The Society of Foreign Consuls in New York, which is celebrating its 100th year, stated earlier this month that it is “thrilled” to welcome Israel as a new member and offered the Jewish state “heartfelt congratulations.”
The group refers to itself as the “world’s largest consular corps, comprising consulates, consulates general and honorary consulates.” It offered “special thanks” to Ofir Akunis, consul general of Israel in New York, for “his outstanding leadership.”
Akunis stated on Sunday that the Jewish state joining the society for the first time was an “important diplomatic achievement.”
“While some attempt to portray our country as diplomatically isolated, this development proves the exact opposite,” Akunis stated. “The Society of Foreign Consuls in New York, active since 1925, holds significant diplomatic importance, especially now and in this city, where Israel and Jewish communities are called upon to forge new alliances and strengthen existing ones.”
Per the Israeli consulate, some of the society’s members “do not have diplomatic relations with Israel.”
