating that there is no Antisemitism in Bulgaria and when such incidents occur, they are handled with the rigor of the law.
A 20 minute documentary produced by the Bulgarian Academy of Science was shown followed by a panel discussion which included Assoc. Prof. Angel Dzhonev, from the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences and author of the permanent exhibition of the House Museum "Dimitar Peshev" who flew from Sofia specially for the event, Dr. Angel Chorapchiev, head of the archival acquisitions in the Balkans and Central Europe at the Yad Vashem Archives in Jerusalemand Ms.Ruth Cohen-Dar
, Director of the Department for Combating Antisemitism and Holocaust Remembrance at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Israel. She emphasized the need for governments to invest in Holocaust education.
After the panel discussion guests were invited to ask questionsand make comments. The Head of the EU Delegation to Israel, Mr. Dimiter Tzantchev who also served formerly as Bulgaria's Ambassador to Israel and speaks Hebrew and Arabic said that the European Union bequeathed Yad Vashem with 10 million euro for projects in the field of Holocaust remembrance and combatting Antisemitism.
Among the many present were : Gilad Shadmon - General in the ministry of Regional Cooperation; Ruth Daar- Director of the department for the fight against anti-Semitism in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ambassadors of the European Union to Israel, Mr. Dimiter Tzantchev, Greece, Albania, Austria, Rwanda and Ireland, representatives of the diplomatic missions in Israel, Bahai International Community representative in Jerusalem, Mr. David Freeman and his wife Tracy, as well as Mr. Moni Bar - Honorary Consul General of Bulgaria in Israel, Mr. Yossi Gevir, Director of Governmental and External Affairs and Senior Advisor to the Chairman at Yad Vashem,Representatives of Kiddush Hashem Archives in Bnei Brak, Mr. David Cohen - a former Israeli Ambassador to Bulgaria, Mr. Itzhak Itzhak - President of the Union of Bulgarian Jews in Israel, representatives of other Bulgarian Jewish organizations , Ms. Antoanet
Levy - External Relations HIT Holon Institute of Technology( president office), Mr. Gilad Shadman - Director General of the Ministry of Regional Cooperation, Ms. Levana Finkelstein - a prominent stage actress and sculptor and others. www.diplomacy.co.il is thankful to the Ambassador of Bulgaria for taking the initiative in hosting an evening of such importance, especially in times where deeply seated antisemitic sentiment is visible and conspicuous more than ever in the international arena. A special mention of thanks to Silvia, the Ambassador's P.A. for inviting and welcoming us so graciously.
https://www.mfa.bg/en/embassies/israel
Photos by Silvia G. Golan
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Photo H.E. Mr. Maciej Hunia with Mr Yoav Kisch, Minister of Education
On Monday, 25 November 2024 the Charge d' Affaires a.i. of the Republic of Poland to the State of Israel, H.E. Mr. Maciej Hunia and Mrs. Bozena Hunia together with the Defense, Military, Naval and Air Attache of the Republic of Poland, Colonel Adam Godlewski and Mrs. Dorota Godlewski hosted a reception in honor of Poland's National Independence Day and Polish Armed Forces Day at the Dan Hotel, Tel Aviv. .
H.E. Mr. Maciej Hunia started his speech by welcoming everyone present. On 11 November 1918, Poland regained its freedom after 123 years of partition by Russia, Prussia and Austria. This victory wasn' t just Polish - it was shared by many, including Jewish citizens. Among 30 000 soldiers of Piludski's Legions, the second largest ethnic group were Jews. For Poland, just like Israel, security is our top priority, the most important matter. In 2024, we celebrate 25 years of Poland's membership in Nato. For us, Nato is more than a military alliance, it is a guarantee of freedom which transformed Poland. We have had active troops in the Balkans and in Afghanistan. It reflects our awareness of the threats we face, especially from Russia's aggression against Ukraine. Since 7 October 2023, Israel has endured unprecedented threats, while Israeli society has been suffering an unparalleled sacrifice. Numerous families live in the shadow of tragedy, with loved ones still held hostage in Gaza. Among them was Alex Dancyg, a dear friend of Poland, tragically murdered. Oded Lifshitz, an 83 year old Israeli Polish citizen is still in captivity. The families of Alex and Oded are here with us today. Hope lies in our youth. It is our responsibility to invest in the next generation, enabling them to meet, exchange ideas and build understanding. This is the aim of the Polish - Israeli agreement on youth study visits. The Ambassador concluded by thanking guests for joining in the celebration.
