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Written by Silvia G. Golan & Tony Levi

Published: 06 March 2023

A very special concert and cocktail was held on March 5, 2023, devoted to the celebration of the 145th National Day of Bulgaria and the 80th anniversary of the salvation of the Bulgarian Jews. The Festive occasion was held by the Embassy of Bulgaria in Israel under the patronage of Ambassador Rumiana Bachvarova at Enav Cultural Center in Tel Aviv.

The event started with Celebration of Bulgarian worldwide known cuisine by indulging in some of its traditional refreshments. The favorites include: banitsa that in Israel is well known as “burecas” (ladino translation), shopska traditional salat, lovely Bulgarian cheese-asorti , lyutenista , etc. delicious . The glory was a fantastic Bulgarian wine gift from Winery "TODOROFF”, located in the heart of the Thrace Region (red and white)

The wines are watered with great success due to their style, finesse and aroma.

 

The ceremony was initiated with the National Anthems of both countries : Bulgaria and Israel

Ambassador Rumiana Bachvarova opened the 145th anniversary of Independence of Bulgaria and 80th anniversary of rescue of Bulgarian Jews, with deeply touching words in Hebrew, Bulgarian and English. "Bulgaria is one of Europe's oldest countries, founded in the seventh century (681 AD). Ambassador Bachvarova explained the importance of choosing March 3, as Independence Day of Bulgaria, where Bulgarian all over the world celebrate the 145th anniversary of its liberation from Ottoman rule. For Bulgarians the memories for the dark Ottoman era of 500 years of genocide are painful and traumatic.

  Ambassador Bachvarova expressed deep respect and gratitude to distinguished audience: the Israeli Foreign Ministry's Chief of Protocol Ambassador Gil Haskel Ambassadors and Embassies staff representatives of EU delegation to Israel H.E Dimiter Tzantchev, a native of Bulgaria, European Union's Ambassador to Israel, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Romania Dr. Radu Ioanid, Ambassador of Rwanda Mr. James Gatera, Ambassador of Georgia Mr. Lasha Zhvania, Ambassador of Croatia to Israel Vesela Mrden Korac, Deputy Ambassadors of Israel in Bulgaria Mr. Shaul Kamisa and Mr. David Cohen ( who also serves as chairman of “Salvador”) ,Professor Dan Shechtman, Nobel laureate in Chemistry and Chairman of Yehud Olei Bulgaria in Israel Mr. Itzhak Itzhak , Knesset, business, culture and academy representatives as Prof. Michael Bar Zohar (former MK) sand Ms. Antoaneta Levy also with Bulgarian roots, Yad VaShem holocaust museum representative Mr. Angel Chorapchiev and many others distinguished guests as well, “for being with at such an important, historic day where before 145 years was born "new and modern Bulgaria, the III Bulgarian state".

 

"The friendship ties from Bulgaria and Israel stay stronger than ever" said Ambassador Bachvarova, with mutual fruitful cooperation in areas of tourism, health, culture, etc.  The Large business Israeli-Bulgarian forum will be held these days in Israel.
Members of the National Assembly, church and Bulgarian people wrote the bravest story keeping Bulgarians Jews alive in IIWW. Today we also marked the 80th anniversary of the salvation of the Bulgarian Jews.
Ms. Bachvarova continued - "This is the lesson we learned. Thank you for the hard work to keep the memories. Thank you for this how here in Israel we learn of the heroic Bulgarian people save their Jews, the fact labeled with the flag of higher democratic values. We Bulgarians are proud to save our Jews brothers and sisters, we also keep the memory of those terrible acts that Jews from North Macedonia, Saloniki,  Yugoslavia were sent to Treblinka.
Under the leadership of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church, and other noteworthy individuals who resisted a deal between the Bulgarian government and the Nazi regime, nearly 50,000 Jews living in Bulgaria were saved from certain death.
We remember the wonderful actions of the Bulgarian people, which in my opinion is just as wonderful if not more so in certain aspects. True, 11,000 Jews were not saved in Macedonia and other areas, but more than 50,000—and from what you’ve told me, perhaps many more—were saved in an astonishing act, when waves of people came and blocked the train tracks with their bodies. No one blocked the train tracks in other places in Europe, not any other place, but in Bulgaria they blocked the tracks with their bodies—teachers, priests, writers, farmers, all prevented the destruction with their bodies.
We mark the Bulgarian people's heroism today, because on March 10, 1943, thousands of Jews who had been rounded up for deportation were freed from concentration centers. In the face of widespread protests, the government had rescinded its deportation order the day before. That same month, however, Bulgarian authorities deported 11,343 Jews from parts of Greece and Yugoslavia, occupied by the Bulgarian Army. While we celebrate the rescue of Bulgaria’s Jews, we mourn and commemorate those whom Bulgaria sent to their death in Treblinka. Delegation from Bulgarian Jewish community in Israel will attend an annual memorial service on 10 March at the Monument of Gratitude in Sofia Bulgaria to marked the 80th years of the deportation of 11,343 of Jews living in Bulgarian-administered lands (Serbia, North Macedonia and Thessaloniki) to

Treblinka"

.

