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Written by Silvia G. Golan

Published: 19 September 2023

 Photo: President Herzog with Ambassador of the Republic of Côte d'Ivoire, H.E. Mr. Fe'ni Kouakou  

President Isaac Herzog today (Tuesday) received the diplomatic credentials of new ambassadors to Israel from Côte d'Ivoire, Peru, Cyprus, United Kingdom, France, Ireland, and Brazil, in a series of official ceremonies at the President's Residence in Jerusalem.

Upon their arrival, each ambassador was welcomed by an IDF honor guard and the playing of the national anthem of their country. After presenting their diplomatic credentials, the President met with each ambassador and their delegation, after which they signed the official guest book. Each ceremony was then concluded by the playing of Israel’s national anthem, “HaTikva”.

First to present his diplomatic credentials to the President this morning, was the incoming Ambassador of the Republic of Côte d'Ivoire, Fe'ni Kouakou. During their conversation, the President said: “The relations between our countries are excellent and we have built historic cooperation that stems from the love of the Bible, the love of humanity, and the pursuit of peace. I hope that together we can advance the relations between our countries”.

The Ambassador extended an invitation on behalf of the President of Côte d'Ivoire for President Herzog to visit his country.

Photo: President Herzog with Ambassador of the Republic of Peru, H.E. Mr. Manuel Cacho Sousa Velazquez

Second to present his diplomatic credentials to the President was Ambassador of Peru, Manuel Sousa Velazquez. The President welcomed him and said: “My three sons enjoyed traveling in your country. I had a good conversation with your President last week, and I wish you great success in your position.”

Photo: President Herzog with Ambassador of Cyprus, H.E. Mr. Kornelios S. Korneliou

President Herzog then received the diplomatic credentials of the new Ambassador of Cyprus, Kornelios S. Korneliou. The President spoke with the Ambassador about the ongoing efforts to expand cooperation in the field of energy, and sent his warm greetings to the President of Cyprus. He also noted that the strategic relations between Israel and Cyprus were an example for the region.

Photo: President Herzog with Ambassador of the United Kingdom, H.E. Mr. Simon Christopher Walters

Later, the incoming Ambassador of the United Kingdom, Simon Walters, presented his diplomatic credentials to the President. The President welcomed him and said: “Britain has an important standing in the Middle East. There are many areas for our governments to discuss – chief among them the issue of Iran.”

The Ambassador emphasized: “Iran is not only a threat to the Middle East, but a threat to the entire world. The British Government's position regarding Iran has been very firm.”

 Photo: President Herzog with Ambassador of France, H.E. Mr. Frederic Journes

Next, the new Ambassador of France, Frederic Journes, presented his diplomatic credentials to the President. The President emphasized: “The challenges facing our country, among them Hezbollah's activity in Lebanon and Iran's refusal to cooperate with IAEA inspectors, must be a red alert for your government.”

The President said, “I had the pleasure of receiving New Year (Rosh Hashanah) greetings from your President – please convey to him my sincere thanks. There is a deep and historical connection between our countries and peoples,” and recalled, “my late great grandfather was the Chief Rabbi of Paris.”

The Ambassador noted: “The relationship between our countries is like no other. It is an intellectual and strategic friendship.”

 Photo: President Herzog with Ambassador of Ireland , H.E. Mrs. Sonya McGuinness

He was followed by the incoming Ambassador of the Republic of Ireland, Sonya McGuinness, who presented her diplomatic credentials to the President. President Herzog congratulated the Ambassador and said: “Ireland and Irish culture are deeply respected in Israel, and you can do much to promote relations between our peoples.”

Photo: President Herzog with Ambassador of Brazil, H.E. Mr. Frederico Salomao Duque Estrada Meyer

Last to present his diplomatic credentials today, was the new Ambassador of Brazil, Frederico Meyer. The President noted: “Brazil is a popular and beloved country among the Israeli public.” He added, “We would be happy to host your leadership in Israel and assist in promoting trade and diplomatic relations between our countries.”

