Central American Independence Day Celebration. Photo: KKL-JNF
In what has become an annual and eagerly anticipated event, the ambassadors of four Central American countries celebrated their nations’ joint Independence Day with a festive reception on Sept. 13th, in the presence of international diplomats, Israeli politicians and guests.
On September 15th 1821, a small group of nationalists signed the Independence Act that officially ended three centuries of Spanish colonialism and created the United Provinces of Central America, which comprise El Salvador, Honduras, Costa Rica, Guatemala and Nicaragua.
With a beautiful sunset over Tel Aviv beach as a backdrop, the ambassadors of Guatemala, Costa Rica, Honduras and El Salvador hosted friends at this KKL-JNF-supported celebration of their 197th Independence Day.
“We are excited to celebrate today the anniversary of our freedom and our unity,” declared Guatemalan Ambassador
Mario Adolfo Bucaro Flores, speaking on his own behalf and on that of the other Central American diplomats present. He noted that their countries shared common goals and faced similar financial, environmental, educational, commercial and social challenges. “We are working together and advancing a more united Central America, making our region more attractive for
international commerce and
tourism,” he explained.
He added that the region was also strengthening its trade relations with Israel.
“The people of Israel are among our most frequent visitors, and we appreciate them,” he said. “We appreciate the friendship between Israel and Central America.”
Specifically, Flores said, he wanted to thank KKL-JNF for its work and its support for the annual Independence Day celebration.
On behalf of the Israeli government, Israeli Minister of Tourism
Yariv Levin thanked the Central American countries for their continued friendship.
“We thank the Guatemalan President
Jimmy Morales for his constant support of Israel and his historic decision to restore the Guatemalan embassy to Jerusalem. We appreciate the profound and historic friendship between us and Central America,” said Levin, speaking in Spanish. “I should also like to express our thanks to Honduran President
Juan Orlando Hernandez for his steadfast support of Israel.”
Levin recalled how the relationship between the Land of Israel and the Central American countries was one of deep friendship, even before the official creation of the Jewish State, when the Central American nations played an important role in the United Nations’ recognition of Israel’s independence.
“Despite the geographical distance between us, our friendship has long and deep roots,” said Levin. “Israel is profoundly grateful to you and your countries, and we regard our relationship with you as a great privilege. We hope our friendship will continue to grow and become stronger. We wish you peace and well-being, happiness and contentment.”
The Israeli government was also represented by Cabinet Secretary
Tzachi Braverman.
Latin American Department Director
Ariel Goldgewicht represented KKL-JNF at the event, together with department colleagues
Dalit Cohen and
Eldad Gafni.
“It is a great honor for me to represent Keren Kayemet LeIsrael as director of the Latin American Department and, as a native-born Central American, to be here with you on this special occasion,” said Goldgewicht. “Today we celebrate the 197th anniversary of the daring of those Central American dreamers who were willing to make the ultimate sacrifice so that future generations could live a better life in a better world.”
So too, he said, in Israel, KKL-JNF has been working to help create a better world through its programs that tackle issues of
food security,
forestation, clean
water and
climate change.
“KKL-JNF is proactively moving forward to provide the necessary support and resources to overcome some of the 21st century’s greatest obstacles,” said Goldgewicht. “We are living proof that together we can triumph over adversity. We are honored to share our knowledge and experience, from a desire to create a better world for all.”
Following a celebratory toast, Honduran ambassador
Mario Edgardo Castillo presented Goldgewicht with a gift basket of products from the Central American countries, as a token of appreciation for KKL-JNF’s hard work and cooperation.