Eighty Foreign Ambassadors and Diplomats Take Part in Passover Seder

April 4, 2017

by: Itamar Eichner

Tuesday, 04 April 2017 | More than 80 foreign ambassadors, senior diplomats and international journalists took part in a Passover seder Sunday night sponsored by The Israel Project and the World Jewish Congress.

The actual meal was hosted by former Israeli ambassador to Britain, Daniel Taub, and included guests from a variety of sectors in Israeli society, including the heads of social organizations and even actress Ania Bukstein.

For many participants, it was the first time they had ever sat at a Passover table.

Among diplomats who participated in the meal was Turkish ambassador to Israel, Kemal Okem, who tasted gefilte fish and was interested in seder customs. Additional diplomats included representatives from the United States, France, Germany and the UN.

The afikoman—a piece of matzo hidden at the beginning of the seder to be found later—was found by a member of Nigeria’s diplomatic corps and a CNN correspondent.

According to Lior Weintraub, Vice President of The Israel Project, “The combination of foreign ambassadors and Israeli guests at the seder table creates a unique interaction that allows exposure to Israeli culture and shows the beautiful face of the State of Israel and Israeli society.

“In the spirit of the holiday, the combination of tasty food, good company and an enjoyable traditional evening helps strengthen the connection between Israel and the Jewish people and the distinguished ambassadors who participated in the event.”

Former MK Shai Hermesh, said, “This holiday symbolizes an inspiring story of redemption and rebirth that has been passed from generation to generation for thousands of years around countless Passover tables in Israel and in the most remote corners of Diaspora Jewry. The breaking of matzo around the seder table was an enriching and unforgettable experience for our guests and friends.”

(Translated and edited by Fred Goldberg)

Posted on April 4, 2017

Source: (Ynetnews originally published this article on 03 April, 2017. Time related language has been modified to reflect our republication today. See original article at this link.)

Photo Credit: Royalty-Free/Corbis