The bond between Hawke's Bay and Israel was strengthened yesterday after a flying visit from the Israeli ambassador. Above, a view to the Jerusalem old city in Israel. Photo / 123RF
The bond between Hawke's Bay and Israel was strengthened yesterday after a flying visit from the Israeli ambassador. Above, a view to the Jerusalem old city in Israel. Photo / 123RF
The bond between Hawke's Bay and Israel was strengthened yesterday after a flying visit from the Israeli ambassador.
His Excellency Dr Itzhak Gerberg who was joined by his son Tomer Goberg and his deputy Avital Mimran Rossenburg came to the region after an invitation from the Flaxmere Christian Fellowship pastor Nigel Woodley.
Dr Gerberg said it was an honour and a pleasure to be invited to Hawke's Bay.
"I am aware of the support people have for us here and we really do appreciate it. It has been good to come and the meet the community and see this friendly area."
Dr Gerberg felt there were many connections between Israel and Hawke's Bay, which could be strengthened.
"I think we both find ways in terms of innovation. One of our reasons for coming to Hawke's Bay was to look at possible co-operation in innovation and technology."
The Israeli contingent was taken to the sheep and cattle sales yesterday morning to learn about stock agency, farm supply and drenching before going to Fruitfed Supplies to see the chemicals that go on the orchards.
Local guide John McCormick then took them to Omahu Rd to look at irrigation where Mr McCormick said 90 per cent of the technology was manufactured and designed in Israel.
Mrs Avital Mimran Rossenberg said it was very good to find a bit of Israel in Hawke's Bay.
"We learnt a lot today on the ground not just in theory, which was helpful for investigating ties between our countries."
The day concluded at the Flaxmere Christian Fellowship church where a group of avid Israel supporters led by Pastor Woodley met to celebrate the Israeli contingent.
Flaxmere Christian Fellowship pastor Nigel Woodley at a Standing for Israel rally he organised in Hastings in 2014. Photo/Glenn Taylor
"There is such a strong bond between us and a continuous relationship. We are very grateful with the support from Flaxmere and Pastor Woodley," Mrs Avital Mimran Rossenberg said.
Pastor Woodley has hosted the Israeli ambassador six times but it was the first time Dr Gerberg had visited Hawke's Bay since his tenure started four months ago.
"We are so pro-Israel. There is such a biblical connection between the church and Israel so we show our support for the Israeli's to live on their land and defend it," Pastor Woodley said.
When asked about the situation over in the Middle East Dr Gerberg said Israel was managing to stay out of the turmoil.
"Luckily we are not connected to the turmoil and I hope we remain as bystanders. More and more regions around us are getting involved so it is something we are watching closely."
