Ambassador to Israel

Did you hear about these new Jerusalem welcomes?

Sharon A

The August heat wave on the Jerusalem streets is still going.

Daytime temperatures are soaring beyond comfortable.

Jerusalem nights are more pleasant.

By the thousands, people come out to enjoy the summer festivals and events.

On Monday morning, Beit Hanasi, the Israeli President’s Residence, rolled out the red carpet to welcome six new Ambassadors to Israel.

Nkechi Linda Ufochukwu of Nigeria presented her credentials to President Herzog, with her entourage lined up in traditional white outfits.

Her welcoming toast was with apple juice, not the traditional wine.

Each new ambassador writes a message in the official guest book.

“It’s an honour and privilege to be here and I look forward to strengthen the ties between the two Nations,” she wrote.

Honestly, I went to see Alexander Graf Lambsdorff of Germany, who had already done an impressive job introducing himself on social media.

Besides the traditional handshake, he was presented with a white hat with Israeli and German flags on the front.

On the way out of the private meeting, he was introduced to Walter Bingham. At 102 1/2, Walter is amazing and sharp with his comments.

This ambassador signed his name to the German comment in the guest book.

A surprise during the presidential welcome for Chilean Ambassador Gabriel Alejandro Zaliasnik Schilkurt was that as he presented his credentials, Zaliasnik spoke in Hebrew, not in English as most others have done.

During the meeting and handshake photo op, Zaliasnik introduced his wife, Elisheva.

I do not remember a previous ambassador carefully copying his message from a text.

The new ambassador from Chile is extremely careful to mention he represents all Chileans.

There was opposition from some Chileans to his appointment because of his leadership of the Jewish community.

And to conclude the ceremonies of the six new ambassadors was Honduran Ambassador José Luis Núñez Bennet.

His message in the guest book was only a signature. But his presence in Jerusalem is significant.

It is the first time both countries have had ambassadors in Israel since the Hamas massacre on Oct. 7, 2023.

And now with the new government in Colombia, things are looking up for Israel and South American relations.

Beka Dvali of Georgia and Saman Kumar Chandrasiri of Sri Lanka were the other two ambassadors who presented credentials before I arrived.

Only for Chilean Ambassador Gabriel Alejandro Zaliasnik Schilkurt, I followed up to get a comment at the King David Hotel. He even graciously posed with the rabbi from Chile who was at the reception that included my favorite South American Ambassadors.

Welcome to Jerusalem to these newcomers and wishing them great success.

A very different welcome was held at Har Herzl on Wednesday afternoon.

The official ceremony for the Herzl family reunion.

Security was at the highest level to enter.

The Israeli flags draped over the two caskets brought in, just like an IDF memorial service.

The remains of Shimon Leib and Rivka Herzl were exhumed from the Jewish cemetery in Zemun, Serbia, and were transferred to Israel

After 77 years, Theodor Herzl’s grandparents were welcomed to Jerusalem by the Israeli President and Prime Minister.

A parochet covered the caskets by the Herzl family graves.

President Herzog said, “In his will, Theodor Herzl wrote that he wished for his remains and those of his immediate family to be brought for burial in the Jewish state once it was established. Today, we complete the fulfillment of that wish…”

To the Ambassador of Serbia to Israel, the Prime Minister began his remarks, “I kindly request that you convey our greetings and gratitude to the President of Serbia, Aleksandar Vučić…”

The World Zionist Organization has worked on the reburial for many years.

Grandfather Shimon Leib Herzl served as the ba’al tekia, shofar blower, and gabbai at the synagogue in Zemun of Rabbi Judah Alkalai, one of the forerunners of political Zionism.

Shimon Leib and Rivka were given as close to a royal welcome as Israel provides.

Their influence on grandson Theodor can only be surmised.

But now the Herzl family is reunited on Har Herzl.

Tikvah – hope. Sometimes it takes decades to make a dream a reality.

More ceremony photos HERE

Meanwhile, the new exhibit on Shabbtai Zvi at the Islamic Museum sounds fascinating.

