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President Rivlin to the British Ambassador:
"Let me assure you - there will be no Isra-exit from our bilateral relations.
Holocaust and anti-Semitism education are not only important for the Jewish community in Britain, but for everyone and all communities, and appreciate the work your government is doing in this field."
President Rivlin to the Irish Ambassador:
"Israel and Ireland are both strong democracies, but even when we disagree, as we sometimes do, we cannot accept boycotts as a valid response."
Ambassadors from the United Kingdom, Ireland, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Equatorial Guinea and Bulgaria presented their credentials today, Wednesday 7 August / 6 Av, to President Reuven (Ruvi) Rivlin at an official ceremony at Beit HaNasi as they take up their posts in Israel. As each ambassador arrived, their national anthem was played by the IDF Band, their national flag was raised and they reviewed an honor guard of IDF soldiers. After presenting their letters of credence to the president and an audience with him, they signed the visitors’ book and Hatikva was played.
The first to present their credentials to the president was Ambassador Dusko Kovacevic of Bosnia and Herzegovina, who did so in Hebrew. He then shook hands with the president and asked if he had pronounced everything correctly. The president replied with a smile, “you said it perfectly, and within a week, you’ll speak the language fluently.” The president welcomed the ambassador to Israel and said, “your country is an example that it is possible to bridge conflicts and to seek peace. I believe that we can deepen the relations in a range of fields and hope that with you here as ambassador, we will do so.”
The ambassador expressed his condolences to the president on the death of Nechama ז"ל and said he was proud to serve his country in Israel. He added that the cooperation between the two countries in the fields of security and economy were very important and expressed his hope that the relations would extend to additional fields. “Let me express my sincere gratitude for the assistance that Israel immediately sent in 2014 when we experienced massive floods. You were among the first countries to send assistance and we will never forget it,” said the ambassador, who ended his remarks by saying in Hebrew, “toda raba - thank you very much - Mr. President.”
The president requested the ambassador’s help in returning the Sarajevo Haggada to Israel. The Haggada, the story of the Exodus from Egypt read on the Pesach festival, was apparently written and illustrated in Spain in the 14th Century, and over the years found its way to the Sarajevo Museum. During the Holocaust and the civil war that followed it, the book was hidden by the museum’s librarians in a mosque and other places. “The Haggada is dear to our hearts and we would deeply appreciate it if we could return it to the Jewish people.”
Next the ambassador of Equatorial Guinea, Luciano Ncogo Ndong Ayecaba, presented his credentials to the president. He will be his country’s first resident ambassador in Israel, and the president said, “I have no doubt that this will help strengthen the relations between our countries. It is an exceptional opportunity and I hope that you and your family will feel at home here.” The president also mentioned that he hoped Israel would resume its observer status at the African Union. The ambassador thanked the president for his warm reception on behalf of himself and his family. “As a Catholic, I am deeply moved to be here. We are two small countries and we have much in common. I am sure that we will be able to do a great deal together,” he said.
The next to present his credentials was Ambassador Neil Wigan of the United Kingdom, accompanied by his wife Yael and two children. Ambassador Wigan presented his credentials in fluent Hebrew, saying “It is a great honor and a deep personal pleasure to be here again, Mr. President, and to present you with my letters of credence as Her Majesty’s Ambassador to Israel.” The president, with a smile on his face, said that he was sure that his wife and children would feel at home, shook hands with the children warmly and said that he was delighted they had come back.
The president welcomed the ambassador and quoted the famous Liverpool FC song, ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’. “Our relations are strong and strategic, including in the field of counter-terrorism, and that is how they will remain, said the president. “We see you as very good friends and let me assure you there will be no Isra-exit from our bilateral relations. Please send my warmest congratulations to Prime Minister Johnson, my dear friend, and of course to Her Majesty the Queen.” The president stressed the importance of fighting anti-Semitism together, saying “we see Holocaust and anti-Semitism education not only as important for the Jewish community in Britain, but for everyone and all communities, and appreciate the work your government is doing in this field.”
The president recalled the visit of Prince William to Israel warmly as someone who does much to bring people around the world together and spoke about the Land of the Monasteries project that Israel is leading in the Jordan valley. “This area is so important to Christians and is significant to the whole region as a place where working together could bring millions of pilgrims and create prosperity and economic growth. I invite you, together with representatives of the Royal Family and the Pope, to come to the opening of the project when the restoration work is completed.”
