Visa free entry for Samoans travelling to Israel in the works

By Joyetter Feagaimaali’i-Luamanu In Israel 23 June 2018, 12:00AM

Samoans will soon no longer need to obtain a visa before they travel to Israel.

This is according to Samoa’s Honorary Consul in Israel, Galumalemana Nissan Krupsky. 

He was speaking to the Samoa Observer during an event hosted by the Israeli Government for the Pacific Journalists tour. 

“The Israeli Government is currently working on waving visa for Samoans to travel to Israel and this is the second time we have made this proposal,” he said. 

“The first time was about four years ago, however something happened and the Prime Minister cancelled his State visit and the paper work which was already prepared for the visa waiver was not signed.  

“However we are currently working on it right now as there are issues that needs to be sorted our before we finalize, but it will happen,” he said. 

“The whole purpose is to make it easy for Samoan people visiting and not complicate things,” he said. 

Krupsky, a former Mayor, has been Samoa’s Honorary Counsul in Israel for 10 years. He has been working as Israel’s Ambassador in New Zealand for four years prior to his appointment as Samoa’s Honorary Counsul in Israel. 

“I am the main contact for the people of Samoa who come to Israel. Their unique companionship is why I am fortunate to have friends in Samoa, New Zealand and Australia.  

“When I used to come to Samoa, which was more than a year ago, I don’t stay at the hotels. I stay at my friends residences,” said Galumalemana. 

“I was also honored to have been bestowed the Galumalemana chiefly title last year,” he said.  

 The Ambassador to Samoa from Israel, Dr. Itzhak Gerberg, during presentation of credential reminded that “Israel is an ancient nation rooted in the Holy land of Israel whose birth certificate is in the Bible and we are proud that Jewish values espoused by the prophets are centre to our shared human principles,” said Dr. Itzhak.  

“The people of Israel, following 2000 years of exile and the very horrific tragedy of the holocaust, have successfully built an independent, democratic and flourishing State with a high level of public and social services while reviving its ancient Hebrew language. 

“Israel is a small country but a modern state and world renowned start-up nation with striking advanced achievements based on ingenuity, creativity and innovation, in fields such as agro-technology, public health food security, water management, education, irrigation, green energy and cyber technology. 

“Despite a continued threat to our existence, Israel wishes to live in secure borders, while enjoying real and lasting peace.” 

Dr. Itzhak assured that he would do his best to strengthen the friendship between Samoa and Israel during his tenure. 

Dr. Itzhak, His Highness Tui Atua commended on the friendly and fruitful relationship between the two countries, which started in 1977. 

“This has largely been attained through the pursuit of our common interests and aspirations in international fora for maintaining prosperity, peace and security in our regions and beyond,” he said. 

“As members of the larger world community, we have also endeavored to address challenges in the area of sustainable development, human rights, poverty, transnational crime, terrorism and indeed, climate change and sea level rise, which is an issue of importance and urgency in our region.” 

By Joyetter Feagaimaali’i-Luamanu In Israel 23 June 2018, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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