On Thursday, 27th of November 2025 the Ambassador of Panama to the State of Israel, H.E. Mr. Ezra and Mrs. Linda Cohen, hosted a large reception at the Waldorf Astoria, Jerusalem.
Panama celebrates two independence days because at different points in history, the country was dominated by two different nations - once by Spain and then again by Colombia. On the 28th of November 1821, Panama declared independence from Spanish rule and once again on the 3rd of November 1903 Panama again declared independence from Colombia.
In the elegantly decorated lobby of the Waldorf Astoria there were 7 food stations manned by chefs with. A large selection of salads, chicken with a peanut butter sauce, a selection of 6 smoked and cured salmon, spare ribs off the bone served with pav buns, chicken schnitzel, steak entrecote and spare ribs served with mustard and sweet potato puree. Wine from Psagot with decorative labels honouring Panama's independence was also served.
Upon entering there were two exhibits. The first exhibit was by an Israeli company, Watergen, based in Petach Tikva who also has a plant in Panama producing both water machines and highly purified water that is converted from humidity. The other exhibit was art and Judaica by Zelda Gallery in Jerusalem.
After an hour of socializing in the lobby and having photographs taken with the Ambassador against a colourfully designed backdrop with !Viva Panama as well as the flags, guests were cordially invited to take their place in the banquet hall for the official ceremony where every seat had a miniature Panamese flag.
A short and colourful documentary of Panama was shown.
The Master of Ceremonies, Mr. Anthony Raphael Escoboza, CEO and founder of the Esco Media Group with branches in Miami and Herzliya warmly welcomed everyone present, starting his speech stating that Panama is a small nation in size with an immense history, diversity and vision. It is a country that connects oceans, cultures, and opportunities, a natural bridge where tradition and modernity coexist. Our identity is marked by the joy of our people, the richness of our folklore, the beauty of our lands and the strength of a spirit that always looks forward. Our countries collaborate in trade, technology, education and culture strengthening the ties that unite us.
Ms. Gila Gamliel, Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology representing the State of Israel, stated that Israel and Panama enjoy a warm relationship since Panama recognized Israel after its second month of independence. Mashav, Israel's Foreign Ministry's International Development Aid Agency has trained many doctors from Panama and recently seen a significant rise of doctors specializing and training here. In the fields of cyber, tourism and innovation there is intense collaboration. The Panama Canal serves as a conduit between east and west. On the 1st of January 2020 a free trade agreement (FTA) came into effect and hopefully within the not too distant future a memorandum of understanding between my Ministry and Panama will be signed. There is a great deal of Israeli tourism especially in the south of Panama where tourists are drawn by your beautiful beaches. Our relationship is essentially based on trust which has of late intensified greatly. Immediately after the gruesome attack on the 7th of October 2025, Panama unequivocally was one of the first countries to condemn the attack. I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Panama who is currently serving on the United Nations Security Council as a non - permanent member for the 2025 - 2026 term.
Recently Israel experienced an emotional trajectory in our country's history namely the return of hostages captured on the 7th of October 2023 however we still have a duty to see the full completion thereof by the return of the remaining two dead hostages still held in Gaza. Panama is a moral example to the world being the only Meso and Latin country that has not recognized a Palestinian state. Panama also displays a non zero policy of tolerance towards antisemitism. Together we will continue working together striving side by side. A Presidential State visit to Israel by Panama's President Jose Raul Mulino Quintero has tentatively been scheduled for 2026.
Yerushalayim Shel Zahav in Ladino was sung by Ariel Toro with accompaniment.
The Master of Ceremonies spoke again saying that in the darkest moments, there are those who illuminate the way and today we honour a group of Panamanian sons who in the midst of the horror of October the 7th, chose to stay in Israel tirelessly caring for the injured and saving lives. Three Panamanian doctors currently doing the specialization in Israel were called to the stage and presented with a certificate of appreciation and a painting of Judaica by Yaakov from Zelda Gallery, inscribed with the words ":Am Israel Chai" by the Ambassador. They were honoured with a standing ovation.
