Acknowledgements

On occasion of the assumption of duties of the new Governance Board as of December 19th, 2007, DATA wishes to extend its sincere gratitude to all the members of the Interim Board, whose assistance, effort, and dedication were essential for the success of the inaugural meeting.

DATA also extends its special thanks to all of many other colleagues and friends, whose presence and commitment greatly contributed to the success of the organization!

Inaugural Assembly

The inaugural Assembly meeting to establish DATA was held on December 18th 2007. Thirty-seven diplomats from twenty-six countries took part in it and adopted a decision to officially establish a professional non-profit organization focused on the expansion and the strengthening of contacts among diplomats serving in Tel Aviv.

The Inaugural Assembly elected nine diplomats in charge of governance of DATA and three auditors, as follows:

President - Antonis Mandritis, Embassy of CYPRUS
Vice-president - Robert G. Lyon, Embassy of USA
Secretary - Ina Stoyanova, Embassy of BULGARIA
Vice-secretary - Juan Manuel Ortin, Embassy of ARGENTINA
Treasurer - Fernando Ferreira da Silva, Embassy of PORTUGAL
Vice-Treasurer - Tsholo Tsheole, Embassy of SOUTH AFRICA
Member at large - Torsak Janpian, Embassy of THAILAND
Member at large - Gonzalo Voto Bernales, Embassy of PERU
Member at large - Sameh El-Souefi, Embassy of EGYPT
Chief Auditor John - Gregory Kugblenu, Embassy of GHANA
Auditor - W M S Bandara, Embassy of SRI LANKA
Auditor - Laura Elisa Garcia Querol, Embassy of MEXICO

Who are we?

DATA is a non-profit organization focused on the expansion and the strengthening of contacts among diplomats serving in Tel Aviv. Our primary aim is to advance professional goals through the organization of meetings with state institutions, political establishments and other local entities as well through the organization and hosting of social events for members and associates.