Statement by Ambassador Shemi Tzur for the 62nd anniversary of Israel’s independence, and the re-opening of the Israeli Embassy, Wellington

Eight years ago, Israel was facing hard economic times, a budget crisis which affected also our Foreign Ministry, and we had to close six diplomatic missions abroad, including the Embassy here in Wellington. Today the Israeli economy has improved immensely, enabling us, among other things, to reopen our Embassy in New Zealand.

The reopening of this Mission reflects the importance that Israel attaches to its relations with New Zealand. The primary aim of the new Embassy is to advance ties between our two nations, in all fields. In spite of the enormous geographical distance between our two small countries, we share common values – an enterprising spirit, a love for our land, a strong belief in freedom and democracy, and the desire for a peaceful world, based on tolerance and mutual respect. Israel and New Zealand share expertise in a number of fields, including science and technology, agriculture, fisheries, medicine, trade and water management.

We also share a “do-it-yourself” approach, which makes us the perfect partners for co-operation. Indeed, we are currently planning an exchange visit, to explore possible opportunities for science and technology co-operation, that would be beneficial to both countries.

This year as we celebrate the 62nd anniversary of Israel’s Independence and accomplishments, we also honour Theodor Herzl, whose 150th birthday is being marked as well. Herzl was the visionary of the State of Israel, the founder of the modern Zionism movement – the national movement of the rebirth of the Jewish people's sovereignty, in their homeland. Herzl is known for his saying, "If you will it, it is no dream.”

Without a doubt - in spite of the odds and challenges over the decades - today Israel is a thriving, modern and pluralistic society. I can assure you that there is much more to Israel than the political issues heard about in the news, and as ambassador of Israel I will be doing my utmost to share with New Zealanders what my country is really all about, for Israel has made contributions that far exceed those expected of a small young country.

Israel has a large reservoir of highly qualified people, who are responsible for its scientific and technological achievements. Israel today generates about 1 percent of the world’s scientific publications, a percentage disproportionate to its population of only 7.5 million. Israeli researchers have had a big impact in such areas as chemistry and computer science. This was recognized, when Ada Yoneth was awarded this year's Nobel Prize in Chemistry; she was the 9th Israeli to receive the prestigious Nobel Prize over the years.

Despite all our achievements, our prime goal is to reach peace with all our neighbors and particularly with the Palestinians. Israel has always aspired to peace and good neighbourly relations since its rebirth in 1948. During the last few decades, we were finally able to sign peace treaties with Egypt and Jordan. I do hope that the proximity talks in which we are now engaging with the Palestinians will soon turn into direct talks in order to find the way to a lasting peace, which is much needed for both sides. Enough is enough; both sides have suffered tremendously; we cannot do much about the past, but we can definitely shape the future for the benefit to ourselves and our children. I hope that in our next celebration here we will be able to celebrate the achievement of a genuine peace.

And coming back to our bilateral relations, as you might be aware, during the recent successful visit to Israel of your Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Honourable Murray McCully, a Working Holiday Scheme was signed. This will certainly increase in the future the volume of tourism between both countries. Last year over ten thousand young Israelis visited your country, and this year we hope that many more will come. At the same time I would like to invite you to visit my country and I can promise that it would be an enriching experience that you will never forget . . .

Finally, I would like to acknowledge the kindness of many New Zealanders from all over the country who have warmly welcomed us to your beautiful country. I thank them and all those who sent us, and are still sending us, their best wishes upon the re-opening of the Embassy.

ENDS

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