Unexpected Traces in Jewish Places: Indigenous Nations Open Embassy in Jerusalem

Earlier this year the leaders of indigenous nations around the world opened an embassy in Jerusalem. Delegations from the South Pacific, North America, Canada and South Africa, came to Jerusalem for the inauguration. Various others sent recorded messages. 

The Indigenous Embassy in Jerusalem does not represent a specific state or country. Rather, it embodies the voices of indigenous leaders and their people from across the world and will serve as a hub of information and a helping hand in the Promised Land. 

The embassy opening was attended by leaders of indigenous communities from around the world (New Zealand, Australia, Hawaii, and the Pacific Islands), Dr. Mike Evans, Deputy Mayor of Jerusalem, and representatives from the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Speakers of the indigenous communities brought special gifts from overseas, expressed their true and strong support in Israel and finished with songs performed in Hebrew. The ceremony concluded with the grand unveiling of the embassy sign and the singing of Sh'ma Yisrael and Hava Nagila.

The representatives from Hawaii asked the indigenous leaders to stand and stretch out their hands over the audience of Israelis as they sang the Aaronic Blessing in Hawaiian. The delegation from Puerto Rico accompanied themselves on traditional instruments as they, too, sang blessings over Israel. A representative for the queen of Tonga read the Song of Moses from Deuteronomy 32:1–43.

Enjoy!