In May 1948, Israel became a sovereign state after over 2,000 years. After this day, Israel was challenged with war waged on it by her neighbors.
Francis Gabbidon who is the Legal Consultant and Adviser to the Sierra Leone Israel Friendship Society and who doubled as chairperson for the conference said it is important to strengthen Sierra Leone relationship with Israel because Israel has been supportive of Sierra Leone during the past years.
He highlighted some of the key developments Israel has done for Sierra Leone. He made mention of the Sierra Leone Parliament, Sierra Leone Post Office, Bank of Sierra Leone, Sierra Leone Correctional Services Center at Pademba Road, and Kingtom Power Station, all built by Israeli craftsmen as well as several scholarships awarded to many Sierra Leoneans to study various courses in Israel.
He noted that the reason why it necessary for Israel to establish an embassy in Sierra Leone and Sierra Leone to also have an embassy in Israel for international relations and development is because Sierra Leone stands to gain far more from the strengthening of ties if the two countries re-introduce these ties.
Hon. Rabbi Sirajin Rollings-Kamara who is the CEO for Sierra Leone Israel Friendship Connect gave an overview of the arrangement. He said the Israeli Ministry of Science and Technology has launched a virtual exhibition highlighting dozens of Israeli discoveries and developments that have influenced the entire world. He further disclosed that Sierra Leone needs to benefit from such development from Israel and this can only be possible by a partnership between the two countries.
He added that it is a call on the government to go back to those days with Israel when the country used to cut and polish diamond and also to develop Sierra Leone’s agricultural sector.
Hon. Aiah Kassegbama from Kono said it is a welcome move from Hon. Rabbi Sirajin Rollings-Kamara to bridge the gap between the two countries. He further disclosed that an Israeli diamond dealer is in Kono and is supporting the people of Kono.
Bryan Randall who is the Chairman of Sierra Leone Israel Network said Sierra Leoneans should also benefit from Israel in activities ranging from agriculture, infrastructure and education
