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  Photo: President Herzog with Ambassador of  the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka. H.E. Menik Hitihamy Mudiyanselage Nimal Bandara

 

President Isaac Herzog received the credentials today of the new ambassadors of Sri Lanka, Ecuador, Guatemala, Ethiopia, Uruguay and Portugal, 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.

The first ambassador to present his letters of credence to the President was the incoming Ambassador of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka. H.E. Menik Hitihamy Mudiyanselage Nimal Bandara. “The first visit of an Israeli president in Sri Lanka was made by my father, who met President Jayewardene in 1986,” said President Herzog. “My parents were very impressed with what they saw in Sri Lanka.”

 

 Photo: President Herzog with Ambassador of the Republic of Ecuador, H.E. Ms. Maria Concepción Barahona Páez.

 

Next to present her credentials was incoming Ambassador of the Republic of Ecuador, H.E. Ms. Maria Concepción Barahona Páez. “We are so happy that you’re here. Ecuador is a close friend of Israel. We hosted President Lasso just last year. It was a great honor for us, and I believe it dramatically strengthened our relations. So, welcome!”

 

Photo: President Herzog with Ambassador of the Republic of Guatemala, H.E. Ava Atzum Arévalo de Moscoso

 

Following, the president received the credentials of Ambassador of the Republic of Guatemala, H.E. Ava Atzum Arévalo de Moscoso, who, in her previous role, served as Deputy Foreign Minister of Guatemala. President Herzog welcomed her and said, “Welcome to Israel, Madam Ambassador. You represent one of the countries historically closest to Israel, from day one.” The incoming ambassador said: “We are celebrating 75 years of our diplomatic relations this year, and five years since our embassy moved to Jerusalem. Everyone in Guatemala loves Israel and it is an enormous privilege for me to represent my country here.”

 

 

Photo: President Herzog with Ambassador of Ethiopia, H.E. Mr. Tesfaye Anteneh

 

Afterward, Ambassador of Ethiopia, H.E. Mr. Tesfaye Anteneh presented his credentials to the president. The two discussed the importance of the relations between Ethiopia and Israel. “Mr. Ambassador, it is a great honor to receive your credentials,” said the president, especially given the close historic and sentimental ties between Israel and your country. We have an incredible Ethiopian community in Israel and are looking forward to strengthening our relationship as much as possible.”

The incoming ambassador added: “Ethiopia and Israel share long historic ties, which began with the Queen of Sheba and King Solomon 3,000 years ago. That is why the connection between our nations is so wonderful. I intend to focus on strengthening the bilateral ties between our nations during my time here. And I further came to study Israeli technology.”

 

 Photo: President Herzog with Ambassador of the Oriental Republic of Uruguay, H.E. Mr. Manuel Etchevarren Aguerre

  

After him, Ambassador of the Oriental Republic of Uruguay, H.E. Mr. Manuel Etchevarren Aguerre presented his credentials to the president, who said: “We are delighted that you are here. We view Uruguay as a very close friend of Israel, and as an incredible country that is always with us.”

The ambassador thanked the president and said: “I think that the ties with Israel are very important. Israel has been a friend of ours from the beginning and to this day.”

 

  Photo: President Herzog with Ambassador of the Portuguese Republic, H.E. Mr. Luís Filipe Ribeiro da Silva Barros

 

Finally, Ambassador of the Portuguese Republic, H.E. Mr. Luís Filipe Ribeiro da Silva Barros presented his credentials. The president opened his remarks by noting that it was a great honor for him to welcome the ambassador. He added: “Your country is a great friend of ours and the relations with Portugal are special to us. Please convey my warmest regards to your president, who is a wonderful person and dear friend. I wish you a meaningful service in Israel.” The ambassador thanked the president for his kind words and for the warm reception.

 

 
Diplomacy.co.il and debateforpeace.org   welcome New Ambassadors to Israel and offer our best wishes for an enjoyable tenure great success in advancing diplomatic ties between the 2 nations at all levels.


 Photo credits: Haim Zach (GPO)
 
 

 

 

 

 

 

The European Union delegation to Israel celebrated Europe Day with a cultural performance in Tel Aviv’s Hayarkon Park on Tuesday evening, May 9th. The celebration this year, marking 73 years since the 1950 Schuman Declaration, featured an EU trivia competition and arcade games with EU branded prizes, refreshments, and a cultural program including a live musical performance of Eurovision songs, with the highlight of the evening featuring world renowned mentalist Lior Suchard. 


