NO. 7

WASHINGTON, DC —American Hellenic Institute (AHI) President Nick Larigakis participated at a two-day conference of diaspora leaders from Greece, Cyprus, and Israel hosted in concurrence with The Jewish Agency for Israel Board of Governors meeting in Jerusalem, Feb. 26 and 27, 2019. 

“I appreciated the opportunity to participate and contribute to fruitful discussions about how our diasporas can work together to promote and strengthen the trilateral relationship and address the issues that concern our diasporas,” Larigakis said.

According to President Larigakis, the roundtable discussions led to a conclusion that a 15-person delegation of young professionals comprised of the three countries’ diasporas will visit Greece, Cyprus, and Israel in August 2019.  The delegation will spend three days in each country.

President Larigakis was invited to participate as part of Greece’s delegation led by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Terens Quick.  The delegation included: AHEPA Supreme Governor Phanos Pitiris and Nicholas T. Pagonis, President/CEO, Greek Community of Montreal. 

Representing The Jewish Agency for Israel were: Chairman of the Executive Israel Isaac Herzog, Chairman of the Board Michael Siegal, and Yigal Palmor, director of Public Affairs and Communications. 

“I thank Chairman of the Executive Herzog and Chairman of the Board Siegal, of The Jewish Agency for Israel, for hosting an excellent series of meetings; and Deputy Minister Quick for leading our delegation,” Larigakis said.

Presidential Commissioner Photis Photiou led the delegation representing Cyprus that also included: Hellenic American Leadership Council (HALC) Executive Director Endy Zemenides, National Federation of Cypriots in the UK President Christos Karaolis, and Christos Tuton, president of the World Organization for Young Overseas Cypriots (NEPOMAK).

B’nai B’rith International President Charles O. Kaufman and Alan Schneider, director of B'nai B'rith World Center in Jerusalem, also participated.

In addition, President Larigakis attended a dinner in honor of His Beatitude Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem and All Palestine, Feb. 25.