I just visited the impressive ANU — Museum of the Jewish People in Tel Aviv. It was a fascinating journey through the storied history of the Jewish people and their many contributions to science, culture and humanity. Thank you Irina Nevzlin and Oded Revivi for hosting me!

Timely and constructive discussion with Avi Balashnikov, Nili Shalev and their teams at the Israel Export Institute. We highlighted the importance of strong EU–Israel economic relations; I welcomed the Institute’s offer to continue working closely with the EU Delegation.

I concluded my visit to Haifa with an important panel discussion on "The Dual-Use Dilemma: Ethics and Accountability in Israeli R&D" at the Samuel Neaman Institute at the Technion. It was an open and constructive discussion with a group of impressive scholars from various disciplines.

During my visit to Haifa, I met with members of local civil society organisations who are making a real difference in their communities. We spoke about their important work and the obstacles they encounter. The EU remains committed to supporting civil society in Israel.

Thank you Dr. David Rutstein, Secretary-General of the Bahá’í International Community, for the warm welcome at the Bahá’í World Centre in Haifa, a beautiful symbol of hope, coexistence, unity and peace among all peoples.

While in Nazareth, I was privileged to meet with a group of courageous women representing civil society organisations. We discussed their important contributions and the difficulties they face. We'll continue to stand with civil society in Israel.

Thank you Maoz Inon for showing us around Nazareth and introducing us to many inspiring residents of this beautiful city. We were deeply impressed by their resilience and applaud your dedication to shaping the city’s future.

Inspiring meeting with Somaya Bashir and Angela Scharf, two remarkable women from @WomenWagePeace. Their commitment to promote peace between Israelis and Palestinians gives us hope for a better future.

בשם משלחת האיחוד האירופי בישראל, אני מאחל לכל עם ישראל גמר חתימה טובה

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On behalf of the EU and its member states, today I laid a wreath at the Nova festival site in memory of the victims of the October 7 massacre. We heard moving stories of bravery and resilience, including from paramedic Oshrit Hadad who courageously saved lives while under fire >

‏"שיפה ושונה תהא השנה
אשר מתחילה לה היום"

Grateful to @WeizmannScience President Alon Chen for hosting us. Even in these difficoult times, this institution, home to many ERC grantees, plays a crucial role in advancing global research in health, climate, and technology.

Marking European Researcher’s Night at @weizmanninstitute.bsky.social. The presence of children and families eager to learn stands in sharp contrast to the destruction caused by the Iranian attack earlier this year. Science & research for the benefit of humanity must prevail.

Today I presented my letter of credence to President
@isaacherzog.bsky.social, officially starting my tenure as EU ambassador to Israel.
I am honoured to represent the EU, and look forward to work together with Israelis of all walks of life for a better future for Israel and the region.

I also had a chance to visit the Moshal Shoah Legacy Campus, which was inaugurated last year. It includes a new state-of-the-art conservation facility to preserve and store its more than 45,000 Holocaust-related artifacts and works of art. Thank you Yad Vashem chairman Dani Dayan for hosting me!

Today I laid a wreath at Yad Vashem in memory of the 6 million Jewish men, women and children murdered by the Nazis and their collaborators. It was important for me to come here early during my term to reiterate the EU's enduring commitment to Holocaust remembrance and education.
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Grateful to @maozinon.bsky.social for an inspiring exchange and for keeping alive the message of peace. As you remind us: "hope requires action" - and the EU will continue to stand with civil society where and when it matters most.

Shalom, Israel. I am very honoured to start my term as new EU ambassador to Israel.Please see me video message below: