Diplomatic Events

 

A large screen with a message by Israel's President Isaac Herzog expressing his delight in conveying his greetings saying that Chile's long and determined quest for independence is something shared by both nations. To admit someone which is heartening and that we had the wisdom, pragmatism and understanding as well as the foresight to have overcome our differences, renewing bilateral relations, will most certainly have a positive outcome. Thus recognizing the potential we can enjoy the bountiful fruit of our renewed relations. Under President Jose Antonio Kast's leadership, we are currently finding new momentum in our restored friendship. I very much indeed would like to visit Chile in the very foreseeable future. Viva Chile!.    

 

The Ambassador's speech was erudite and urbane, starting by saying that on national day, Chileans around the world celebrate our nation - its history, its people, its achievements and the values that have guided us throughout our journey. This is a celebration of freedom and national identity, remembering those who helped to shape our country and to reflect upon Chile which we continue to build for future generations. He quoted a verse of a poem entitled, "How Flags Are Born" by Pablo Neruda, Chile's national poet and Nobel Prize laureate for Literature in 1971. Chile is a country deeply proud of its democratic traditions and institutions as we believe in freedom, human dignity, the rule of law, respect for human rights, dialogue and peaceful cooperation among nations. We are of the belief that through dialogue and mutual respect, differences can be bridged. Chile is a land of extreme geograghical contrasts, ranging from the Atacama desert in the north, through fertile valleys, to a magnificent coastline including mountains, glaciers and the breathtaking landscapes of Patagonia. Our geography has shaped our national character, teaching us resilience, creativity and that challenges can become opportunities., something both our countries well understand. Although both our countries are separated by thousands of kilometres these similarities bind us. We have learnt to adapt, innovate and find creative solutions in challenging environments. Over the past few months we have been working to translate possibilities into concrete connections by bringing universities, researchers, doctors, medical institutions, innovators and companies in fields such as satellite technology, artificial intelligence, water, agriculture and advanced medicine ensuring that these efforts lead to projects, partnerships, research, investment, knowledge - sharing  and lasting institutional links. By strengthening our ties today we ensure building a friendship that future generations can carry forward. I hope to see more Chileans visiting Israel and visa versa, more students studying together, more scientists developing joint projects, more businesses identifying opportunities for cooperation, and more cultural exchange. Afterall, diplomacy is not only about relations between governments but about building trust between people and creating opportunities. My thanks and gratitude to all Embassy and Consular officials for their professionalism, commitment and daily work. The days between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are a period of introspection, prayer and renewal, a time to examine our actions seeking reconciliation and repair what has been broken and finally to enter the new year with hope and humility. Am Israel Chai and Viva Chile. 

 

Ambassador Amir Ofek, the Israeli Foreign Ministry's Deputy Director General of the Department of Latin America and the Caribbean, represented the Government of Israel. He spoke without notes and his talk was personal, relating his experience as a diplomat in Latin America. Twenty Eight years ago, when I was a cadet, I was transferred to Chile where I learnt to speak Spanish, well so I thought. Afterwards I was transferred to other Spanish speaking countries and I realized that I spoke Chilean and not Spanish. When working in Chile, I visited the Atacama desert in the north known as the driest region in the world and also visited the glaciers in the far south, an experience that I will always treasure. Twenty years later the circle has been closed and I am thankful for it being the Foreign Ministry's Deputy Director of its Latin American and Caribbean Department. We have lost four important years in our relationship and thus have a great deal of work to do. Viva Chile!

 

After his speech a recorded message by Chile's President Jose Antonio Kast was shown. 

 

Thereafter, on stage, a toast by both Ambassadors Zaliasnik and Ofek was taken followed by a musical performance of traditional Chilean songs by Gabriela Trebitsch (soprano) accompanied by Ariel Toro on keyboard, Mr. Toro is President of the Chile - Israel Institute. 

 

During the event, Ms. Sharren Haskel, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs arrived to congratulate Ambassador Zaliasnik on his auspicious celebration. 

 

A lavish buffet including Chilean empanadas and ceviche as well as assado, chicken breast skewers, beef stew, canopies of salmon and avocado, crudites, pasta salad, a green salad as well as bulgur salad was served. For dessert there was a selection of five mousse including pistachio mousse and brownies as well as cheesecake, not forgetting a large variety of fresh fruit.      

 

Among the many dignitaries which included ambassadors, diplomats, state officials, business men and women, representatives on NGOs was : Nadav Tamir, the Peres Centre for Peace and Innovation's Senior Advisor for Governmental and International Affairs, Dr. Dani Dayan Chairman of the Directorate of Yad Vashem, Eli Dallal, a Knesset Member ,  Ambassdor David Cohen, a previous Israeli Ambassador to Chile, Ms. Rael Goodman, Hadassah International Israel's Executive Dircetor. Ayala Meitav, the Tel Aviv - Yafo's Municipality's Senior Project Manager for International Relations,  Dotan Smith, the Population and Immigration Authority's Head of the Assisted Voluntary Return Division, Wadie Abunasser, Spain's Honorary Consul and Director of the International Centre for Consultations, Ms. Miri Berger, The Israel - Latin America Chamber of Commerce's Executive Dircetor, Stanley Morais, El Al's Director of International Affairs,  Tony Reichler, The Knesset's Head of International Relations, Dr. Rodolfo Klein, a retired dermitologist, originally from Santiago,  Oscar Ledesma, originally from Chile, is a Firefighter in one of Israel's Firestations, . Hernan Lopez, Head of La Comunidad Chilena da Israel (CCHIL), 

 

Diplomacy.co.il  and   www.diariojudio.com   express its sincere thanks to Ambassador Zaliasnik and to Mrs. Elizabeth Majlis as well as to all the Embassy and Consular staff for an evening of inimitable celebration and joy. Viva Chile!