The Mashmaut Center, managed by Dr. Lea Ganor, and the Motzkin Municipality, led by Mayor Mr. Tziki Avisar, hosted the Ambassador of Panama to Israel, Mr. Ezra Cohen, and his wife Linda Cohen, in an extraordinary and particularly moving visit to Kiryat Motzkin and the Mashmaut Center.

Ambassador Cohen is a passionate Zionist who has contributed greatly to strengthening ties between the State of Israel and Panama, and in particular to the strong Jewish community. This is his first visit, and it is the beginning of a wonderful friendship. We see this as an opening to create deeper ties with the Jewish community in Panama and with Panama as a whole, which is a true friend of Israel.

The ambassador and his wife were deeply moved by the warm welcome that was held in their honor, but the highlight was the unique encounter at Mashmaut Center. The presence of four generations – from Holocaust survivors to youth – created a moving intergenerational encounter. Quite literally, not a single eye remained dry at the sight of the moving connection between Holocaust survivors and members of the younger generation.

The ambassador was very impressed by the mayor's words about Kiryat Motzkin and the activities of Mashmaut. He was particularly impressed by the short and touching testimonial video, produced and edited by the dedicated Center`s staff – just one example of dozens of testimonies they are commemorating.

Intense excitement gripped everyone as the children's choir of the Calanit Club, conducted by teacher Snizana, sang "Am Yisrael Chai" (The People of Israel are alive) in a clear voice. Another highlight was when singer Snizana, who has a wonderful voice, sang in Spanish with the six-year-old choir girl – a particularly moving tribute to the guest from Panama.

The ambassador and his wife were also very impressed by the promising future generation. The youth representatives from the 10th grade from ORT high school of Kiryat Motzkin, accompanied by the director Anat Shahaf and Ehud Ben Gera, displayed a spirit of excellence and asked the ambassador important questions, and a very interesting dialogue took place. The students of the municipal student council proudly presented their wonderful work for the community.

A huge thank to all the partners who made this day unforgettable: To Mayor Tziki Avisar for his support and encouragement in creating cultural and educational bridges with communities around the world. To the wonderful singer and dedicated teacher of the Calanit Children's Choir, Snizana, To Ziva, director of the youth Unit, and to Einav, director of the municipal student council. To the young and talented singer, student Noa Nachum from the Yonatan High School. To the wonderful and dedicated staff of the Mashmaut Center – the beating heart of memory – Inbal, Dr. Ganor's deputy, Hana, Libi, Guy, Kobi, Lica and Yona. Special thanks to Yona Cohen, for creating the exciting acquaintance between us and the ambassador.

Thank to everyone who took part and was a partner in this wonderful visit. This is just the first connection, and we are already looking forward to establishing this special friendship. Thank you, Ambassador Cohen and Linda, for the honor of hosting you. Thank you to the event photographer Yair Ganor.