Photo credits: Haim Zach (GPO)

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Written by Silvia G. Golan

Published: 03 September 2023

31 AUGUST 2023, RISHON LEZION, ISRAEL – Filipinos in the Holy Land gathered to pay tribute to President Manuel Quezon at the Open Doors Monument, where Ambassador Pedro R. Laylo, Jr. led a solemn wreath-laying ceremony to commemorate the late President’s 145th birth anniversary (19 August) and 79th death anniversary (01 August). The monument was designed by the Ambassador's good friend, Jun Yee.

Located in Rishon Lezion, a city south of Tel Aviv, the monument honors Quezon’s compassionate act of providing refuge to 1300 Jews fleeing Europe during the Holocaust. His rescue of Jewish refugees, who became known as the Manilaners, has since become an important cornerstone of Philippines-Israel relations. 

“Let us always remember Quezon, honor his legacy of kindness and compassion, and live the ideals he stood for. Let us, like him, be champions of open doors, open minds, and open hearts”, Ambassador Laylo said in his remarks. He also shared his poignant meetings with living Manilaners and their descendants. The envoy then called on Filipinos in Israel to help in spreading more awareness of Quezon’s humanitarian act.

Deputy Mayor Michael Raif and International Affairs Director Annette Ben-Shahar laid a wreath on behalf of Rishon Lezion Mayor Raz Kinstlich. 

 

Danny Weissler, son of the late Manilaner Max Weissler, also offered flowers. He was accompanied by Asher Gofer, son of Holocaust survivors; his Filipina wife Daisy, and their daughter, Doryliz. Doryliz’s footprint is carved in the monument’s floor to symbolize the descendants of Holocaust survivors and the continuing friendship between the Philippines and Israel. Leaders of various Filipino Community groups and organizations also participated in the wreath-laying.

 

Also present at the ceremony were Former Philippine Ambassador to Israel, Petronila Garcia; Mr. Simi Salpeter, a dear and long-time friend of the Embassy and Filipinos in ISR, diplomatic reporter Silvia Golan; and Ms. Tony Levy, external relations officer of Holon Institute of Technology (HIT).

Traditional Filipino merienda such as ginataang bilo-bilo, puto, suman, and buko juice were served to guests after the program.

 

 

Photos  credit Silvia G. Golan

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Written by Silvia G. Golan

Published: 18 September 2023

 

 

 

On Tuesday, September 12th 2023, the Ambassador of the Republic of Costa Rica, H.E.Mrs.Rita María Hernández Bolaños, the Ambassador of the Republic of El Salvador, H.E. Mr. Milton Eduardo Umaña Acevedo, the Ambassador of the Republic of Guatemala, H.E.Mrs. Ava Atzum Arévalo de Moscoso, and the Ambassador of the Republic of Honduras, H.E. Mr. Roberto Augusto Martínez Castañeda held an historic celebration in honor of the bicentennial of Central American independence-marking 202 years since the act of independence of Central America in 1821.

The celebration took place at Daniel hotel in Herzliya with nearly 200 guests. While walking up to the hall where the event took place, and before being greeted by the four Ambassadors at the entrance, the guests had explored an art exhibtion by the Tel-Aviv based Gina gallery. The exhibition presented the work of central- American artists  known for their Naive style of art, which is characterised by childlike simplicity of execution and vision.

Entering the hall, Hors d'oeuvres were served on tables decorated with flowers and small flags, and  promotion videos of the four countries were displayed in the background of the beautiful coastline of Herzliya.

The ceremonial part of the evening began with playing the five national anthems including Israel’s Hatikvah, followed by remarks given Minister Ofir Akunis, Minister of Science and Technology, who spoke on behalf of the government of Israel

 In his remarks, Mr. Akunis mentioned that this year marks 75 years of diplomatic relations between the four countries and Israel, which were established immediately after Israel's declaration of independence.

