A FAREWELL MESSAGE FROM H.E. MS. ANNA AZARI, AMBASSADOR OF ISRAEL
H.E. Ms. Anna Azari, Ambassador of Israel, photo by Karel Cudlin
“A Dream I Had About Prague” is the title of a well-known Israeli song about the Warsaw Pact invasion of Czechoslovakia in 1968. But it is also a fitting title for summing up four years in this special city and country.
There are many possible explanations for the depth of Czech-Israeli relations – one can start with Tomáš Masaryk, the Czechoslovak assistance during Israel’s War of Independence, or even much earlier. The fact is that for Israel and Israelis, Czechia is a deeply friendly country — perhaps the friendliest country in the world. I do not know of an Israeli diplomat in Czechia who hasn’t felt this friendship and the openness of the Czech authorities and society at all levels.
My four years here coincided with the horror of the 7. 10. 2023 massacre of Israelis, the ongoing struggle for the release of the hostages held by Hamas, the 12-day war with Iran, and the tragedy of the continuous war in Gaza and its consequences.
The support Israel received from Czechia and the Czech people was, and still is, overwhelming.
On November 1, 2023, during a huge rally in support of Israel, Prime Minister Fiala, among other things, promised to continue supporting Israel even when the tide of international public opinion shifts. He has definitely kept his word to this very day.
This unwavering support for Israel is nonpartisan; we feel strong backing from leaders across H.E. Ms. Anna Azari, Ambassador of Israel, photo by Karel Cudlin various parties. I assume that, whatever the outcome of the coming elections, the Czech-Israeli partnership will continue to grow and flourish in numerous fields — trade, science, education, and tourism.
On a more personal note, I will remember Prague and Czechia for its people and, of course, for its stunning beauty — hills and valleys, castles and palaces. Some places in Czechia give you the feeling of walking through film or theatre sets. I will end with an excerpt from the Czech national anthem:
“Waters murmur across the meads Pinewoods rustle among the rocks Blooming orchards shine in spring; Paradise on Earth to see”
I will remember that the Czech land was, at least for these four years, partially my home too.
Anna Azari
Ambassador of Israel to the Czech Republic
(August 2021 – September 2025)