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President of Ecuador, H.E. Daniel Noboa Azin diplomatic visit to Israel and received The Friends of Zion Award
President Isaac Herzog held a diplomatic meeting with President Daniel Noboa of Ecuador, making his first visit to Israel, during which he officially opened his country’s new Innovation Research and Development Center in Jerusalem. And meet Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the Prime Minister's Office in Jerusalem
Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar hosted Ecuador's Foreign Defense and Interior Ministers Mrs.Gabriela Sommerfeld and Mr. John Reimberg in Jerusalem.
The President of the Republic of Ecuador, Mr. Daniel Noboa, as part of his official diplomatic trip to Israel , also visit to the Western Wall Plaza. He was accompanied by a high-level delegation headed by the Ecuadorian Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Ecuadorian Ambassador to Israel. And inaugurated an innovation center in Jerusalem.
President of Ecuador, H.E. Daniel Noboa Azin said : " I am honored and excited to receive the Friends of Zion Award, One of the Most Prestigious Awards ".
President of Ecuador, H.E. Daniel Noboa Azin, received The Friends of Zion Award. The evening at the Friends of Zion Heritage Center in Jerusalem was attended by 300 guests, including ambassadors, distinguished guests, businessmen and other VIP.
The Friends of Zion Heritage Center in Jerusalem hosted the event in honor of the President. The president received the Friends of Zion Award for his steadfast support of Israel these days and in appreciation for 75 years of true relations between Ecuador and Israel.
The Friends of Zion Award was established by the late Shimon Peres, Israel's 9th President and former International Chairman of FOZ. It has been given to over 24 world leaders, including former US President George Bush, former US President Donald Trump, and former Vice President Mike Pence.
President of Ecuador, H.E. Daniel Noboa Azin said: " I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Friends of Zion and Dr. Mike Evans for the meaningful recognition bestowed upon me. This honor is a reflection of the strong ties of friendship between Ecuador and Israel, and it reaffirms our shared commitment to values such as freedom, peace, and cooperation. I am deeply thankful for this gesture, which inspires us to continue working toward a future of mutual respect and solidarity between our nations. "
Dr. Mike Evans, Founder of FOZ stated: “Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa Azín deserves recognition from Friends of Zion for his firm and determined support for Israel at crucial moments. Since the beginning of his term, he has strengthened diplomatic relations between Ecuador and Israel, upholding principles of solidarity, cooperation, and mutual respect. His leadership has promoted collaborative agreements in key areas such as innovation, security, agriculture, and education, and he has publicly expressed his support for Israel's right to defend itself against, condemning the October 7 attacks and expressing his commitment and support for Israel's security and right to defense. He has also condemned Iran's attacks against Israel. This courageous and consistent stance reflects a deep commitment to the values that Friends of Zion promotes and positions Daniel Noboa Azín as a true friend of the people of Israel”.
The Friends of Zion Heritage Center was established in 2015, in the center of Israel’s capital Jerusalem, by founder Dr. Mike Evans, a number one best-selling author, and a Nobel Peace Prize nominee for a lifetime of combating antisemitism.
The Friends of Zion Heritage center is a Zionist platform dedicated to the fight against anti-Semitism and BDS and concerns itself with bolstering awareness for the historical support of the Christian friends of Israel. Their advanced Media Center holds dozens of events, activities, and press conferences in line with the FOZ museum's vision
Photo credit with President Herzog and Prime Minister Netanyahu: Ma'ayan Toaf (GPO)
Photo credit at FOZ courtesy FOZ Museum
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Photo Ambassadors and Representatives of the Diplomatic Corps
*At Independence Day Diplomatic Reception, President Herzog calls on world to act to return hostages, stand up to Iran, expand the circle of peace*
President Isaac Herzog, today, Thursday, hosted ambassadors, diplomats and representatives of nations, faith communities, and international multilateral organizations from around the world, for a special reception marking Israel’s 77th Independence Day.
The reception hosted at the President’s Residence with the participation of Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, was attended by US Ambassador Mike Huckabee, as well as representatives of the Abraham Accords nations including the Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates and representatives of Bahrain.
Addressing the event, President Herzog began by thanking those nations who had offered assistance to Israel as its firefighters and rescue services battled the fires across the country over the past days. He said, “I want to express my profound gratitude to the countries that have stepped forward to help us in a stark moment of crisis; helping turn it into a moment of human solidarity. I pray, along with all of us, for the safety of our communities, our brave fire-fighters, and for a rapid and full resolution to this disaster.”