Akunis also expressed the deep friendship between the countries of Central America and the Jewish people, which goes back many years to the dark days of Second World War,  when Arturo Castellanos, the General Consul of El Salvador in Geneva helped save 40,000 Jews by issuing them Salvadorian identity cards.

Another key person was Jorge Garcia Granados, the Guatemalan Ambassador to the U.N. who was a member of the UNSCOP delegation that supported the Partition Plan. Akunis mentioned his visit to Guatemala in 2020 in the honor of president Giammattei presidency ceremony, where he thanked him for the warm relations Israel and Guatemala have.

Akunis talked about Padre Nunez of Costa Rica, who  also played an important role in lobbying support for the Partition Plan, and later, as Ambassador to the U.N. and to Israel, fought tirelessly against anti-Israel resolutions. Last, Akunis offered thanks to Honduras for its part in permitting the ship Exodus in 1947 to sail, carrying thousands of Jewish Holocaust survivors from Europe to Israel.

Then Akunis thanked Guatemala and Honduras for having their embassies in Jerusalem, while hoping that El Salvador and Costa Rica would return their embassies to Jerusalem in the near future.
 
Akunis also expressed his hope that In order to continue to deepen the relations with the countries of Central America, Israel will be accepted into SICA as an observer.
Akunis concluded by wishing the governments and the people of Central America a future of peace, security and prosperity, and that you enjoy your celebrations for your independence.

Akunis was followed by the Ambassador of the Republic of El Salvador, H.E. Mr. Milton Eduardo Umaña Acevedo who gave remarks on behalf of the four countries. The ambassador started by saying that Central America is rewriting its history, basing its construction of true independence on a freedom that promotes benefits and developments for their people.  He suggested that now the focus should be on goals that position Central America before the world as modern nations at the forefront of opportunities. 

 

The Ambassador committed to keep promoting the culture of these countries through common historical ties, and to promote trade, investment, and tourism, which will benefit the people as well as foreign investors through the SICA programming, in an environment of trust and security.

The ambassador mentioned that the 202 years of independence followed a very intense process of events for the countries but that overall, all Central American nations have aimed at seeking better development and progress for their citizens based on respect for the sovereign power that resides within its own people.

According to him, the integration that the Central American countries enjoy today has been possible, to a large extent, due to the accompaniment and support that we have been receiving from the international community and from friendly countries, such as Israel.

He elaborated the Israeli efforts during the 50s and 60s, when Israel offered joint programs to share knowledge  and skills in areas such as agriculture, medicine, cooperative organizations, and rural development both regional and communal. He mentioned the thousands of students who have since participated in study programs in Israel with Mashav cooperation projects, which guides the participants on the construction of a modern state through knowledge and innovation.

The Ambassador concluded by thanking, on behalf of the four countries, "Keren Kayemet Le Israel" (JNF) for the support provided to carry out the ceremony, and the guests who attended. He wished Israel Shana Tova U’metuka, Happy new Jewish year. The speech was followed by raising a toast for independence and solidarity.

Mr. Eitan Ginzburg, representing Keren Kakement L’Israel (JNF), spoke about the partnership between the Jewish National Fund (JNF) and Central American countries, which represents a valuable collaboration aimed at promoting environmental sustainability and community development. 

Among the distinguished guests also were  Ambassador Gil Haskel, Chief of State Protocol at the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Jonathan Peled – Deputy Director General for Latin America of the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Leo Vinovezky Director of the Economic Division Department for Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean; David Cohen former Ambassador of Israel to El Salvador; Honorary Consul of Costa-Rica in Haifa Mr. Nathan Allalouf and his wife Limor, Honorary Consul of Guatemala Mr. Hernan Felman; First Vice-President of Edmond De Rothschild bank Mr. Nicolas Levy ,Gabriel Hayon – President of the Diplomatic Institute;  Mauricio Diamond; Int’l Spokesperson of the Intl’ Christian Embassy in Jerusalem Mr. Miguel Munoz Valeriano; and President of Israel-America Latina Chamber Mr. Roberto Spindel;  Ariel Stuczynski - Desk Manager Sud America at the KKL ( Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael ); Ambassadors, others diplomatics, military, business leaders and members of the Latin American community in Israel;