Mr. Ezra Cohen, Ambassador of Panama to Israel opened his address by acknowledging his thanks and gratitude to his country's President Jose Raul Mulino and Panama's Foreign Minister Javier Martinez - Acha for the trust they have placed in me to strengthen the important relationship between Panama and Israel. Panama is a country that was born with a mission to connect the world, oceans, trade, cultures and people. Today Panama is connecting Israel with Latin America and visa versa. Our friendship did not begin today. In 1947, Panama supported the creation of the State of Israel. Today we cooperate in Water, Agriculture, Technology, Health, Education and have a strategic relationship based on shared values and heart. For more than 150 years, the Jewish community of Panama has been a pillar in the country's development shown by its entrepreneurs, educators, builders of institutions and leaders in the field of finance, commerce and charity. They have not only strengthened Panama but stood with Israel perpetually displaying their love, pride and loyalty. Tonight Panama honours them. On the tragic day of October the 7th, Panama showed moral clarity by standing with Israel. We also recognize the 16 Panamanian doctors we honour this evening who remained in Israel during the war serving in hospitals with courage, professionalism and compassion. With a view to the future Panama's vision is one of ambition, a direct flight between Panama and Israel, investment in both directions, Israeli technology in Panama, Panamanian presence in Israel, scholarships, agricultural training programs, public health cooperation and water management exchanges. We are building not only projects but a partnership for generations. This year we also celebrate our national football team qualifying for the Fifa World cup. This is our national sport Football - and celebration! Thank you to my team at the Embassy for your dedication, loyalty and endless effort. Viva Panama! Viva Israel! Thank you!
A short movie about the Panamanian National Football team was shown.
The Panama March led by Ariel Toro was enthusiastically sung by everyone waving their miniature flags.
The Master of Ceremonies said that the Panama Canal is one of the greatest engineering marvels and a symbol of history, vision and global connection as this canal not only unites oceans but cultures and opportunities, 6% of global trade passes through our canal.
A brief movie of the Canal was shown.
He said that a few months ago the Embassy had the honour of receiving a small group of our Spanish - speaking brothers who were taken as hostages on the gruesome day of October the 7th, 2023. Some were rescued and others had family in captivity. Their return home is a testament of hope,resilience and unity. Photos of the event were displayed on screen. Two hostages Luiz, Klara and Yosef Haim who was not present but represented by his Father came on stage.
To celebrate friendship and hope Nevo Lev Ari from Air Europa generously donated two round trip tickets between Israel and Panama. A raffle on screen followed and the two victorious winners were Eyal Bluer and Juan Carabello.
A list of the evening's sponsors were shown on screen including Elbit, Safra Bank and many commercial, cultural institutions as well as individuals.
Among the many guests were Latin and Meso American ambassadors, diplomats, state officials, Mr. Moshe Lion - Mayor of Jerusalem, Ms. Fllleur Hassan - Nahum - Jerusalem previous Deputy Mayor and currently Special Envoy for Innovation, appointed by Israel's Foreign Minister, Mr. Gideon Sa'ar, Rabbi Kalman Samuels - Founder and President of Shalva, Mr. Jonathan Pollard - an Israeli former intelligence analyst, Mr. Rafi Elul - a former politician, Mr. Rami Levi - CEO of Rami Levi Hashikma Marketing which is Israel's third largest retail supermarket chain and the country's first discount store, Mr. Gabriel Hayon - Chairman of the Diplomatic Institute, Mr. Moti Kozahinof - a Property Developer, Mr. Yitzhak Eldan - President of the Ambassadors Club of Israel and previously Israel's Chief of State Protocol who also served as Ambassador to Unesco, Mr. Yoram Naor - Vice President of the Ambassadors Club of Israel, Consul General of Belize in Israel, Vice President of the Latin American Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Maor Ifrah - the Foreign Ministry's Advisor to the Director General, Mr. Doron Afik - CEO of Afek and Co. Law Firm, Mr. Steve Elbaz - CEO of Watergen, Mr. Boris Mirkin - a Board Member of Watergen, Mr. Jeremy Diamond - Watergen's Sales Manager, Rabbi Yissachar Dov and Rabbanit Ashira Krakowski - The Orthodox Union in Israel's Director of Kashrut and the latter a Dietician, Ms. Giorgina Litvak - Sales Manager of the Benjamin Hotel in Herzliya Pituach, Mrs. Leah Breziner who lives both in Panama City and Jerusalem, Mr. Mauricio Dimant - Coordinator of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem's Entrepreneurship and Innovation with latin America, Capt (Res) Tal Eden - Senior Advisor to Naval and Offshore Solutions and last but most certainly not least Dr. Caballero and Mrs. Jhyvela Lopez and their baby daughter from Panama who is a doctor specializing in urology at Tel Hashomer and who valiantly served our wounded after the 7th of October.
The ceremony ended by the singing of Panama and Israel's national anthems and guests were invited to the lobby where dessert, fresh fruit and wine were served and intermingled with attractive ladies wearing Panamese colorful traditional dresses.
https://www.diplomacy.co.il/ & https://diariojudio.com/ salute the President and Panamese people and expresses its deep appreciation, thanks and gratitude to H.E. Mr. Ezra and Mrs. Linda Cohen and the staff embassy for their gracious and inimitable hospitality and for an unforgettable evening of conviviality and friendship.
Photos Silvia G. Golan
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