Israeli ambassadors

I was saddened to learn that Rafael Barak would be soon leaving his post as Israel’s Ambassador to Canada.

Here in Canada we have been privileged over the years to have had a succession of many outstanding Israeli ambassadors. Not that anyone should should obtain this position who is not so competent !

The thought struck me over the past few days that there may in fact be many other ambassadors of Israel who largely go unoticed.

The first that comes to mind is the Wissotzky Nana’s Tea which I have every morning.  I can buy it here in Canada, but also enjoy it on every trip to Israel. I think of Israel every time I taste it.

Similarly, I enjoy using my Orbitol toothpaste. It reminds me of the Maclean;s toothpaste of my youth, which is no longer available here in Canada.

Not that one can reduce an ambassadorial function to commercial products, but I think governments might do well to realize that their country has a face face far beyond the reach of any foreign affairs departments. And that face is very powerful thanks in part to the minor role it plays in most people’s lives.