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- Written by Jonathan Danilowitz
Ukraine Celebrates in Tel Aviv.
From the moment we entered the grand ballroom at the Dan Panorama Hotel last Monday evening we knew this was going to be special. The receiving line, headed by His Excellency Ambassador Hennadii Nadolenko and Mr. Nadolenko, was followed by a “guard of honor” composed of smiling young ladies in Ukrainian national dress, adding a colorful welcome touch as we entered the hall. The giant ballroom, beautifully decorated and perfectly air-conditioned, was indeed welcoming. It was not hard to detect the Ukrainian influence as guests mingled over cocktails and snacks, followed by a superb buffet dinner. A credit to the hosts (and no less, to the hotel caterers and chefs).
Ukrainian, Russian, French, German Hebrew, English and more – the languages and cultures mixed comfortably as the whisky, vodka and wine flowed generously. Elegant ladies, smart cultural and military attaches, many Ambassadors and consular officials, Ukrainian nationals, Israeli business and society people and of course the media. Ukraine has been in the news a lot lately, for better and for worse, and this was an event that everyone hoped would signify only the betterment on that country.
Ambassador Nadolenko opened the proceedings with an eloquent address, first in Ukrainian, followed by a translation into English. He noted that Ukraine declared its independence 24 years ago, on the 24th August 1991. He mentioned that his country has always deeply appreciated the valuable friendship and close economic ties with Israel, with whom it shares values of democracy and the rule of law. “Today Ukraine is going through the most difficult period of its independence – a struggle for territorial integrity and sovereignty of the state. … The war in Donbas … will remain forever in the memory of the Ukrainian people, along with other tragic historical events. … Today, more than ever, the experience and support of friendly countries, including the State of Israel, is valuable for Ukraine. The principle position of Israel and its support of sovereignty and the territorial integrity of Ukraine is highly appreciated in our country”.
The Ambassador took care to mention: “We expect that the upcoming visits of the Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu to Kyiv and the President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko to Jerusalem will significantly influence bilateral relations. … We are looking to the future of our country with optimism, despite the difficulties being experienced by Ukrainian people today”.
In his kind comments he also noted that: “Among the most devoted friends we would like to highlight and thank all immigrants from Ukraine in Israel, all those who over the last year supported the Ukrainian people in different ways. We are [also] grateful for the humanitarian aid of Israelis to temporarily displaced persons from Donbass, for help to Ukrainian children, for support in the treatment of wounded in ATO Ukrainian soldiers, for manifestations in support of Ukraine, … for support by people who are not indifferent to Ukraine”.
Responding on behalf of the State of Israel, Minister Ofir Akunis, Minister for Environmental Protection, thanked the Ambassador for his kind words, and congratulated the Ukrainian government and people on this auspicious occasion. He spoke of the shared heritage: “The strength of the relationship between our two nations is based both in the heritage of the Jewish community in Ukraine, which has a rich history going back centuries, and in the contribution of Israeli citizens who emigrated from Ukraine and brought the value of that shared heritage with them to their new home”. The Minister reminded the audience that no less than three former Israeli Prime Ministers were Ukrainian born: Golda Meir, Levi Eshkol, and Moshe Sharet.
Minister Akunis spoke of the growing trade and cultural relations between the countries, especially the increase in agricultural, medical and research & development bilateral relations, for which the Ukrainian Embassy and Ambassador Nadolenko have played an important part.
However, Mr. Akunis did not gloss over the dark years of Ukrainian-Jewish history, culminating in WW2 when millions of Jews were annihilated. The anti-Semitism of past years is over: “We welcome the growing awareness of these events in recent years, and the Government's zero-tolerance policy towards expressions of anti-Semitism. We hope and are confident that this positive trend will continue”. He ended his address this: “Mr. Ambassador, please convey our heartfelt congratulations to your Government and to the Ukrainian People on the occasion of your National Day. May Ukraine enjoy peace and prosperity, and may the bonds of friendship between Ukraine and Israel become ever stronger in the years ahead”.
A beautiful live rendition of the Ukrainian National Anthem, followed by the Israeli anthem ended the formal part of the evening, with the Ambassador and the Minister raising their glasses in a toast to the two friendly countries.
The executive director and staff of www.diplomacy.co.il join in congratulating the government and the people of Ukraine on their national day celebrations.