The President said, “Seventy-seven years ago, the Jewish people, still on the ashes of the Holocaust, stood on its feet and took a radical leap forward: establishing the independent, Jewish and democratic State of Israel. Our young state proceeded to reach heights that no one would have thought possible. Emerging victorious on the battlefield. Making peace with former enemies. Establishing a vibrant democracy. And eventually becoming a world-leader in science and innovation; helping find sustainable solutions in agriculture, medicine, and so many of the fields that hold humanity’s most pressing challenges.”
He noted key among these challenges was the immediate return of all the hostages held in Gaza. “Our hearts and minds go out at this moment, first and foremost to our hostages, who are still buried, alive and dead, in Hamas’ underground dungeons. This grievous and ongoing crime violates every legal, ethical and human norm.” He urged, “I call upon all of your nations, all of your governments, and upon all people of morality, to see in this moment the moment to act swiftly and decisively with us to end this horrendous crime. And bring all of them home. Every last one. Urgently.”
The President added that the world must stand united in preventing Iran’s ongoing efforts to spread terror. He said, “It is not our battle alone. In this battle, we must all stand united. We must jointly ensure that Iran never reaches its nuclear goals. We must insist that it ends its subversive terror activities, including arming and orchestrating the terrorism of its radical proxies.”
The President reiterated, “My friends, this gathering here shows clearly: there is another way. Diplomacy and dialogue can forge new realities. I pray for the moment when corridors of connectivity that bring security, prosperity and peace will stretch from Israel to India. Not as a distant dream, but as a clear and present reality.”
The President thanked the attendees from around the world, and concluded, “Israel’s story is one of resilience, audacity and hope. And we hold fast to these deep resources now. I look forward to continuing to work with all of you, as we come together in goodwill, commitment and purpose, to transform pain into growth, and to shape a shared future of stability, peace and prosperity.”
Also addressing the diplomats was Rachel Goldberg-Polin, mother of Hersh who was taken hostage on October 7, and murdered in captivity nearly a year later. Rachel spoke movingly about her late son, his memory, and his ordeal at the hands of Hamas terrorists.
She went on to say, “Our country, Israel, is bursting with potential. It is a magnificent, complicated, textured, sacred, hurting, diverse, blessed and battered place. It has challenges and opportunities at this fragile time, with its 77th birthday, and so my dear friend, Israel, there is so much I would like to wish for you, but most supreme and urgent is the wish to reclaim the identity of the heart, core, and DNA of this treasured land, and that is bringing home the remaining 59 precious hostages. It won't be easy, but nothing meaningful in life ever is, and it is absolutely doable, as long as people with power decide that it is an interest and an equity for them. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. I am simply a regular person, but I know that every single one of you here has the ability to help make this happen. You were not put here by chance,” she told them.
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President Herzog to new U.S. Ambassador Huckabee: “We share our heartbreak and our absolute resolve to see every last hostage freed from the Hamas dungeons and returned to their loved ones. Immediately. Every last one. I thank you for this allegiance of heart, and, no less, for your commitment to action. Nothing is more urgent.”
U.S. Ambassador Huckabee: “We care deeply, Mr. President, about the threats that face Israel, because those are also the threats that face our country. I never want Americans to think that we Americans are not greatly benefited by our partnership with our ally Israel. We benefit dramatically in the sharing of intelligence, the sharing of technology, and the sharing of agricultural innovation, in which Israel has led the world.”
New U.S. Ambassador Huckabee concluded a full program of diplomatic meetings at the President’s Residence, during which the new ambassadors of India, Canada, Belarus, the Dominican Republic, and Angola also submitted their diplomatic credentials.
President Isaac Herzog today, Monday, received the diplomatic credentials of seven new ambassadors to Israel from Belarus, India, Canada, the Dominican Republic, Angola, and the United States.
Speaking alongside new U.S. Ambassador Huckabee, President Herzog began by expressing his condolences to Christian communities
around the world following the passing of Pope Francis: “I share my deepest condolences with the Christian world, and with the Christian communities here in Israel and in the United States, for their great loss on the passing of His Holiness, Pope Francis.”
The President stressed: “For years, and especially since October 7th, you have been a leading voice of moral clarity and conscience,” and added, “Your appointment as Ambassador by President Trump to this critical post is a shining reflection of the President’s love, friendship, and support for the State of Israel. We are deeply grateful for the historic steps he has taken to strengthen the ironclad U.S.–Israel alliance — and for his vocal solidarity and commitment as we fight to defend our people and bring each and every one of our hostages home. I know you, Mike, share both our heartbreak and our absolute resolve to see every last hostage freed from the Hamas dungeons and returned to their loved ones. Immediately. Every last one. I thank you for this allegiance of heart, and, no less, for your commitment to action. Nothing is more urgent. And nothing warrants our attention more than ending this despicable and ongoing crime against humanity — against every legal and ethical norm, against God Himself.”
