The Holy Month of Ramadan reminds us all of the need to be kind, helpful and thoughtful. This is especially important now, as this year’s Holy Month has coincided with the global pandemic that has affected us all. It is important that we remember to lend a helping hand to those in need and to live by the examples we have received in the Holy Books.
On May 19-20, 2020, the Embassy of the State of Israel together with Chabad and the Jewish Community in Nigeria, Heritage Bank, Pugan Technologies LTD, MAG Tech Systems LTD and Kings of the World Nigeria, donated hundreds of packages with food and hygiene items to members of the Muslim communities in need, orphans and Internally Displaced persons in Abuja. H.E. Ambassador Shimon Ben-Shoshan was warmly welcomed by Imam Sheikh Dr. Kabir Muhammed Adam at the National Mosque in Abuja. This historic visit, upon commemoration of 60 years of diplomatic relations and friendship between Israel and Nigeria, signifies the close ties between the countries.
H.E. Ambassador Ben-Shoshan together with the staff of the Israeli embassy, the contributing organizations, the Rabbi of Chabad, Mr. Israel Uzan and Ms. Binta Sidi, Executive Director of the “Brand Life Vision Foundation” (BLVF) came to present the donation for Eid Al-Fitr in person. They expressed their solidarity, brotherhood and care for the people of Nigeria at this challenging time. During the visit of the IDP camps and the orphanage, I expressed my hope that the fight against CoVid-19 pandemic, will be over soon. I hope to witness a direction of the humanity’s efforts to resolve the challenges of climate change, poverty and the water crisis that affects us all.
My staff and I would like to express our gratitude for this opportunity to give – as we feel we received so much more. Through the love, welcome, and appreciation we witness the open heart of the people of Nigeria. Therefore, I would like to thank Ms. Binta Sidi and her Foundation (BLVF) for giving us this opportunity and seeing it through with us, “hand-in-hand”.
I extend my warmest regards and wishing Eid Mubarak to all our Muslim brothers observing this Holy month and I wish to convey blessings of health and safety to us all.
H.E Shimon Ben-Shoshan
Ambassador of Israel to Nigeria
Permanent Representative of Israel to ECOWAS