There are some moments in life that are too precious and dear to express and describe. The news of the decision to honor me with this distinguished decoration, reached me of all places in Budapest, I was sitting at a Restaurant, enjoying Lunch with Tali and friends when the Telephone of Mr. Sato rang. I lost words and tears of joy filed my eyes .

Thank you so very much for granting me with this outstanding honor.

The Second question people usually ask me is “why Japan ?!”

Well, the easiest way to answer is by quoting Hillary after reaching the crest of Mount Everest… “ Because, it is there ”.

Maybe, indeed, this is the right and proper response. Japan in the 70s, to most Israelis and to the vast majority of Japanese, Israel was a mountain top not yet reached. Only rare and the very few have known Japan before .

Japan is a country beyond the great continent of Asia. Beyond the immediate boundaries of the Moslem and Arab world. Beyond the barriers of European antagonism and conflict, beyond the frontiers of knowledge, misconceptions and understanding, was the country and the nation I wished to discover .

With a young group of Israeli businessmen, I joined the Israel-Japan Friendship Society and Chamber of Commerce. Together, we,“ Young Turks” represented here by my good friends Avi Matarasso and Richi Roberts, decided to turn this dormant body into a vivid organization, which is able to assist it’s members, contribute, influence, promote and bridge the differences between the peoples of the two countries I cherish .

Within a decade of hard work, dedication and goodwill we turned our Society into a symbol of voluntary positive activism, which was second to none. Hundreds of companies and individuals joined us. Our voice was heard and respected by both governments. We wanted to help and our assistance was well accepted .

Suddenly Japan was not so far away .

It was not that easy, ignorance was one of our greatest opponents but indifference was even worse. Arab Boycott became a reason and an excuse. Political obstacles and misunderstandings were everyday life, Non tariff barriers and Custom discrimination were a hurdle for businessmen of both countries. But, undoubtedly, above all we had to bridge the cultural and ethical differences .

There still is, and shall remain forever, a huge gap between our two countries, many research studies on the similarities and variances between Jews and Japanese. Israel and Japan. Nevertheless, now a days, it is beyond dispute that our two countries have much more in common, Businessmen from both societies are more aware of what is happening in the backyard of their counterparts. Partnerships between Israeli and Japanese companies are not that rare, Japanese investors have become important, yet silent, partners to the Israeli High tech saga. More Israeli companies have opened their offices in Tokyo. Introductory missions have turned to constant bilateral dialogue .

Cultural events initiated by both Embassies and by individuals have contributed tremendously to better understanding and raising curtains to intellectual curiosity .

The road I have taken is a long and endless one. Some very good friends and associates have contributed to the success, which is appreciated today. Some excel and are true partners to this voyage. Outstanding Japanese leaders like Mr. Hatakeyama, an Architect to the revival of Economic relations between our two countries, Chief Diplomat Owada who pioneered Japan change after the first Gulf War, Mr. Masaya Miyoshi who headed the Keidanren and navigated Japanese Sogo Shoshas to the shores of Tel-Aviv .

Ambassadors Eshkol, Cohen Ben Yaacov and Lior from our side and Ambassadors of Japan to Israel, like Tsutsumi UCHIDA, Kawashima, Shigetta, Shibuya, Imai and others .

But above those many, I owe so much; stand two true and real friends and partners. Ambassador Amos Ganor became a senior brother to me. With whom I could laugh, consult, deliberate, disagree, and discuss. But most important I could share with him the experience and the dream, we became two partners running the same track. For the same purpose and for the same goal, unfortunately and painfully he could not finish the Marathon with us, we miss him but cherish is memory .

The second: Mr. Onodera, who is with us here, and came especially from Tokyo. To share this moment that is his almost as it is mine. We became closest of friends in the mid –eighties. Mr. Onodera represents Japan’s Kokusai before it became a slogan, he taught me more than one can study at Universities, we shared success and we agonized failures. Onodera San became the basis for Harel-Hertz Tokyo. More important Onodera San and Kay his wife became part of our family, I do not know whether it conforms the book of Shiki Tari but I would like to thank you in public for being with us for so long and for having the patience to endure the pressure - cooker called Elchanan .

Last but not least, I wish to thank my family Tali, my children and grand children, They are truly the GOLDEN RAYS of my life, I just pray and hope never to be a NECK RIBBON to them .

Sixty years ago, three young Dutch citizens of Jewish origin fought for freedom, battled for survival, they had to do it under disguise and within the Dutch underground. Only my uncle Jacques can give true evidence to what they had to endure, as my parents passed away and are not with us today. For their rare courage and their spiritual quality they were awarded by the Dutch Government, Outstanding among them was my Mother who was bestowed with the supreme U.S. Presidential Medal of Freedom and the U.K. King George Medal .

They taught us never to stay idle, always be in the centre of deed, to be involved to dare and care. I believe this heritage has made this ceremony possible .

Receiving this honor from the Government of Japan, does not mean, our mission is accomplished, there still is a lot to be done, much to be achieved before we may feel content with the paradigm of the bilateral relations. It is my sincere belief that Japan should take advantage of it’s very special position as an Economic superpower, and a country similarly respected both by Arabs and Israelis and take an active and influential role in imposing Peace in our region. As we must admit we are quite handicap in achieving this sacred goal ourselves .

Thank you all for honoring me with your presence and sharing this very special moment, it is thanks to you, representing all that is dear to me that made this ceremony possible

Have a very good evening .

Domo Arigato Toda raba .