Muchas gracias Guatemala

"In recent years Guatemala has become an attractive destination for Israeli tourists, but the warm ties seem to stretch beyond that – to the many years of close relations between the two countries that lead the local congress to honor Israel this week.
Much excitement took over the Israelis arriving at the Guatemala Congress a few days ago. An Israeli flag was placed at the center of the hall, with a band playing the Israeli national anthem in the background.
The reason for the unusual event is the Guatemalan Congress' decision to grant Israel and the Israeli people its highest honor.
Congress speaker Roberto Alejos decided to bestow the honor on Israel after two thirds of the congress members expressed their support of honoring the State of Israel for its contribution to the Central American nation.
In his speech at the ceremony, Alejos praised Israel's activity in the country. "If there is thriving agriculture – it's an Israeli contribution. If we have education, medicine and security – it's the Israelis that shared with us their rich experience," he said. "
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