Our Ambassador

Britain's new ambassador to Israel, Matthew Gould, and his wife Celia arrived in Israel on 12 September 2010. Ambassador Gould is Britain's first Jewish ambassador to Israel.

Ambassador Gould said about their new position: "Celia and I are thrilled about our move to Israel, which has made this Rosh Hashana all the more significant for us. Our posting to Israel gives us a chance to make a contribution, on issues we care about, and in a country we love. We come out determined to help build the strongest possible partnership between Britain and Israel, and to help ensure that Britain and Europe do everything they can to help the people of Israel move forward on the difficult path towards peace and lasting security. Given the start of direct talks between Israel and the Palestinians, this promises to be a particularly interesting time to be in the region."

Ambassador Gould served as Principal Private Secretary to the Foreign Secretary for three years following a stint as private secretary for foreign affairs to the prime minister. He also served for two years as the deputy head of mission at the British Embassy in Tehran, where he visited the city's synagogues and kept in touch with the Jewish community there. Ambassador and Mrs Gould will be joined at their Ramat Gan residence by their dog and two cats.

Ambassador Gould recorded this special video message just before flying out to Israel (YouTube video; opens in a new window).