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Written by Silvia G. Golan

Published: 27 April 2023

Gov. DeSantis: There's an opportunity to have a US, Israel, Arab country alliance, vis a vis the nefarious influence of the Iranians. I think with a proper policy and proper relations, you could see Saudi Arabia recognize the existence of Israel. 

Thursday 27^th April, JERUSALEM - Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, today (Thursday), gave a special speech to mark Israel's 75^th Independence Day, as part of the Jerusalem Post Conference at the newly established Museum of Tolerance Jerusalem.  

Governor DeSantis spoke about the importance of regional cooperation and said, “We saw the failure with the Iranian nuclear deal that was done in 2015. That flooded Iran with money that rejuvenated their economy, and that led to the funding of terrorism all across the Middle East. If you look back at the Trump administration, Iran was on the ropes. Iran was in dire straits because there was an effort to hold them accountable. I do think that they've alienated so many, such a large portion of their population, that this is a regime that is that is looking over its shoulder. I think we should stand strong with people that are fighting for freedom in Iran. And I'd love to see a day in which you have a free and democratic Iran.” 

He added, “My view would be that there's an opportunity to have a US, Israel, Arab country alliance, vis a vis the nefarious influence of the Iranians. I think with a proper policy and proper relations, you could see Saudi Arabia recognize the existence of Israel, who would have thought that would have been anything that anyone could have talked about, even 10 years ago?” 

He noted, “I also think that moving the embassy helped get us the Abraham Accords. I think when you, when America shows strength and resolve, people in this region, really respect that." 

Asked about the issue of Israel’s current debate on judicial reform, Governor DeSantis said, “The United States should not be drawn into Israel’s internal affairs. As an outsider coming in, it seems to me healthy to flesh this stuff out. Israel is a very rambunctious democracy. You guys have a parliamentary system [which] is a little bit different than the United States, and so, so I trust people be able to work it out for themselves.” 

Stressing the importance of the relationship between the United States and Israel, the Governor said, “I think that America does really well when we have relationships with countries like Israel that don't get consumed in the political polarization. I think, unfortunately, in the last five or 10 years, Israel has become more politicized, where you have the left going one way and I think the right and the center siding with Israel, and I think that that's unfortunate. I would just say, I think there should be bipartisan support for Israel. I think the administration should be having a good relationship regardless of party. I know that that may not necessarily have been the case in recent years. But my hope is, is that we can get back to that situation.” 

President of Israel, Isaac Herzog, said in his opening remarks to the conference: “Friends, as we look at some of the great challenges and opportunities facing Israel, the Middle East, and the Jewish People, I am happy to have the opportunity to be here at the Museum of Tolerance. Yours is an institution built on the Simon Wiesenthal Center’s tireless dedication to promoting tolerance, human dignity and inter-faith harmony and to combatting all forms of antisemitism and hate.” 

Welcoming participants, founder of the Museum of Tolerance Jerusalem, Larry Mizel, said, "In the center of Jerusalem, the capital of the State of Israel and the Jewish people, at the point of confluence between the old and new cities, this magnificent structure has been constructed entirely from donations, with the aim of creating a place in which numerous visitors will experience the story of the Jewish people, its values, tolerance and contribution to humanity in Israel and around the world. It is inspired by the tent of Abraham, the father of the Jewish people, which according to tradition was open on all four sides so that any guest could enter regardless of origin, race, gender, or religion. The Museum of Tolerance in Jerusalem is by definition a center where people will learn about this fundamental value of the Jewish people, a modern Tent of Abraham." 

The Museum of Tolerance opened for the first time today as part of the “Celebrate the Faces of Israel” conference, in partnership with the Jerusalem Post. 

To mark the opening, the museum revealed its various sites for the first time, alongside a rare photography exhibition encompassing key events from Israel's 75 years of independence. There were also special sessions on foreign policy and security, leadership and government, innovation and technology, and economy and society. 

