Welcome Message from the Ambassador

Grüezi. Bonjour. Buongiorno. Allegra. Together with my team, I welcome you to the official website of the Embassy of Switzerland to Israel.

Switzerland recognized the State of Israel in 1949. We look back at 75 years of bilateral relations. These relations are manifold and solid. The human links between Switzerland and Israel are particularly strong: around 25,000 Swiss citizens live in Israel, while roughly 1,300 Israeli citizens currently live in Switzerland. In some regards, Switzerland and Israel are very different. In others, we have much in common: Israel has about 9.6 million inhabitants, Switzerland 8.9 million. Switzerland is the world’s 20th economy, Israel the 28th. According to the Global Innovation Index 2023, Switzerland is the world leader in innovation, Israel – the startup nation – ranks 14th. Israel (4th) and Switzerland (8th) are placed among the top 10 in the World Happiness Ranking (2023): As the Swiss Ambassador to Israel, I am honored and humbled to represent Switzerland in Israel and to contribute to further fostering the bilateral relations and exchanges.

I take up my mission in a difficult and challenging phase. With the horrendous attack of Hamas against Israel on October 7, 2023, and given the immense suffering, pain and sorrow, this is not the moment to celebrate the 75th anniversary of our bilateral relations. We long for the day when we can again fully realize the potential of our bilateral relations. I believe that better times are ahead of us.

The Embassy’s website and Facebook page as well as my ambassador’s X account hopefully provide interesting and useful information on the Swiss embassy’s activities. They also aim to enhance a greater understanding of Swiss history, culture, the political system and foreign policy. In addition, the website provides details on how to travel to/from Switzerland and information about work and life there. You will also find information about embassy services that facilitate various administrative proceedings.

Please do not hesitate to contact the embassy by e-mail to send us your questions, comments or suggestions. My team and I will be happy to assist you. I am looking forward to working with all of you.

Best regards,

Simon Geissbühler

The Ambassador of Switzerland

Tel Aviv, 19 August 2024