H.E. Hanan Goder Goldberger, Ambassador of Israel to Nepal
What was your first impression of Nepal when you landed here as the Israeli Ambassador?
This is my second term of office as Ambassador in Nepal. My first impression was that Nepal is a very beautiful country, which is blessed by amazing nature and friendly people.
What are the similarities between Nepal and Israel?
Our two countries are small in size but have housed highest point on Earth “Sagarmatha” and lowest point “the Dead Sea” and have many beautiful touristic destinations.
What are the three milestones you feel you have achieved as the Israeli Ambassador to Nepal?
1. Human capacity building, 2.Transfer of technology through “Learn and Earn” agriculture training in Israel for Nepali marginalized farmers, and 3.Opening of Israel’s sky for Nepali migrant workers in the caregiving sector.
How are the people-to-people relations between Nepal and Israel and how can the relationship be further enhanced?
The people to people relations are excellent. There aren’t any Israeli families in Israel whose at least one member has not visited Nepal once in their lifetime. However, Nepal and Israel can work on multilateral levels to further deepen our good relationship.
What do you like the most about Nepal?
The beautiful mountains and the smiling people.
Where do you think Nepal as a country should improve?
Nepal should retain its youths in the country to engage them in development works and harness its water resources and tourism for further development.
Is there anything you have planned but are yet to achieve in Nepal?
I wish Nepal-Israel relations to be further consolidated at multilateral relations too.
Personal Message
Nepal and Israel are enjoying cordial relations since 1960. Israel will always remember the courageous and wise decision of the first democratically elected Prime Minister of Nepal BP Koirala to establish diplomatic relations with Israel. Israel is supporting Nepal in human capacity building through various training programs. “Learn and Earn” program has helped in promoting modern farming systems in Nepal. Similarly, Nepali caregivers are very much liked by Israeli families to look after their elderly and differently abled family members. Nepal is one of the most famous touristic destinations for young Israelis for hiking. Nepal and Israel can work together in many fields from agriculture to education to space technology for the benefit of our two countries.
Quick Questions
Favorite Nepali food: Bhaktapur Juju dhou and Various Momo plates
Favorite place in Nepal: Mustang, Langtang, Chitlang, Manang, Namche Bazar and many more
Favorite Nepali song: Yo man ta mero Nepali Ho–Adrian Pradhan
Favorite trek in Nepal: Langtang
Favorite season in Nepal: Autumn and Spring
Favorite Nepali festival: Tihar—festival of light