Photos Silvia G Golan
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- Written by MFA
President Rivlin receives diplomatic credentials of new ambassadors from Cyprus, UK, Germany, Rwanda, and Seychelles
President Reuven Rivlin this morning (Thursday) at a ceremony held at the President's Residence, received the diplomatic credentials of five new ambassadors to Israel, representing Cyprus, the UK, Germany, Rwanda, and Seychelles.
Photo : President Rivlin with Ms. Thessalia Salina Shambos
President Rivlin said to Ambassador of Cyprus, H.E. Ms. Thessalia Salina Shambos, "I am delighted to receive you here in Jerusalem, our two countries are more than friends, we are neighbors. As I said to your President when he visited Israel recently, the Jewish people will never forget the help of the people of Cyprus in the aftermath of the Second World War, and the kindness shown to the Jewish refugees. I sincerely hope that during your stay here, we will see the strengthening even further of our excellent relations."
Ambassador Shambos thanked the President for his warm welcome, and noted that she was greatly moved by the welcome and the ceremony. She said, "It is a great honor for me to be here, our good relations truly stem from the heart. The recent visits by senior figures from Cyprus to Israel, and from Israel to Cyprus, is testament to the strength of this relationship. We believe that our history connects us, as two countries who in the past strove for many years for independence and statehood."
Photo : President Rivlin , Mr. David Quarrey and his partner Mr Aldo Oliver Henriquez
Ambassador of the United Kingdom H.E. Mr. David Quarrey presented his diplomatic credentials. President Rivlin said to him, "During your term here, we will celebrate the centenary of the Balfour Declaration, which perhaps marks the beginning of the diplomatic relations between Israel and Britain. I greatly appreciate the words of Prime Minister David Cameron on the need to fight against fundamentalism – terror is terror, wherever it occurs. We are aware of the importance you place in creating confidence building measures in order to bring an end to the conflict in our region. We must first of all understand, and then make our neighbors understand that we are not doomed, but destined to live together. During your term here, we are looking forward, with your abilities and great experience, to receiving your assistance in building this confidence. I want to also convey my warmest regards to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, and extend to her an invitation to visit our region."
Ambassador Quarrey thanked the President, and stressed his desire to strengthen and further the bilateral ties between Israel and the UK. He said, "A big part of my job over the next four years will be to develop the ties that we have in trade, investment, and in science and technology, which are of great benefit to both countries, and also is the best answer we have to those who call for boycotts of Israel."
He added, "As you say it is also vitally important that we work together against extremism in the region. David Cameron has spoken out very strongly on this, and the United Kingdom and Israel must be partners in this struggle against extremism. I think also as you say, there is a great need for progress toward peace in the region - that need is very urgent, and we will do whatever is needed to support the difficult decisions required to achieve peace. I would also like to see more cultural collaboration between the UK and Israel and I hope to be able to give that a higher profile. Indeed, we are marking 400 years since the death of Shakespeare next year, and we look forward to marking that in Israel."
Photo : President Rivlin with Dr Clemens von Goetze
Ambassador of Germany H.E. Dr. Clemens von Goetze was next to present his credentials. President Rivlin welcomed him warmly and said, "Just recently, we celebrated fifty years of the establishment of diplomatic relations between our two countries. Our joint history is a lesson to the whole world, we of course will never forget the past, but we work towards the future. We appreciate your commitment, especially noted by Chancellor Merkel, to us and to our country, and we appreciate the help of the German government regarding the security of Israel and all that you do when it comes to the war on terrorism. Our good relations are not just between governments or states, but between our peoples, and indeed, our good relations are such that we can even agree to disagree on issues."
Ambassador von Goetze thanked the President, and noted he was greatly moved to be here in Israel. He said, "We cannot ignore that first and foremost, the relationship between our countries is based on a sense of guilt and responsibility for the Holocaust. We are enormously grateful that Israel has nevertheless, stretched out a hand of friendship towards Germany. Indeed we have achieved good relations, and because of the tragic history between us, the security of Israel is for us the most important thing in our bilateral relations. In order to ensure the future it is important that we add to and strengthen our economic cooperation in the fields of high-tech, technology and more. As you said, the essence of the success of our relationship is due to the relationship between peoples and not just governments, given which, it is important for us to strengthen the connections between the young people of both countries."
Photo : President Rivlin with Mr. Joseph Rutabana and family
Ambassador of Rwanda H.E. Mr. Joseph Rutabana presented his credentials as the first ambassador of Rwanda to Israel. The President welcomed him and said, "I am delighted to welcome you here as the first ambassador of your country to Israel. We have excellent relations between our countries, and we see in Africa a promising future. There is no doubt that your arrival will add and strengthen our future cooperation."
