Israel - New Zealand relations

The 5 New Zealand shnatties, together with one of their madrichim, Gabe Freund, and Mr McCulley.

As some of you might know, the Foreign Minister of New Zealand, Mr Murray McCulley is visiting Israel at the moment. Together with help from a caring expat, we managed to have the 5 Habonim Dror Aotearoa New Zealand shnatties invited to attend a special event at the King David Hotel held in honour of McCulley. A small crowd of dignitaries were invited by the Australia and New Zealand Israel Chamber of Commerce to hear Mr McCulley speak and to celebrate the forthcoming reopening of the Israeli embassy in Wellington. Eight years ago Israel closed its New Zealand embassy and diplomatic relations between the countries soured significantly after the passport incident in 2004. The importance of Mr McCulley's visit--the first in his official capacity--and the reopening of the embassy signal a significant shift in relations between the countries and an earnest mutual desire to strengthen ties. The Shnatties were privileged to meet personally with Mr McCulley and to explain to him Habonim Dror's important work for the Jewish communities of New Zealand as well as talk to the Israeli Ambassador Designate to New Zealand. Perhaps the most inspiring person they met though was the man who was Mazkir of Habonim New Zealand and sent the very first Garin l'Aliyah from the land of the long white cloud.