The conference was opened by the founder of the Museum of Tolerance, philanthropist Larry Mizel, alongside Israeli President Isaac Herzog, the United States Ambassador to Israel Thomas R. Nides, the former United States Ambassador to Israel David Friedman, Israeli Nobel Prize winners, a delegation of foreign journalists, and an array of Israeli and international public figures who have made a significant contribution to Israeli society.  

The Museum of Tolerance is a flagship project situated in the heart of Jerusalem, as a beacon of tolerance, respectful dialogue, and interfaith work between the three monotheistic religions. By establishing the museum in the heart of Israel's capital, the museum leadership seeks to build a bridge between the peoples and countries of the region in the spirit of the Jewish value of Tikkun Olam ('Repairing the World'), and through cultural dialogue and common discourse.  

Yoni Reiss, the Director of the Museum of Tolerance noted: “This is a major museum and cultural center that will be a beacon for displays of tolerance and will lead cultural and educational activities, out of a desire to strengthen Jerusalem and provide a world cultural center that is bursting with life. We are currently displaying a rare photography exhibition by the curator Anna Patricia Kahane, which, to mark Israel's 75^th anniversary, provides us with a glimpse at its formative moments. This is alongside the work of the special social laboratory, in which participants will experiment in advancing values of tolerance, the spirit of which is already reflected in the museum's exhibits. At the museum, we seek to encourage democratic values and society, to fight against the roots of antisemitism and extremism, and to promote religious stability, global harmony, fairness and a love of Israel.” 

Photo credit – Oded Karni 

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Written by Silvia G. Golan

Published: 02 March 2023

From February 19-21, 2023, TIMEMUN, Israel’s oldest Model UN conference, celebrated its 23d year with an unforgettable conference. Over 300 top students from Romania, Sweden and the United States, as well as dozens of cities around Israel, joined the conference, which is hosted at the Walworth Barbour American International School (WBAIS). The delegates participated in 14 dynamic committees, with topics ranging from environmental issues and human rights to Star Wars and Harry Potter themed issues. 

At the opening ceremony, US Ambassador H.E. Mr. Thomas Nides went up on stage to be “interviewed” by WBAIS student Ethan Moncarz, along with Eliya Dvornikov from the French Israeli school Mikve Israel, and Nohad Awadieh from the Greek Catholic school in Shefa’amr. The ambassador’s casual approach entertained the students, with him “reversing roles” and interviewing the students at one point.

In addition to grappling with two intense issues, many of the committees were given a surprise crisis on the last day. For some it was a historical issue involving the Cuban missile crisis, while others dealt with a rise in tensions between Iran, Israel and Saudi Arabia. Many other delegates, for example from UNGAs, WHO, Human Rights and UNESCO, joined in a plenary session where they went through each committee’s resolutions and brought them to a vote.

Guest speakers at the conference included the Ambassador of India, H.E. Mr. Sanjeev Singla; Adam Schalimtzek from the Ministry of Environmental Protection; Professor Brandon Friedman from Tel Aviv University, WBAIS teacher Teresa Harings, researcher and filmmaker Yona Abeddour, Corey Gil Shuster from Tel Aviv University, Or Moshe from the British Embassy, and Yaari Cohen from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Or Moshe and Yaari Cohen also participated in a panel for teachers where they discussed how Model UN and diplomacy activities in high school have impacted their careers. Mr. Peter Vig from Malmo, Sweden also led a discussion on the use of education to counter stigmas and prejudices.

At the Global Village on February 20th, over 15 embassies, as well as several NGOs, participated, with stands providing information about the countries, activities and games, and snacks. Among the countries represented at the Global Village: Cyprus, Ecuador, El Salvador, India, Kenya, Lithuania, Malta, Moldova, Romania, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Uzbekistan.

At the closing ceremony on Tuesday, February 21, the UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, H.E. Mr. Tor Wennesland, addressed the students. Mr. Wennesland commended the students on their dedication to diplomacy, and advised them on steps they could take to advance in careers in diplomacy and peacebuilding. Finally, students were called up to the stage to win awards for best position papers, best and outstanding delegates, best chairs, and best first time delegate. Two students were also called out as the winners of a sponsored trip to MUNOM, the Model UN conference in Malmo, Sweden, in fall 2023.