In the August heat, one option to cool off is the indoor water park near Malha.

Come check out what else is happening on the Jerusalem streets!

Would love to welcome you – this year in Jerusalem.

Seven New Ambassadors to Israel before Holocaust Remembrance Day

Sharon A

What a strange week this was!

Passover ended.

However, it seems like a long time ago with so much happening on the Jerusalem streets.

With Passover over, the flags are flying for the annual, emotional days of Yom Hazikaron, Memorial Day, and Yom Ha’atzmaut, Independence Day.

Flags are for sale in stores, at street corners, and popping out of car windows – as usual.

This week, 7 new Ambassadors to Israel presented their credentials at Beit Hanasi, the Israeli President’s residence, where these ceremonies are held. Such a large number at once was unusual.

I arrived as the new Ambassador from India was leaving.

The Ambassador from the Philippines wore a handmade, elegant dress, standing on the red carpet as her anthem was played and the flag from the Philippines was raised in her honor.

The Ambassador for the Dominican Republic was next to present his credentials.

I should go and check old photos, but I think President Herzog was standing on a new carpet.

Then the Ambassadors went into the official diplomatic room to exchange short remarks. Canada’s new Ambassador’s exchange was more casual, and Michal Herzog joined in.

The official handshake photo is an important step in the process, as with the Ambassador from Angola.

Keeping the red carpet clean is another important step.

The last Ambassador of the day was from the US, Michael Huckabee, with his wife Jane in the blue dress.

Look closely at her necklace, it’s a Star of David.

President Herzog’s staff lines up along the red carpet to greet each of the new Ambassadors as they arrive in the main hall. President Rivlin had his staff stand behind him. For the US ceremony, guests were on both sides of the room.

If you look closely at the back of Miriam Adelson’s dress, you will see the Hebrew writing down the back, “If I forget thee, Jerusalem .”

Of course, the media comes out more for the US Ambassadors.

The two men gave media statements after a short private meeting in the diplomatic room.

Of all the past ceremonies I attended, I do not remember an Israeli President hugging the new Ambassador after his credentials were put in his hand.

Ambassador Huckabee signs the official guest book as all the others had done.

However, Mrs. Huckabee’s small handbag got my attention while her husband wrote in the book–an Israeli flag is on one side and a US flag on the other.

And the yellow chair, not forgetting the hostages at Beit Hanasi.

If you counted and noticed there were six. The seventh was from Belarus, who was first in the morning before I arrived. At the King David Hotel, after the ceremonies, he was given a chance to speak.

That was how the week began on a high.

The house was clean. Things are back in order. And I got a ride to the King David in one of the official limos behind the four motorcycles leading the motorcade. Amazing how fast the trip was when you do not have to stop for red lights. So fast, I did not think to take a photo.

For Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day, I went to the home of Rena Quint for Zikaron BaSalon.

Her story of survival during the Holocaust is documented in “A Daughter of Many Mothers” with the help of Barbara Sofer. Each survivor’s story is shocking and unique. Rena has told her hundreds of times at home and at Yad Vashem. She even had a U.S. president bend down to her. Read the book or find a video.

Sadly, no more Dry Bones, Yaakov Kirshen passed away. I so admired his wit and wisdom.

Sadly, the signs with fallen soldiers line too many Jerusalem streets. The number since October 7 rose to 849. Together we will win. But is there unity?

New signs are up: “Until we win.”

Notice the yellow ribbon on the special poster made for Steve Linde’s 65th birthday party. Steve was an editor at Jerusalem Post and Jerusalem Report, and is now Feature Editor at JNS.

Too many ceremonies and events for Yom HaZikaron to mention. It’s hard to decide where to go.

Then the next day, starting Wednesday night, is Yom Haatzmaut! Again too many, it’s hard to decide!

The Yoms, the roller coaster emotional time of year.

Am Yisrael Chai!

3 Special Visitors and One Above the Jerusalem Streets

Sharon A

Have you also been getting reminders it’s been an entire year since the last- event, gathering, conference, meal out, or whatever?