Representing the State of Israel was Mr Yoav Kisch, Minister of Education who spoke. As we gather today to commemorate Polish Independence Day, I am honoured to extend heartfelt greetings on behalf of the Israeli government. This day marks a pivotal moment in Poland's history - a day when the spirit of resilience, unity and hope triumphed leading to the restoration of national sovereignty in 1918. It is a testament to the strength of the Polish people that they have continually demonstrated their dedication to preserving their identity and culture. At this moment we must also acknowledge the current war we face in Israel, as we confront the ongoing threat posed by terrorism and the brutal actions of Hamas and Hezbollah. Just as Poland fought for its independence and the safety of its people, we too are dedicated to defending our nation against those who chose terror and violence trying to destroy our country. The 7th of October was the most terrible day since the Holocaust. Among the kidnapped were 14 Israeli - Polish citizens. Let us celebrate this day of Polish independence with joy and pride reflecting on the achievements of the past while looking forward to a future filled with promise.May the bonds of friendship between Poland and Israel continue to grow stronger fostering peace, understanding and shared success for all of us.
Before the two speeches both anthems were sung i.e. the Polish anthem, "Mazurek Dąbrowskiego" and Israel's "Hatikva".
A ballad of the "First Brigade of the Polish Legion" (1914 - 1917) was sung, this was the official anthem of the Polish Army.
A sumptuous buffet dinner accompanied by wines of extraordinary repute was served in the adjoining hall including scrumptious desserts.
Among the guests were: Mr. Gil Haskel, Chief of State Protocol at the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs ;Mr. Yossi Levy - a former Israeli Ambassador to Lithuania who currently serves as the Foreign Ministry's Special Envoy for the Restitution of Holocaust Assets ; Mr. Mordechai Palzur - a former Chairman of the World Jewish Congress's Institute for Research and Policy and Israel's first Ambassador to Poland in 1991 who is also a recipient of the Polish merit of order for cementing Israeli - Polish bilateral relations; Brig. General (R) Ephraim Sneh, M.D. - former Minister of Health and Minister of Transport and Deputy Minister of Defence; Dr. Lea Ganor - a social historian who is a senior scholar at Bar Ilan University Holocaust Research Institute, Head of the Poland Forum, and Director of the "Mashmaut" Centre (Heritage Holocaust Tradition Values and Rebirth) who also proudly wore her order of merit awarded to her in 2020 by the Republic of Poland for her contribution in the field of education between Israel and Poland ; Mr. Gabriel Hayon - Chairman of the Diplomatic Institute ; Mr. Emmanuel Shapira Rabbanian - Director of Delegations for Dan Hotels and many distinguished ambassadors and military attaches,
Diplomacy.co.il warmly congratulates the Republic of Poland on its National Independence Day and Polish Armed Forces Day.
Photos credit Silvia Golan
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A warm and celebratory farewell reception for the Ambassador of El Salvador, H.E. Mr. Eduardo Umana was hosted on 15th October, by the Honorary Consul of Belize, Mr. Yoram Noar, in collaboration with The Ambassadors Club and the Israel - Latin American Chamber of Commerce in Herzliya Pituach. The event was organised by the aforementioned societies honouring H..E. Mr Umana for his extraordinary contribution in intensifying bilateral relations between El Salvador and Israel.
The Ambassadors Club regularly arranges and hosts receptions recognizing the efforts, sacrifice and importance of foreign ambassadors.
On the 19th of September H.E. Mr Eduardo and Mrs. Cecilia Umana, were the only Central American ambassadorial couple who hosted a reception to honour their country's 203rd anniversary independence , due to the situation in Israel . Annually, in the past, all Central American embassies namely, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Honduras and Guatemala in Israel have jointly hosted their national day receptions as the date falls concurrently on the 19th of September.
