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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!

  
 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 

 
 
 
 
 
 

 

 

*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 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

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