International Focus Magazine Vol. 2, #3 | Page 42

people

I N T E R V I E W

AMBASSADOR

EITAN LEVON

CONSUL GENERAL OF ISRAEL TO THE SOUTHWEST UNITED STATES CONSULATE GENERAL OF ISRAEL TO THE SOUTHWEST UNITED STATES
42 iF Magazine | March 2017
Katia : First , tell us a little about yourself and walk us through your background .
Ambassador Levon : I was born in the port town of Haifa on Mount Carmel . After having served in the Israeli army for four years and finishing as a lieutenant , I studied Political Science and History at Haifa University . There , I also completed a teacher ’ s training to become a History teacher . I then went on to earn my Master ’ s degree in National Security from the Israeli National Defense College .
In 1990 , I joined the Foreign Ministry and was assigned to serve as Deputy Chief of Mission ( DCM ) at the Israeli embassies in Prague and then in Vienna , covering the Czech Republic , Austria , as well as Slovakia ,
Croatia , and Slovenia . In the Ministry of Foreign Affairs , Jerusalem , I was the Director of the International Affairs Department . Prior to assuming the post of Consul General to the Southwest United States , I served as Israel ’ s permanent representative to the Conference on Disarmament in the UN in Geneva .
In addition to Hebrew and English , I also speak German , Czech , Slovak , and some French . I am married to my wife , Nava , and have three children - Amit , Nir , and Dana .
Katia : What does a Consul General in your capacity do ?
Ambassador Levon : I see myself as an intermediary . My duty is to create bridges between the people of Is-