Diplomacy in the Time of COVID-19: From the Desk of the Consul General of Israel

As a veteran Israeli citizen and a professional Israeli diplomat, I am used to life being full of surprises − whether it be missiles from Iraq during the Gulf War or rockets launched against Israel from Gaza. We take disruptions of life as part of life.

After 20 years in the Foreign Ministry, I am used to waking up to an unexpected schedule. From unanticipated meetings to unforeseen assignments – it is part of the job description.

Yet, for me, the repercussions of the coronavirus pandemic and George Floyd’s death have been quite defining. It has posed unforeseen challenges, and has pushed us all, across the diplomatic spectrum, to use everything in our powers to cope.

This article is not to brief you on the political situation in Israel nor the geopolitical concerns in the Middle East. Instead, I would like to offer you a glimpse of the last few months from a diplomat’s desk, sharing with you our shifting agenda during these challenging times. I will discuss the challenges the coronavirus poses, which has dominated our agenda over the last several months.

It is understood that the essence of the life of a diplomat, what I enjoy so much about the profession, is the nurturing of in-person relationships, meeting people, striking up friendships, holding and attending events. However, since the outbreak of the pandemic, we have found ourselves in a different reality in which our work has completely transformed. We found ourselves facing new challenges and unknown territory.

My first order of business was tackling how we were going to continue to work. Diplomatic missions, like other essential working places, were exempted from the “stay home” order. So we split our staff into two shifts, each shift working alternate days. Thus, if someone fell sick and neutralizes that entire shift, the alternate shift could continue to “hold the fort.”

With the outbreak of the coronavirus, Israel immediately related to the virus as a national security issue. All central and relevant government agencies were gathered under one control center, including our Foreign Ministry. The most pressing issues were quickly identified, both immediate and long term.

One of our assignments was the rescue of stranded Israelis around the globe with the objective of getting them home safely. Israelis, on their treks and travels, tend to discover and inhabit the most remote corners of the earth, locations absent of even dirt paths back to civilization. With the indispensable help of our diplomats, approximately 9,000 Israelis were located and returned to Israel. We also had our own fair share of special cases right here in our area. For example, one morning, we received a call regarding Israelis, without entry visas to the United States, stranded on a boat stricken with coronavirus victims, docked in San Diego. With the close assistance of the U.S. State Department, we were able to get those citizens home.

The task of reuniting and rescuing gave moments of happiness; however, the work also can have moments of heartbreak.

The task of reuniting and rescuing gave moments of happiness; however, the work also can have moments of heartbreak.

Urgent calls from families wishing to transport the bodies of dear ones to Israel for burial presented some of the greatest challenges. We had to determine the reason of death, locate airlines that would agree to airlift the body and stamp their documents. We faced difficult and painful cases, from senior citizens to infants.

A top priority on our agenda was the sharing of best practices with friends and allies. From the outset of the pandemic, Israel adopted a “high-tech approach” to battling the coronavirus. It was put into practice by setting up incubators and specialized teams, blending private and public organizations, gathering medical staff together with computer engineers and military units with high-tech start-ups. The innovation resulting from these efforts enabled a swift shift from procurement to self-production.

As one of the first countries to impose restrictions on movement, then one of the first countries to devise a pilot-controlled exit strategy, we believed our experience could be of benefit to others. We also wanted to learn from the experiences, good or bad, of others. The United States of America has no better friend than Israel, and Israel has no better ally than the United States of America. For this reason, it was only natural that Israel and the United States partner, scientifically and practically, in sharing of knowledge and best practices, meeting the challenges of the virus together. Israel shared its protocols and best practices with decision makers throughout the United States, including here in Los Angeles.

Israel also shared with friends and allies in Europe. As a result, the Chancellor of Austria and the Prime Minister of the Czech Republic publicly expressed gratitude to Israel for the important information conveyed to them.

Another crucial priority in our work has been to maintain contact with Jewish federations, organizations, synagogues and community leaders. As expected, we found ourselves facing the deplorable and predictable wave of anti-Semitic vitriolic and repulsive conspiracy theories, targeting Jews and Israel during this time of crisis. It was important to us to convey a clear message regarding Israel’s care and concern for the wellbeing of the communities.

The Israeli consulate in Los Angeles wanted to express its solidarity with the people of Los Angeles and its gratitude to the first responders on the frontlines. The method we devised was the setting up of billboards along the I-10 freeway with messages of gratitude, friendship, solidarity and appreciation.

Among other assignments was the procurement of essential items for Israel. Companies here in California were approached, and they responded positively. Acquisitions were clenched. Such positive cooperation reflects the strong relationship between Israel and the United States, between Israel and California.

The entire Consulate team has been on-call around the clock since the beginning of the crisis. It is at moments like these that I feel the work we are doing serves one of the highest purposes as diplomats. My feeling is that my service as a diplomat is like being a soldier on the frontlines. Not the frontline of trenches and tanks, but a frontline of no less significance and meaning. I will continue to serve, anticipating the unanticipated call to duty.

Hillel Newman is the Consul General of The Consulate General of Israel in Los Angeles.