The Ambassador thanked the President for his warm welcome and said, "It is a great honor for me to come to the holy land as the first ambassador of my country. We will be delighted to strengthen the cooperation between our countries, in my last visit I saw the extent to which Israel has developed and is developing and provides a wonderful example for my country."
Photo : President Rivlin with Mr Winslow Waven
The non-resident Ambassador of Seychelles to Israel, H.E. Mr. Winslow William Waven, presented his credentials to the President, who warmly welcomed him and said, "We are delighted to receive you here. We know of, and support you in your determined struggle against terrorism. We hope that in the not too distant future, you will have a permanent representation in Israel, which will greatly strengthen the mutual bond between our countries."
The Ambassador thanked the President for his words and said, "Thank you and your government for the warm hospitality I have received in Israel, and my arrival here is very much a testament to the desire on our behalf to strengthen the ties between our countries in a range of issues."
Photo : Mark Neymann / GPO
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- Written by MFA
The government of Paraguay stood by Israel during Operation Protective Edge and has been supportive of Israel at major international forums.
The Israeli Embassy in Asunción, Paraguay, was reopened on Tuesday 28 July 2015 in the presence of outgoing MFA Director General Nissim Ben-Shitrit and Ambassador Israel Peleg Levy. Paraguay was represented at the opening by Minister of Agriculture Jorge Gattini, the deputy ministers of foreign affairs and industry and other officials.
The event took place in conjunction with other festive ceremonies, which included the ambassador's credential-presentation ceremony, where he presented his credentials to the President of Paraguay Horacio Cartes on 21 July, and the affixing of a new mezuzah at the Israeli Embassy in Asunción.
The government of Paraguay stood by Israel during Operation Protective Edge, a time when Israel was criticized by many countries. More recently, Paraguay supported Israel at major international forums. Israel cooperates with Paraguay in the battle against terrorism and maintains a supportive role in actions against Hezbollah at the tri-border region.
The two nations maintain a bilateral free trade agreement within the framework of Mercosur - the South American Common Market. Sophisticated Israeli risk-prevention systems have been installed at the Itaipú hydroelectric power plant, one of the largest hydroelectric power plants in the world. The bilateral balance of trade stands at $ 200 million. Large-scale meat imports form a large portion of Israel’s trade with Paraguay. Israel maintains close cooperation with Paraguay in the areas of water, agriculture, education and medicine, and recently the Ministers of Agriculture of the two countries exchanged visits and signed agreements of cooperation in the field of agricultural technology.
The embassy’s reopening represents a full historic circle after the embassy was closed in 2002, along with 15 other embassies around the world, due to budgetary constraints. In July 2013, a month before taking office, the newly elected president of Paraguay announced the opening of the embassy of Paraguay in Israel and appointed Honorary Consul Max Haber as Paraguay's ambassador to Israel.
Ambassador Peleg Lewi presented his credentials to Paraguay President Horacio Cartes
Copyright: Dirrección de Informática - SICOM Paraguay
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- Written by Jonathan Danilowitz
The warm Tel Aviv evening was softened and smoothed by the elegance and charm of the celebration’s host, His Excellency Mr. Andreas Baum, at the lovely Ramat Gan ambassadorial residence. Guests mingled on the lawns, cooled by the delightful Swiss wines and other refreshments. The Israel diplomatic corps and a large gathering of Swiss nationals and residents of Israel, together with the cream of Israeli society, business people, journalists and friends, made for a “gemütlich” event.
A quartet of musicians, the “Pushkin Music Band” entertained the guests while cocktails and snacks were being served. Before Ambassador Baum addressed the gathering, the musicians gave beautiful renditions, first of the Israeli national anthem, and then that of Switzerland. The event was of course to celebrate the Swiss National Day (German: Schweizer Bundesfeier; French: Fête nationale Suisse; Italian: Festa nazionale svizzera; Romansh: Fiasta naziunala Svizra) of that multi-cultural and multi-lingual democracy, which actually falls on the 1st August. This year marks 724 years on the confederation. Mazal tov.
Following the address by His Excellency (copied below in full, for the convenience of www.diplomacy.co.il readers) a delicious buffet meal was offered, with true Swiss raclette taking pride of place.
“ Honoured guests, dear friends and colleagues,
Thank you for joining us to celebrate Switzerland’s 724th anniversary. We will now hear the national anthem of our host country Israel, followed by the Swiss Psalm.
