Diplomatic Spouses And Partners Welcomed At Beit Hanasi (Photo Essay)

By BJLIfe/Sharon Altshul
Posted on 02/01/22

Jerusalem, Israel - Feb. 1, 2022 / 30 Shevat 5782 - Members of the Diplomatic Spouses and Partners Club in Israel were welcomed by First Lady Michal Herzog to Beit Hanasi in Jerusalem, Israel on Tuesday morning. The international participants were led by club president Mrs. Stephanie Baric, wife of U.S. Deputy Chief of Mission Jonathan Shrier, who after seven years are to leave soon and expressed regrets about leaving Israel. 

Each of the diplomatic spouses and partners rose and told Michal Herzog about their previous postings with their partners. The wife of the political counselor at the Moroccan Liaison Office said in fluent Hebrew that she was deeply moved to be living in Israel, describing the experience as a “dream.” 

The last woman in the group to introduce herself was from Brazil and spoke in Portuguese. Mrs. Herzog responded immediately in Portuguese. She explained describing her experiences growing up in Brazil as the daughter of an Israeli diplomat: “My father was the Israeli military attaché in Brazil, so I understand the situation of coming to a new place, bringing the family to a new place. For me growing up in Brazil was a wonderful experience: seeing the world, learning a new culture and new languages. I went to an international American school but everything else was in Portuguese. I even watched Sesame Street in Portuguese.” As a teenager when they left to return to Israel she cried to have to leave her friends behind.

Discussions also included the personal experiences of sacrificing their own careers in order to follow their spouses in public service. Mrs. Herzog explained that she had previously worked as a criminal lawyer and represented philanthropic foundations in Israel. However, she resigned upon President Isaac Herzog’s election: “I felt that we were given a gift, so I felt that I should put all my energies and efforts and time into the role and help, so we’re doing this as a couple.”

Travel has been limited by current pandemic conditions. But concerning the historic presidential visit to the United Arab Emirates which ended yesterday, she said: “We just landed last night from a remarkable visit to the UAE. It was very, very moving. It felt very natural. The interaction with the Emiratis was incredible, there was real chemistry, and it felt natural, and you think, why didn’t this happen so many years ago? It was an incredible visit, and I do feel that there is hope for the future of this area, and it shows that peace in this area can be achieved. It brings hope to all of us.”

Mrs. Herzog concluded by saying, “I wish you all well and hope you enjoy your stay in our country and leave as successful ambassadors for Israel.”

The women were given a tour which included explanations of the art and architecture in Beit Hanasi, as well as a brief history of Israel presidents in a short video. Everyone wore a mask except when speaking into the microphone. The atmosphere was relaxed and cordial with smiles and selfies aplenty, in spite of a mask.