The British Ambassador told the president how excited he was to return to Israel, where he met his wife Yael on his first posting here in 2002. “It is a great honor and a huge personal pleasure to come back here as ambassador. The Royal Family feels a strong connection to Israel, particularly Prince Philip. The relations between our two countries are close, the prime minister volunteered on a kibbutz, and there is no doubt that this says something about the quality of our relations. After Brexit, we very much want to deepen and extend the relations even further. Israel has a great deal to offer those who visit, and as a historian, the Land of the Monasteries project interests me very much. On the question of anti-Semitism, our government is committed to working with the Jewish community to ensure that they are able to live their lives safely. We see Israel as a friend and even when there are disagreements, that friendship is very important to us.”
The president extended an invitation to a British representative to participate in the ceremony marking the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau that will take place at Yad Vashem in January 2020. “Britain played a crucial role in the Second World War,” said the president and the ambassador replied, “my grandfather was the commander of the forces that liberated Bergen-Belsen and the issue is important to me personally.” At the end of his remarks, the president said, “I wish you all success and I am sure you will feel at home here.”
Ambassador Rumiana Bachvarova of Bulgaria was the next to present her credentials to the president, who said, “I remember my visit to Bulgaria in 2016 very well, during which we unveiled the memorial to the rescue of Bulgaria’s Jews. The links between the Bulgarian people and Israel are good and warm and I am sure that through government-to-government relations we will be able to strengthen the links in a range of areas.”
The ambassador thanked the president for his remarks and noted the importance her government attaches to the relations between the peoples, the governments and the business sectors. “It would be a great honor for me in my new position to realize the great potential of our relations,” she said.
The final ambassador to present his credentials was Ambassador Kyle O’Sullivan of Ireland. The president welcomed the new ambassador and said, “Israel and Ireland are both strong democracies, but even when we disagree, as we sometimes do, we cannot accept boycotts as a valid response. Our bilateral relations are important and we have a wide range of links, not only at the governmental level but also between the peoples. The fifth president of Israel, Chaim Herzog, was born in Ireland and his son is now the Chair of the Jewish Agency.” The president added, “we are making efforts to rebuild confidence between Israel and the Palestinians but we are only one side of the equation. The Palestinians must also understand that they need to make an effort. It would be helpful if you tell them that they must also be part of such efforts. Thank you for the Irish contribution to UNIFIL who play an important role in keeping the peace on our northern border. With a smile at the end of his remarks, the president said “We are known more for our wine than our beer, and I hope you will enjoy our Israeli wine. Welcome to Israel, and I hope you feel at home.” The president spoke to the ambassador’s wife and said, “we may be a little loud, but I hear that Irish people also know how to make a noise when necessary.” Laughing, the ambassador’s wife said, “I have three sons…”
The Irish ambassador thanked the president for his remarks, saying “I listened very carefully to what you said and I agree on many issues. We appreciate the importance you attach to defending democracy and its values, and Israel’s democracy is indeed famous – vibrant and lively. This is something we share. You face many challenges, and we are aware of that. I am glad to see that we can listen to each other and discuss matters, even if we do not always agree. Of course, on the question of the quality of Irish beer, we are in absolute agreement,” he said with a smile, thanking the president for his warm reception.
Photo credit: Mark Neiman (GPO)
- Details
- Written by Steven Aiello
The Embassy of Peru in Israel celebrated 198 years of independence with its annual celebration at the Sheraton Hotel in Tel Aviv, with Peruvian cuisine, music, and a traditional dance performance.
After hearing the national anthems, H.E. Ambassador Carlos Daniel Chávez-Taffur Schmidt began his opening remarks. The ambassador pointed out the common values and industrious nature shared by Israelis and Peruvians. The Ambassador noted 20 years of continuous economic growth at an average of 4 percent of GDP as the results of that industriousness and macroeconomic planning in Peru. He thanked the government of Israel for the four thousand scholars from Peru who have participated in various Mashav training programs, further strengthening the economic capacity of Peru.
Looking forward, the ambassador expressed confidence that the bilateral cooperation between the countries could be further increased, in sectors as wide-ranging as health, education, security, and of course finance. The ambassador highlighted that the Peruvian Embassy has promoted the signing of a “Memorandum of Understanding between the Lima Chamber of Commerce and the Israel Latin American Chamber of Commerce” to boost trade relations, and hoped to sign it soon. He also thanked Israel for supporting Peru’s application to join the OECD.
Noting the proximity of the Eighteen Pan American Games and the Sixth Para Panamerican Games, set to be held in Lima, the ambassador explained that this is the most important sporting event in America, with the participation of 7 thousand athletes. He suggested a Panamerican Maccabi Games in the near future. In concluding his remarks, the ambassador welcomed a very unique group of guests: Peruvian students in different Israeli academic institutions, as well as Israeli students who participated in a special one year course about Peru which exposed Israeli students to different fields of Peruvian reality and its challenges. These students will then conduct research projects proposing possible solutions to improve the quality of life of Peruvians in deprived and rural areas.
Foreign Minister of Israel Mr. Yisrael Katz spoke next. The minister noted the long history between the countries, with Peru supporting the creation of Israel over 70 years ago as part of UNSCOP. The Minister also noted the success for the Mashav Program, as well as a seminar that Israel conducted on the subject of innovation for the countries of the Pacific Alliance, and in particular Peru. The minister stressed the shared the values of the two countries and the appeal that Peru’s rich and unique culture offers to Israeli tourists, with tens of thousands of tourists annually.
Minister Katz congratulated Peru for hosting the recent Summit for Pacific Alliance countries and expressed interest in upgrading Israel’s status at this international forum. He also offered congratulations on Peru’s impressive performance of Peru in America’s Cup finals. In closing his remarks, the minister offered a toast to the best wishes and continued success of the people and nation of Peru.
Throughout the evening, guests enjoyed Peruvian delicacies. The Consul, Victor Alejandro Reinosor, wore traditional clothing and performed a traditional dance with Mrs Leisly Reyes Escalante. A cake ornately decorated in the colors of the Peruvian flag further added to the festive atmosphere.
Among the many distinguished guests in attendance were Foreign Minister Yisrael Katz; Ambassador Meron Reuben, Chief of State Protocol in the Israeli Foreign Ministry; Ambassador Yitzhak Eldan, president of the Ambassador’s Club; Tzachi Braverman the secretary of the Cabinet of the Prime Minister; Ambassador Modi Eprahim, Deputy Director-General for Latin America and the Caribbean MFA; Roberto Spindel the President of the Israel Latin American Chamber of Commerce; Gabriel Hayon- President of The Diplomatic Institute, Superintendent Moti Meiry as representative of the Israeli Police; Vered Swid, former Director of the Authority for Advancing Women’s Rights; Roy Roznek, member of the international committee of the Federation of Israeli Chambers of Commerce; Drs. Ronit and Shmulik Lewinger, and many additional diplomats, business leaders, and members of the Peruvian community residing in Israel
Diplomacy.co.il extends best wishes to the Embassy of Peru on the occasion of its national day
Steven Aiello
Founder--DebateforPeace
Photos Silvia G. Golan
Tanzania’s Union Day and first anniversary of the inauguration of Tanzania's first Embassy in Israel
- Details
- Written by Silvia G Golan
For the first time in Israel, Tanzania will hold a special event marking the 55th anniversary, on April 30 at the Dan Panorama Hotel in Tel Aviv
In Tanzania, every 26 April is Union Day to commemorate the creation of Tanzania through the union of Tanganyika and the archipelago nation of Zanzibar on 26 April 1964
Tanzania will also mark the first anniversary of the inauguration of Tanzania's first Embassy in Israel
The event will be attended by diplomats, businessmen, and the Media. Tanzania's Ambassador to Israel, Mr. Job Masima, noted that the two countries share many common values and that he intends to further strengthen cooperation with Israel in tourism, technology, agriculture and more. According to Ambassador Masima: "Though Tanzania and Israel are separated by great distances in geographical terms, our strong bonds of affection, mutual confidence, common interests, and similar outlooks remains inextricably linked".