"We will never forget", said Honorary Consul to Bulgaria, Mr. Moni Bar: "that brave Bulgarian people saved us, their Jews brothers and sisters. This is unique example for all nations how can live together, in one multi

culture peaceful and friendship atmosphere. The heroic actions of Bulgarians 80" years ago show the power of standing up and standing together".

“Bulgaria and Bulgarians is a great attach with history bonds with Israel” said in his speech Mr. Gil Haskel, Chief of State Protocol, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, The State of Israel. “The sky is a limited between us: in Economy, security, water, tourism, etc. areas of mutual interest and a good will from both and will help us to achieve many of our goals.  As a husband of Israeli Jew with Bulgarian roots, I can declarate that  “you can

never appreciate enough of the brave Bulgarian people save their Jews lives. If more countries had acted like Bulgaria and the example of its heroic people, our history would have been written in a different way”.

 

 

Ms. Bachvarova presented a gift to the listeners with a wonderful selection of great works of famous Bulgarian composer with Jews roots Pancho Vladigerov. Vladigerov is arguably the most influential Bulgarian

composer of all time. He was one of the first to successfully combine idioms of Bulgarian folk music and classical music. Part of the so-called Second Generation Bulgarian Composers, he was among the founding members of the Bulgarian Contemporary Music Society (1933), which later became the Union of Bulgarian Composers. His mother Dr. Eliza Pasternak was a Russian Jew. His father Dr. Haralan Vladigerov was a Bulgarian lawyer and a politician. Pancho's maternal grandfather, Leon Pasternak, a Russian Jew who left Odessa and settled in Zurich a few years before Pancho's birth, was a very influential figure in Pancho's musical development and later success. Vladigerov composed in 1951 his great symphony, the "Jewish Poem", Opus 47. with which was opened the concert. This symphony received in 1952 the highest honor given by the Bulgarian Government to an artist, the Dimitrov Prize, and earned him the admiration of his fellow musicians: "A work like this is written only once in a hundred years", Dmitri Shostakovich exclaimed.

A concert by the Vladigerov Trio in Tel Aviv was include very precious repertoire dedicated to the 145th anniversary and 80th years of the commemorating the salvation of Bulgarian Jews by the Bulgarian people during World War II. Ekaterina, Alexander and Konstantin Vladigerov also dedicated the concert program to the memory of their grandfather - the famous composer Pancho Vladigerov, on the occasion of the 124th anniversary of his birth - March 13, 1899.
We were honored to hear the grandchildren of the great Bulgarian composer founders of Trio Vladigerov. They gave the audience unforgettable moments with their wonderful bursts in a multi-spectral style in the spirit of compositions skillfully combining Bulgarian folk music with classical, jazz, klezmer, Idish and ladino.

Guests applauded the performers for a long time and did not want to part with their virtuous music

.
Thank you, Ambassador Bachvarova, for unforgettable evening

In adition of the National Day, The Ambassador Rumiana Bachvarova held a few days ago ( on 26-02 ) at the ANU Museum, a very emotive panel " Memories for the Future", event by hearing and telling about the experience of those days, the Rescue of the Bulgarian Jews during the Second World War as an eternal lesson of humanity and courage to pass on to future generations.

The Director and staff of Diplomacy.co.il and Mrs. Tony Levy, External relations ,President Office HIT Holon Institute of Technology, Lecturer Culture HeritageTechnologies share their good wishes to the Ambassador, Embassy Staff and to the people of Bulgaria on this memorable occasion 

 

Photos by Silvia Graciela Golan

More Pics at Facebook  Diplomacy Israel / Israel Diplo / Silvia G. Golan

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Written by Spokesperson of the President's Office

Published: 12 January 2023

Wednesday, 11 January 2023 / 18 Tevet 5783

President Isaac Herzog’s full statement: 

“Mr. Ambassador, Şakir Özkan Torunlar, welcome to Israel! İsrai̇l'e hoş geldi̇ni̇z! Today we complete another important step, reaching another milestone in the strengthening of our relations and deepening of the friendship between Türkiye and Israel. As you know, one of the key moments in this relationship was the invitation I received from my friend President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to visit Türkiye, and my historic State Visit to Ankara and Istanbul in March 2022. 

