Very special evening held by the Spain Embassy to Israel to celebrate inclusion through culture to mark the beginning of the Spanish Presidency of the European Union, at Nalagaat Center - Port of Yaffo Tel Aviv
The program included: Opening Cocktail; A scene from the show " Not by bread alone". Eleven deaf - blind actors take the audience on a magical tour in the districts on their inner world; the world of darkness, silence and... bread and an Special superb Flamenco performance in the dark
Spanish Embassy in Israel Ushers in Their Presidency of the EU Council with a Strong Call for Inclusion**
On the evening of July 5th, the Spanish Embassy in Israel became a focal point for a potent blend of diplomacy, cultural celebration, and advocacy for inclusivity. The event marked the Spanish Presidency's first event of the Council of the European Union in Israel. in motion. The night reverberated with palpable commitment to shared global objectives, European unity, and the struggle for a more inclusive society.
On the evening of July 5th, the Spanish Embassy in Israel became a focal point for a potent blend of diplomacy, cultural celebration, and advocacy for inclusivity. The event marked the Spanish Presidency's first event of the Council of the European Union in Israel. in motion. The night reverberated with palpable commitment to shared global objectives, European unity, and the struggle for a more inclusive society.
In his opening speech, the Spanish ambassador Mrs. Ana María Salomón Pérez, referenced Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's recent trip to Ukraine on the first day of Spain's term, emphasizing the unequivocal support Spain and the EU extend to Ukraine. The ambassador quoted Jessica Roswall, the Minister for European Affairs of Sweden, asserting that Ukraine's fight for freedom is essentially a fight for the freedom of all.
The ambassador harkened back to 1986, the pivotal year when Spain joined the European project and established diplomatic relations with Israel, underlining the profound transformations since then. The ambassador drew attention to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, a comprehensive framework to guide international efforts, symbolized by the five P's: People, Prosperity, Planet, Partnership, and Peace.
This guiding vision, she explained, inspired Spain's four priority lines of action during their presidency. They comprise reindustrialisation and Open Strategic Autonomy, the green transition, enhancing social and economic justice, and strengthening European unity. Emphasis was placed on a people-focused presidency, determined to enhance inclusivity and safeguard the most vulnerable groups.
The ambassador's speech held a resolute emphasis on inclusion, highlighting that almost 15% of European citizens have a certain degree of disability. He noted that both Israel and the EU have significantly contributed to the inclusion of persons with disabilities, and affirmed that this commitment was reflected in the night's event.
The evening was marked by the ambassador's collaboration with the Israeli non-profit, Na Laga'at, an organization dedicated to providing equal opportunities for people with disabilities. The partnership showcased a vibrant tableau of inclusion and integration, offering attendees an "eye-opening" experience. The event featured a cocktail catered by deaf individuals, followed by a theatrical scene from the show "Not by Bread Alone", performed by deaf-blind actors and actresses. The evening concluded with a Flamenco performance in the dark, enabling attendees to experience the dance through feeling rather than sight.
Thanking the CEO of Na Laga'at, Oren Itzhaki, and all those who contributed to the event, the ambassador acknowledged the unyielding effort that went into organizing the night. The event was a testament to the strong ties between Spain and Israel, a symbol of the shared commitment to inclusivity and social justice.
This guiding vision, she explained, inspired Spain's four priority lines of action during their presidency. They comprise reindustrialisation and Open Strategic Autonomy, the green transition, enhancing social and economic justice, and strengthening European unity. Emphasis was placed on a people-focused presidency, determined to enhance inclusivity and safeguard the most vulnerable groups.
The ambassador's speech held a resolute emphasis on inclusion, highlighting that almost 15% of European citizens have a certain degree of disability. He noted that both Israel and the EU have significantly contributed to the inclusion of persons with disabilities, and affirmed that this commitment was reflected in the night's event.
The evening was marked by the ambassador's collaboration with the Israeli non-profit, Na Laga'at, an organization dedicated to providing equal opportunities for people with disabilities. The partnership showcased a vibrant tableau of inclusion and integration, offering attendees an "eye-opening" experience. The event featured a cocktail catered by deaf individuals, followed by a theatrical scene from the show "Not by Bread Alone", performed by deaf-blind actors and actresses. The evening concluded with a Flamenco performance in the dark, enabling attendees to experience the dance through feeling rather than sight.