Exceptionally, this year’s diplomatic reception was canceled to preempt a speech by Minister of National Security Ben Gvir, with the EU spokesperson’s office noting that “we do not want to offer a platform to someone whose views contradict the values the European Union stands for. However, the Europe Day cultural event for the Israeli public will be maintained to celebrate with our friends and partners in Israel the strong and constructive bilateral relationship.” In that vein, tickets to the cultural performance were distributed for free to Israelis who signed up in advance.


Guests arriving at the celebration were greeted with roses and a declaration of the commitment to democracy by the “Brothers in Arms” groups. Booths offered photos with the EU backdrop and magnets to take home, along with a range of arcade style games. There was also a stand selling handmade merchandise to raise funds for Ukrainian refugees, and an opportunity for guests to leave handwritten notes of support for Ukraine.


The cultural performance opened with a brief welcome by H.E. Ambassador Dimiter Tzantchev, the ambassador of the EU mission in Israel. Ambassador Tzantchev began his remarks in fluent Hebrew, reciting the traditional Jewish blessing for celebrating holidays and special occasions. The ambassador pointed out that Robert Schuman’s vision in 1950 of a Europe playing a positive role on the global stage remains true today. He noted the impact of the EU in leading global efforts to address climate change, achieve gender equality, and provide development assistance and aid. Ambassador Tzantchev received a round of applause when pointing out the support of the EU for Ukraine’s defense against Russian aggression, providing 50 billion euros, including 13 billion in military support.


The Ambassador highlighted the commitment of the European Union to combating antisemitism, with the first EU wide strategy plan unveiled 18 months ago, and more than half of the 95 EU actions already set in motion. Noting the recently celebrated 75 year anniversary of Israel’s founding, Ambassador Tzantchev congratulated Israel, and emphasized the strong bilateral relations and commitment of the EU to its relationship with Israel, with the EU constituting Israel’s largest trading partner. The ambassador noted many important trips 


The ambassador stated that the bedrock of Israel-EU relations are the shared values, such as democratic principles like human rights and independent judiciary and expressed the EU’s hopes that an inclusive resolution to the current judicial reform crisis will be achieved through dialogue. The ambassador also noted the ongoing violence with Gaza, and emphasized the commitment of the EU to Israel’s security, while noting the need for deescalation and taking steps towards peace.


The European Union anthem was then performed, with a recording of Jerusalem Orchestra East-West, led by Maestro Tom Cohen. Following the masterful performance, guests enjoyed a concert with live music and various Eurovision favorites, before being astounded by Israel top mentalist, Lior Suchard.


Diplomacy.co.il congratulates the EU mission and all European Union members of Europe Day!

  
 Steven Aiello

Founder--DebateforPeace

 https://debateforpeace.wordpress.com/

https://debateforpeace.org/

 Photos Silvia Golan 

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

 
 
 
 
 
 

 

 

The Baha’i International Community held its annual New Year celebration on Wednesday, March 22, in the presence of guests from all over the world, representing the diversity of the Baha’i community, and the many faiths in Israel. 

 

Nowruz--the ancient Persian New Year which marks the onset of Spring, is marked by hundreds of millions of people around the world, including 8 million Baha’i. This year’s celebration was notable in that Nowruz also coincided with the onset of the Muslim month of Ramadan, and the beginning of the Jewish month of Nissan. The Baha’i international Secretariat, headquartered in Israel, gathered together at the David Citadel hotel in Jerusalem for a celebration highlighting hope, optimism, and unity. A giant photo of the world-renowned Baha’i gardens in Haifa, with two exquisite arrays of plants and flowers flanking the photo, gave the guests a taste of the stunning beauty of the gardens, and added the vibrant colors of spring to the celebration. 

 

The evening was opened by Mrs.Tjeriya Tjitendero, Head of Programming, and master of ceremony, followed by a presentation of the Baha'i International Secretariat, Dr. David Rutstein, introducing the Baha’i representatives from all over the world. A similarly diverse musical group composed of Baha’i members performed uplifting songs in English and Spanish. 

 

 

 

 

The keynote speaker was Professor Meir Ben Asher, the chair of the department of Baha’i Studies at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Professor Ben Asher noted that Nowruz means “new day” alluding to the beginning of a new year. He recalled his own journey into studying the richness and depth of Baha’i religious texts, and his evolving perspective as he got to know this religion through its founding leaders. Professor Ben Asher also expressed appreciation for the Baha’i community for its support of Baha’i studies, and listed the academic projects being advanced, including translations of key texts, and scholarships for research positions. 


A short video was then shown highlighting an important global project that the Baha’i community has conducted over the last year--holding a series of meetings with participants all over the world, to discuss important topics both local and global. Following the video, guests were invited to enjoy a lavish dinner.