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Thank you. I am happy to reaffirm the close ties between Switzerland and Israel. They are broad and diverse, based on common interests and shared values, and not least on the large, vibrant Swiss community, many of whose representatives are here tonight. On the official level, the year was marked by the December visit of a high level official, scientific and business delegation with the aim of learning from the Israeli innovation and startup system. It was followed in May by the visit of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Swiss Council of States, led by Professor Felix Gutwiller. The official calendar is yet to be completed by the regular political dialogue between the Foreign Ministries planned for November. Together with its Israeli partners, the Embassy is busy organizing a multiplicity of events, such as yesterday’s lecture by Dr. Nicolas Wyrsch, who is present among us tonight, on the Solar Impulse technology. Solar Impulse, as you know, is a Swiss airplane, currently in Hawaii on an attempt to complete a pioneering round-the-world trip using solar energy only. A strong orientation towards innovation and creativity is common to both countries and binds them in multiple ways. And I am pleased that this year’s Locarno Film Festival will specially highlight Israeli films.
A common attachment to democratic values is another essential ingredient in the relationship. Shared interests and values don’t thrive through verbal reaffirmation. They have to be nourished and experienced daily, by both Swiss and Israeli efforts. Because we care, we will sometimes express our worries. We admire and support Israel’s vibrant democracy, which currently offers a remarkable degree of democratic space. That NGOs can disagree with government policies and still freely go about their business is a credit to Israeli democracy, and should remain an indispensable ingredient.
Switzerland is firmly opposed to all boycotts, to antisemitism, to all attempts at denying Israel’s right to exist. We thus support a negotiated two State solution. And you won’t be surprised to hear that all high level official Swiss visitors regularly urge their Israeli interlocutors to end the occupation and the settlement enterprise. We haven’t witnessed a war for almost one year. This is not the cruel summer of 2014. For this we can all be grateful. But the lack of perspective is disquieting. Even in an unsafe, rapidly changing, truly frightening geostrategic environment, perspective is necessary, a larger context and opportunities do exist. I still don’t believe in zero-sum games, with fear as their main guiding principle. The last three years may have somewhat dampened my optimism. But my message tonight is not one of quiet resignation; it is rather a polite, respectful and unbowed reaffirmation of our principles and our determination.
Speaking of perspectives, I am often asked whether Swiss federalism could serve as a model for Israel. One of the most concrete proposals was put forward by my compatriot and Professor at Tel Aviv University Carlo Strenger. Based on the broad differences of lifestyle and values within Israeli society, he asks whether the creation of Swiss style Cantons with a certain degree of autonomy would not provide answers. Beyond my general skepticism about the applicability of “models”, of transplants and advice, I believe that these ideas deserve discussion within Israeli society. But I must remind the audience that the Swiss model consists of a whole political culture, which comes as a package, composed of Cantons, direct democracy, a culture of pragmatism and compromise, a strong orientation towards consensus. Cantonal boundaries often do not coincide with language or religious boundaries, creating a unique patchwork where every citizen is in one way or the other both in the majority and the minority. In our system internal differences are not seen as a threat, but as making us richer. The full model is relatively recent - our last civil war, with a strong religious connotation, goes back to 1847 only - and it currently undergoes its own challenges, such as our relationship towards migration and with the European Union. But I have no doubt that some of our experiences about how to integrate minorities could be of interest to Israel.
I listened with great interest to President Rivlin’s words at the recent Herzliya Conference, his description of the challenges and fragmentation currently facing Israel. He even talks of an “inter-tribal zero sum game”. His vision of a New Israeli Order, requiring a move to a new concept of partnership between the various population sectors of society, is truly inspiring. Through a sense of security, shared responsibility, equity and equality, the creation of a shared Israeli character, he foresees an “Israeli dream” that can be realized by each and every young person. This, in the humble opinion of this outsider, is true vision and reason for hope.
This National Day celebration marks the last official function in Israel for my deputy Natalie Kohli, my closest adviser for the past years, who put her essential stamp on the embassy’s work and became a friend to many of those present tonight. We will miss you and wish you good luck for your next posting as the Deputy Head of the Division for UN Affairs in Berne.
Finally, I wish to thank all of those who have made this evening possible, from the Embassy team to the kitchen and service brigades. A special thank you goes to the musicians of Pushkin, who, after their much appreciated performance last year, are again delighting us with their creative and dynamic renditions of neo-classical music. The buffet should now be open. Cheese can be found on my left side, meat on the right and salads inside. Again, thank you for coming and let’s enjoy the evening together."
