Gibrael Chamber is delighted to announce the issuance of a joint stamp between Gibraltar and Israel. The stamp was unveiled on Tuesday evening, 15th February, at a ceremony at the Sunborn Hotel, in the presence of His Excellence Governor of Gibraltar, Minister for Business Vijay Daryanani, and many other distinguished guests. The stamp showcases the theme of shared religions, depicting Nefutzot Yehuda Synagogue on the Gibraltar side of the stamp, and the Basilica of Annunciation in Nazareth, on the Israel side of the stamp. The stamp was designed by photographer Steven Perrera, and the project was managed from Gibraltar by Aaron Enrils, head of the Gibraltar Philatelic Bureau and Glendon Martinez, Director of Postal Services; and from Israel by Mr. Elhanan Shapira- Head of the Israeli Philatelic Service and Danny Goldstein- CEO of the Israeli Post Company.

Commenting on the joint stamp issuance, Gibrael Chamber’s Chairwoman, Ayelet Mamo Shay, said:
“The joint stamp does not only represent the growing relationship between Gibraltar and Israel in recent years, it represents the co-existence and diversity of religions both in Gibraltar and in Israel. For me, this project has an even greater personal angel- as before relocating to Gibraltar, I used to work in the Israeli Postal Authority as a branch manageress, and now, to have the honour to take part in the issuance of the joint stamp between Gibraltar and Israel, means going the full circle.”
Issuing the joint stamp was not at all a simple process and took over 2 years in the making, requiring the approval of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the Government of Israel and the Government of Gibraltar. “Even when we were told several times that it was not possible, we did not give up; we persisted and made it happen!” said Gibrael Chamber’s President Eran Shay.
Video greeting messages were sent by the Israeli Minister of Communications, Mr. Yoaz Handler, Mrs. Efrat Perry from the Israeli Embassy in London, and by Mr. Elhanan Shapira, Head of the Israeli Philatelic Service, who also marked the occasion in a ceremony held in Israel. A brief ceremony was also hosted by the committee of Nefutzot Yehuda synagogue to mark the occasion, earlier in the day.
The stamp is already available for purchase from the Gibraltar Philatelic Bureau shop on Main Street.

Watch coverage of the launch ceremony on GBC TV News via the following link:
Joint Stamp- GBC News