Be genuinely interested in your interlocutors
H.E. Mr. Amir Weissbrod, Ambassador of Israel and Mr. Petr Pavel, President of the Czech Republic
Text: Martina Hošková and M. Zisso; Photo: Archive
Can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers?
My name is Amir Weissbrod. I joined the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1995. I have served in Morocco, twice in Jordan (including as Ambassador from 2018 to 2021), at the United Nations in New York, and now in the Czech Republic as Ambassador. Before taking up my current post, I served as Deputy Director General for UN Affairs at Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs from 2022 to 2025.
I am married and have three children. I enjoy basketball and rock music.
What made you become a diplomat?
I was driven by curiosity to learn about different cultures, and by a desire to promote better relations between Israel and the Arab world after graduating in Middle Eastern Studies.
Does being an ambassador fit your lifestyle?
I like variety and prefer not to do the same thing for too long, and diplomacy provides exactly that opportunity. Being an ambassador also gives you the opportunity to attend many cultural events, which I enjoy very much.
What is the most difficult part of your profession?
Having to be a representative all the time.
H.E. Mr. Amir Weissbrod, Ambassador of Israel to the Czech Republic, H.E. Ms. Veronika Kuchyňová Šmigolová, Ambassador of the Czech Republic to Israel, Mr. Petr Macinka, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic, Mr. Gideon Saar, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Israel, and Rabbi Shmuel Rabinovutch, the Rabbi of the Western Wall (the Kotel) and the Holy Sites of Israel
Among all the experiences your career has offered, is there an adventure you would highlight as the most remarkable?
I would mention two experiences: travelling to Saudi Arabia in September 2023 as the first Israeli diplomat to enter the country using an official Israeli passport, and a visit to Mauritania in 2000 with a delegation of Israeli Members of Parliament, including a four-wheel-drive journey through the Mauritanian desert with magnificent scenery.
You took your post in Czechia about a year ago. What is your impression so far? My impression of the Czech Republic is that it is a beautiful country with a rich history and talented people. I think every Czech should appreciate their good fortune and say “Bohudík jsem tady” every day.
Professionally, the highlights of my term so far include four visits by our Foreign Ministers in just eight months, as well as a very successful Israeli business mission to the Czech Republic in May.
On a personal level, I have enjoyed visiting many remarkable places across the country: Tiské stěny, which reminded me of The Last of the Mohicans; attending the famous SlaviaSparta football match; visiting Český Krumlov; and enjoying a beer in Žatec, famous for its world-renowned hops.
You actually speak Czech, which is a very difficult language. How did you do it?
I still have a long way to go – I am only a beginner. I had an excellent teacher, and I read the news every day while memorizing new words. Czech is a beautiful language, but its grammar is certainly one of the biggest challenges I have ever encountered.
Besides practising the Czech language, what else do you do in your free time?
I travel a lot, watch sports, and read books.
Do you have a piece of advice to the next generation of ambassadors?
The best meetings are often the informal ones rather than the formal ones. Be genuinely interested in your interlocutors – what motivates them, and what their hobbies are. Also, do not focus only on the capital – travel and work in other regions of the country as well.
Can you tell us about your relations with the Jewish and Israeli communities in the Czech Republic?
I have a very close relationship with both communities and have many good friends among them. Naturally, there are frequent interactions on both the professional and personal levels, and I greatly value these connections.
What do you think brings Czech visitors to your country?
Israel is, of course, the cradle of the monotheistic religions, but it is also a highly diverse destination offering outstanding food, wine, culture, history, and nature – a true melting pot of East and West.
Iris Malca, previous Consul of Israel to the Czech Republic, H.E. Mr. Amir Weissbrod, Ambassador of Israel to the Czech Republic, and Roni Abramson, previous Deputy Ambassador of Israel to the Czech Republic
Can you evaluate the current status of Czech-Israeli relations?
We enjoy an excellent political relationship based on many historical factors. There are also strong people-to-people ties, and the Czech Republic is the fourth most popular destination worldwide for Israeli tourists. We are currently working to strengthen our economic and academic cooperation, and over the past four months we have organized two major business delegations.
On the occasion of your Independence Day, what are your wishes for Israel – and for the Czech Republic?
For my country, I wish simply for peace and security.
For the Czech Republic, I wish continued prosperity and safety. You have a wonderful country and people, and you should be very proud of it.