By Oren Anolik

• Israeli Ambassador to Cyprus

In August 2021, when I presented my credentials to the President of the Republic of Cyprus, he welcomed me with two simple words: “Welcome home.”

Five years later, as I prepare to leave and return to Israel, I realize just how deeply those words capture my experience here.

My departure from Cyprus is a bittersweet moment. I’m happy to be returning home to Israel, to my family, and to the next chapter of my life. At the same time, however, I am sad to say goodbye to a place that has become a part of my heart.

The five years I spent on this beautiful island were among the most exciting, creative, and meaningful chapters of my life. Not every moment was easy. There were challenges, difficult days, and moments that required extra effort. Overall, however, this experience was unique. I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to serve my country here and to become part of Cypriot life in such a special way.

When I arrived, I didn’t know a single person in Cyprus. Today, as I leave, I’m leaving behind hundreds of friends and thousands of acquaintances.

In Nicosia, in almost every restaurant I walk into, there’s someone I know. That doesn’t happen to me in Tel Aviv.

This simple observation says something important about Cyprus. It is an island where relationships matter. Where people remember you. Where friendships can blossom in the most unexpected places. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of meeting people from all walks of life: politicians and public officials, businesspeople and academics, journalists and artists, members of the Jewish community, and countless ordinary citizens who opened their homes and hearts to me.

These friendships are among the greatest gifts I will take with me.

Beyond these personal relationships, my mission was, of course, to represent Israel and to strengthen our relationship with Cyprus. Looking back, I am proud of the progress we have made together.

Despite the challenges, Israel–Cyprus relations have continued to develop and grow stronger. Today, it would be difficult to find an area in which our two countries are not already cooperating—from the governmental level to people-to-people ties and collaboration.

Security and defense. Energy. Trade and investment. Tourism. Health. Agriculture. Climate. Water. Crisis and emergency management. Science and innovation. These are just some of the areas in which Israelis and Cypriots are collaborating.

The list of initiatives, projects, and achievements in which I’ve had the opportunity to participate over the past five years is long. It would be impossible to cover them all in a single article. And none of this was the work of a single person. It was made possible by the dedication of colleagues, partners, and friends in both countries.

What makes this relationship special is not just its breadth. It is also its depth.

Israel and Cyprus are natural partners. We are close neighbors in the Eastern Mediterranean. We share important values and interests, and we view many of the region’s challenges in a similar way. We face certain common challenges and understand the benefits of cooperation.

But our relationship is more than just a matter of strategic interests. It is also a relationship between people. It is based on mutual interest, respect, and a sincere desire to get to know one another better. To the growing number of Cypriots visiting Israel and Israelis discovering Cyprus. To researchers, businesspeople, doctors, farmers, and families who are forging bonds across the sea.

It is precisely this human dimension of our relationship that is often particularly evident during official visits, such as the recent visit of Israeli President Isaac Herzog, to Cyprus on September 10.

As I watched the President of Israel being warmly welcomed by President Nicos Christodoulides, I felt once again how deep and meaningful the relationship between our two countries is. The visit highlighted the warmth and closeness between our two countries, as well as our shared interest in developments taking place in our region and beyond.

This visit was no exception. It was simply a powerful reminder that the relationship we have built is greater than any ambassador, any government, or any set of circumstances.

I am particularly proud that, during my tenure, I had the opportunity to contribute to the further strengthening of Israel–Cyprus relations. I am grateful to the Cypriot authorities, my colleagues in the diplomatic corps, and the many people across the island who contributed to this.

Diplomacy is often measured by the agreements signed, the meetings held, and the projects implemented. All of these are important. But diplomacy is also evident in the trust that is built. In the ease of picking up the phone and talking. In the willingness to listen, even when you disagree. In the friendships that endure during difficult times.

This human dimension was at the heart of my own experience in Cyprus.

As I prepare to conclude my term and return to Israel, I leave with deep gratitude. I am grateful for the trust my country has placed in me. I am grateful to the wonderful team at the Israeli Embassy in Nicosia, whose dedication and hard work made so much possible. And I am grateful to the people of Cyprus, who made me feel at home on this island.

I’m leaving with wonderful memories, friendships that I hope will last a lifetime, and the certainty that, every time I return to Nicosia, I’ll find a familiar face in every restaurant.

I’m also leaving with great optimism for the future of Israel–Cyprus relations.

The foundations are strong. The possibilities are great. And the commitment to cooperation exists on both sides.

There will be challenges in the future, as there always are. But I am confident that the friendship between our countries will continue to grow, deepen, and flourish.

When I arrived in August 2021, the President welcomed me home.

Five years later, I can say that I truly felt at home.

Thank you, Cyprus, for five wonderful years. You will always have a special place in my heart.

And to all my Cypriot friends: this isn’t goodbye. It’s simply “until we meet again.”

September 30, 2026