Diplomatic Events

 

Norway's Constitution Day is the country's official National Day celebrating the second oldest constitution still in use, which was signed in 1814, trailing the United States. The day's emphasis is manifested in the principles of democracy, community and children, where the main events are massive parades where school children march through local communities alongside marching bands.

 

Norwegian Flags of all shapes and sizes as well as flowers representing Norway's national colours were ubiquitously displayed both in the residence and in the garden.   

 

In the entrance hall, adjacent to a beautiful flower arrangement and photograph of King Harald V and Queen Sonja, was a framed letter from His Majesty, expressing his blessing for Constitution Day.

 

In the garden, behind the dais on which the official ceremony took place, was a large screen displaying a video of Norway's Royal family and Constitution Day parades.

 

The official ceremony took place in the garden and Mr. Thomas Rem Berdal, the Embassy's Deputy Head of Mission, was Master of Ceremonies.  

 

A beautiful rendition of Norway's and Israel's anthem by Nowegian Israeli singer, Silje Rubin accompanied by Or Shushan on guitar was performed.

 

 

 

 

Norway's Ambassador, H.E. Mr. Per Egil Selvaag spoke eloquently and succinctly welcoming everyone including notable guests which included former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, Prof. Yossi Beilin, a former Minister in the Prime Minister's Office as well as of Economics, Justice and Religious Affairs, Prof. Amir Yaron, Governor of the Bank of Israel and Rabbi Michael Melchior, Norway's Chief Rabbi and a former Minister of Social and Diaspora Affairs. He read a letter from King Herald V which was displayed in the entrance hall of the Ambassador's residence. Thanks and praise was expressed for the release of the hostages held in captivity by Hamas. Norway is active regarding humanitarian assitance to the Palestinian population. Norway's foreign policy is anchored in NATO, a commitment to international law, European intergration, an Arctic policy and peace and diplomacy development. We condemn terror and have been actively working within the framework of the United Nations. Since 1949 we continue to work for a situation where a Jewish state can coexist with a Palestinian state. I spent my formative years growing up both in Norway and Israel. Israel is presently challenged internationally for extreme settler violence which is not receeding but to the contrary. Norway also perpetually looks how its relations  can expand as we focus in areas such as climate control and science and technology. Regarding our participation in the fight against antisemitism, we actively particiapte in the IHRA (International Holocaust Rememberance Alliance). In May 2025 our Foreign Minister, Mr. Espen Barth Eide visited Jerusalem and attended the IHRA conference. According to the ADL's global 100 index, statistics reveal that Norway has globally the 2nd lowest rate of antisemitic beliefs among aduts. In May 1814 Noway's constitution was drafted, making it the second oldest constitution after the U.S.A. It embodies three principles namely, that of sovereignity of the people, the seperation of powers and the protection of fundamental human rights per se. Israel does not have a Constitution but instead a Declaration of Independence that emphasizes freedom, justice and peace, social equality for all its inhabitants are stipulated and the safeguarding of all holy places, irrespect of belief. In conclusion, my belief is that Israel will embody the principles of the Declaration of Principles and that it will not be become a fairytale as a song will now be performed entitled "Fairyland" by Selje Rubin and Or Shushan, which won Norway the Eurovision contest in 2009.  

  

After the speech, a song entitled "Fairyland", which was won by Norway's Alexander Rybak in the 2009 Eurovision Contest.

 

An impressive buffet, which was a feast for the eyes, was presented with elan and included Norwegian meatballs and beans, phyllo pastry filled savories and a dish of carrots. A large table in the centre of the room filled to the brim included many salads, crudites,  Norwegian canopies, a selection of smoked and cured fish including Norwegian salmon and a selection of cheese. There were two dessert stations, inside was a station where small Pavlova treats, a festive Norwegian tier cake decorated with miniature flags and fresh cherries were served and in the garden another station were Brunost, the iconic Norwegian cheese,  traditional Norwegian pancakes accompanied with whipped cream, sliced strawberries and berries and berry jam was available. A selection of select wines, tastefully chosen and soft drinks were also available.

 

Among the guests present were many European Ambassadors, Diplomats, a few Military Attaches, many Norwegian expatriates and nationals living in Israel, Mr. and Mrs. Petur Petersen, Head of Representation of the Faroe Islands in Tel Aviv (The Faroe Islands is a self governing archipelago of 18 islands which is part of the Kingdom of Denmark), Mr. Yehuda Haviv, a Senior Director of the Israel Tax Authority Diplomatic Unit of Collection and Enforcement Department - Indirect Taxes, Ms. Shira Martin, a Senior Bureaucrat of the Israel Tax Authority's Diplomatic Unit of Collection and Enforcement Department - Indirect Taxes, Mr. Lior Amihai, Director of Peace Now, Dr. Khaled and Mrs Rim Khalifa, Chairman of the Arab Council of Foreign Relations, Mr. Wadie Abunassar, Director of  a think tank, the International Centre for Consultations, Ms. Alexandra Kara, from the Cybercrime Department of the State Attorney's Office of the Ministry of Justice, Mr. Brian Reeves, Director of Strategic Relations Alliance for Middle East Peace, Mr. Eoin Barry, Humanitarian Advisor of the International Red Cross and Mr. Laurence Weinbaum, Director General of the Israel Council of Foreign Relations and Chief Editor of the Israel Journal of Foreign Affairs.            

 

. www.diplomacy.co.il  conveys its appreciation, good wishes and sincere thanks to the Ambassador of Norway, H.E. Per. Egil Selvaag and the Embassy staff for their gracious hospitality and for a memorable evening.