 

Diplomacy.co.il offers congratulations to the 4 Governments, Embassies and people on its 202 National Day, and wish best wishes for success and strong bilateral relations between the nations

 

 Photos by Silvia G. Golan
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Written by Silvia G. Golan & Stella Szpira

Published: 25 August 2023

On Thursday, August 24, the Embassy of Uruguay commemorated in Israel the 198th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence with a reception that took place at the Sourasky Central Library of Tel Aviv University. The Ambassador of the Oriental Republic of Uruguay, Mr. Manuel Etchevarren, and his wife Mrs. Ana Solivellas, Mrs. Ifigenia Xifre Consul, Mr. Abraham Aman Honorary Consul, and Mr. Julio Lieberman Honorary Consul, received the guests and compatriots.

The evening opened with the hymns of Israel and Uruguay.

Ambassador Etchevarren began his speech by welcoming the Minister of Intelligence Mrs. Gila Gamliel, the representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other institutions, diplomats accredited in Israel, the Members of the Foundation for the Promotion of Uruguayan Culture in Israel – who organized the exhibition that accompanied this celebration of the 198th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence of the Oriental Republic of Uruguay, to compatriots and other guests. He expressed : “I consider myself very lucky to be here again, since I began my career as consul at the Embassy in Israel a little over three decades ago, and I had the honor and pleasure of being at the first of the national holidays celebrated in this University, which today opens its doors for us again...” He highlighted the opportunity to be participating in key moments, such as the celebration of the 75th anniversary of the State of Israel, and the 75th anniversary of bilateral relations between Israel and Uruguay, which are much older than those three-quarters of a century, because Uruguay was an important factor in the entire movement that led to the creation of this State, such as the decisive vote in the United Nations, which led to the birth of the modern State of Israel, as you all know. The Head of the Uruguayan Delegation at that time, Enrique Rodríguez Fabregat, has some streets that honor him in Israel (Ramat Gan, Holón) and was described as "a natural friend of our cause"  by Menahem Begin. I was also fortunate to participate in various commemorations such as the inauguration at the end of May of a mural in Zichron Yaakov - the culmination of a process initiated by my predecessor Bernardo Graiver and the aforementioned friends and team - that commemorates the friendship between both countries and called La Radio, because the aforementioned vote was followed by many listeners, especially here in the territory of what was to be the State of Israel, precisely through that means, the radio.» …». By the way, recently, the President of Israel, Mr. Itzhak Herzog, a friend from Uruguay, visited and was able to appreciate the work, as well as I hope the Uruguayan wines from the Garzón winery.”

The ambassador highlighted the recent and very successful visit to Uruguay by Minister Eli Cohen, accompanied by an important delegation, which included Ambassador Jonathan Peled, confirming the excellent state of bilateral relations. And to finish, he mentioned the value of the exhibition, which reflects the experience and experiences of those who made “Aliyah” from Uruguay, expressed from very different perspectives and artistic languages, in an exhibition that invites reflection, highly connected with feelings.

He stated how much there is in common, between the 198 years of the Independence of Uruguay declared on August 25, 1825 and the Independence of the modern State of Israel, expressed that" May 14, 1948, where between very different contexts we can extract a common experience: the awareness that this commitment that gave rise to each of the states can only be fully realized if it is constantly renewed, if beyond all gaps or differences we are capable as a society of feeling integrated into a superior body that contains and identifies, and in which we invest our creative energies and our renewing criticisms.” He expressed his appreciation to the University of Tel Aviv, to those previously mentioned, all that network of collaborators that is sometimes more visible and other times less visible, more or less formal or informal, Embassy staff, honorary consuls in Haifa and Ashdod, Garzón wine importer (AIBBLS) cooperators always very necessary and generous with their time and effort.

