On Friday, July 12, the French Consul in Haifa, Mr. Stéphane Toulet, held a festive reception in honor of France's national holiday, Bastille Day, which began on July 14.
Colonial Hotel in the German Colony
The event was held at the Colony Hotel in the German Colony. The hotel entrance was decorated, as requested, with a large French flag. My wife and I were happy to participate in the festive event.
through the French
Those present greeted each other, kissing each other on the cheeks, as is the custom of the French, and holding glasses of fine French wine in their hands.
Among the guests were the French ambassador to Israel, Mr. Frédéric Journes and Mr. Yona Yahav, the mayor of Haifa.
hope for the future
The first of the congratulators was the consul, Mr. Stephen Tula, who emphasized the connection between Haifa and France, a connection that dates back to the Middle Ages. Tula even expressed his hope that this relationship will increase and strengthen.
The ambassador, Mr. Jurnes, expressed in his words the difficult and intense emotions he felt in the face of the horrors he was exposed to in the Otaf kibbutzim after October 7th. The ambassador even emphasized France's commitment to helping Israel in these difficult times, and its willingness to fight tirelessly against rising anti-Semitism.
Knight of the French Legion of Honor
Mr. Yona Yahav, the mayor of Haifa, was the last of the congratulators. Yahav shared with those present his ongoing activities to strengthen the ties between France and Haifa, while mentioning that Haifa and Marseille are twin cities. Thanks to this work, Yahav pointed out, Nicolas Sarkozy, the former president of France, awarded him the title of "Knight of the French Legion of Honor" in 2008.
Keep in touch
The ceremonial part closed with the singing of the national anthem "Hope" and the singing of the French national anthem, "The Marseise".
The culinary part of the reception consisted of fine dishes and at a high level, as expected from an event held under the auspices of France.
During a private conversation we had with the consul, Mr. Tola told us that he was going to leave Haifa at the end of August, in favor of service elsewhere, but promised to maintain contact with the Haifa Francophile community.
We wish Mr. Stephan Tula success in his future diplomatic duties.
Happy holiday, France!
Of course Yona Yahav speaks and praises Yona Yahav.
The man did not know humility from his lifetime, the pursuit of honor and honors.
Do you miss Kalish the Queen of Pigs?!