The President noted: “You begin your new role at a decisive moment in the history of this region. On the one hand, the Abraham Accords, brokered by President Trump, have demonstrated the power of warm peace. They have shown what happens when nations turn their swords into ploughshares, their conflict into cooperation, their distrust into dialogue.
We can deepen this path. We believe that these words of faith in peace are not only a dream but a demand upon us — a vow to realize it. But to expand peace, we must also soberly recognize the threats to peace.”
He stressed: “The Ayatollah regime in Iran continues to pursue its radical vision of regional dominance and destabilization – on its own and via its proxies – while pursuing nuclear arms and openly calling for the destruction of Israel. History has taught us that when a radical regime declares, ‘Death to Israel and Death to America!’ we must take these threats seriously — and counter them with all of our determination, resolve, and might. For the sake of the safety of our people. For the sake of peace.”
He concluded: “Michal and I, and the entire nation of Israel, welcome you warmly to the land you love so dearly. May your term here offer you every opportunity to explore the length and breadth of this country and its beautiful tapestry of people. God bless you. God bless America. God bless Israel.”
Ambassador Huckabee thanked the President for his welcome and said: “I come to stand together with the State of Israel and the Jewish people, because I believe that it is not simply a geopolitical position, but a divine position.”
He added: “I stand here today fighting back tears because I am here, not just as a visitor, but now, for the next few years, this will be my home. Janet and I come with an extraordinary sense of awe and wonder
and deep gratitude to President Trump for giving us this extraordinary privilege.”
The Ambassador stressed: “I am here with the mission to stand with the people of Israel for peace and prosperity — to serve in a role that I pray will see times when the Israeli people can go to bed at night, not fearing that a siren will awaken them and force them into a shelter because enemies are irrationally dedicated to destroying them. I long for the day when that young Israeli mother puts her babies to bed at night and does not fear that some harm will come upon them as they sleep — but that they will rest with peace, and continue to live with the extraordinary resilience of the Israeli people, which I’ve come to admire as second to none.
Over these coming months, I pray that one thing we will see — and see it very soon — as you’ve so eloquently said, Mr. President: that every hostage returns home to their family. Every hostage. Those who are alive and those deceased, but whose remains are a reminder of the dignity that they deserve — to have a proper burial here in their home.”
“There are challenges, and I share with you that concern that the Iranian regime and all of its hostility, which has been inflicted upon the world for 46 years, continues to threaten not just the peace of Israel, but the peace of the United States. And I constantly remind people that the Iranians have always said ‘Death to Israel’, and chapter two is ‘Death to America’. It has always been their desire that Israel would be the opening act, and then it would be America's turn to face destruction.”
He stressed: “We care deeply, Mr. President, about the threats that face Israel, because those are also the threats that face our country. And I always want to remind my American colleagues that we stand with Israel, first of all, because we share the values of the Bible. We share the understanding that the Judeo-Christian foundation is the foundation of all Western civilization. Without it, there is no sense of democracy, and love, appreciation, and respect for the individual. But it's also important that Americans know that while we hope to be a good friend to Israel and to provide assistance where we can, I never want Americans to think that we Americans are not greatly benefited by our partnership with our ally Israel. We benefit dramatically in the sharing of intelligence, the sharing of technology, and the sharing of agricultural innovation, in which Israel has led the world.”
He concluded: “On behalf of the President and the American people, I thank you for your hospitality, and I welcome the opportunity to serve my President and my country in partnership toward the peace that you truly and most deservedly should have. Thank you, Mr. President.”
Earlier, the President received the diplomatic credentials of the Ambassador of Belarus, Yury Yaroshevich; Ambassador of India, Jitender Pal Singh; Ambassador of the Dominican Republic, Olivio A. Fermin; Ambassador of Canada, Leslie Scanlon; Ambassador of the Philippines, Aileen S. Mendiola-Rau; and Ambassador of Angola, Nelson Manuel Cosme.
Speaking to the Ambassador of India, the President said: “Returning the hostages is our highest priority. We want to see all the
hostages back home — every last one of them. They are going through hell, and we are very worried. I would add that it requires an enormous international effort, and I also want to thank your government, your Prime Minister, for standing with Israel since October 7.
