Diplomats gathered in Jerusalem on Wednesday ahead of Jerusalem Day for a joint event hosted by the Jerusalem Center for Applied Policy (JCAP) and the Jerusalem Winery, in partnership with Deputy Mayor Adir Schwartz.
The event brought together members of the international diplomatic community and highlighted Jerusalem’s role as Israel’s capital and as a growing center for diplomacy, governance, innovation, and research.
The evening also marked the launch of a new booklet, Jerusalem: A Strategic Base for Diplomats, designed to introduce foreign diplomats and their families to the city’s tech sector, educational institutions, and essential services.
JCAP and the Jerusalem Winery also unveiled a special Jerusalem map created for the event, while guests received a Jerusalem pin and a replica of the priestly blessing inscription discovered in the City of David.
The emotional centerpiece of the evening came when Panama’s Ambassador to Israel, Ezra Cohen, shared a personal story about his father, Moshe Cohen.
In 1948, Moshe Cohen fought in Jerusalem’s Jewish Quarter during the War of Independence, where he was captured by the Jordanian Legion. The ambassador, visibly moved, reflected on returning to Jerusalem, not as a soldier, but as a diplomat representing Panama. He stood near the ancient city walls where his father had once fought.
“There is no better day to say that I feel privileged to continue my family’s legacy, not with weapons, but with diplomacy," Ambassador Cohen said. "Happy Jerusalem Day to all, and may blessings flow from Jerusalem to the entire world.”
Deputy Mayor: Jerusalem holds 'exceptional value'
The event was also attended by additional ambassadors, diplomats, and senior officials from both Israel and abroad, as well as representatives from the Jerusalem Municipality and Israel's Foreign Affairs Ministry.
Deputy Mayor Schwartz added his comments at the event, saying the city offers "a powerful solution to Israel’s public diplomacy challenges."
"The city’s unique blend of the ancient and the modern, sacred and secular, historical and innovative, gives it exceptional value," said Schwartz. "Alongside our partners at JCAP, we will continue strengthening Jerusalem’s global standing and economy.”
Chaim Silberstein, Founder and President of the Jerusalem Center for Applied Policy, added, “In recent years, Jerusalem has increasingly become a city with strategic depth, not just for Israel, but for countries and international organizations seeking proximity to key decision-making centers, innovation, and influence.”
Ben Avrahami, the editor of the new publication, further highlighted, “Jerusalem offers a rare and unique combination; government institutions, academic centers, innovation, culture, and history, all converging in one urban space.”
One of the most memorable moments of the evening came when David Brownstein, Deputy Ambassador of the United States to Israel, urged foreign diplomats to advocate for relocating embassies to Jerusalem. He emphasized the importance of Jerusalem to the US diplomatic presence.
“The fact that the United States has three sites in Jerusalem shows just how crucial this city is to us," said Brownstein. "We are in the process of moving all assets and personnel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. This is the heart of public diplomacy. The miracle continues, and we’re proud to be a part of it.”
“Give a push to moving the embassies to Jerusalem,” concluded Brownstein.
Gideon Hashel, Ambassador and Chief of Protocol at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, also spoke about the political significance of Jerusalem, saying it would be "a failure of humanity" if Jerusalem were to become a political issue.
"Israel has a sovereign right to declare its capital, and its capital is Jerusalem," said Hashel. "This is not up for negotiation.”