Ambassador Masima is the first Tanzanian ambassador to Israel. He received the diplomatic credential from President Reuven Rivlin at a moving ceremony last June. Ambassador Masima took his place as Tanzania's first ambassador to Israel a year ago. Until the arrival of Ambassador Masima, the Tanzanian delegation was headed by the Honorary Consul of Tanzania in Israel, Kasbian Nuriel Chirich, who worked intensively to increase cooperation between the two countries in all fields.
The secret of Tanzania’s magic lies in the fact that it is a paradise for nature lovers. The country features a breathtaking array of landscapes, including volcanoes and snow-capped mountains, lakes, savannahs, marshlands, rain forests, and more. Some of the world’s largest lakes are located within Tanzania’s 945,087 square kilometers. It is not a coincidence that Tanzania has become one of the most popular destinations for Israelis traveling to Africa. It has a unique culture, natural riches, beautiful and exciting nature reserves, and the islands of Zanzibar. More than 4 million wild animals representing over 430 different species make Tanzania their home so that Tanzania has the highest concentration of animals per square kilometer on earth. Mt. Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa, soaring to a height of 5,895 meters, is located in northern Tanzania.
Israelis who want to visit must be issued a visa. There is a new option of getting Visa by E Visa through the internet. The E - Passport of Tanzania has been voted the best passport in the world. There are daily flights from Israel to both mainland Tanzania and the island of Zanzibar, and chartered flights during holidays.
Pictures Courtesy: Ministry for Natural Resources and Tourism of Tanzania and the Embassy in Israel.
- Details
- Written by Steven Aiello
Europe Day 2019 was a double celebration in Tel Aviv. The Delegation of the European Union to Israel hosted a special reception in the presence of President Reuven Rivlin and Tel Aviv Mayor Ron Huldai, which was followed by the ElectroVision festival, as part of the weeklong Eurovision festivities.
Representatives of the European Union member states and other guests enjoyed the private reception hosted by H.E. Ambassador Emanuele Giaufret, Head of the European Union Delegation, and Mrs. Min-Ja Masson at Charles Clore Park, adjacent to the area of the park where the concert was held.
President Rivlin addressed the audience on behalf of Israel, and noted that the Eurovision theme, “Dare to Dream,” could fit both the European Union and Israel. President Rivlin reminded the guests that although Israel and the EU share values and interests, this shouldn’t mean taking EU-Israel relations for granted. He expressed appreciation to Ambassador Giaufret for his role in bolstering cooperation in a range of fields from cyber-security and counter-terrorism to tourism and trade.
The president pointed out that Israelis and their neighbors in the region must learn from the example of the European Union. He described a world in which Israelis and Palestinians shared joint research and academic institutions, and called for taking steps to achieve such a dream in the European Union model. President Rivlin acknowledged that this would not be easy, but he emphasized that “peace isn’t made with paper. Ending conflict requires bringing people together.”
Ambassador Giaufret delighted the crowd by beginning his remarks with in Hebrew. After noting the historical roots of the European Union, the ambassador welcomed his guests, including President Rivlin and Tel Aviv Mayor Ron Huldai. Ambassador Giaufret emphasized that “united we are stronger”. Citing issues such as cybersecurity, climate change, and counter-terrorism, the ambassador stressed that cooperation was in the best interest of all countries, for regional and global peace and stability.
The ambassador also stressed the continued commitment of the EU to Israel’s security, as well as regional peace and stability. Recalling recent attacks on Israel, Ambassador Giaufret expressed the view of the European Union that the two state solution must be advanced as the path to a sustainable and secure future for Israel and its neighbors. In conclusion the ambassador thanked everyone in helping to make Eurovision in Israel a success, and called for greater Israeli-European cooperation going forward.
Tel Aviv Mayor Ron Huldai expressed his delight that the Eurovision competition had come to Israel, and to Tel Aviv, thus bringing tourists from all over Europe to visit Israel. Mayor Huldai pointed out that the European Union was proof that peace is not only made with those we love, but sometimes we must put aside political differences for the sake of building a safer, more successful future together. He wished all of the Eurovision contestants the best of luck, but noted that the real winner was the growing ties between the people of Europe and Israel.
