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President Herzog: “My dream is to get into a car and drive straight to Beirut, to visit that beautiful city, to befriend the good people of Lebanon”
On April 22, 2026, President Isaac Herzog hosted a reception for ambassadors, diplomats, military attachés, and faith leaders in honor of Israel’s 78th Independence Day at the President’s Residence in Jerusalem. The event was attended by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gideon Sa’ar, and ambassadors from around the world. In a moving moment, former hostage Alon Ohel and his brother Ronen performed on stage during the ceremony.
President Isaac Herzog:
“We are delighted to welcome you to the President’s Residence to celebrate Yom HaAtzmaut, 78 years of Israel’s independence.
“These are historic times we are living in. Times of tectonic shifts in the Middle East that I pray will usher in a hopeful future. This is a time in which the choices made by leaders and nations, even at this very moment, can shape our region for generations to come.
“I take this opportunity to thank President Donald J. Trump and the United States of America for the unique partnership in confronting the empire of evil from Iran and pursuing a historic change, and I welcome the representatives of the American Armed Forces here this morning.
“The war against Iran and its many proxies is not a war of choice. There comes a time in which a country must fight for itself, fight to defend its people, and ensure its future. Iran aims to obliterate Israel, to dominate the Middle East, and to overthrow the values nurtured by the entire free world, so this is a battle for the future of all of our children.
“When Israel's First President, Dr. Chaim Weizmann, first hosted this reception in 1949, then in Tel Aviv, naturally there was not a single diplomatic representative of an Arab or Muslim nation. But here today, we wholeheartedly welcome diplomats from Arab and Muslim countries from all across who represent the hope for peace and the fraternity to which we aspire.
“I pray we will see more and more countries joining the Abraham Accords, just as we have here representatives from the UAE and Bahrain, and more nations from our region normalizing relations with us. Already we are seeing that the partnerships we have forged to combat the axis of terror and extremism are generating opportunities for a new alliance to take shape in our region: an alliance of responsibility, pragmatism, and hope.
“Israel is eager to work with all of you to help shape a Middle East in which all of our sons and daughters can inherit opportunity instead of fear. That they inherit the promises of tomorrow, and not the conflicts of yesterday. I recently said to Israeli school kids that my dream is to get into a car and drive straight to Beirut, to visit that beautiful city, to befriend the good people of Lebanon, those who share a prayer with us for a better future. I salute the teams who will hopefully gather tomorrow in Washington, D.C., and wish them great success in pursuing peace between Israel and Lebanon. But in order to reach that point, Israel must ensure the safety of its borders.
“I pray that, Please God, when we all gather again next year, may we speak of the war only in the past tense, and enjoy the blessings of peace, in Israel, with our neighbors, near and far and all around the world! Happy Independence Day!”
Mrs.Michal Herzog, Israeli First Lady performed Hatikvah, the National Israeli anthem in sign language
Photos Silvia G. Golan
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Today, Monday, 20 April 2026 / 3 Iyar 5786 the President Isaac Herzog Awards the “Presidential Medal of Honor” to President Javier Milei of Argentina
President Herzog: “As President of Argentina, you are leading a bold policy, enhancing the collaboration between our countries to the benefit of both of our nations”
President Milei: “Argentina and Israel each represent, in their own way, the same cause: that of keeping alive the flame of freedom in an uncertain world”
On Monday, April 20, 2026, President Isaac Herzog presented the “Presidential Medal of Honor”, the highest civilian decoration of the State of Israel, to President Javier Milei of Argentina in a ceremony at the President’s Residence in Jerusalem.
The medal was awarded in recognition of President Milei’s consistent and outspoken commitment to the State of Israel, his unwavering support for Israel on the international stage, his solidarity with the families of the hostages, and his deep personal connection to the Jewish people and its heritage.
Also in attendance at the ceremony were the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Israel, Gideon Sa’ar, the Minister the Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Worship of the Argentine Republic, Pablo Quirno, and the Minister of Justice of the Argentine Republic, Juan Bautista Mahiques.