Slowly signs of life are returning to the Jerusalem streets. Today a new list of restrictions went into effect, with new openings and relaxed regulations.

A tour group was outside the walls of the Old City ready to enter Jaffa Gate.

Though inside Jaffa Gate, there were still more birds than people.

Four special international visitors made headlines this past week. On Monday morning, the airport was open for the arrival of the first United Arab Emirates Ambassador to Israel, Mohammed Al Khaja.

In the afternoon, he arrived at Beit Hanasi, the Israeli President’s Residence.

The flag of the United Arab Emirates was flying on the Israeli official limousine as Mohammed Al Khaja came to present his credentials.

The motorcycles did not use sirens, but led the limo into the open gates.

Orange monster over Beit Hanasi in Jerusalem for Purim

You will note the Purim monster from last week was no longer over the gates!

A full red carpet was rolled out, though the IDF band and honor guard were limited in size due to corona restrictions. The fancy red UAE folder to be presented to the Israeli President can be seen here, on the far right.

Surprise! I ended up on Dubai TV news. Yes, that’s me across the street lurking by the white van. Very glad I did not wear my red hoodie.

Inside the Beit Hanasi main hall, both President Rivlin and Mohammed Al Khaja spoke. The new Ambassador presented his credentials and signed the official guest book. No months-long wait as for some other ambassadors.

When it was over President Rivlin walked his guest outside as music played.

The UAE and IDF military honor guard stood as the newest Ambassador to Israel entered the limousine to go to the King David Hotel.

King David Street in front of the hotel is closed, but officials usually use a side entrance. There was almost no one around, but I decided to go home instead of trying to get inside.

Also this week the King David Hotel hosted Prime Minister Netanyahu, Austrian Chancellor Kurz, and Danish PM Frederiksen.

Around the corner the Dan Panorama Hotel was busy, but with a very different group of international arrivals. Returning Israelis were required to quarantine in assigned hotels.

On Friday afternoon, people were dropping off packages before Shabbat. One man was let free after his isolation. If you want to see long emotional hugs, this is the place. No photo though, after travel ordeals and delays, I decided to let you use your imagination when she was finally able to greet him.

The requirement to quarantine in designated hotels is canceled as of today and will be replaced by increased enforcement by the Israel Police regarding those returning from abroad who are quarantining at home.

The night I went by the Panorama Hotel, and I saw that the YMCA was lit for the “Follow the Lights” which because of the Purim restrictions were short-changed.

Even the signs were not posted until late. Millions of shekels and hundreds of hours went into the “social distanced” event and half of the nights, sad to say, most of the lights were out during the curfew.

Back were the Flea Market and Bezalel Arts and Crafts Fair. Shots for shots, vaccinations in Machane Yehudah Market on Thursday night were given at a bar.

The fourth election in two years is set for March 23rd, and signs that go up are then taken down if they are posted in illegal locations. Jerusalem street cleaners are at work, day, and much of the night.

Anti-Bibi people are not happy even though there is another election. They come out daily, rain or shine, with umbrellas to scarves matching their signs of protest. And of course, they are loud at night too. I will spare you those photos and videos here.

Instead, I want to share the newest tourism campaign to ‘return to nature’ this spring in Jerusalem.

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From March 3-20, 2021, Jerusalem invites a return to exploring nature locations.

Winter rains may have been cold and bone-chilling, but the fields are green.

My quiet walking paths will be much busier soon.

There were new signs posted along the way in the Valley of the Cross.

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Will be nice though to see visitors returning to the Jerusalem streets, and off the streets in these nature locations as restrictions are now lifted.

Oh, and the One visitor above the Jerusalem streets?

Pope Francis flew over Israel on his way to Iraq and sent greetings to President Reuven Rivlin from the airplane. President Rivlin was so pleased he tweeted a reply as soon as Shabbat was over.

Interested in seeing more of Jerusalem for yourself? Take a Jerusalem Photo Walk. Check details out HERE