Embassy of Austria's National Day Reception - Austrian Ambassador's Residence, Herzliya Pituach
On Wednesday evening, the 14th of October 2026, the Ambassador of the Republic of Austria to the State of Israel, Dr. Arad and Mrs. Petra Benko hosted a reception at their residence in Herzliya Pituach in honour of Austria's national day.
In 1955, the Austrian parliament passed the constitutional law on permanent neutrality, a deeply ingrained element of Austrian identity ever since.
Miniature Austrian and Israeli flags decorated the tables and waiters offered colourfully decorated canopies to guests while conversing in the residence's garden as a jazz quartet on the upper balcony entertained guests with lively mainstream melodies.
The official ceremony proceeded with the Emcee Ms. Lara Stock, First Secretary and Director of the Austrian Cultural Forum warmly welcoming all and sundry. The Ambassador, Dr. Arad Benko is a returning diplomat, who was from 2006 till 2009 the Embassy's spokesman and Director of the Austrian Cultural Forum. At least 50% of diplomats based at the Embassy in Tel Aviv are diplomats who have worked in Israel previously. This occasion marks the anniversary of 70 years of bilateral relations between Austria and Israel.
The national anthems of Israel, Austria and the European Union (Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy ) followed.
H.E. Dr. Arad Benko commenced his speech by welcoming everyone present saying that the last Austrian national day reception was held in 2022. This year marks the anniversary of 70 years of bilateral relations between Austria and Israel. The pain that followed the 7th of October 2023 still resonates deeply. Austria endeavours to raise awareness of the Holocaust through rigorous educational programmes and through remembrance and actions especially now with the exponential rise of antisemitism. Quoting Austria's Foreign Minister. The Honourable Ms. Beate Meinl - Reisenger, "We stand by Israel's side". More than 50% of people who have obtained Austrian citizenship through acquisition by descent, live in Israel. We very much indeed would like Austrian and Israeli youth to interact and earlier this year two classes from Jerusalem visited Austria, we intend to do this annually. Another emphasis is "regional and town" cooperation as Austria is a federal country with States having great powers. In the near future, a large delegation from Linz in Styria will visit Israel. Tourism is another important factor that brings us closer, not forgetting science and technology and of course cultural cooperation especially music namely the Eurovision! My thanks and gratitude to the Embassy staff for having actualized this event. He concluded his speech by an extract from the Austrian Jewish writer and satirist, Friedrich Torberg from his poem "Die Tante Jolesch" quoting an extract from her deathbed as she whispered in her final confession "I did not make enough".
Representing the State of Israel was the Foreign Ministry's Deputy Director General and Chief of State Protocol, Ambassador H.E. Mr. Gil Haskel who spoke shortly and without notes saying that he was moved by the Ambassador's invitation to make the address on behalf of the State of Israel, thus wishing the incumbent Ambassador success in his new appointment. The last reception held was in 20222 and I was elated that this traditional annual event has been renewed. He said that Austria is perceived to be a close ally and friend of Israel. My Father was born in Austria and before World War 11 was sent by my grandparents to live in England. The fact that Israel and Austria's relationship is initially ensconced by the tragic past namely the Second World War, we admire the fact that Austria has taken responsibility for their actions. Many Israelis have taken Austrian citizenship showing the closeness between our countries.
After the speeches, a toast was taken by Ambassadors Benko and Haskel.
A healthy and lavish buffet which included a sweet potato salad, a classic boiled potato salad, traditional Austrian noodles, waldorf salad, spinach bourekas, cauliflower and pomegranate salad, lettuce salad, olives, tsadziki, sandwich canopies, sabich and a selection of cheese. Deserts included apfelstrudel and sachertorte made by the Austrian Hospice in Jerusalem and a large fresh fruit platter. Drinks included Austria's premier beer, Gosser and wines from Domaine 1196, a prominent winery in Gamlitz, South Styria.
A raffle for two return tickets from Tel Aviv to Vienna was sponsored by Austrian Airlines, now part of the Lufthansa Group.
Guests included many Ambassadors, diplomats, military attaches, businessmen, heads of N.G.O. 's, think tanks as well as members of the Austrian community residing in Israel not forgetting young Austrian volunteers working at the Austrian Hospice in Jerusalem, H.E. Mr. Mordechai Rodgold, the Foreign Ministry's Head of Digital Diplomacy and a former Israeli Ambassador to Austria, Ms. Nurit Tinari, the Foreign Ministry's Head of Cultural Diplomacy Bureau, Mrs. Advocate Susie Ozsinay Aranya, Jerusalem Municipality's International Communications and Foreign Media Spokesperson, Father Franz Xaver Brandmayr, Rector of the Austrian Hospice in Jerusalem, Mr. Wadie Abunasser, Spain's Honorary Consul in Haifa and Director of the International Centre for Consultations, Mr. Stephan Linhart, Lufthansa Senior Director of Sales in Eastern Europe, Israel and Turkey, Ms. Osnat Bukofzer, The Israel Cinema Project's Director of International Affairs and Co- Production, Ms. Carmen Dereser, a Volunteer at the Austrian Hospice in Jerusalem from Franconia in northern Bavaria, Ms. Catherin Shalev, an expert in German Speaking Countries (Germany, Austria, Switzerland) regarding education, immigration, citizenship, Ms. Ayala Meitav, Tel Aviv - Jaffa Municipality's Senior Project Manager, Mr. and Mrs. Dotan Smith, the Population and Immigration Authority's Head of the Assisted Voluntary Return Division and last but not least Ms. Katerina Petrenko, an Executive at a Human Resource Company for Foreign Workers in the Construction Industry.
Diplomacy.co.il warmly congratulates H.E. Dr. Arad and Mrs. Petra Benko on their country's national day and for their kind, gracious and generous hospitality as well as to all the staff of the Austrian Embassy staff for organizing a memorable reception.
Photos by Silvia G. Golan
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