The Minister of Intelligence, Mrs. Gila Gamliel, representing the government of Israel expressed: “It is a great pleasure and honor for me to represent the government and the people of Israel, to congratulate the Oriental Republic of Uruguay, on the occasion of its National Holiday. Exactly one week ago, our Minister of Foreign Affairs, Eli Cohen, visited Uruguay and met with both President Louis Lacalle Pou and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Francisco Bustillo Bonasso. This historic visit is proof of the deep and far-reaching relations that our two nations share. This is a historic moment as both countries celebrate 75 years of diplomatic relations. Israel and Uruguay share a long history of friendship. The leadership and participation of the Uruguayan diplomat, Enrique Rodríguez Fabregat, in 1947 in the Special Committee of the United Nations, and the subsequent vote of Uruguay in favor of the UN Partition Plan led to the establishment of the State of Israel. Uruguay was the fourth country to recognize Israel. This was a historic gesture of solidarity and support, and we will never forget it. We are also grateful for the open arms with which Uruguay welcomed Jewish refugees from World War II. The Jewish community in Uruguay today is vibrant, strong, and an integral element of Uruguayan society. Israel and Uruguay can work together to develop new technologies, promote peace and stability in the region, and fight terrorism and other forms of extremism. Dealing with Iran is a critical issue in the current battle against terrorism. The actions of the Ayatollah regime have created a dangerous environment that reaches far beyond the borders of the Middle East and casts a shadow across the world. In this sense, Uruguay has the opportunity to be together with Israel to confront the activities of the ayatollahs' regime, with solidarity and unwavering determination. This collaborative stance would not only serve to protect Uruguay's own interests, but would also contribute significantly to maintaining global security. In recent years, Israel and Uruguay have been working to strengthen economic ties between the two countries, which can be demonstrated by the decision to open an innovation office in Jerusalem. As everyone knows, Israel prides itself on its vibrant startup and innovation ecosystem and is happy to share its knowledge and experience with our friends. Ambassador, it will be an honor for us to receive an official visit from the President of Uruguay here in Israel in the coming months. I am sure that the future of our relationship will be bright."

After the formal part, while the guests toured the exhibition, the Ambassador spoke with the guests and I had the opportunity to ask him personally about the plans to open an Embassy office in Jerusalem. He told me "that a Technological, Commercial and Cultural office is going to be opened that will offer more possibilities to the excellent relations between the two countries."

Among the guests were: Ambassador Gil Haskel, Head of State Protocol of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Israel; Jonathan Peled – Deputy Director General for Latin America of the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Ariel Goldstein – Senior Advisor to the Chief of Staff of the Prime Minister's Office; Leo Vinovezky, Leo Vinovezky – Director of the Economic Division Department for Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean; Ms. Sharon Shaviv (Kabalo), Director of the South America Department; Daniel Saban, former Israeli Ambassador to various South American countries; Gabriel Hayon – President of the Diplomatic Institute; Lawyer and notary Leon Amiras; Solomon Esterlis Director of Projects of the Mekorot Water Treatment Company (very active in South America); Perla Angelman Bawnik and many foreign ambassadors especially from South America, military, business leaders and members of the Uruguayan community in Israel.

The collective exhibition of paintings “#what I brought from Uruguay” was held from August 1 to 25, 2023, with the participation of 15 Uruguayan artists living in Israel at the Sourasky Central Library of Tel Aviv University.

The guests were delighted with excellent Uruguayan wines from the Garzón winery, the pleasant Uruguayan music in the background, and typical Uruguayan and South American foods, such as sandwiches de miga and Chajá made by the famous Mabel Jaitt’s catering.

The Staff of www.diplomacy.co.il congratulates the government, people and Embassy of Uruguay on the occasion of the 198th anniversary of its Independence.

Photos credit Silvia G. Golan