Following the ceremony, the leaders held a bilateral meeting. During their meeting, President Herzog condemned the grave incident in which damage was caused to Christian religious symbols in southern Lebanon and is currently under investigation by the IDF.
Upon presenting the “Presidential Medal of Honor” to President Milei, President Isaac Herzog said:
“Javier, my friend, it is a true honor and pleasure for Michal and me to welcome you here at the President’s Residence in Jerusalem. We gather at a sacred time and a sacred city. The city is our eternal capital. The time is the eve of Israel’s Memorial Day, in which Israel comes to a standstill in solidarity and mourning of those who gave their lives for our homeland.
“Tomorrow evening, Israelis will dry their tears and raise their Israeli flag to celebrate the independence of the State of Israel. As we approach this moment, I feel privileged to present a great friend of Israel and a great friend of mine, Dr. Javier Milei, with the highest civilian award an Israeli President can bestow: The Israeli Presidential Medal of Honor.
“In February of 2024, a few months after the October 7th horrific massacre, you conducted your first visit to Israel as President of Argentina. Here, the shock, horror, and pain of that dark day were still raw and pulsing. On the grounds of Kibbutz Nir Oz, with the signs of devastation and horror all around us, trails of blood still staining the earth, remains of the fire that scorched the land, you and I stood together, shoulder to shoulder, with Michal and your dear sister, looked the families of the kibbutz in the eyes, and vowed: This kibbutz shall blossom again.
“We recalled there, in those darkest moments, what is always true: The Jewish people—the Israeli people—will always rebuild. And we shared another truth: The Jewish people are not alone. The State of Israel is not alone. We have allies, and we have great friends. You, Javier, in your actions and words, demonstrated your friendship and declared your message of showing up in body, spirit, and heart.
“As President of Argentina, you are leading a bold policy, enhancing the collaboration between our countries to the benefit of both of our nations. Much of your leadership points straight to the heart of tikkun olam—our highest ambition, to repair a fractured world. Together, we are harnessing the best of our nations to bring tools of innovation, science, and our boundless human creativity in service of greater health, prosperity, and well-being for people everywhere. And it shows.
“On behalf of the State of Israel, the people of Israel, and the entire history that stands behind us, I hereby bestow upon you the Israeli Presidential Medal of Honor. Muchas gracias, mi querido amigo Javier. ¡Viva Israel! Viva Argentina!”
Upon receiving the “Presidential Medal of Honor”, President Milei said:
“I wish first to thank President Herzog for this medal that has been awarded to me. I am duly honored to receive it, as yet another warm gesture from the people of Israel who welcome me on every visit, with their characteristic affection.
“In addition to being honored by this distinction, I also welcome the increasingly closer ties between our peoples. I welcome the strengthening of this friendship, which has been one of the pillars of our government's foreign policy, as part of a return to the Judeo-Christian values that once made us great. Argentina once strayed from that path, renouncing its foundational values in search of alternatives that would justify the power structures of successive governments.
“Today, thanks to the Argentine people having once again chosen the ideas of freedom, we have returned to the path of the West, of Judeo-Christian values, and of everything that made us great as a civilization. And among all the things we have recovered, few are as valuable as the close bond of friendship between our nations. A fraternity that has always existed on a people-to-people basis, which no government has been able to break, and which today stands stronger than ever.
“Argentina and Israel each represent, in their own way, the same cause: that of keeping alive the flame of freedom in an uncertain world, where darkness today looms even over those peoples who once knew freedom. Freedom, which is nothing other than preserving the flame of a life that is free and worthy of being lived. Because, as Moses said to the people of Israel: ‘Between life and death, between blessing and curse, choose life.’
“That is why we want the friendship between Argentina and Israel to endure over time. First, because of what it represents for two peoples who share values, a legacy, and a vision for the future. But, above all, as a symbol of the fact that, even in the darkest times, good ultimately prevails, as long as we remain united.
May God bless Israel. May God bless Argentina. May the forces of heaven be with us. Thank you very much to all of you.”
