Israeli Ambassador to the United Nations Danny Danon welcomed a delegation of 14 of his ambassadorial colleagues from the UN to Israel this week.
The UN ambassadors arrived for a tour organized by Project Interchange, of the American Jewish Committee and led by AJC Director of Diplomatic Affairs Ambassador Aaron Jacob.
The ambassadors, from Africa, Asia, Europe and Latin America toured the Jerusalem suburb of Ma’ale Adumim, and spent considerable time in the Western Wall tunnels. They also were taken on a detailed tour of the Old City of Jerusalem, during which time Danon seized the opportunity to talk about the UN Human Rights Council and its bias against Israel.
He spoke about the resolutions erasing the ancient historic Jewish ties to Jerusalem, and he spoke about the UNHRC’s efforts to support the BDS (Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions) Movement, as well as the UN’s blacklist against businesses linked to Israel.
“Ambassadors to the UN represent their countries in the world’s most important international forum,” said Ambassador Danon. “Their visit to Israel provides them the opportunity to view up close the challenges, and opportunities, facing the Jewish state during a tumultuous time in our region. Additionally, this delegation is sure to strengthen our ties with these important countries.”
“We appreciate and thank each ambassador for taking the time to experience first-hand Israel’s dynamism and start-up economy, as well as the serious security challenges this small UN member state continues to confront in the tumultuous Middle East,” said Jacob. “The more one knows about Israel, the more one understands, and that is why this five-day visit is so important.”
To provide a deeper understanding of the geopolitical and security challenges Israel faces, the ambassadors traveled throughout Israel, including Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, the northern border and southern region. Visits to hi-tech and agricultural research facilities were expected to demonstrate Israel’s role as a world leader in innovations with global impact.
They met with Israeli officials and academic experts, as well as with Israelis from the general population. Meetings took place on topics specific to the United Nations 2030 Global Agenda, including special needs, gender equality and women’s empowerment, and food security.
The delegation also traveled to Ramallah to meet with Palestinian Authority government officials and with Arab entrepreneurs, to discuss co-existence opportunities, including the new joint Israeli-Jordanian-Palestinian Authority Industrial Zone.