Medal Success for Israel at Romania's International Stamp Exhibition

It was an honor to serve as the Israeli commissioner to the EFIRO 2024 World Specialized Stamp Exhibition in Bucharest, held from April 6 to 19 in the halls of the National Library of Romania. The event gathered philatelists from 81 countries, united by their passion for stamps, described by Ion Chirescu, president of both the Romanian Philatelic Federation and the Organizing Committee, as “paper jewels that for over 186 years have told fascinating stories and revolutionized communication worldwide.”

Held under the patronage of the Federation Internationale de Philatelie (FIP) and the Federation of European Philatelic Associations (FEPA), the exhibition marked significant anniversaries: the 150th anniversary of the Universal Postal Union and the 165th anniversary of the union of the Romanian Principalities of Moldova and Wallachia.

Nine Israeli exhibitors showcased their work, overcoming challenges such as a sudden attack on Israel just 24 hours before departure. Despite the disruption, the exhibits were safely transported, and I was mounting them in the exhibition hall by midday Monday.

A testament to the camaraderie among philatelists, my first meeting at the exhibition was with a commissioner from Iran, a long-time friend. The genuine concern and solidarity from commissioners from Egypt, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Iraq highlighted our shared passion for philately, transcending political differences.

Romania and Israel share strong philatelic bonds, reflected in the close relationship between our federations. Romanian Jews in Israel, representing about 10% of the population, have maintained robust cultural ties with Romania. The organizing committee's appointment of Yigal Nathaniel as FIP consultant and Adv. Eliyahu Weber as president of the jury, alongside Eddie Leibu, was unprecedented, marking a significant honor for Israeli philately.

Further cementing these ties, the Romanian Post and Israel Post issued a joint stamp called HORA, inaugurated at the Choral Temple Synagogue in Bucharest. The event featured prominent figures, including the chief rabbi of Romania and the Israeli ambassador, with Adv. Eliyahu Weber delivering a speech in Romanian to a delighted audience.

The Palmares Award Ceremony at Le Chateau Bucuresti Ballroom saw Israeli exhibitors achieve notable success. Large Gold in Philatelic Literature for "Doar Ivri," the first issue of Israel, and Gold for "Doar Ivri" in the Traditional Philatelic section were among the honors. Additionally, two more medals, Large Vermeil and Silver, were awarded, highlighting the high quality of Israeli exhibits among the 2,550 frames of stamps, letters, postcards, and documents.

In a gesture of appreciation, the Israeli Philatelic Federation donated a special prize, "A Time of Peace," to a Large Vermeil exhibit from Romania. My wife presented a Model of Jerusalem to the president of the Romanian Philatelic Federation, celebrating the close ties between our federations and countries.

Attending a stamp exhibition is a profound way to learn about and appreciate cultural and religious diversity. Israel's achievements at EFIRO 2024 exemplify our dedication to philately and our commitment to fostering international friendships.

Israel continues to celebrate its cultural achievements on the world stage. Stay updated with our latest news by subscribing to our newsletter and sharing this article with others.