Our governments enjoy strong relations, and we have to work together on the geostrategic issues: getting the hostages back home, preventing Iran from spreading terror, and moving toward peace, inclusion, and connectivity — and of course, enhancing the incredible relations between our peoples.”
Welcoming the Ambassador of Canada, the President noted the close friendship between the two nations. The Ambassador and the President spoke about the contribution and the importance of the well-being of the Jewish community in Canada. The President thanked the Ambassador for her words reiterating the call for the immediate release of the hostages held in Gaza.
Speaking with the Ambassador of the Philippines, the President expressed his condolences to the large Catholic community in the Philippines on the passing of the Pope. The President thanked the Ambassador for her country’s strong support for Israel, and they spoke about opportunities to deepen and expand the economic and cultural relationship between the two countries.
Welcoming the Ambassador of the Dominican Republic the President spoke of his pride that so many students from his country had come to Israel through the Mashav program, and of the importance of cooperation in the fields of water and agricultural technologies.
The President spoke with the Ambassador of Belarus about the rich Jewish history in the country, which was the birthplace of many great Jewish and Zionist leaders.
Welcoming the Ambassador of Angola, the President spoke of the important cooperation between the countries in developing water and agriculture technologies among other areas of cooperation.
Throughout each of his meetings, President Herzog stressed the supreme importance of bringing the hostages home.
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Photo credits: Amos Ben-Gershom (GPO)
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President Isaac Herzog today welcomed the new ambassadors to Israel from Cambodia, Fiji, Micronesia, and Nauru.
President Isaac Herzog today, Monday, received the diplomatic credentials of new Ambassadors to Israel from Cambodia, Fiji, Micronesia and Nauru.
Welcoming Ambassador of Fiji, H.E. Mr. Fillipo Tarakinikini, the President noted he looked forward to the planned opening of the country’s new embassy in Jerusalem, and thanked the Ambassador for his country’s important decision.
The President thanked newly appointed Ambassador of Micronesia, H.E. Ms. Jackson T. Soram, for the nation’s deep friendship and support for Israel. He noted the longstanding support the country had given to Israel on the international stage, and said he hoped that this important relationship would go from strength to strength.
Speaking with Ambassador of Cambodia H.E. Mr. SOK Chea
, and Ambassador of Nauru, H.E. Ms. Lara Erab Daniel, the President noted his hope to greatly strengthen with their nations, and noted the great potential for cultural exchanges and cooperation in Agritech between Israel and their countries.
Photo credits: Kobi Gideon (GPO)
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On Tuesday afternoon at the Kibbutz members dining room at Be'eri, the Ambassador of Greece to the State of Israel, H.E. Ms Maya Solomou hosted Greece's 204th anniversary of independence reception.
On the 25th of March 1821, fueled by the rallying cry, "Freedom or Death", Greek revolutionaries bagan a war for independence against the Ottoman Empire.The hard - fought victory established a sovereign Greek state and national homeland for Greece.
Mr. Josh Kostis, the Embassy's official translator, was Master of Ceremonies. He extended a warm welcome to everyone present and on behalf of the Greek Embassy expressed his thanks and gratitude to Kibbutz Be'eri for hosting the event. In case of rocket fire or an attack, safety instructions were announced.
The Ambassador, on behalf of the Embassy, thanked the residents of Kibbutz Be'eri from the bottom of our hearts who welcomed us to their premises and helped us organize this event. 204 Years after the Greek revolution, our country, despite all the challenges and difficulties, in a turbulent neighbourhood, remains a pillar of stability and peace, continuously seeking the progress and prosperity of its people while upholding its values and principles at every step. Greece and Israel share a historic bond, one built on a common cultural heritage, a deep - rooted friendship and a shared commitment to ideals that we wish to enhance and deepen further. From the first moment following the atrocities of October 7th, my country stood by Israel in its efforts to defend itself and secure its borders and its people. Our Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis visited Israel a few days after the terrible attack and another visit is in the pipeline for the near future. We urge for the unconditional release of all the hostages now so that the healing of the wounds can finally begin and the people of Israel can breathe again.
This year, a year in which Israel is still at war, we wanted to commemorate our national day here in the South with all our Israeli friends. We wanted to share this significant day with our friends in Kibbutz Be'eri, a symbol of courage, strength, persistence and resilience. We wanted to convey a message of support and solidarity to show that we have not forgotten that we stand with all the Kibbutzniks in their effort to heal the traumas and rebuild their lives, that we stand with all Israelis trying to learn to live in the aftermath of October 7th. We want to be next to you as hope and life will eventually replace the darkness. We want to be next to you as you remake your lives, rebuild your houses, plant your gardens and turn the ruins into light. Better days lie ahead and you will be able to dance again and when you do that we will dance with you.
