EVENTS A Serenade to Simonetta

simonetta della setaBy Rossella Tercatin

Simonetta Della Seta, the Culture attaché at the Italian Embassy in Israel, has left her post after ten years. A celebration in her honor at the Ambassador’s residence last week was an occasion to measure the impact of Italian culture on a country that shows its love for Italy on many occasions. Some of the most prominent figures of Israeli cultural life attended the event, among them the writers David Grossman and Abraham Yehoshua, as well as the singer Noa.

“At every Italian event I have been invited to by the embassy, I have invariably found two things: amazing food and Simonetta,” said the mayor of Tel Aviv Ron Huldai. Mayor Huldai spoke about the important job of Ms. Della Seta and the Embassy itself. “They always organize events which give an essential contribution to the city’s cultural life,” he added.
Then to everyone’s surprise and amusement, Mayor Huldai pulled out a flute and began to play Auld Lang Syne to bid farewell to Simonetta.

“The people who are here this evening show how much Italy is loved and appreciated in Israel,” commented the Italian ambassador, Francesco Maria Talò.