Following the speeches, the anthems of the European Union and Israel were played. Guests were then allowed to continue to a VIP section of the park to hear the ElectroVision performances. ElectroVision featured top contemporary electronic artists from European Member States. The acts were performed on large open-air stages overlooking the beautiful Tel Aviv beach, and included mesmerizing audio-visual LED shows. The performers included:
• Cid Rim - Austria
• Detroit Swindle - Netherlands
• Few Nolder – Lithuania
• Hellwana - Czech Republic
• Karpov Not Kasparov - Romania
• Pejzaz - Poland
• Symphony of Now - Germany
Diplomacy.co.il congratulates the European Union and its member states upon Europe Day 2019!
Photos by Silvia G. Golan
Steven Aiello
Founder--DebateforPeace
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- Details
- Written by Jonathan Danilowitz
At the David Citadel Hotel, it was a special surprise in this Jerusalem winter to see a replica of part of the beautiful gardens at the Bahá’í Center in Akko. The colorful “welcome mat” set the tone of the annual reception of the community to celebrate the Bahá’í New Year, Naw-Ruz. This New Year celebration is especially important, as October 2019 will mark the 200th anniversary of the birth of the forerunner and herald of the Bahá’í Faith. 2019 is also the 176th year of the religion’s founding.
Bahá’í’s from around the world were among the extraordinary guests. (Israel – and Haifa in particular – is the center of the world Bahá’í movement. All faithful must come to Israel at least once in their lifetime to live and volunteer to serve). Among the luminaries were Carmel Irandoust (Bahá’í Deputy Secretary-General), David Freeman (representative, Bahá’í International Community), Amir Halevi (Director-General, Israel Tourism Ministry), Ambassador Meron Reuben, (Protocol chief of state, Israel Foreign Ministry), Noga Sher-Greco (Director of Religious Tourism, Israel Tourism Ministry), Shmuel Elgrabi (Israel Government Bahá’í Advisor/Coordinator), patriarchs and leaders of other religious orders, ambassadors and other members of the diplomatic corps, politicians, VIPs and media personalities.
It was impossible not to enjoy the exquisite buffet dinner offered to the guest as they mingled, renewing old acquaintances and making new friends. A five-piece orchestra provided live musical accompaniment, adding to the ambiance of the hotel’s grand ballroom. The formal part of the evening began with a short presentation by Ms. Irandoust, who read the greeting from Israel’s State President to the Bahá’í community on the occasion of the Naw-Ruz. President Rivlin’s charming message ended with wishes of “peace and joy” for all Bahá’í members, worldwide.
Dr. Joshua Lincoln, Secretary General of the World Bahá’í community, then welcomed and addressed the guests. He offered thanks to everyone for attending to help celebrate the New Year, then spoke of the significance of the centennial year; the history of the Bahá’í religion; the joyous transition from winter to spring which coincides with the New Year celebrations; and of Bahá’í successes and expansions around the world, including openings of new temples and the spread of harmony and peace.
Dr. Lincoln’s address did not ignore the suffering and persecution of Bahá’í faithful in many parts of the world, still to this day, especially in Iran. (Persia/Iran being the birthplace of the Prophet, and the Persian language is an important factor in the religion).
Responding on behalf of the State of Israel, Amir Halevi of the Ministry of Tourism opened his remarks by wishing the community “Shana Tova” – a happy new year. “The Bahá’ís are a community - a young community by Jewish standards - with a deep history and rich social relations with other communities here in Israel. … I am pleased to say that since the creation of the State of Israel, we have positive, friendly and mutually respectful relations.” He added: “The Bahá’ís have contributed not just to the physical beauty of our country, but also to its social fabric.” He mentioned that thanks to the injunction to visit Israel, Bahá’í tourists from some unusual countries visit, including from Tonga, Tuvalu, St. Kits and Nevis, Kiribas, Lesotho, the Seychelles and many more.
Some information that might add interest: Bahá’í is a relatively new, independent monotheistic religion. There are about six million faithful, all around the globe, with religious texts translated into hundreds of languages. Bahá’í beliefs include, among many others, the unity of God; faith in fundamental harmony between religion and science; volunteering; equality between men and women; monogamy; non-violence, compulsory education; using a common world language (like Esperanto) and world peace.
The Director and staff of www.diplomacy.co.il send warmest greetings to the world Bahá’í community on this auspicious occasion.
Photos by Silvia G. Golan
