Diplomats gathered in Jerusalem on Wednesday forward of Jerusalem Day for a joint occasion hosted by the Jerusalem Heart for Utilized Coverage (JCAP) and the Jerusalem Vineyard, in partnership with Deputy Mayor Adir Schwartz.
The occasion introduced collectively members of the worldwide diplomatic neighborhood and highlighted Jerusalem’s function as Israel’s capital and as a rising heart for diplomacy, governance, innovation, and analysis.
The night additionally marked the launch of a brand new booklet, Jerusalem: A Strategic Base for Diplomats, designed to introduce international diplomats and their households to town’s tech sector, academic establishments, and important companies.
JCAP and the Jerusalem Vineyard additionally unveiled a particular Jerusalem map created for the occasion, whereas company obtained a Jerusalem pin and a reproduction of the priestly blessing inscription found within the Metropolis of David.
The emotional centerpiece of the night got here when Panama’s Ambassador to Israel, Ezra Cohen, shared a private story about his father, Moshe Cohen.
In 1948, Moshe Cohen fought in Jerusalem’s Jewish Quarter through the Warfare of Independence, the place he was captured by the Jordanian Legion. The ambassador, visibly moved, mirrored on returning to Jerusalem, not as a soldier, however as a diplomat representing Panama. He stood close to the traditional metropolis partitions the place his father had as soon as fought.
“There is no such thing as a higher day to say that I really feel privileged to proceed my household’s legacy, not with weapons, however with diplomacy,” Ambassador Cohen stated. “Joyful Jerusalem Day to all, and should blessings move from Jerusalem to the complete world.”
Deputy Mayor: Jerusalem holds ‘distinctive worth’
The occasion was additionally attended by further ambassadors, diplomats, and senior officers from each Israel and overseas, in addition to representatives from the Jerusalem Municipality and Israel’s Overseas Affairs Ministry.
Deputy Mayor Schwartz added his feedback on the occasion, saying town provides “a strong answer to Israel’s public diplomacy challenges.”
“The town’s distinctive mix of the traditional and the fashionable, sacred and secular, historic and progressive, offers it distinctive worth,” stated Schwartz. “Alongside our companions at JCAP, we are going to proceed strengthening Jerusalem’s world standing and economic system.”
Chaim Silberstein, Founder and President of the Jerusalem Heart for Utilized Coverage, added, “In recent times, Jerusalem has more and more turn into a metropolis with strategic depth, not only for Israel, however for international locations and worldwide organizations searching for proximity to key decision-making facilities, innovation, and affect.”
Ben Avrahami, the editor of the brand new publication, additional highlighted, “Jerusalem provides a uncommon and distinctive mixture; authorities establishments, tutorial facilities, innovation, tradition, and historical past, all converging in a single city area.”
One of the vital memorable moments of the night got here when David Brownstein, Deputy Ambassador of the USA to Israel, urged international diplomats to advocate for relocating embassies to Jerusalem. He emphasised the significance of Jerusalem to the US diplomatic presence.
“The truth that the USA has three websites in Jerusalem exhibits simply how essential this metropolis is to us,” stated Brownstein. “We’re within the means of shifting all property and personnel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. That is the guts of public diplomacy. The miracle continues, and we’re proud to be part of it.”
“Give a push to shifting the embassies to Jerusalem,” concluded Brownstein.
Gideon Hashel, Ambassador and Chief of Protocol on the Ministry of Overseas Affairs, additionally spoke concerning the political significance of Jerusalem, saying it might be “a failure of humanity” if Jerusalem have been to turn into a political subject.
“Israel has a sovereign proper to declare its capital, and its capital is Jerusalem,” stated Hashel. “This isn’t up for negotiation.”