Video of the Presidential Medal of Honor Ceremony for President Milei of Argentina:
https://mab.to/t/pFIgIiOkC83/
Video credit: Roi Avraham (GPO) / Sound credit: Nir Sharf (GPO)
Photos Silvia G. Golan
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On Thursday, 5 February 2026, at the Dan Hotel Tel Aviv, a reception in honour of the 33rd anniversary of the "Day of Establishment" was hosted by H.E. Ms Barbara Mestonova, Ambassador of the Slovak Republic to the State of Israel.
Master of Ceremonies, Mr. Peter Princ, the Ambassador's P.A., warmly welcomed everyone present, introducing the Ambassador and Ms. Simona Halperin, Deputy Director General of the Foreign Ministry's Department for Europe representing the State of Israel.
The Ambassador of the Slovak Republic to Israel, H.E. Ms. Barbara Mestanova stated in her succinct and palpable address that all guests present mean a great deal and their presence is highly valued. Slovakia and Israel's relations are based on trust and are especially dynamic in the fields of education, defence and culture. A great deal of cooperation and synergy is found in the relationship between Slovakia's Defence establishment and Israel's Aerospace Industry. A couple of days ago the last Israeli hostage was returned and at last we can breathe relief. I have watched your relief and all of you I consider to be heroes. She valiantly concluded her speech by "Long Life to Slovakia and Long Life to Israel".
Ms. Simona Halperin who delivered the "welcome remarks" on behalf of Minister, Mr Zeev Elkin, who was scheduled to attend but delayed due to a cabinet meeting. She said that the 1st of January represents the birth of a sovereign modern state. Slovakia and Israel are nations of an extraordinarily large spirit sharing resilient democracies, thriving economies deeply anchored in each respective heritage, representing tradition and innovation, revering ancestral roots and standing at the vanguard of a modern age. Prior to World War 11, Slovakia was home to 130 000 Jews. Slovakia has demonstrated moral leadership in its approach to historical memory. The Slovak Republic's establishment of a Holocaust museum in Sered, the adoption of the IHRA definition of antisemitism, the governmental apology for the Jewish codex as well as holocaust education of future Slovak generations is a testament to your country's commitment. The Synergy between Israel's technological ingenuity and Slovakia's industrial prowess in the automotive and high tech sectors provides a rewarding foundation for our shared future. The vitality of our bond is best seen in the "human glue", namely in tourism and cultural exchange. With the expansion of direct flights, our citizens are discovering each other's landscapes, mirroring the highest diplomatic level. Our President, Isaac Herzog's state visit, preceded by his Father in 1991, President Chaim Herzog, symbolizes these achievements. Jerusalem hosts the Slovak Institute providing a home for Slovak culture and diplomacy. To the Slovak Republic - Happy Independence Day!
A toast was taken by the Ambassador and Ms. Halperin against a backdrop of a poster of the Bratislava castle and Jerusalem's iconic "Mosque of the Golden Dome", accompanied by an arrangement of flowers in the Sovak national colours of blue, white and red.
After the speeches a sumptuous buffet of Slovak pierogi,tortellini, chicken breast, grilled fish, roast beef, a selection of salads, and scrumptious desserts including blinches with strawberry coulis were served.
Ambassadors, diplomats, military attaches, state and defense force officials, Slovak expatriates, H.E. Dr. Alexander Ben Zvi (retired), a former Israeli ambassador to the Slovak Republic , Mr. Milan Vrbovský new Director of the of the Slovak Institute in Jerusalem; Israel , Dr. Eva Gross from Nove Zamky ; Dr. Eva Kellner from Galanta and Ms. Ayala Meitav, Senior Project Manager of International Relations for Tel Aviv's Municipality were present.
Diplomacy.co.il congratulates H.E. Ms Barbara Mestanova and the staff embassy on her country's 33rd anniversary of independence and many thanks for a memorable evening of Slovak hospitality.
Photos Silvia G. Golan
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On Thursday evening, the 26 February 2026, the Ambassador of the Dominican Republic to the State of Israel, H.E. Mr. and Mrs. Olivio Fermin hosted an intimate and lively reception celebrating 182 years of his country's independence at the Dan Accadia Hotel in Herzliya Pituach.