Hamutal Rogel Fuchs, the Foreign Ministry's Head of the Southern Europe Department, represented the Government of Israel saying that it was an honour and pleasure to do so this afternoon in celebrating the Hellenistic Republic of Greece's independence day. Greece is the cradle of democracy where science, philosophy and art blossomed, creating the foundation of Western Civilization. Despite challenges from within and without, Greece has succeeded in establishing itself as an essential element of the Mediterranean basin and Europe. Israel and Greece enjoy what has proven to be a long - lasting relationship based on mutual respect and appreciation which contributes significantly to the strategic goal of peace and stability in our region. Two weeks ago our Minister of foreign Affairs was on an official visit to Athens meeting counterparts to discuss ways to expand and deepen cooperation.
We stand here today with Kibbutz Be'eri, the heart of the area devastated by the horrific massacre committed by Hamas on October 7, the darkest day in Israel's history. On a personal note, it is also very emotional for me since I was born and raised on a Kibbutz and we have built our house not far away from here in Ein Habsor. Standing here in Kibbutz Be'eri, is also a testament to resilience, determination and the unbreakable will to rebuild and live.
I would like to thank the government of the Hellenistic Republic for its efforts in preserving Jewish history in Greece and its commitment to raising awareness among the Greek people about the holocaust. The creation of the Holocaust Museum in Thessaloniki concomitant with national events held across Greece to mark International Holocaust Day are clear evidence of these efforts.
Youval Haran, Kibbutz Be'eri's Official Representative, spoke with alacrity and without any notes mentioning that his grandparents lived in Be'eri and that the Kibbutz was always a close knit community. On October 7th, his Father, Uncle and Aunt were killed and 7 family members kidnapped who were all returned. Life is strong and what happened in Be'eri is unacceptable as it is a human issue. Ha'azmaut not only means Independence but also Freedom. 102 People were murdered on the Kibbutz and 30 hostages were taken. We are elated that the Ambassador decided to host national day here. At present there are still 59 hostages in captivity. We in Be'eri started a way to live after October 7th and although most members are not presently living here but hope to return back home. It is my personal wish for everyone to know a better life and together have a better future in the hope that all hostages will return.
After the three tear jerking speeches which evoked much emotion the National anthems of Greece and Israel were played.
Guests enjoyed catering by Lalush Bakery from Kibbutz Be'eri and all produce served was from the Kibbutz which included traditional Greek food namely spanakopita, tzatziki, platters of vegetable crudites and a selection of cheese as well as wine imported from Greece and Ouzo, a dry anise flavoured aperitif.
Many Ambassadors made the effort to come from Tel Aviv as well as diplomats, state officials, heads of N.G.O. 's , public personalities such as internationally renowned Greek photographer, Vangel Kyris who will host an exhibition at the Eretz Israel Museum in Tel Aviv opening on the 28th of March. Also present were Mrs. Hamutal Rogel Fuchs, Head of the Israeli Foreign Ministry Southern Europe Department, Ambassador H.E. Mr. Dan Oryan the Foreign Ministry's Director of Civic Diplomacy, Mr. Ran Natanzon, Head of Foreign Ministry's Innovation and Country Branding , Public Diplomacy Division, Ms. Noga Caspi, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Director of Middle East Economic Relations Department, Mr. Shmuel Shevach, President of the Association of Survivors of Concentration Camps of Greek Origin Living in Israel, Mr. Kobi Bitton, who has been CEO of the Israel Greek Chamber of Commerce for the past 15 years, Dr. Ron Tomer, President of the Manufacturers' Association of Israel, Mr. Alan M. Schneider Adv, Director of B'nai B'rith World Centre, Mr. Konstantinos and Mrs. Maria Zinovios, the Greek Consul of Haifa, Colonel Konstantinos Bacharis who is on a year's sabbatical studying at the Israel National Defence College, Mr. Nathan Allalouf, Honorary Consul of Costa Rica and owner of Allalouf and Co. Shipping Ltd. and Mr. Ariel Goldshtein, Senior Advisor to the Chief of Staff of the Prime Minister's Office, Ms. Ayala Meitav, The Tel Aviv - Jaffa Municipality's Senior Project Manager for International Relations, .
Diplomacy.co.il expresses its congratulations to the Ambassador of Greece and to the staff of the Embassy of Greece's on its 204th anniversary of independence as well as its thanks and appreciation for an unforgettable time at the Kibbutz Be'eri.
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