 
 
 Diplomacy.co.il congratulates the   Baha’i International Community on this wonderful celebration, and wishes a happy Now-Ruz to all the Community
 
 
 

Steven Aiello

Founder--DebateforPeace

Photos credit Silvia G. Golan 

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

 

 

 

 

*President Isaac Herzog and First Lady Michal Herzog hosted a 75th Independence Day reception for the foreign diplomatic corps stationed in Israel*
 
_Wednesday, 26 April 2023 / 5 Iyar 5783_
 
In honor of Israel’s 75th Independence Day, President Isaac Herzog and First Lady Michal Herzog hosted a festive Independence Day reception for the foreign diplomatic corps at the President’s Residence today.
 
At the official reception in the President's Residence Gardens, the guests were treated to a selection of Israeli boutique wines, artisanal cheeses, fine chocolates, Made-in-Israel whiskeys, and scrumptious ice creams. The diplomats were also treated to musical performances by a 27-member ensemble of the Jerusalem Orchestra East & West, a multicultural orchestra comprising musicians from three religions, from all over the country and from all of Israel’s diverse groups, accompanied by artists Avraham De Carvalho and Israela Asago. 
 
The reception was attended by around 400 guests, including ambassadors, consuls-general, and military attachés from around 120 countries and organizations and the leaders of religious communities in Israel. Minister of Foreign Affairs Eli Cohen and his wife Mrs. Anat Cohen, Office of the President Director-General Eyal Shviki, MFA Director-General Ronen Levi, and other dignitaries also participated.
 
*President Isaac Herzog’s full remarks:*
 
It is a great pleasure for my wife Michal and me to welcome all of you to this reception at the President’s Residence in Jerusalem, to celebrate together this historic milestone: Israel’s 75th Independence Day! 
 
The tradition of an Independence Day diplomatic reception began with Israel’s first President, Dr. Chaim Weizmann, who once said: “Miracles sometimes occur, but one has to work terribly hard for them.” Indeed, the modern State of Israel is a true miracle. And it is one that we have had to work terribly hard to achieve. When our founders declared the establishment of the State of Israel on May 14, 1948—a state founded on the prophetic visions of a world of freedom, justice and peace—many believed that the newborn country would not survive. Few would have predicted the course of our improbable story. Today, we are a country on the front lines of the efforts to make it a better world for us all, in the spirit of our founding vision. 
 
We are at the forefront of innovation in medicine, science, technology and sustainability; improving children’s health and access to clean water in developing countries; enhancing food security in arid regions; and helping to combat climate change and cyber threats across the globe, amongst so many other contributions across so many fields. 
 
None of this is a given. The freedom afforded by independence is also an initiation into awesome responsibility. And our work is not over. It is ongoing. Our independence, and the democratic pillars on which it rests, must never be taken for granted and must always be defended. Of course, debate and disagreement in a democracy are not only natural. They are critical. And the fact that, as we mark 75, Israelis are fiercely debating fundamental questions about our system of checks and balances demonstrates that our democratic discourse is vibrant and that our citizens are fully engaged. This, too, is a mark of pride. Even as it demands of us to show up for the difficult work of hearing and listening to each other. And recognizing that there exists a multitude of opinions in our society.
 
As President, I have been working around the clock to facilitate dialogue that can help us reach broad national consensus on these critical questions. I am driven by the firm belief that with goodwill and a willingness to engage in honest dialogue, our democracy can emerge from this reckoning stronger than ever.
 
Born amidst conflict and war, Israel has grown to see remarkable peace spread throughout this region. Beginning with our trailblazing partners, Egypt and Jordan, this voice for peace has continually grown louder.  Normalization has spread throughout our region, with the Abraham Accords with the UAE and Bahrain, Morocco and Sudan, which are driving widening circles of prosperity and progress. This new reality is already improving lives and enhancing prosperity across the region, opening up endless new possibilities in the realms of trade, technology, energy and security. But it has also offered something more essential, at this very critical crossroads for humanity. It has offered a new paradigm of cooperation. It has offered evidence that we can harness the best of what each of us has, to everyone’s benefit. And it has reminded all of us in the Middle East that we share a neighborhood and a future. That we have so much to gain from jointly approaching the challenges we all face. 
 
Therefore, the choice for peace may be one that we are asked to make again and again. And it is upon us to keep making it. Especially when Iran and its proxies in Gaza, Syria, and Lebanon—Hamas, Hezbollah, and Islamic Jihad—have, in recent weeks, sought to capitalize on Israel’s domestic debate, misreading the vitality of our internal democratic discourse as a weakness; as an opening to wreak havoc. Throughout the month of Ramadan, a time of sacredness and compassion for so many, they stained our beautiful landscape with destruction and violence, robbing the lives of innocent Israelis and tourists. We have made clear that we will always take every measure to protect our people. That we will fight to maintain stability while keeping our hand extended in peace to all nations in the region, including to our closest neighbors, the Palestinians. 
 
