US, UN envoys meet Herzog
A group of ambassadors who represent their countries at the United Nations in New York and at embassies in Washington met on Monday with President Isaac Herzog.
The ambassadors, who arrived in Israel last week for a week’s stay, were introduced to the president by Gilad Erdan, Israel’s permanent representative to the UN and Israel’s outgoing ambassador to the United States.
Erdan recently tendered his resignation as US ambassador, preferring to remain in New York.
Though hosted by Erdan, the visit is cosponsored by the American Zionist Movement and the International March of the Living.
Visits of this kind were initiated during the period of Erdan’s predecessor at the UN Danny Danon and proved to be so successful that they have become a tradition.
The delegation’s itinerary includes meetings with government officials, and visits to Israel’s northern and southern borders to see for themselves how close Israel’s enemies are to cities, towns and villages near the borders, and thus get a better understanding of the security situation. These visits include inspection of Hamas and Hezbollah terror tunnels through which terrorists hoped to infiltrate Israel. The program also encompassed visits to historical and religious sites, and hi-tech centers.
On Tisha Be’av, the ambassadors participated in a special remembrance program at Yad Vashem, where it was made clear to them that no matter how far the world has progressed, antisemitism in its various forms remains constant.
The visiting diplomats are from Australia, Argentina, Bhutan, Czech Republic, Dominican Republic, Hungary, Kenya, Guatemala, Ukraine and Tonga.
“There is nothing stronger than sight,” said Erdan. “A visit to Israel reveals the truth and leaves a mark on everyone who comes here. I set a goal for myself to bring to Israel as many ambassadors to the US and UN as possible, to strengthen our position in the world and prove Israel’s right to defend itself.”