News that the Israel Foreign Ministry is raising the status of its representation in South Africa to that of an Embassy and is appointing Yitzhak Unna as the first Ambassador has been warmly welcomed here. Unna served with great success as Israel’s Consul General in South Africa for three years, returning to Israel 18 months ago to take up a high post in the Foreign Ministry. Julius Weinstein, chairman of the South African Zionist Federation, said:
“The entire Jewish community in South Africa is delighted with the news and the appointment.”
Orthodox Chief Rabbi Bernard Casper said: “People will welcome him back very happily. He was a popular person in his own right and in what he achieved here.” He added that the upgrading of Israel’s representation to an Embassy was most welcome. Reform Chief Minister Rabbi Arthur Super said: “Unna did a tremendous job in explaining Israel to South Africa, and the fact that he will return as Ambassador indicates that Israel officially recognizes the tremendous friendship which South Africa has always shown Israel in good times and in bad.”
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