My friends, I invite all of you to be our partners, in the journey toward a better, safer, kinder Middle East. 
 
I share my personal gratitude with each and every one of you for your relationships with the Office of the President, for the dialogue, for the collaborations with your countries, and for the ongoing work with my staff and me. I especially want to thank my friend, Eli Cohen, our foreign minister, for his leadership, Ronen Levi, Director General of the Foreign Ministry, and all of the wonderful and talented people at Israel’s Foreign Ministry, who are working with us to strengthen Israel’s foreign relations. It is so important that our voice be heard in your capitals. Thank you once again. Happy Independence Day! Yom HaAtzmaut Sameach!
 
Photos Silvia Golan
 
 More Pics at Facebook Diplomacy Israel and Israel Diplo  /  Silvia G Golan 
 
 

 

 

 The Embassy of Lithuania in Israel held its Independence Day celebration on Thursday at the Sheraton hotel in Tel Aviv, in the presence of diplomats, expats and friends of Lithuania.


March 11 marks the restoration of an independent government for Lithuania, after 50 years of control by German or Soviet powers. On March 11, 1990, the Supreme Council of Lithuania held votes to form a new governing council and elected a President. Although it took until July 1991, nearly a year and a half later, to gain international recognition, March 11 is a day of recognition and celebration given its important role in re-establishing Lithuania as a sovereign state.


The celebration opened with the anthems of both Lithuania and Israel performed by singer Helena Gaon. Following that, H.E. Ambassador Lina Antanavičienė, dressed in traditional Lithuanian clothing, began her remarks.


Ambassador Antanavičienė recalled the fateful decisions of March 11, 1990, and pointed out that although the courageous men and women then did not know what the future might bring, they found strength in a united vision of freedom. That vision of building a better future had motivated Lithuanians for decades, and fueled its “David and Goliath” level faceoff with a dangerous occupier.


The ambassador paid tribute to another European country fighting for its freedom–Ukraine and its war for sovereignty against an invading Russia. Ambassador Antanavičienė said that Ukrainian fighters defending their land are actually battling “for all of us”, for the future “of all Europe.” Unity among the civilized world is vital for Ukraine’s survival and ultimate victory.


Turning to Lithuanian-Jewish ties, the ambassador noted a rich and interconnected history. She observed that Lithuanian Jews were leaders who contributed to forming the modern state of Lithuania, as well as some of the pioneers of the modern state of Israel. The ambassador also spoke of the darkness of the Holocaust for Lithuanian Jews. In concluding, Ambassador Antanavičienė once again looked to the future, offering her hope for a thriving Lithuania-Israel relationship, and a bright future for both nations.


Minister Ofir Akunis, Minister of Science and Technology, spoke on behalf of the state of Israel. Minister Akunis congratulated the people of Lithuania on their independence, and on marking 700 years for the capital city of Vilna. The minister noted that Lithuania stands for freedom and democratic values. 


Pivoting to the Israeli-Lithuanian relationship, the minister noted that bilateral ties were established soon after Lithuanian independence, with the two countries celebrating thirty years of diplomatic relations. Forged on shared values, the minister mentioned areas of cooperation including economics, education, culture and science. Minister Akunis highlighted the recent visit by the foreign minister of Lithuania to Israel as playing an important role in bolstering that relationship. Minister Akunis also applauded Lithuania for its responsible approach to Holocaust education as well as in combating antisemitism. 


Following the speeches, Ambassador Antanavičienė and Minister Akunis raised a toast to the future and wellbeing of both nations. Guests then enjoyed refreshments and dinner, including traditional Lithuanian latkes.


Lithuania plays an important role in Jewish history and culture. Prior to World War II Jews made up 7% of the population of Lithuania, with many important scholars and centers of study. Unfortunately much of the Jewish population in Lithuania were murdered during the Holocaust, but the influence of Lithuanian Jewish remains strong to this day, with Lithuanian Jews constituting one of the major groups among Ashkenazi Jews in Israel today.


Diplomacy.co.il congratulates the embassy of Lithuania on this commemoration of independence, and wishes prosperity and success for Lithuania and its relations with Israel.

 

 Steven Aiello

Founder--DebateforPeace

 https://debateforpeace.wordpress.com/

https://debateforpeace.org/

 Photos Silvia Golan 

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