Jonathan Peled is the new Ambassador of Israel to Italy and San Marino

Dear friends, it is with great pleasure that we introduce Jonathan Peled, the new ambassador-designate of Israel to Italy and San Marino.

Here is a short introductory video:

“Shalom, hello everyone. My name is Jonathan Peled, and I am excited to talk to you as the new Ambassador of Israel to Italy.

I am still learning Italian, so please forgive my pronunciation, which is influenced by Spanish.

I was born in the historic and ancient city of Jerusalem, sacred to Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. I grew up in a kibbutz in north of Israel, experiencing constant danger and security threats.

On a more personal note, in my early adulthood, I aspired to become a race car driver, but I soon realized I had more passion than talent.

It is with this passion that I became a career diplomat and had the honour of serving as Israel’s Ambassador to El Salvador, Mexico, and Australia. Until recently, I served as Deputy Director General heading the Latin America Division at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Jerusalem.

It is said that all roads lead to Rome, and now my road leads here as well. I have always admired Italy for its culture, sports, Italian soccer, cuisine, and fashion; and I am happy to have the opportunity to fully experience Italy and meet many of you with the aim of strengthening the friendship and cooperation between our two countries.

We share many common values, a similar Mediterranean culture and mindset, and the same joy of living. Both countries enjoy a broad scope of cooperation at the political, strategic, economic, cultural, and academic levels, with a growing bilateral dialogue in research and technological development.

I hope to significantly contribute to this bond and to bring more Italy to Israel and more Israel to Italy.”