Druze writer next Israeli ambassador to New Zealand
Naim Araidi has been appointed as the new Israeli ambassador to New Zealand…the first political posting for a member of the Druze community.
62-yr-old Araidi is a professor of Hebrew Literature and a winner of the Prime Minister’s Prize for Hebrew Lieteratures.
Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman told Israeli newspaper Yedioth: “Araidi represents the beautiful face of Israel, in which a talented person, irrespective of religion or sector – can reach the highest places on merit, and be an inspiration for all Israelis. I am convinced that he will honor the State of Israel as an ambassador as he did as a writer.”
A spokesperson for the Israeli embassy in Wellington told J-Wire that current Ambassador Shemi Tzur is expected to be replaced “in the coming summer…around June next year”.
