The Israeli embassy in India is set to appoint a diplomat to serve as a liaison officer between the embassy and Israeli backpackers.
The diplomat in question, who is already an embassy employee, will work under the Israeli consular officer Rachel Yosefov in New Delhi and with the embassy's spokesperson Lior Weintraub.
Within her role, she will liaise with backpackers, provide them with consular information, explain the connection between the image
of Israeli travelers in India and Israel's diplomatic interests, plus she will assist backpackers on a regular basis and during emergencies.
Within her new position the representative is set to travel to the popular Israeli haunts in India, she will transfer crucial information on the condition of backpackers and raise issues that may require the embassy's and the foreign office's involvement.
"She will make sure we don’t fall asleep while on guard," said Amnon Kalmar, the director of the division at the foreign office charged with assisting Israelis abroad.
The appointment of the liaison officer is just one step in a broad campaign launched by the embassy and foreign office in a bid to improve the image of Israelis traveling in India. Other planned activities include sending two former backpackers, who suffered the consequences of drug abuse in India, to give lectures.
Kalmar added that they thought this was the best way to speak to the backpackers without being condescending. "The speakers won't come to the lectures dressed in suits but rather in skimpy clothing and dreadlocks, that way the backpackers will listen to them."
Additional activities planned by the foreign office include distribution of negative publicity on Israeli backpackers in India, while pleading for the assistance of backpackers in enhancing Israel's image by respecting local culture and sensitivities.
The foreign office has recently issued a leaflet of tips that is set to be distributed to Israeli backpackers prior to their boarding the plane to India. The leaflet printed in 50,000 copies includes the telephone numbers of the Israeli consulate in India, the foreign office's internet address and a few recommendations prior to travel.
Among the items listed in the leaflet it also says: "Indian people are known to be modest, generous, patient and tolerant. They expect similar conduct from you. Don't misuse a culture and society that respects its guests.
"Abide by the rules of the host country. Don't be mislead that offenses are treated in a less sever manner than they are in Israel. Don't be tempted to make easy money by trafficking drugs."
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