Six New Ambassadors to Present Credentials to Herzog

President Isaac Herzog will welcome six new ambassadors on Tuesday, as they formally present their credentials in Jerusalem. The envoys represent Estonia, Latvia, the European Union, South Sudan, Zambia, and New Zealand.

Those scheduled to present their letters of credence are Andres Vosman (Estonia), Gints Serafinovics (Latvia), Michael Anthony Mann (EU), Mou Mou Ring (South Sudan), Mahuba Wesley Hazemba (Zambia), and Greg Lewis (New Zealand, non-resident).

This will be the final group of new ambassadors before Rosh Hashanah, a time when Israel faces diplomatic challenges yet continues to maintain strong international relations. Their presence underscores that, despite criticism of Israel’s policies in Gaza, most world governments still view diplomatic engagement with Israel as essential.

Each ambassador will be honored with a military guard of honor, a rendition of their national anthem, and a private audience with President Herzog.

Among the nations represented, New Zealand has the longest-standing connection with both the Land of Israel and the State of Israel. New Zealand’s soldiers, together with Australian forces, played a key role in liberating the land from Ottoman rule in 1917. The country also voted in favor of the UN partition plan in 1947, granted de facto recognition to Israel in 1949, and formal recognition in 1950. This year marks 50 years since Israel opened its embassy in Wellington, though New Zealand continues to accredit its ambassador from Ankara, Turkey.

Zambia is also marking an important milestone: the 10th anniversary of its embassy in Tel Aviv. Diplomatic ties were first established in 1966 but severed after the 1973 Yom Kippur War, only to be restored in 1991. Today, Zambia and Israel continue to deepen cooperation, particularly in areas of development and innovation.

The restoration of ties with many former Soviet bloc countries in the 1990s also paved the way for expanded relations with Estonia and Latvia, both of which are represented in this week’s ceremony.

The arrival of six new ambassadors reflects the enduring significance of Israel’s place in the international community. Even in turbulent times, the Jewish state continues to strengthen friendships across continents, highlighting the importance of diplomacy, history, and shared values. Share this article or subscribe to our newsletter for more updates on Israel’s global relations.