Following an invitation by the Mayor of Deryneia, Andros Karagiannis, Ambassador Oren Anolik paid a visit to the Municipality of Deryneia, where he took a tour to the local museums. Ambassador was given the opportunity to meet for the first time descendants of Deryneites, who gave help and solidarity to the Jewish detainees at the British colonial Camps in Cyprus in 1946-1949.

Ambassador was impressed and moved to listen to family stories of Deryneia people who helped with every means the persecuted Jews, whom they hosted in their homes and orchards, and assisted in boarding on ships for the return to the newly established State of Israel. Ambassador was guided in the so-called tunnels of Deryneia, which were used by the escapees.

Another fascinating story given to the Ambassador was the one about the well-known "Pertsena", a Jewish woman farmer and landowner back in the 30’s. Many people who had the opportunity to meet or work in her orchards, shared their personal experiences about Pertsena’s hard work and how highly appreciated she was.

NOVEMBER 16, 2022