The banquet room was colourfully decorated in red, blue and white flowers and flags representing the national colours of the Dominican Republic.
Master of Ceremonies, CEO and founder of Anthony Raphael Escoboza Media Group based in Miami and Herzliya warmly welcomed all and sundry.
The national anthems of the Dominican Republic and Israel's Hatikvah were played and resounded with enthusiasm.
H.E. Mr. Olivio Fermin's address was in Spanish with an English translation on screen welcoming Ambassadors, authorities of the State of Israel members of the diplomatic corps, representatives of the business and academic sectors and Dominican community members in Israel. The independence of the Dominican Republic is a sacred date on which we pay tribute to the courage, vision and sacrifice of the country's founding fathers namely Juan Pablo Duarte, Fransisco del Rosario Sanchez and Ramon Matias Mella. Our independence continues to be a profound affirmation of identity, freedom and democracy. In this spirit, we welcome the excellent state of relations between the Dominican Republic and Israel sharing fundamental values such as respect for freedom, historical resilience, human talent and the ability to transform challenges into opportunities. Israel is globally recognized as a nation of innovation, technology and entrepreneurship while the Dominican Republic stands out as one of the most dynamic economies in Latin America and the Caribbean. Opportunities exist to deepen in sectors such as precision agriculture, water management, cybersecurity, health technology and renewable energy. Our country offers a favourable climate for foreign investment, legal certainty and preferential access to international markets creating prospects for Israeli entrepreneurs. Our country warmly welcomes visitors including Israeli citizens who discover our beaches, culture and hospitality. Baseball, our national sport, represents an important field of cultural and human connection. We are pleased to see growing interest in this sport in Israel and trust that sporting exchange, youth training and cooperation between federations will continue to intensify. We also value the academic, scientific and cultural exchanges between our nations. Dialogue between Dominican and Israeli universities, research centres and entrepreneurs open promising horizons for joint projects in education, technology and applied research. We also express our sincere appreciation to the State of Israel for the welcome extended to Dominican citizens who have chosen to work in Israel. We are grateful for their dignified treatment and opportunities that Israel offers to those who contribute to the development of the societies that accept them. Allow me to conclude by reiterating our gratitude for your presence at our celebration. Long live the Dominican Republic, long life its heroes and long live the friendship between our countries.
Representing the State of Israel, Ms. Sharren Haskel, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs started her speech by stating that this evening is a testament to the freedom that was established by the Dominican Republic's founding father, Juan Pablo Duarte. Israel and the Domincan Republic's bilateral relations are historical and heartfelt. In 1947, you were among 33 nations supporting a U.N. resolution for our establishment followed in December 1948, recognizing Israel's independence. In July 1938 at the Avian conference, nation after nation closed its doors to Jews requesting a safe haven from Nazi persecution, however the Dominican Republic's President Rafael Trujillo agreed to accept 100 000 Jews. In January 2026 the Dominican Republic restored the historic synagogue and Jewish museum in Sosua. Abraham Cohen from Curacao helped finance the Dominican Republic's War of Independence and supported Duarte in his efforts. He eventually moved to the Dominican Republic where his descendants continue to live. Through Israel's Foreign Ministry's Mashav programme, over 5000 Dominican professionals have received training in Israel. Thousands of Israelis annually visit the Dominican Republic. In January 2025, I had the pleasure of having a warm and fruitful telephone conversation with your Deputy Foreign Minister and subsequently met in my office with Ambassador Fermin where issues of common interest were shared. In April 2025 an Israeli rescue team of doctors, paramedics and specialists were sent to the Dominican Republic to help rescue lives in a tragic fire of a night club which led to the deaths of 113 people. There has been increasing dialogue between faith leaders and youth leaders from our countries. The Deputy Minister concluded her speech by stating that the Dominican Republic's core values representing resilience, faith, love of life, freedom and family are common values by nations that have led to a robust relationship between the two states.
A toast was shared by the Ambassador and Deputy Minister Haskel.
