by Miceál O’Hurley
DUBLIN – Diplomacy in Ireland – The European Diplomat would like to announce further awards of the Diplomatic Service Medal. The Awards Committee has decided that His Excellency Mr. Ophir Kariv, the former Ambassador of Israel to Ireland (2018-2021), will receive the Diplomacy in Ireland – The European Diplomat Editor’s Award for Exceptional Representation of a Appointing State’ with the Diplomatic Service Medal with Honours in the 2021 Diplomatic Service Awards.
The conferral of the awards of the Diplomatic Service Medal will take place in December. Mr. Leonard Abrahamson, President of the Jewish Representative Council of Ireland will receive the medal on behalf of His Excellency Mr. Ophir Kariv as the Ambassador departed Ireland earlier this year to take up another post on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Israel.
His Excellency Mr. Ophir Kariv was born in Haifa, Israel. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and a Master of Business Administration from University of Haifa.
He began his career with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1994. He was Director of the Department for Israeli Consulates in the United States and has also held roles in the Public Diplomacy Division and in the Human Rights and Humanitarian Affairs Department in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He has also been Deputy Head of Mission in Israel’s embassies in Bulgaria, Denmark and Thailand. Before moving to his role in Ireland, he was Director of the Northern Europe Department in Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Kariv presented his credentials to the President of Ireland, Mr. Michael D. Higgins, on October 16, 2018, showing him to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Israel to Ireland. He participated in the “Holocaust Memorial Day Commemoration” where on 27 January 2019, President Michael D. Higgins was the keynote speaker.
Ambassador Kariv will be awarded the Diplomatic Service Medal with Honour for exceptional representation of his Mission during his tenure. His advocacy for his State, its people, the promotion of trade and tourism, as well as his work with his fellow diplomatic partners from the Middle East serving in Ireland to build greater understanding and cultural ties, all while enhancing the chances for peace and security in the region following the Abraham Accords is commendable. Moreover, His Excellency used his voice to raise awareness about the dangerous trend towards intolerance in Europe and throughout the world. Ambassador Kariv called upon humanity to be vigilant about the real and present danger of genocide reoccurring in numerous areas of conflict and social unrest, and in so doing, served all of humanity. He has been a guest on our programme, “In Conversation This Week with Miceál O’Hurley” in April 2021.
About the Diplomatic Service Medal
The Diplomatic Service Medal is struck as a medallion suspended from a bar and ribbon of blue and yellow reflecting the colours adopted by the European Union of which Ireland is an integral member. Burnished silver in colour, the medal depicts Nike, the goddess of victory surrounded by the eleven of the twelve stars of the European Union signifying that the work of the European Union and diplomats everywhere is never complete. Tradition holds that Nike represents the mythic gods as the embodiment of victory in both war and peaceful competition. As uniquely depicted on the Diplomatic Service Medal, the goddess Nike, faithful to the foundational commission of diplomats, is rendered without her sword associated with military might and instead holds aloft the torch of truth, knowledge and service lit with the flame of wisdom in her left hand while in her right she embraces the laurel wreath of peace.
The Diplomatic Service Awards are an annual event hosted by Diplomacy in Ireland – The European Diplomat. The Certificate and Medal are of exceptional design depicting the victory of diplomacy over conflict. The awards are conferred by the Editor and the Awards Chairperson each December.
Two Types of Awards for Diplomacy, International Relations, Research, Teaching & Service
The Diplomatic Service Award is a certificate that can be awarded to individuals who merit special recognition owing to their exceptional contributions of service in the fields of diplomacy, foreign affairs or international relations, in research or teaching in the academy, or in distinguished service rendered to diplomats. When the Diplomatic Service Award is conferred it is done so by means of a certificate describing the acts that merit the award.
The Diplomatic Service Medal is a medal struck in metal suspended from a clasp and ribbon. It may be conferred upon those who serve in the domestic or foreign services, holding diplomatic rank, or those who have rendered exceptional service to diplomats and the cause of diplomacy. When the Diplomatic Service Medal is conferred it is accompanied by a certificate describing the reason for the award of the medal.
Medal Conferral Categories
Diplomatic Service Medal with Honours – This category is deferred solely upon those holding the dignity of Ambassadorial or Ministerial rank, or by those who discharged the rank of Chargé d’Affaires. It appears with a silver oak leaf device attached to the ribbon to denote the special dignity for which the medal was awarded. The medal is accompanied by a Certificate describing the reasons for the medal being conferred.
Diplomatic Service Medal – The medal suspended from the ribbon is awarded to all other recipients of the medal accompanied by a Certificate describing the reasons for the medal being conferred.
Diplomatic Service Medal with Valour Device – If any recipient is presented with the award for having exhibited exceptional valour in diplomatic service for the betterment of humanity, or the safety of civilians, which merits the award of the Diplomatic Service Medal with Valour. In this instance, a ‘V’ device surrounded by a laurel wreath is attached to the ribbon to denote this rare and special distinction. The medal is accompanied by a Certificate describing the reasons for the medal being conferred.
Award Certificate
Diplomatic Service Award – Those whose contributions are deserving of recognition may be awarded the Diplomatic Service Award – Certificate of Recognition.
Conferral of Medals and Awards
Annual December Awards – The Diplomatic Service Medals and Awards are generally presented annually in December. However, the medal or award may be awarded at any time by a decision of the Editor and Awards Chairperson.
Comments from Editor-in-Chief Miceál O’Hurley
“The Diplomacy in Ireland – The European Diplomat Awards are about honouring how diplomats, and those who contribute to the field of diplomacy and international relations, use their skills and the tools at their disposal to fulfill their mission. It is about recognising excellence and exceptionalism in service, and at times – courage. Ambassador Kariv performed his duties for his State with great skill, confidence, discretion and a desire to build relationships throughout the world. I congratulate his on his exceptional exercise of his powers Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to advance the cause of his State and building good relations with others,” said O’Hurley.
Comments from Awards Chairperson Oksana Shadrina
“Diplomats are often called-upon to undertake difficult tasks in unenviable situations where conflict and divisiveness abound. When Ambassador Kariv confronted such situations he is known to have been particularly skillful in trying to resolve conflict and build bridges, even with non-traditional partners, thus creating a more fertile field for understanding and accord. We are pleased to recognise his skills in the field of Statecraft and Diplomacy at the 2021 Diplomacy in Ireland – The European Diplomat Awards,” remarked Shadrina.
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For More Information Contact:
Miceál O’Hurley, Editor-in-Chief
Diplomacy in Ireland – The European Diplomat
Email: editor@diplomacyireland.eu
Telephone: (086) 107 0017 or (01) 254 4747
Cover Photo – Fergal Phillips, Business Post