Photos : Silvia G Golan
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- Written by Hagit Farber ַ& Silvia Golan
Vive La France! Bastille Day
On July 13th' early evening, at the beautiful residence of H.E the ambassador of France in Israel, Mr. Patrick Maisonnave, the traditional Bastille Day was celebrated with approximately 500 distinguished guests from France, Israel and around the world.
It was indeed a festive event with fine French decor, all "Blue White Red" flags, balloons, lighting effects, and a magnificent Eiffel tower cake…
At the entrance to the ambassador's residency, an old replica of "The Marseillaise" was placed, and an honorary French delegation welcomed the guests.
Throughout the beautiful house and garden, the honorable guests mingled, while drinking fine Israeli kosher wine from "Barkan" wineries, and world famous "Evian" water to cool the hot summer evening.
Among the distinguished guests were noticeable with their elegant white uniform the crew and soldiers of the French marine ship Bismuth that is now harboring in Haifas' harbor, alongside Israeli soldiers all dressed in the marines' white uniform.
Among the versatile guests also noticeable Israeli artists, Clergy people, military personnel and many representatives from the Israeli government and the top business sector.
At 19:30 h/e the French ambassador Patrick Maisonnave opened his speech by welcoming the honorable guests, touching upon the glorious story of the Bastille and the great French revolution, then perused to ensure the long and lasting strong allies between the Republic of France and the State of Israel, emphasizing the bonds and friendship between the two nations and peoples, the commitment of France to the security of the state of Israel, from the times of the Embargo, through the wars that the brave state Israel had to endure in its pursuit of legitimateexistence in the Middle East ,and its strive for peace with the Arab world.
The ambassador ensured that France continues to stand by Israel in the fight against world terror, and mentioned with great sorrow the Charlie Hebdo and the kosher market massacres.
The ambassador Patrick Maisonnave talked about the continuous peace initiatives of France, in spite of some criticism, to help reach agreements between Israel and the Palestinians.
The ambassador expressed his appreciation to the 150000 French residents living in Israel, who love and admire Israel.
The ambassador then thanked the Israeli Minister of Environmental Protection Mr Avi Gabbay for the cooperation in the fields of agriculture and the contribution to global ecology.
Mr Avi Gabbay, representing the state of Israel, talked about the true and deep friendship between the two nations that "is not just nostalgic ties", Mr. Gabbay continued to talk about the concept and the meaning of "Liberty ,Equality ,Fraternity " that the two nations share, and the importance of democracy.
He talked about Zionism and how France stood by Israel at the declaration of the independence of Israel by the UN, and is continuing to stand by Israel against Irans' nuclear threats and world terror.
Mr. Avi Gabbay then concluded with the warmest congratulations on behalf of the state of Israel to the French' national day.
The guest of honor, Mr. Shimon Peres, the former president of Israel then addressed his speech.
His honorary Mr. Peres moved everyone in the vast crowd with his calm, soothing manner of speech, expressing his personal love and appreciation to France, its leaders and the French people, who stood by Israel in its most vulnerable times of need.
Mr. Peres talked about the beginning of Zionism in the Alfred Dreyfus trial, the fact that the Jews are deppendant on the world so they needed to change that by creating Zionism, he praised Emil Zola and his historic "J'accuse".
Mr. Peres talked about the 4 Jewish head of state in France and the fact that after world war 2 France stood by Israel in spite of its allies and the embargo against Israel.
Mr. Peres recalled sitting with Prime Minister Ben Gurion at the evening of the declaration of the state of Israel by the UN, who then told him that "today we are joyous but tomorrow there will be bloodshed…"
Mr. Peres stressed the fact that only France gave us weapons, allowed ships to harbor in France and allowed to bring Jews to Israel.
He talked about his admiration to the former prime minister Charles De Gaulle, one of the great friends of Israel, then continued to praise the support of France in the "Kaddesh Operation", the "Six Days War" with weapon supply of French fight planes, tanks etc'. Mr. Peres concluded his speech by appreciating and thanking the ongoing collaboration between the two nations.
After the speech, all the attendants were invited join in singing the French anthem "The Marseillaise", followed by the Israeli anthem "Hatikva" and right after everyone raised a toast "Vive la france!"
The elegant celebration went on with best French cuisine and fine wine into the beautiful night, overlooking the Yaffa seashore.
Photos Silvia Golan
