It is a fact that Greek-Israeli relations have become close over the last years.
The avenue of full diplomatic relations between Greece and Israel was established in 1990 thanks to then Greek Prime Minister Konstantinos Mitsotakis. Today, thirty years later, with Mitsotakis’ son, Kyriakos Mitsotakis at the helm of the Greek government, the ties between the two countries in energy, defense, tourism, culture, business and academia are growing vigorously.
This vibrant cooperation between the two peoples and their countries is felt strongly in Israel. Two weeks ago, at a Rebetiko music evening at the Greek Community Center in Jerusalem by Greek musicians Lily Violetta Soussi and Moisis Aser we had the privilege of a surprise visit by the Greek Minister of Tourism Mr. Harry Theocharis.
A couple of days later, the Greek President H. E. Mr. Prokopios Pavlopoulos joined the Fifth World Holocaust Forum at Yad Vashem. David Saltiel, who serves both as the President of the Jewish Community of Thessaloniki as well as of the Central Board of the Jewish Communities of Greece was also present at the Holocaust Forum.
On the cultural front, we had Greek singer Pandelis Thalassinos to perform this week in Tel Aviv with the Takim orchestra, brought to us by Bracha Cohen, Greek music productions.
On the tourism front, the Mayor of the Epirotic Greek city of Ioannina Mr. Moisis Elisaf will take part at the International Mediterranean Tourism Market in Tel Aviv. On the occasion of Elisaf’s visit to Israel, the Salonika and Greece Jewry Heritage Center will be holding an event in honor of the Jewish community of Ioannina.
My old friend, Ioannina-born, Anna Garty arranged for my interviewing of Moisis Elisaf the first Jewish Mayor of Greece past the Holocaust. Elisaf leads the city of Ioannina in northern Greece, my father’s birthplace, which lost at the time of the Holocaust 1850 out of approximately 2,000 members.
Yvette Nahmia-Messinas: Mayor Elisaf, you were born and raised in Ioannina, Greece, past the Holocaust into a community that lost 92% of its Jewish population. How was your childhood in loannina?
Moisis Elisaf: I was born in Ioannina on 17 July 1954. I am a native son of this city. Both my parents were born in Ioannina and my father was a merchant. I attended primary and secondary school in Ioannina.
My genuine desire to become a medical doctor led me to Athens in 1973 and I graduated from the School of Medicine, University of Athens in 1979.
Yvette: What brings you to Israel?
Moisis Elisaf: I am visiting Israel with my colleagues for a touristic exhibition held in Tel Aviv [International Mediterranean Tourism Market, Tel Aviv Convention Center, Tel Aviv-Yafo Israel].
We try to make Ioannina a privileged destination for Israelis but also to expand the cultural, educational and economic relations between Greek and Israeli cities. I have arranged some appointments with tourism executives and professionals for discussing innovative ideas for the better tourism development of Ioannina.
Yvette: How extrovert and welcoming is Ioannina to Israelis?
Moisis Elisaf: Our main goal is to make Ioannina a European, modern and extroverted city. Ioannina of today is a big cultural and administrative center, a lively modern city, vibrant and full of life. Our priority is to promote the image of our city which hosts many visitors throughout the year.
Yvette: Many Israelis nowadays consider buying a flat in Ioannina. Would you consider it a good investment?
Moisis Elisaf: I think so, since Ioannina is a beautiful historical city, is in the crossroads of the two trans-continental roads, the Egnatia and the Ionia Highway. The geo-strategic position of Ioannina city enhances its predominant perspective in the wider region of the Balkans. Furthermore, it is an administrative center linked daily by plane with other large cities of the country. So it is a good investment, the prices are varied.
Yvette: Are there any business/cultural or social ventures that connect between Yianniotes (Ioannina-born) and Israelis?
Moisis Elisaf: Ioannina has always been multicultural and multi-religious with a strong Jewish history and traditions.
The small but vibrant Jewish Community and the presence of many Yianniotes in Israel is our connecting link.
Yvette: What Ioannina qualities/attributes would you like to offer Israel?
Moisis Elisaf: Located in the Northwestern part of Greece, a centuries old town by a beautiful lake, in a ring of high mountains by the sunny beaches of the Ionian Sea; Ioannina, was built on the famous Egnatia Odos, the road that connects Europe with Asia. With its rich history –a melting pot of traditions and cultures— Ioannina’s multicultural characteristics are still visible in everything from its architecture and traditions, to lifestyle and cuisine. No matter whether you are looking for an adventurous trip or want to enjoy the beauty of nature, Ioannina has something for everyone.
Yvette: What do you take back from Israel to Ioannina?
Moisis Elisaf: The hospitality of Israeli people, the meetings with relatives and close friends, the strong achievements of Israeli people and the possibility of a further, future collaboration on cultural, educational, economic and tourism issues.
Yvette: Thank you for your time Mr. Elisaf. And especially thank you for being a bridge between the two cultures, and making the ties between Greece and Israel even stronger.