Honoring a Lasting Friendship
Honoring a Lasting Friendship: Founder Jeffrey D. Schwartz Attends Friendship Medal of Diplomacy Presentation and Farewell Banquet Honoring Maya Yaron
On June 9, 2026, Deputy Foreign Minister François Chihchung Wu, representing Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung, presented Taiwan’s Friendship Medal of Diplomacy to Maya Yaron, Representative of the Israel Economic and Cultural Office in Taipei, in recognition of her outstanding contributions to strengthening Taiwan–Israel relations during her three years of service in Taiwan. On the same day, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs hosted a farewell banquet in her honor, expressing appreciation for her dedication to advancing cooperation and friendship between Taiwan and Israel.
Founder Jeffrey D. Schwartz was invited to attend both the medal presentation and the farewell banquet, joining distinguished guests from Taiwan and Israel in marking this meaningful occasion.
Since assuming her post in 2023, Representative Yaron has actively promoted exchanges and cooperation between Taiwan and Israel across a wide range of fields, including technology, trade, education, culture, and tourism. During her tenure, bilateral relations continued to grow not only through official channels, but also through the participation of civic organizations, businesses, academic institutions, and cultural groups, further strengthening the bonds between the peoples of both societies.
As a long-standing advocate for Taiwan–Israel relations, Founder Jeffrey D. Schwartz and the late Na Tang dedicated themselves to fostering cultural understanding and meaningful exchanges between the people of Taiwan and Israel. Together, they established the Jewish Taiwan Cultural Association (JTCA) and the Jeffrey D. Schwartz Jewish Community Center, creating platforms that encourage cultural engagement, education, international exchange, and community participation.
Throughout Representative Yaron’s three years in Taiwan, JTCA and the Jeffrey D. Schwartz Jewish Community Center have continued to serve as important platforms for Jewish cultural engagement and Taiwan–Israel exchange. The Center has welcomed government officials, members of parliament, academics, business leaders, and international visitors from Israel and around the world. From cultural programs and holiday celebrations to business networking events and international delegations, JTCA and Representative Yaron developed a close and productive partnership. Representative Yaron also participated in numerous events hosted by the Center, demonstrating her commitment to cultural exchange and the strengthening of people-to-people ties.
Founder Jeffrey D. Schwartz’s invitation to attend this occasion reflects not only recognition of his longstanding efforts to promote Taiwan–Israel relations through cultural diplomacy and community engagement, but also the important role that civil society organizations play in strengthening international friendships. For many years, JTCA has served as a bridge between Taiwan and Israel, encouraging dialogue, cultural understanding, and cooperation across a wide range of fields.
The farewell banquet was hosted by Deputy Foreign Minister François Chihchung Wu on behalf of Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung. Distinguished guests included incoming Israeli Representative to Taiwan Israel Strulov, Deputy Representative Moriah Segal, Founder Jeffrey D. Schwartz, Chairman Richard Lu of the Chinese International Economic Cooperation Association, and Deputy Secretary-General Lee Chih-hung of the International Cooperation and Development Fund, among other distinguished participants. Discussions focused on high-tech industries, artificial intelligence, economic cooperation, and future opportunities for Taiwan–Israel collaboration.
As Representative Yaron prepares to begin her next diplomatic assignment, JTCA extends its heartfelt gratitude for her friendship, leadership, and unwavering support of Taiwan–Israel relations. Over the past three years, she has played a significant role in expanding cooperation between the two societies while helping to build lasting relationships founded on trust, understanding, and shared values.
The presentation of the Friendship Medal of Diplomacy represents not only recognition of Representative Yaron’s diplomatic achievements, but also a celebration of the enduring friendship between Taiwan and Israel. Looking ahead, the Jewish Taiwan Cultural Association (JTCA) will continue to uphold the vision of Founder Jeffrey D. Schwartz and the late Na Tang by promoting cultural understanding, educational initiatives, and people-to-people exchanges that further strengthen the ties between Taiwan and Israel.
