Deputy Ambassador Michael Freeman off

DIANE WOLFSON

PHOTOGRAPHS BY DIANE WOLFSON

PRETORIA

Pictured :Ayellet and Elliott Black with Rabbi Moshe Silberhaft.

Freeman paid tribute to all those who contributed to the success of his tour in South Africa, from the Embassy team and partners in- and outside of the Jewish community to the diplomatic and cultural arenas, and expressed how much he values and appreciates these partnerships. 

“We have enjoyed our time in South Africa very much and Sigalit and I are leaving with very mixed emotions,” said Freeman who explained that while part of a diplomat’s life is to move around, making and leaving friends, South Africa was a very special place and the partnerships and friendships forged have made them feel extremely welcome and happy. Freeman will be taking up his new post in London in a few weeks’ time, where he will concentrate on civil society affairs with unions, students, non-profits and other groups to promote Israel and to deal with anti-Semitism and anti-Israel groups.

At the same time, Ambassador Lenk took the opportunity to introduce Ayellet Black who will be replacing Freeman as Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy. Black has arrived in South Africa with her husband Elliott and two children. 

As the daughter of a career diplomat, Black has grown up in the diplomatic world and is no stranger to settling down to different lifestyles with speed and getting on with the job at hand. 

Before joining the Foreign Service, Black worked as an informal educator at an Israeli girls’ high school. She studied political science, communication and Judaism and has an MA in international relations.

She previously served in Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a variety of departments including public affairs and EuroAsia and her “official” assignment in South Africa is that of Deputy Head of Mission of Israel to South Africa, Lesotho, Mauritius and Swaziland.

“I look forward to joining the Embassy team under Ambassador Lenk which has already set up an infrastructure to increase the Israeli-South African relations. I am sure that Israel South Africa relations will continue to grow and flourish and I am excited to contribute in any way that I can.

I have heard so much about the Jewish community in Pretoria and South Africa and judging by the incredibly warm welcome that I have received, I know that every word is true.”

Ambassador Lenk presented the Freeman’s with a framed poster of the front cover of the SA Jewish Report from 1 July 2016.