A choice of two types of Dominican rum as well as a display of Dominican cigars were offered to guests. There was a lavish buffet including a rocket and tomato salad, breast of chicken skewers, roast beef accompanied by roast square potatoes, focaccia, traditional Dominican ceviche, baked lavrak (sea bream), a vegetarian stir fry dish including cauliflower, bean, broccoli, zucchini and bok choy and lastly a choice of sumptuous desserts and fresh fruit.
Guests danced exuberantly to Dominican sounds of barachta, merengue, dembow and dalos music.
Present were ambassadors, high ranking state officials, entrepreneurs, academics, Dominican nationals including H.E. Mr. Gil Haskell, Chief of State Protocol, H.E. Mr. Amir Ofek, Israeli Foreign Affairs Director for Latin America, Mr. Yoram Ray Naor, Consul General of Belize, Vice President of the Ambassadors Club and Vice President of the Israel - Latin America Chamber of Commerce, Ms. Miri Berger, Executive Director of the Israel - Latin America Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Ilan Ben Hakoon, the Dan Arcadia Hotel's General Manager, Mr. Emanuel Shapira Rabbanian, the Dan Hotels Director of Delegations, Mr. Gabriel Hayon, Director of the Diplomatic Institute, Mr. Tony Reichler, the Head of the Knesset International Relations Section, Dr. Samuel Birger, a dental surgeon based in Miami and Tel Aviv and Mr. Mauricio Dimant, Coordinator of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem's Entrepreneurship and Innovation with Latin America.
Diplomacy.co.il extends its warmest congratulations to the Dominican Republic on the auspicious occasion of its 182nd anniversary of independence and expresses its sincere appreciation, thanks and gratitude to the Ambassador of the Dominican Republic to the State of Israel and his spouse for a most memorable evening of joy and conviviality.
Photos Silvia G. Golan
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Photo: President Herzog with Ambassador of Thailand, H.E. Mr. Boonyarit Vichienpuntu
.President Herzog Receives Diplomatic Credentials of First Residential Ambassador of Fiji and New Ambassador of Thailand to Israel
On February 3, 2026, President Isaac Herzog received the diplomatic credentials of the new Ambassadors to Israel of Fiji and Thailand in formal ceremonies at the President’s Residence in Jerusalem.
Upon receiving the diplomatic credentials of the first-ever residential Ambassador of Fiji to Israel, Mr. Jesoni Vitusagavulu, President Herzog congratulated Fiji on its historic decision to open an embassy in Jerusalem as a significant step in the development of bilateral relations between Israel and Fiji.
Earlier, President Herzog received the diplomatic credentials of the new Ambassador of Thailand, Mr. Boonyarit Vichienpuntu. President Herzog praised the strong relations between Israel and Thailand and cited new opportunities for cooperation in the fields of innovation, agriculture, and tourism.
In his remarks at the ceremony, President Herzog said, “I am honored to welcome the first-ever Ambassador of Fiji to Israel in Jerusalem. This is a fantastic moment, and we are very moved. Fiji is a dear friend of Israel, and we pray for and love your country. The future of so many important global issues depends on the Pacific region, including in the maritime sphere, climate, and energy.”
Photo: President Herzog with Ambassador of Fiji, H.E. Mr. Jesoni Vitusagavulu
Ambassador Vitusagavulu of Fiji conveyed the best wishes of the people of Fiji to Israel, saying "I am honored to be the first resident Ambassador of Fiji to Israel. We share our prayers for security and peace for Israel, and we stand together with Israel."
Welcoming Ambassador Vichienpuntu of Thailand to Israel, President Herzog stated, “Israelis love Thailand. During the war, due to the tragedies that occurred, Thai citizens resident in Israel became a part of our family. There are many opportunities to enhance our bilateral relations in so many spheres, including economic ties, science and technology, and tourism.”
Diplomacy.co.il and debateforpeace.org welcome Ambassadors of Fiji and Thailand to Israel and offer our best wishes for an enjoyable tenure and great success in advancing diplomatic ties between the 2 nations at all levels.
Photos: Maayan Toaf / GPO