“I must tell you, Your Excellency, that I was moved to hear the Israeli national anthem in Ankara, as Israeli flags flew overhead; it symbolized more than anything the tremendous privilege that we, President Erdoğan and I, had in laying new foundations for the important relationship between our countries and our peoples, and in building bridges of good and strong neighborly relations, which are vital for all of us, now and always. I trust that you too, Your Excellency, felt similarly moved when you saw Türkiye’s flag and heard its anthem here, at the President's Residence.

“It is no secret that the State of Israel attaches great importance to our historic relationship with Türkiye, as do I personally. It is a relationship that has known crises in the past but is now, to our delight, on a very encouraging trajectory. Israel and Türkiye can and must cooperate in many fields that will bring progress and growth for both countries and both nations. We must deepen and broaden our collaboration in many diverse fields, including tourism, academia, energy, science, culture, agriculture and so much more, so that they may bring value to our citizens, and no less importantly—to our region. 

“President Erdoğan has underscored in the past year, including in conversations with me and publicly, how deeply he recognizes the importance of the partnership between Israel and Türkiye, and I would like to take this opportunity, as President of the State of Israel, to invite President Erdoğan to visit Israel, which I am sure will contribute to deepening the ties and cooperation between our countries. 

“I note that Türkiye’s policy and impact is felt, especially in the context of your efforts to solve significant problems relating to the war in Ukraine, exchange of hostages, and the export of wheat to the world.

“Ambassador Torunlar, you are returning to a place that is not foreign to you. A decade after you served your country as its Consul-General in Jerusalem, you are privileged to continue contributing your share to the strengthening of relations and cooperation between our countries. The presentation of your letters of credence a few minutes ago is a direct continuation of an identical occasion in Ankara a few weeks ago, in which Israel’s ambassador to Türkiye, Mrs. Irit Lilian, presented her credentials to President Erdoğan. I am sure that we will all continue strengthening the relations between our countries from a place of mutual respect, hand in hand, for the sake of a better and more promising future for our peoples and our region. My excellent team is at your disposal, for any issue or matter. I wish you success, Your Excellency. Success to us all!”

Photo   Haim Zach /GPO  

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Written by Romanian Cultural Institute in Tel Aviv

Published: 19 January 2023

The Romanian Cultural Institute (RCI) in Tel Aviv marked the National Culture Day with the symphonic concert "Enescu inspirational", organized in collaboration with the Israeli Conservatory in Tel Aviv, in whose Auditorium the event took place. 

The "Quint-L" String Ensemble from Jerusalem, with the participation of soprano Mirela Grădinaru, offered an excellent opportunity to familiarize the Israeli public with the work of the composer George Enescu.

"We hope that 2023 will be a more peaceful year, during which we will be able to savor art and culture. It's a year in which we celebrate 20 years since the establishment of the Romanian Cultural Institute, the main institution for promoting Romanian culture abroad" – emphasized the RCI Tel Aviv director, in his opening speech. Martin Salamon added that the event is part of the series of events dedicated to the national project Timișoara - European Capital of Culture 2023. At the same time, he welcomed the presence of H.E. Ambassador Radu Ioanid, whom he thanked for the support given to RCI activities, as well as Attila Weinberger, the vice-president of the Romanian Cultural Institute in Bucharest. The director of RCI Tel Aviv extended special thanks to the director of the Tel Aviv Conservatory, Costin Canelis, for his support and collaboration.

In turn, Attila Weinberger addressed the audience, comprising members of the Romanian Jewish community, partners and collaborators of RCI Tel Aviv from institutes and cultural centers, as well as representatives of the diplomatic corps accredited in Israel. Attila Weinberger underlined that 2023 marks 75 years of uninterrupted diplomatic relations between Romania and Israel and consequently, the Romanian Cultural Institute in Tel Aviv will include, in its calendar of cultural activities for the year 2023, events dedicated to this important anniversary. The vice-president of RCI expressed his wish that the events organized on this occasion would bring the Israeli public even closer to Romanian culture and civilization. 

