When Eyal David travelled to Ol Pejeta Conservancy in August 2020, he did not expect a
simple weekend getaway to spark a digital conversation across two nations. The Deputy
Ambassador of Israel to Kenya had posted travel photos before. But this time, the
response was overwhelming.
The likes, comments and messages poured in from both Kenyans and Israelis and that
is when he realized something powerful.
“I found that when I post about my travels and how much I enjoy my stay in the country,
it helps me connect with people both in Kenya and Israel,” he says. “Kenyans tell me
what to see when I’m in their backyard. And people in Israel tell me they will visit once
the pandemic is over, just to have the Kenyan experience.”
For David, travel has become more than a hobby. It is now an informal extension of
diplomacy.
Weekends on the Road
Despite a demanding diplomatic schedule, David dedicates most of his weekends to
exploring the region’s landscapes and cultures. Scroll through his social media pages
and you will find a visual diary of game drives, mountain treks and coastal sunsets — a
man clearly captivated by his host country.
He insists he has no favorite destination.
“Every place has its own charm,” he says.
He has visited the iconic Maasai Mara several times, even witnessing the Great
Migration. He has travelled north to Samburu, and south to Diani, where he watched
dolphins along the Indian Ocean coastline.
Sport and adventure are woven into his routine. He practices yoga, cycles regularly and
hikes, a passion encouraged by his boss, the Ambassador. He even purchased a
professional camera to better capture the landscapes he visits and preserve memories of
his journeys.
Because the Israeli embassy in Nairobi also covers Tanzania, Uganda, Malawi and
Seychelles, his travels have naturally extended beyond Kenya. He has explored Southern
Africa, including South Africa, Eswatini, Zambia and Zimbabwe, where he went bungee
jumping at the mighty Victoria Falls.
The Kilimanjaro Challenge
His most demanding adventure yet? Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro.
“The trip was the toughest project I have ever done,” he recalls.
For years, he had admired the mountain from airplane windows, mesmerized by how it
rose above the clouds. He promised himself that one day he would attempt it. Last
Christmas, he kept that promise.
The climb took four days up and two days down. Though he did not reach the summit
due to heavy snow and extreme conditions, he describes the experience as
transformative.
“Not everyone can reach the peak because of the elevation,” he explains. “At that height,
there is very little oxygen. You begin walking slowly. You meet people on their way down
who couldn’t continue because of altitude sickness. It’s cold. There’s no phone
reception.”
What kept him going, he says, were the encouraging messages he had received
beforehand from Kenyans and from his family back home, people waiting for photos
and cheering him on from afar.
“The mantra that accompanied me was, ‘God is good and will give me strength to
finish,’” he says.
He has since visited the Ngorongoro Crater and hopes his next great challenge will be
climbing Mount Kenya.
A Dream Posting
Three years ago, David did not know he would be posted to Nairobi. At the time, he was
completing his PhD research on Jewish communities in Sub-Saharan Africa when he
received news of his appointment as Deputy Head of Mission.
“When they asked me where I wanted to serve, I said Nairobi number one,” he says with
a smile. “I had never been to Africa before, but there was a charm that appealed to me. I
have not regretted it ever since.”
Nairobi was an especially meaningful first posting. The Israeli embassy in Kenya was
opened just three days before Kenya’s independence in 1963 and serves as a regional
hub covering five countries.
“It was obvious for me that if I came to Africa, I wanted to tour Nairobi because of this
story and its importance in the region,” he explains. “Most people in Israel don’t know
much about Sub-Saharan Africa. I feel it’s part of my mission to show fellow Israelis how
beautiful this region is and the huge potential it has.”
Beyond Tourism: Strengthening Ties
David believes his academic background prepared him well for diplomacy. Beyond
strengthening bilateral ties, he says, a diplomat must connect with ordinary citizens.
He notes that Kenya and Israel share strong relations, partly rooted in religious and
historical connections. Many Kenyans travel to Israel for pilgrimage, while others study
agriculture and technology through sponsored programmes. Israel’s expertise in desert
farming and innovation continues to attract interest.
He sees enormous potential in trade and investment but acknowledges one key
challenge: the absence of a direct flight between Nairobi and Tel Aviv. Currently,
travelers must use connecting flights, often via Addis Ababa or Kigali, making the
journey longer.
“The potential is there,” he says. “Many Israelis want to discover Kenya, and many
Kenyans want to visit Israel.”
A Diplomat on the Move
As his term in Kenya draws to a close in a few months, David reflects with gratitude.
“I’m lucky to have spent three years of my life here,” he says. “When you are a diplomat,
you move from one place to another. It’s fascinating because you never know where you
will be sent next. Each place has its own charm.”oming artists do not have to endure the same financial and logistical barriers he faced.