Diplomacy.co.il congratulates the delegates, advisors, chairs and secretariat of TIMEMUN 2023 for an unforgettable Model UN conference

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Written by Silvia G. Golan

Published: 31 March 2023

Antwerp, April 3, 2023: The World Federation of Diamond Bourses concluded a very successful 40^th World Diamond Congress, held in Ramat Gan from March 28 – 30, 2023 as part of Israel Diamond Week.

The Congress, whose theme was “Change and Innovation in the New Diamond Reality, was attended by Presidents and officers of most of the 27 member bourses, as well as dozens of Young Diamantaires. In addition to speeches by WFDB leaders -- President Yoram Dvash, VP Moshe Salem and Israel Diamond Week host Boaz Moldawsky -- the Congress featured talks by DRC Minister of Mines HE Antoinette N’Samba Kalambayi, De Beers Co-Chairman Bruce Cleaver, WDC President Edward Asscher, Natural Diamond Council CEO David Kellie, Chow Tai Fook Vice Chairman Conroy Cheng, Young Diamantaire Rachel Sahar, Sarine CEO David Block and representative of the Minister of Mines of Zimbabwe Elton Makumbe. In addition, there were enlightening talks by Prof. Alon Chen, President of the Weizmann Institute and Aryeh Lightstone, former U.S. special envoy for the Abraham Accords. 

WFDB President Yoram Dvash addressed the theme of the Congress in his opening speech. He said, “Today conditions are changing, the business climate is changing, the consumer is changing, and the competition is changing. We must study the changes and take steps to adapt. If we as leaders of the world diamond industry won’t adapt, the industry will remain behind.” Dvash called upon the industry to embrace the wisdom of the younger generation, and to invite the Young Diamantaires to join in shaping the future of the industry. 

During the Congress Yoram Dvash was reelected as WFDB President and elections were held for WFDB Officers and the Executive Committee. They include Vice Presidents Moshe Salem and Philippe Barsamian, Secretary-General Rony Unterman, Treasurer-General Mehul Shah, as well as Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Lin Qiang, Elliot Krischer, Boaz Moldawsky, Anoop Mehta, Rami Baron, Alan Cohen, Molefi Letsiki and Lawrence Ma as the Executive Committee.

The Congress reviewed topics that are currently affecting the industry. Various delegates expressed reservations about the GIA’s move to digital certificates, and it was decided that the WFDB would present these to the GIA. Another discussion focused on generic marketing of diamonds and resulted in a decision by the WFDB to begin a collaboration with the Natural Diamond Council. A committee was established to enhance the image of the WFDB globally. Lastly, it was decided to involve the Young Diamantaires in the institutions and decision-making of the WFDB.

Photos by Silvia Graciela Golan

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Written by Silvia G. Golan

Published: 27 February 2023

President of the Republic of Serbia, Aleksandar Vučić, awarded a high order of the Karađorđe’s Star to Mr. Alexander Nikolić, Honorary Consul of the Republic of Serbia in the State of Israel and Director of the Representative Office of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia in Jerusalem

 The medal was awarded to Nikolić for his exceptional achievements in developing friendly relations between the Republic of Serbia and the State of Israel.

       So far, a few Israelis have received Serbia’s sublime orders. Nikolić grew up in the Jewish community of the former Yugoslavia and was one of the editors of the English language book edition of the selected works of Dr. Kalmi Baruh in the field of Ladino culture and the Judeo-Spanish language. The medal was awarded to Nikolić during the state ceremony that takes place every year on the main national holiday of Serbia – “Statehood Day” at the Presidential Palace in Belgrade, by the President of the Republic of Serbia, Aleksandar Vučić, in the presence of Israel’s Ambassador to Serbia, Yahel Vilan, ministers of the Serbian Government, headed by the Prime Minister, Ana Brnabić, and Serbian Patriarch Porfirije.

Photo courtesy Presidency of the Republic of Serbia