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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!
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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.
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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.
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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
“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
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
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Thank you, Ambassador Bachvarova, for unforgettable evening
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