The program of the concert included:

- George Enescu,”7 Chansons by  Clément Marot, Op. 15 for Soprano and Piano”, performed by Mirela Grădinaru (soprano) and Bella Steinbuk (piano);

 - George Enescu,”Serenade Lointain for flute, cello and piano”, performed by Rotem Bartan (flute), Isaac Andrade (cello) and Diana Lifshitz (piano);

- George Enescu,”Cantabile et Presto for flute and piano”, performed by Rotem Bartan (flute) and Diana Lifshitz (piano);

- Violeta Dinescu,”Satiya”, arranged by Vlad Baciu for violin and piano, performed by Elina Yanovitsky (violin) and Bella Steinbuk (piano);

- George Enescu, ”Prelude and Adagio from Suite in old style arranged for harp”, performed by Marina Fredin (harp);

- George Enescu, „Menetrier” from ”Impressions d'enfance for violin solo”, performed by Elina Yanovitsky (violin);

- George Enescu, ”Impromptu concertant for violin and piano”, performed by Elina Yanovitsky (violin) and Diana Lifshitz (piano);

- George Enescu, ”Aubade for violin, viola and cello”, performed by Elina Yanovitsky (violin), Alexander Shohat (viola) and Isaac Andrade (cello).

The Israeli musical ensemble ”Quint-L” String Ensemble includes musicians who are part of the prestigious Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra. They have a rich musical career, both as solo performers and as members of the string ensemble.

 Romanian Cultural Institute in Tel Aviv

www.facebook.com/icr.telaviv

www.youtube.com/user/ICRpromo

 Photo credit :

Marina Fredin
Elina Y. and Bella Steinbuk

 Elina Yanovitsky, Alexander Shohat and Isaac Andrade

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Written by Spokesperson of the President's Office

Published: 11 January 2023

 President Isaac Herzog received the credentials today of the new ambassadors of Australia, the Philippines, El Salvador, South Korea, and Türkiye in a series of official ceremonies at the President’s Residence in Jerusalem.

The incoming ambassadors were welcomed by the IDF Orchestra playing their respective national anthems and they inspected an IDF honor guard in the Ceremonial Plaza, after which they presented their letters of credence to the President in the Great Hall. The President held an audience with each ambassador, after which each ambassador signed the guest book. At the end of each ceremony, the Israeli national anthem was played.

 Photo: President Herzog with Ambassador of the Commonwealth of Australia, H.E. Dr. Ralph Peter King

The first ambassador to present his letters of credence to the President was the Ambassador of the Commonwealth of Australia, H.E. Dr. Ralph Peter King, formerly Australia’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Kuwait. “Australia is an immense friend of the State of Israel,” said the President. “I am very grateful for Australia’s support of Israel’s position in so many international forums.” The Australian Ambassador added that he intends to work to promote trade and reciprocal tourism, to maintain Australia’s support for Israel in international forums, and to prevent it from being singled out, emphasizing the promotion of long-term peace.

 Photo: President Herzog with Ambassador of the Republic of the Philippines, H.E. Mr. Pedro Laylo

The second ambassador to present his letters of credence to the President was the Ambassador of the Republic of the Philippines, H.E. Mr. Pedro Laylo. The President thanked the Ambassador for the dedication of Filipino care workers in Israel, calling them “guardian angels.”

Photo: President Herzog with Ambassador of the Republic of El Salvador, H.E. Mr. Milton Eduardo Umaña Acevedo

The third ambassador to present his letters of credence to the President was the Ambassador of the Republic of El Salvador, H.E. Mr. Milton Eduardo Umaña Acevedo, formerly his country’s consul-general in Miami, Florida. The President and the Ambassador discussed the importance of deepening Israeli-El Salvadorian ties in the fields of agriculture and tourism.

 Photo: President Herzog with Ambassador of the Republic of Korea, H.E. Mr. Kim Jin-Han

The fourth ambassador to present his letters of credence to the President was Ambassador of the Republic of Korea, H.E. Mr. Kim Jin-Han, a former intelligence official. The President and the Ambassador discussed the role played by the President’s uncle, Foreign Minister Abba Eban, in the diplomatic resolution of the Korean War. President Herzog and the Korean Ambassador discussed several issues including reciprocal trade. At the end, they raised a toast and the Ambassador of Korea said, “Am Yisrael Chai!”

 Photo: President Herzog with Ambassador of Türkiye, H.E. Mr. Şakir Özkan Torunlar

 The last ambassador to present his letters of credence was the Ambassador of Türkiye, H.E. Mr. Şakir Özkan Torunlar. The ceremony comes around ten months after the President’s historic State Visit to Türkiye at the invitation of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in March 2022. Ambassador Torunlar, formerly Türkiye’s consul-general in Jerusalem and ambassador to India, was appointed by President Erdoğan to the role of Ambassador to the State of Israel following the announcement of the restoration of full diplomatic relations between Israel and Türkiye.

In his remarks, the President underscored the importance of relations between Israel and Türkiye, noting Türkiye’s significant role in the region. The President also conveyed an invitation for President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to visit Israel.