In 1948 these countries played a leading role in the creation of the State of Israel by voting for its creation. Since the tragedy that befell Israel on the 7th of October 2023, El Salvador has been the only Central American country to vocally support Israel and show unwavering support.
At the national day reception the issuing and delivery (Immediate Delivery System) of El Salvadoran passports was launched as well as awards of merit to persons for services rendered to El Salvador. I was also honoured with an award of merit for my contribution to which I am most thankful to H.E. Mr. Eduardo and Mrs. Cecilia Umana.
This year marks the auspicious 76th anniversary of bilateral relations between El Salvador, Honduras, Costa Rica,Guatemala and Israel which was immediately established after the creation of the State of Israel in 1948.
The seeds of El Salvador and Israel's relationship was planted by the valorous El Salvador's Consul General in Geneva, H.E. Mr. Arturo Castellanos saved 40 000 Jews by issuing them with El Salvadorian identity documents.
At the national day reception on the 19th of September a pre recorded audio visual message of El Salvador's Deputy Minister of Diasporian Affairs and Human Mobility, H.E. Ms. Cindy Mariella Portal was screened where she elucidated about El Salvador's innovative issuing and delivery of passports.
At the farewell, H.E. Mr Uduardo and Mrs. Cecilia Umana were honoured by many prominent figures including ambassadors, diplomats, high ranking state officials, businessmen who were present acknowledging the Umanas formidable contribution in fostering bilateral relations, trade and cultural exchanges.
To mention a few of the many prominent guests present were Ambassador of Paraguay, H.E. Mr. Alejandro Rubin Cymerman, H.E. Mr. Manuel Etchevarren -Ambassador of Uruguay to Israel, Mr. Mattanya Cohen - Head of the Department of Latin American and the Caribbean at the Foreign Ministry, H.E. Mr. Javier Martin Sánchez Checa Salazar, Ambassador of Peru, H.E. Mr. Ezra Cohen, Ambassador of Panama, H.E. Mr. Mauricio Escanero Figueroa Ambassador of Mexico, Mr. Pablo Hartstein, Deputy Head of Mission of the Embassy of Argentina, Dr. Menache Rosenfeld - El Salvador's Honorary Consul, Ms. Ruth Amit Fogel - Honorary Consul of Paraguay, Ms. Marcela Santana Guerrero - Counselor and Head of Consular Affairs at the Embassy of the Dominican Republic, Mr. David Freeman - Representative of World Bahai in Israel, Honorary Consul of Costa Rica Mr. Natan Allalouf , Mr. Patricio Cifuentes, Chargé d'Affaires of the Embassy of Chile • Mr. Nelson Torres, Minister of the Embassy of Ecuador
• Mr. Jai Fernando Morales Allan, Minister Counselor and Chargé d'Affaires of the Guatemalan Embassy, CEO of Port2Port, Roy Roznek Honorary Consul of Kosovo ;Mr. Nicolas Levy - CFA and First Vice President of Edmond De Rothschild Private Banking and Mrs. Alona Kastel - ORT's Head of International Business Development and Marketing, Mrs. Maya Karmely Sommer, Director of the Department of Mexico and Central America MFA, Mr. Shai Pascal, Ministry of Economy, in charge of commercial attachés in Latin America. Amit Titelman CEO Israel Latin America Chamber of Commerce.
• Mr. Jai Fernando Morales Allan, Minister Counselor and Chargé d'Affaires of the Guatemalan Embassy, CEO of Port2Port, Roy Roznek Honorary Consul of Kosovo ;Mr. Nicolas Levy - CFA and First Vice President of Edmond De Rothschild Private Banking and Mrs. Alona Kastel - ORT's Head of International Business Development and Marketing, Mrs. Maya Karmely Sommer, Director of the Department of Mexico and Central America MFA, Mr. Shai Pascal, Ministry of Economy, in charge of commercial attachés in Latin America. Amit Titelman CEO Israel Latin America Chamber of Commerce.
In words, www. DIPLOMACY.CO.IL cannot sufficiently express its thanks and gratitude to Mr Eduardo and Mrs Cecilia Umana for their generosity of spirit and recognition of their achievements in Israel.We wish them success,peace and much satisfaction in their forthcoming posting in Doha, Qatar.
Photos by Silvia G. Golan
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