H.E. Irit Ben-Abba, Ambassador of Israel to the Hellenic Republic

Born in Tel-Aviv, Israel

Education:

1979-1982 – Graduated Cum Laude from the Hebrew University in Jerusalem, majoring in East Asian Studies and in English Linguistics

2003-2005 – MBA, Executive MBA Studies at the Hebrew University

Work Experience:

1976-1978 – Army Service

1983-1985 – Cadet Course in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

1985-1986 – Second Secretary in various departments in the Ministry

1986-1989 – Consul, Consulate General of Israel, Hong-Kong

1989-1993 – First Secretary, China Desk, Asia Division

1993-1994 – Counselor, East Asia Division, Asia Department

1994-1996 – DCM, Embassy of Israel, Beijing, China

1996-2000 – Director, South and South East Asia Division, Asia Department

2000-2003 – Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the State of Israel to the Republic of the Philippines

2004 – 2006 – Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the State of Israel to the Republic of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina and FYROM

Aug. 2006- Sep. 2007 – Head of the Middle Eastern Economic Affairs Bureau, Economic Affairs Division dealing mainly with Economic and Humanitarian relations with the Palestinians

Sep. 2007 – August 2014- Deputy Director-General, Economic Affairs Division and Head of the Official Israeli Delegation to the Donors’ Forum to the Palestinians

1993 – Honored by the Director-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs With the Prize of Excellence

2003 – Honored by the President of the Philippines with the Prize for the Best Ambassador (Order of Sikatuna)

Languages: Hebrew, English, Italian, Chinese (partial)

One son, Avner Ben-Abba