Israel Opens First Honorary Consulate in Gdansk

Israel’s embassy in Poland inaugurated the country’s first honorary consulate in Gdansk, a move meant to strengthen Israel’s presence in northern Poland and open new avenues for cooperation in business, science, academia and culture.

Anna Oweruszko-Cichowska, a businesswoman from Sopot, was appointed honorary consul for a region covering the Pomeranian, West Pomeranian and Warmian-Masurian provinces. The consulate is expected to promote ties between institutions, business communities and civil society organizations.

It will also work to deepen relations with Jewish communities and help preserve Jewish heritage in the area. Israeli Ambassador to Poland Yaakov Finkelstein called the opening a “historical event.”

The ceremonial launch was attended by senior Polish government officials, representatives of local authorities, business leaders and members of the Jewish community.