Thanking the CEO of Na Laga'at, Oren Itzhaki, and all those who contributed to the event, the ambassador acknowledged the unyielding effort that went into organizing the night. The event was a testament to the strong ties between Spain and Israel, a symbol of the shared commitment to inclusivity and social justice.
The Spanish ambassador's heartfelt address, steeped in solidarity, compassion, and hope, set the tone for Spain's upcoming presidency of the Council of the European Union. It left attendees with an unforgettable evening, a renewed commitment to social inclusion, and a strong sense of anticipation for the transformative work Spain will undertake during its term.
The Ambassador of the European Union ,H.E. Ambassador Dimiter Tzantchev greeted Spain and offers best wishes for success
And finally the -CEO of na lagaat center, Oren Itzhaki said: You watched the first part from our play "Not by Bread Alone" , Eleven deaf-blind actors take the audience on a magical tour in the districts of their inner world; the world of darkness, silence and…bread. That play has been performed since 2007 on the stage of the theater.
Na Laga’at is a one of a kind non-profit arts and cultural center that represents an equal meeting place between Deaf, blind and deaf-blind individuals together with the general public.
A lot of organizations have recently been talking about integrating everyone, saying that more must be done.
We cannot truly integrate as a society unless we understand that integration should begin with supporting the development of abilities on the one hand and experiencing meetings on the other.
Above all ,for all of us releasing the sense of poverty for blind and deaf people and change the attitude approach to and social integration and in our case cultural integration
According to the Article of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights “everyone has the right freely to participate in the cultural life of the community, to enjoy the arts and to share his advancement and its benefits.” Cultural rights are, inseparable from human rights.
In nalagaat center Every day, we try to find and bring out the special abilities of our employees to create more new and diverse activities that will allow the general public to meet through a personal experience with the people who work here.
We believe that all men are equal and that we have to accept responsibility for each other and to help contribute to society all people with and without disability
Na Laga’at is a one of a kind non-profit arts and cultural center that represents an equal meeting place between Deaf, blind and deaf-blind individuals together with the general public.
A lot of organizations have recently been talking about integrating everyone, saying that more must be done.
We cannot truly integrate as a society unless we understand that integration should begin with supporting the development of abilities on the one hand and experiencing meetings on the other.
Above all ,for all of us releasing the sense of poverty for blind and deaf people and change the attitude approach to and social integration and in our case cultural integration
According to the Article of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights “everyone has the right freely to participate in the cultural life of the community, to enjoy the arts and to share his advancement and its benefits.” Cultural rights are, inseparable from human rights.
In nalagaat center Every day, we try to find and bring out the special abilities of our employees to create more new and diverse activities that will allow the general public to meet through a personal experience with the people who work here.
We believe that all men are equal and that we have to accept responsibility for each other and to help contribute to society all people with and without disability
I hope we will open agate and start a cooperation between Israel and Spain on inclusive cultural activities to increase awareness of inclusive culture activities in the world
.I want to invite to the stage , the Dancer and choreographer: Sharon Saguy(i) , Singers: Yael Horwitz , Shuku Sveiky, Guitar: Ofir Atar.
Among the guests who took part in the celebration were Jonathan Peled- Deputy Director General for Latin America Israel MFA ; Ambassador Aviva Raz Shecheter- MFA Instructor , Israel National Defense College; Dani Dayan - Chairman of the Yad Vashem Directorate; Professor Shimon Shetreet, the Greenblatt Chair of Public and International Law at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and a former Minister of Economy; Ayala Meitav Senior Project Manager for International Relations Tel Aviv -Yafo Municipality; Anat Sar- Israel Fashion Designer Kiki dresstodress and many foreign Ambassadors and business leaders.
The Staff of www.diplomacy.co.il congratulates the government, people, and Embassy of Spain on this occasion and offers best wishes for success
Photos Silvia Golan
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